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Started By
Message
Building vs buying an AR
Posted on 1/11/18 at 11:42 pm
Posted on 1/11/18 at 11:42 pm
I am planning to start building my first AR15. I plan to build with middle of the road parts, a Wilson combat trigger (I know its not middle of the road) and a metal rail. Im not sure which brands I will be using with some particular parts. What kind of price reduction will I see in building vs buying?
Also what is the best forum to read to get the best advice on how to build? What is the best bang for my buck with certain parts?
TIA
Also what is the best forum to read to get the best advice on how to build? What is the best bang for my buck with certain parts?
TIA
11
Posted on 1/12/18 at 4:52 am to KRobinson
If you buy quality parts you will pay more for a build than buying an entry level gun off the shelf
You're going to need a few tools that are specific to the AR. This will add to the cost.
I've built several and love it.
You're going to need a few tools that are specific to the AR. This will add to the cost.
I've built several and love it.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 5:28 am to KRobinson
AR's are so cheap right now I dont know if you'd see much reduction at all for a base model rifle. Of course AR's are like anything else, they can be as cheap or expensive as you want them to be.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 6:01 am to KRobinson
I've never seen someone be able to stick to building middle of the road. ARs are a slippery slope
Posted on 1/12/18 at 6:10 am to Timmayy
quote:
I've never seen someone be able to stick to building middle of the road. ARs are a slippery slope
This, may be better off buying a S&W or Ruger off the shelf.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 6:31 am to Capital Cajun
I'm trying to gather tools and parts for a first build myself.
Any recommended places to look for a complete tool list?
where is the go to place for build kits or parts? I'm probably going to buy a complete kit from PSA for first assembly and then upgrade / mix and match on the next one. Where else should I be looking for deals ?
And I've tried to dig through the stickied thread, but at 700 pages I have a hard time finding info in it.
Any recommended places to look for a complete tool list?
where is the go to place for build kits or parts? I'm probably going to buy a complete kit from PSA for first assembly and then upgrade / mix and match on the next one. Where else should I be looking for deals ?
And I've tried to dig through the stickied thread, but at 700 pages I have a hard time finding info in it.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 6:52 am to Chris4x4gill2
quote:
Any recommended places to look for a complete tool list?
Midway USA has a AR build tool kit.
ETA:
May be more than you actually need. LINK
This post was edited on 1/12/18 at 6:56 am
Posted on 1/12/18 at 7:05 am to Capital Cajun
I've looked at the Wheeler kit, but I already have torque wrenches, punches and things like that. I didn't know what of the other stuff was good and needed, vs just filler.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 8:13 am to Chris4x4gill2
Need an armors wrench, some punches, and a light hammer. A bench vise helps alot. You'll need some grease. A torque wrench (harbor freight for ~19$ is fine). That's about it. Can't beat a SW mp II or Ruger 556 right now for a basic ar. Shop around sales and you can get alot of high quality parts for good prices.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 8:18 am to KRobinson
quote:
What kind of price reduction will I see in building vs buying
A while back it was cheaper to build one, but now it's cheaper to just buy one and upgrade the parts as you see fit in the future. Once you shoot it a good bit you will see what you need to get to make it better.
If I were starting from scratch I would get a Palmetto with the extended mlok rail and throw a sig or votex micro red dots on there. Spend most of the money on mags and ammo.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 8:21 am to Chris4x4gill2
I built a few with a 2x4 trimmed to fit in a mag well and upper receiver, basic hand tools,an old best up magazine and a cheap armorer's wrench.
I have better stuff now, but you don't need all the fancy stuff to get it done.
I added a geiselle reaction rod, and parts of that wheelers kit and feel I have more than enough now.
I have better stuff now, but you don't need all the fancy stuff to get it done.
I added a geiselle reaction rod, and parts of that wheelers kit and feel I have more than enough now.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 8:35 am to KRobinson
You don't build an AR to save money. You build it to have exactly the way you want it. 
Posted on 1/12/18 at 8:35 am to KRobinson
My son and I have built 5 so far over the past few years. He wanted to do a couple as a little project. We enjoyed the fun projects and learned a bit as well.
PSA has receivers as low as $39. Get an upper and lower kit and have at it. Do it at least once!
PSA has receivers as low as $39. Get an upper and lower kit and have at it. Do it at least once!
Posted on 1/12/18 at 9:01 am to Yewkindewit
I’ve built 5. One being an AR-10.
I love the platform. My last one was a pistol build with brace and 10.5” barrel in 5.56.
I built it as cheap as I could. I told the bcg out of another build but the rest was around 300 not including Optics.
I love the platform. My last one was a pistol build with brace and 10.5” barrel in 5.56.
I built it as cheap as I could. I told the bcg out of another build but the rest was around 300 not including Optics.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 9:40 am to Chris4x4gill2
The Magpul BEV works well & won't set you back as much as the Geissele reaction rod. Not a big fan of the clam shells for torquing the barrel.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 9:40 am to KRobinson
I bought my first one, then learned the building process changing out parts on it and slowly compiled all of the necessary tools. After that, I have built all of my subsequent ARs. For me personally, I don't end up saving much because building my own allows me to compile all of the best parts into my builds, but it is certainly possible to build your own on the cheap.
Posted on 1/12/18 at 10:03 am to KRobinson
quote:
What is the best bang for my buck
Buying a complete AR like a S&W.
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