AR Sponsor
Posted: 9/9/2011 4:19:14 AM EDT
|
I'm a recent addict to the ar-15 world and through this site have lerned a bit but also have sparked more questions. Is there money to be saved in building your own or is it just you know what you have? Do you need to be a FFL to order from the online companies? What are the different models example I see A-1,A-2,A-3 ect? What style model would mine be? I seem to like the looks of the flat tops, like mine.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l572/afd112/th_ar.jpg |
|
Mark: If you have a modest amount of mechanical skill and like to tinker with guns, building your own AR from scratch is definitely the way to go. You will need a few simple hand tools but no gunsmiths. The advantage is, you get to select the components you like and aim for the highest quality within your budget. If you buy a complete rifle or even a complete upper, from a commercial builder, then you get what they think is desirable, not necessarily what you would pick. You will notice some complete uppers for sale at a price way below what your build will cost, but that's because cheap, less effective components were used. Also, if you build it yourself, you then have the tools and experience to modify it thereafter.
Like you, I just started just started my first AR build in June with a 5.56 flattop with a 20" barrel. The lower receiver was the hardest part, mostly because it was first and has all those little roll pins to install. Since then I've been modifying it to ever higher levels of refinement, learning as I go. Yesterday, I took some of my handloads to the local rifle range and brought back a 10-round group that measures .800" CTC (100 yds from a rest). Makes my day. Next on the agenda is a 6.8 SPC upper. As usual, the barrel is they key ingredient. Good luck - CW |
|
I am working on a build right now, I will say this: Money CAN be saved, but the chatter around here about building being cheaper no matter what is B.S in my opinion. When you order a complete rifle you pay an 11% excise tax, so you can save that straight out the gate. I spent just about as much money on my first build as I did on my first complete. I would say thats because I don't buy cheap shit, I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for, so bargain basement manufacturers don't get any of my business, I keep it to the tried and true. Buying parts off the EE is the second step in my opinion, things seem to go on the cheaper side in there. Keep reading threads on here and you'll get the gist of it all. My current build would retail (brand new) around $1300-$1400, but I've parted it together out of the EE with a little patience for around $700.
You only need to use a registered FFL to ship the lower receiver. Everything else you can ship yourself. Your picture is too small for me to tell, but I would guess it an A-3 or 4. A-1 & 2 will have built on carry handles, I believe that to be the easiest way to tell. Somebody will be along shortly to elaborate on that subject. |
|
Best part of building your own is you pick the parts.
I spend more on my own builds but I pick the best parts from various manufacturerers. The other side is for a cheaper build, I have a better idea where I can cut cost and still have a reliable build. I know I will pay more attention to how it's built. A production line build will never get the same attention. You learn how it's put together. Then if you have an issue, you are better educated as to where to look for the problem. Dave N |
|
Quoted: I'm a recent addict to the ar-15 world and through this site have lerned a bit but also have sparked more questions. Is there money to be saved in building your own or is it just you know what you have? Do you need to be a FFL to order from the online companies? What are the different models example I see A-1,A-2,A-3 ect? What style model would mine be? I seem to like the looks of the flat tops, like mine. http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l572/afd112/th_ar.jpg An FFL only needs to be involved if you're getting a lower receiver, stripped or complete. The lower must be shipped to an FFL and the FFL's license must be on file with the company your purchasing from. Contact the FFL's in your area to find out what they will do. Some you may have to purchase from them, some may order the part on your behalf, some you may be able to complete the transaction and just have it shipped to them. You will most likely have to pay a transfer fee in most cases, usually $25. Contact your local FFL's and see what they will do for you. The one I use already had an account setup with brownell's and I had him order the lower for me and I payed him the cost + fee. Any other part can be shipped right to your door. Uppers, lower parts kits, rails, magazines, stocks, sights, barrels, etc |
|
Quoted:
Mark: If you have a modest amount of mechanical skill and like to tinker with guns, building your own AR from scratch is definitely the way to go. You will need a few simple hand tools but no gunsmiths. The advantage is, you get to select the components you like and aim for the highest quality within your budget. If you buy a complete rifle or even a complete upper, from a commercial builder, then you get what they think is desirable, not necessarily what you would pick. You will notice some complete uppers for sale at a price way below what your build will cost, but that's because cheap, less effective components were used. Also, if you build it yourself, you then have the tools and experience to modify it thereafter. Like you, I just started just started my first AR build in June with a 5.56 flattop with a 20" barrel. The lower receiver was the hardest part, mostly because it was first and has all those little roll pins to install. Since then I've been modifying it to ever higher levels of refinement, learning as I go. Yesterday, I took some of my handloads to the local rifle range and brought back a 10-round group that measures .800" CTC (100 yds from a rest). Makes my day. Next on the agenda is a 6.8 SPC upper. As usual, the barrel is they key ingredient. Good luck - CW Excuse my ignorance but what is "EE"? |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Mark: If you have a modest amount of mechanical skill and like to tinker with guns, building your own AR from scratch is definitely the way to go. You will need a few simple hand tools but no gunsmiths. The advantage is, you get to select the components you like and aim for the highest quality within your budget. If you buy a complete rifle or even a complete upper, from a commercial builder, then you get what they think is desirable, not necessarily what you would pick. You will notice some complete uppers for sale at a price way below what your build will cost, but that's because cheap, less effective components were used. Also, if you build it yourself, you then have the tools and experience to modify it thereafter. Like you, I just started just started my first AR build in June with a 5.56 flattop with a 20" barrel. The lower receiver was the hardest part, mostly because it was first and has all those little roll pins to install. Since then I've been modifying it to ever higher levels of refinement, learning as I go. Yesterday, I took some of my handloads to the local rifle range and brought back a 10-round group that measures .800" CTC (100 yds from a rest). Makes my day. Next on the agenda is a 6.8 SPC upper. As usual, the barrel is they key ingredient. Good luck - CW Excuse my ignorance but what is "EE"? Disregard, got it. |
AR Sponsor