User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:09:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Maybe because they dont want to remember how much money they dropped on the gun. Me my ballpark last count was in the 900 range but i just bought a new upper receiver, barrel, flash hider, and barrel nut for 300.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:10:04 AM EDT
[#2]
I have it down to the penny like you, shipping costs, and broken down to upper cost and lower cost. I have no need for the ATF to know
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:14:33 AM EDT
[#3]
Considering the time spans over which some of my builds have occurred, a to the cent list of parts would be misleading.
Now, if you are the kind who can start and finish a project in a couple of weeks, then that figure might have some meaning. In my case, it won't. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:21:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Do you really think the ATFE gives a s$%t what you spend on the gun?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:30:49 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Maybe because they dont want to remember how much money they dropped on the gun. Me my ballpark last count was in the 900 range but i just bought a new upper receiver, barrel, flash hider, and barrel nut for 300. I really wasn't going for the record of how little $$ I could build one for. My goal was to get the parts I thought I wanted for a decent price. It makes no sense to buy the very cheapest part from a lot of vendors and negate the savings with shipping. When I found a vendor that had what I wanted, I looked for other parts that he may have that I needed even though his price might not be the rock bottom price on the internet. A truly bottom dollar budget build really wouldn't be anything I'd want. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:42:30 AM EDT
[#6]
Its hard to figure when you trade for components over time for a build. My first XM177E2 built back in 86' cost me around $250 IIRC. My M4ergy that I built when I retired I only have $275 cash in it.
CD |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:44:27 AM EDT
[#7]
I don't like reminding myself that I'm CURRENTLY at $4,100
I still don't have my ACOG or suppressor 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 11:47:45 AM EDT
[#8]
Spikes honey badger lower $109 shipped with tax
Daniel defense lower parts kit $100 shipped Geissele trigger (jeeps trigger that went to his wife) $250 shipped Vltor a5 buffer kit $250 Bcm grip $30 Lwrc m6a2 556, came with troy sights (I know) a pri ch and vortex fh for 1275 I'm in it right around $2k, I also purchased a roll pin punch set for 20 bucks and a ar assembly tool (tapco I think?) for around 35? |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 12:02:18 PM EDT
[#9]
I bought the parts and assembled a Colt 20" HBAR rifle in 2006-07 my cost was $5.500.00. Including all the accessories. My son has the rifle and he shoots very well with it. That was my best build. I've built several models from XM177's to LMG's to the commando, lightweights, rifles and carbines. I have not done a mid length yet, or any off calibers. I actually have a polymer lower started, but I'm not sure how I want to finish it. I hope you enjoy yours as much as my family and I have enjoyed ours. I do appreciate the help and information sharing of the other site members. It's very useful to me. -W
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 12:44:33 PM EDT
[#10]
I shop for Quality first then look at the price, buying all the quality I can afford.
Quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 12:58:10 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a spreadsheet going with weights and costs for my ar and others
It got too depressing looking at the costs, never looked at it again. I get what makes me happy, then I think if it was a justifiable purchase
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 1:10:51 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I shop for Quality first then look at the price, buying all the quality I can afford. Quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten. HUGE +1 I was involved in a thread on the Glock section of AR15.com involving MIM parts. When I mentioned I have ZERO MIM parts in my AR he stated that "I probably do". I listed the components, he never responded 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 1:32:04 PM EDT
[#13]
I'm not suggesting mine is a minimum price build, if that's what "ZERO MIM" means.
I think it would help everyone to see just what it takes to build "your" gun. They may decide it's to rich or to minimum and go a different direction is all. Or may decide to just buy a rifle kit, some are very reasonable. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:00:50 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I shop for Quality first then look at the price, buying all the quality I can afford. Quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten. This. My favorite post on arfcom so far. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:14:54 PM EDT
[#15]
Probably too embarrassing for people to tell how much they spent.. I usually just sell a gun locally rather than redoing it. Saves a lot of money. My bcm upper and moe spikes lower currently costs 960 plus 500 for leupold mark ar and larue mount. I have a little more to add but I love it. I don't know why you need to spend a ton on a rifle for it to be top tier. This is the time to buy gun stuff. Wait for deals, buy 2 when you should buy 1.,
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:15:11 PM EDT
[#16]
My last build was a lower with a Quarter Circle 10 Glock Small Frame lower. I know how much it cost, from the lower to the LPK, to the stock; it was in the close neighborhood of $400 including shipping costs. I had a stock FCG on hand, and went with a Brownell's LPK-minus-FCG and their stock kit. If it had been a standard lower, the cost would have been as much as $200 less, depending on what lower I used.
The cost of a build includes the actual retail cost of the parts, shipping, and waiting time. It also includes YOUR investment in time, effort and expertise. What you get in return for all of this investment, you get a custom gun, one that's customized as much and as specifically as you want. The value of your time and effort, above and beyond the monetary cost of the build, depends on what you want out of the build. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:20:57 PM EDT
[#17]
I have a list in my safe with every firearm I own on it. Serials and date bough/built and money paid for the entire thing. That way if I die and my wife sells all my stuff, she wont sell them for $200 each.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:29:34 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have a list in my safe with every firearm I own on it. Serials and date bough/built and money paid for the entire thing. That way if I die and my wife sells all my stuff, she wont sell them for $200 each. Yeah I told my wife to google a price for everything and under no circumstances sell anything for what I told her it cost! I got quite a look in return!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 2:33:09 PM EDT
[#19]
I have one up on that list: ALL my receipts for everything is in a file in the safe. I do need to go through and assign a total value to a number of guns, since it may not be totally clear where all those parts went...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 3:23:20 PM EDT
[#20]
I think, as said, it's because people prefer not to remember.
Mine started as an upper ONLY and then turned into a complete rifle by the time I finished. Total- $1553.17 including shipping and all taxes. Is it EXACTLY how I wanted it? No, but I did spend the money where I thought it was most important. I took a couple of short cuts, due to the costs, but all were cosmetic and did not impact the capabilities of the rifle. Eventually, I will probably upgrade the stock and put a few fancy pieces on the lower but it works well the way it sits. Another $300-$400 and it will be exactly how I want it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 3:26:25 PM EDT
[#21]
A cheap car...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 4:23:31 PM EDT
[#22]
I've got spread sheets of all of my builds. With that said, if I post my build on ARF, chances are unless I got a really smoking deal on the stuff that most people looking at the thread know how much I spent, and know how labor intensive it is to track down parts and put together a high end parts rifle. They appreciate it, I appreciate it, and my son will appreciate it when I'm long gone.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 4:33:16 PM EDT
[#23]
have you see what i posted that last few months trust me i don't what to remember how much it cost me so far
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 4:41:03 PM EDT
[#24]
Do you also itemize a per hour rate with parts search and procurement time and itemizing that separately from the hrly rate and time in for assembly?
Neither do I...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 5:57:41 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do you also itemize a per hour rate with parts search and procurement time and itemizing that separately from the hrly rate and time in for assembly? Neither do I... Sounds like you're a straight shooter, with upper management written all over him. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 6:16:49 PM EDT
[#26]
I don't keep track of the cost of my builds. I can tell you the cost of some of the parts but not the entire gun.
Knowing the cost of the gun isn't high on my list of priorities. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 6:27:26 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't keep track of the cost of my builds. I can tell you the cost of some of the parts but not the entire gun. Knowing the cost of the gun isn't high on my list of priorities. Same here. A lot of mine have started with leftover parts from other builds so the best I could do is a ballpark figure if I sat and thought about it or a while. Most of them I just do for the fun of it and at varying paces, and even if I wanted to sell any of them I'd never get back out what I put in because the market is so competitive right now, so I am not really concerned about keeping up with the cost. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 6:32:24 PM EDT
[#28]
With my Build, I don't care as much about the time as I do cost and quality. I buy the quality parts I want when I can find good or great deals on them. best one so far was a Daniel defense LPK for 45 bucks at a show (of all places). I do have lots of lower grade parts for mock ups as I buy 80% lowers. Next adventure will be to buy a 0% lower and see if I can do all the milling. If I think that wont go, I might just break down and buy a shovel and attempt my hand at an AK.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 7:00:51 PM EDT
[#29]
Eh, I don't really see why it matters. I've got builds I've maybe got $400 in, and some that are close to $3k. I buy what quality parts, but will buy used if it saves me a few bucks. I've never understood people who obsess over how much money they spend on something. Money is money, I'll make more tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/26/2014 10:49:46 PM EDT
[#30]
why in the world would I think someone else would care about how much money I spent?
I don't even care how much I spent. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 9:46:04 AM EDT
[#31]
I don't think anyone cares how much money you spend. It must be nice to be as well off as some of you guys seem to be. But no one cares about your finances. It's not about "you", it's all about the cost of parts when looked at as a whole rifle. If it bothers anyone to divulge such information, then don't. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 10:28:57 AM EDT
[#32]
The only time I worry about the cost is when I'm actually buying the part and want the best deal possible.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 11:51:25 AM EDT
[#33]
I know how much I've spent,......and I still want an SSA-E, HeeHeeeeheee!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 12:17:05 PM EDT
[#34]
Prices really don't help anyone except as bragging, or helping get the word out about a specific part at a great price.
The price paid for a BCM NB BCG today won't help anyone 2 months from now, or what I paid a month before except as a comparison. I mean, if I list all my parts and the total at $1,000.93 what does it benefit other than curiosity? To be frank, I buy sporadically, and peicemeal while not recording individual prices so couldn't share an accurate account of expense even if I wanted to, ball park -ish total sure, but noty exactly. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 1:23:22 PM EDT
[#35]
I don't want my wife to stumble across the numbers if she ever reads my posts
.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 3:21:54 PM EDT
[#36]
I must be even more frugal than I thought. I don't have $600 in my latest 24" fluted SS rifle. All of them are exactly what I wanted to build too.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 3:38:03 PM EDT
[#37]
Last build:
Upper Aero Precision M4E1 Aero Precisions 15" Keymod guard Green Mountain 18" Aero Precision BBCG DS Arms Low Profile Gas Block Seekins Rifle Length Gas Tube Troy Claymore muzzle brake Strike Industries Charging Handle Vortex Crossfire II 4-12X40 Aero Precision 1" scope mount MagPul MBUS Gen 2 Flip-Up Sight Lower Aero Precision AR15 Stripped Geissele SSA-E Magpul MOE Stock Magpull K2 grip Spike's Tactical Lower Parts Kit Spike's Tactical Buffer Tube Magpull MOE trigger guard Total: $1635.46 Includes: Tax, Shipping, FFL Could probably saved $200 by going with a normal upper, and using and inexpensive but competent UTG rail. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:12:06 PM EDT
[#38]
I don't want to know
Some members here have more money in tax stamps than others have into their rifles
This place is the Devil. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:22:58 PM EDT
[#39]
If you have to ask, you shouldn't be in the game...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:34:16 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't like reminding myself that I'm CURRENTLY at $4,100
I still don't have my ACOG or suppressor Would LOVE to see a build sheet for this. Holy ass. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:45:23 PM EDT
[#41]
Spread sheets are cool. The kind of lose their luster after the first dozen or so. Then you start swapping parts around and no one can keeps track of that.
Greg |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:56:40 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you have to ask, you shouldn't be in the game... Game??? Building rifles and be a responsible gun owner is not a game. It may be enjoyable and lucrative to others, but it's far from a game. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 5:57:29 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't want my wife to stumble across the numbers if she ever reads my posts .My wife gets the credit card statements. That's all she needs to know. Now I'm not rich or wiping my azz with $100 bills but, We do alright. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 7:41:22 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Game??? Building rifles and be a responsible gun owner is not a game. It may be enjoyable and lucrative to others, but it's far from a game. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If you have to ask, you shouldn't be in the game... Game??? Building rifles and be a responsible gun owner is not a game. It may be enjoyable and lucrative to others, but it's far from a game. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 7:56:23 PM EDT
[#45]
I bought all the parts over the course of roughly the last two and a half or three years and am getting the last bits and pieces for it now. I estimate my total cost to be about $1300 for everything I'll be listing. I was keeping track of it to the penny but two things came to mind. 1. If I enjoy it and it is the rifle I want it to be, what does it matter? and 2. Prices were so up and down through the times of me buying parts, I don't think it is useful for others to know. For what it is worth, here is the parts list.
Upper: DTI Assembled Upper DTI 1x7 CL 16" Barrel Spike's BCG Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake Magpul MOE Handguard Lower: DTI Stripped Lower Spike's Standard LPK Unknown Buffer Tube/Furniture Kit MOE Grip MOE Stock Optics: Primary Arms Gen 3 30mm Red Dot Command Arms Rear BUIS Misc/Extras: 4x Magpul Gen 3 30 Round Pmag KNS Anti-rotation Pins Magpul BAD Magpul Aluminum Trigger Guard Magpul MSA Mission Spec Irene Adaptive Sling |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 8:06:56 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I bought all the parts over the course of roughly the last two and a half or three years and am getting the last bits and pieces for it now. I estimate my total cost to be about $1300 for everything I'll be listing. I was keeping track of it to the penny but two things came to mind. 1. If I enjoy it and it is the rifle I want it to be, what does it matter? and 2. Prices were so up and down through the times of me buying parts, I don't think it is useful for others to know. For what it is worth, here is the parts list. Upper: DTI Assembled Upper DTI 1x7 CL 16" Barrel Spike's BCG Troy Medieval Muzzle Brake Magpul MOE Handguard Lower: DTI Stripped Lower Spike's Standard LPK Unknown Buffer Tube/Furniture Kit MOE Grip MOE Stock Optics: Primary Arms Gen 3 30mm Red Dot Command Arms Rear BUIS Misc/Extras: 4x Magpul Gen 3 30 Round Pmag KNS Anti-rotation Pins Magpul BAD Magpul Aluminum Trigger Guard Magpul MSA Mission Spec Irene Adaptive Sling The total price on a build, even if it's a ballpark figure, at the least gives a person an idea what the sum of these parts is going to cost, give or take price fluctuations, etc. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 8:15:51 PM EDT
[#47]
Completely understand that but I'd rather keep a figure like that to myself because I can build the same rifle with different manufacturer parts for 400-500 less. Basically I spent more than I felt I needed to, which I'm not complaining because I dig the way mine turned out, and I'd rather tell somone a lower number to get them motivated to build.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/27/2014 8:28:05 PM EDT
[#48]
First build... Lower Aero Precision Titanium Cerakote Forged Lower (Matched with Upper)* BAD A.S.S. Dead on Arms Trigger Guard (Install 30 Seconds) KNS Gen2 FCG Pins Magpul CTR Stock Mil-Spec Stock Hardware Kit TR Enabling LPK w/ Enhanced Trigger Polish Upper Aero Precision Titanium Cerakote Forged Upper (Matched with Lower)* Rainier Arms Raptor Ambi Charging Handle Ares Armor NiB BCG Black Hole Weaponry 16" LMT Barrel Mid-length Gas System Vltor GB-2CS Low Profile Gas Block Troy Ambidextrous Bolt Release DPMS Mid Length Gas Tube Ares Armor EFFIN-A MKII Compensator Stag Arms Upper Parts Kit SLR Rifleworks 15" Solo Lite Hand Guard $1250 It has changed a few times since, and the next four I haven't tracked... |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/28/2014 12:03:38 AM EDT
[#49]
Serious answer:
I observe from talking with folks that most basic builds come out between $900 and ?$1400 with most $1100-1200. Add billet = more. Add NiB = more. Add $300+ barrel = more. Add upgraded open sights = more. Cerakote = more. Add bells and whistles on a foregrip = more. etc , etc. Add good optics = $$$ more. Mounting toys (lights, slings, etc) = more I think it is useful to define what level I want to build to and keep all the parts equivalent quality. That being said, I usually come out at $1100 for a basic build to the quality I like. I could buy a Colt 6920 for less but it is not nearly as interesting. And I definitely do shop the sales and do 98% of my own work. We are in a golden age for quality parts right now, as long as it continues to be legal. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/28/2014 4:47:27 AM EDT
[#50]
I keep track of any parts I have bought, however I don't think that writing those numbers down will help much of anyone really. If they are curious as to how much a rifle of mine costs to build, they can take my parts list and figure out what current market value is for the items they would need. AR prices change so much that anything other than a parts list is worthless IMO.
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
