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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why build?

Posted: 2/23/2006 5:00:05 PM EDT

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I've been shooting a friend's AR and I've got the bug. I'm looking to buy and was researching what I wanted and what was available. I came across this site. I don't know anything about these rifles since I'm basically a shotgun nut. However, they are fun to shoot, and I'm looking.

What is the advantage to building vs. buying? Is it the ability to mix and match parts to get the specifc features that you want, saving money, the satisfaction of doing it yourself, or all of the above.

I guess this question may garner some lip, but it really is a serious question. I like to know what I'm in for before I plunk down my cash and/or my time so I would appreciate a little insight.

Thanks in advance.

Posted: 2/23/2006 5:16:00 PM EDT

[#1]

Its all of the above. You also learn your weapon system by knowing how it actually functions with all the parts.

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:01:22 PM EDT

[#2]

If you're even slightly mechanically oriented, building is easy to do and loads of fun! The knowledge gained is invaluable. I did a RRA/Mega build. It took two full days to wipe the grin off my face after out shooting my friends factory custom DPMS round for round.

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:14:45 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
If you're even slightly mechanically oriented, building is easy to do and loads of fun! The knowledge gained is invaluable.

I agree

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:24:09 PM EDT

[#4]

It also helps to learn the inner workings of your weapon. I was in the Infantry and we never were allowed to completely disassemble our M-16's. Not until I built my own did I truly get to see how it all goes together and works as a whole. Plus it feels good to know how to build your rifle the way you want it to be. JMHO

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:32:21 PM EDT

[#5]

You can get the AR set up the way you want, v. the limited number of set ups a factory and can afford to keep in stock, also it's kind of fun. I think savings is a questionable reason. You can come as close with a separately purchased mega lower and J&T upper (assuming no "I got a Colt upper for $ 150" lucky finds) as you can to a scratch built gun.

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:38:26 PM EDT

[#6]

If you've never built one you'll be inept at troubleshooting one.

All of the above.

Posted: 2/23/2006 6:43:39 PM EDT

[#7]

Built mine for about $830 so far.

Try that in a local shop. Places in NW Indiana want $1k to even touch a decent AR. Maybe $700 for one with poor fit/finish and post-ban features. Besides that you get the gun YOU want.
The one thing the might cost you is the barrel. You'll want a good one. Chrome Lined, Lightweight, 1/7 is usually in the $300 range. Whereas 1/9 twist HBAR chrome can be had for $200 or less.

For your all around gun 1/9 should be fine, but if you want accuracy at range with heavy bullets. Go 1/7.

Posted: 2/24/2006 4:22:33 AM EDT

[#8]

If you build you get what you wont the 1st time. If you buy and have to sell and buy parts for it to get what you wont you end up with more money in it.

Posted: 2/24/2006 5:46:43 AM EDT

[#9]

One word.... CHEAP!!! I've got $500 into mine. That is a RRA lower with 6 pos stock, then a standard A2 upper with 16" barrel.
Pretty basic but I'm in the club!!! And it sends the lead down range just as well as my $$$$ DPMS...

Now that I have a shooter I can move on to the cool stuff like the 4 rail hand guards and lights, change the upper to a flattop with a EO tech or Aimpoint then go from there.

Posted: 2/24/2006 6:19:22 AM EDT

[#10]

1. Easy.
2. Cheaper than buying complete rifle.
3. Good experience and makes troubleshooting easy.

Did I mention that it's cheap?

Posted: 2/24/2006 7:43:51 AM EDT

[#11]

Thanks for the information. I'm still learning here. What modifications are good, must have's, not good. I know that I'll get different answers, but opinions won't hurt. What is the difference in the features of pre-ban v. post ban, especially now that the ban has been lifted?

Posted: 2/24/2006 8:10:51 AM EDT

[#12]

Now you can have a threaded barrel and flash suppressor, collapsible stock and bayonet lug. Under the ban those were not allowed on a post ban gun.

Posted: 2/24/2006 8:12:56 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Now you can have a threaded barrel and flash suppressor, collapsible stock and bayonet lug. Under the ban those were not allowed on a post ban gun.

Don't forget the EVIL HIGH CAPACITY COP KILLING MAGAZINES!

Posted: 2/24/2006 12:56:36 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Its all of the above. You also learn your weapon system by knowing how it actually functions with all the parts.

Yep.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why build?

AR-15 » Build It Yourself

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