AR Sponsor
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buy or Build (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 10/31/2015 9:34:52 PM EDT
| Just curious as to everyone's preference. Would you rather build your own or buy a factory rifle? |
|
I am on my first AR build. I have learned a tone and the forum has been able to answer every question I was unable to search the answer to. The only negative is that the build has gone through several changes. Meaning I have bought parts and changed my mind a few times. However the equipment exchange has been a great place to off load the parts I no longer want or need. Or you could keep the parts and use them for your second build. Dont laugh once you build one you already want to build two or three or four or more.
More importantly if you are here asking this question there is no doubt in my mind that if you buy a complete rifle you will most likely be changing out parts as you start to learn more about it and like different looks and feel. As far as tools go you only need a few specials aside from the basics. I have a block for the upper to attach my barrel and basic armors wrench and I specifically bought a castle nut wrench because all the generic ones suck. A torque wrench honestly is not needed but if you do want one you dont need a dead on accurate one and harbor freight is good enough. |
|
This entirely depends on what you plan on doing with it. I hate that we don't ask this question more.
For me, purpose drives decisions. I like the option to occasionally run a competition, so I build, I also clone a little, so I build, but if I were just wanting a rifle to have fun with from time to time and didn't really care about reloading my own rounds or getting tiny tiny groups..........I would most likely buy a factory rifle. |
| I'd buy the first one and spend time asking other AR owners at a range about their guns. I've found most gun people love to talk about their guns and would probably be happy to let you try guns with different parts. Plus, you'll have the benefit of a factory warrantee should something go wrong. |
|
I just completed my first AR/first build. Here is why I chose to build:
1. I knew I wanted something much nicer than the $600 base model AR's. I had accuracy, aesthetic, balance, weight, purpose and durability requirements that likely would not be achieved with a cheap gun. 2. I enjoy the minutia of learning about parts for my intended purpose and wanted to be very familiar with the rifle. 3. Given that I was going for higher end parts I was patient and found awesome deals on those parts, ultimately getting the rifle cheaper than I would've been able to buy a similarly leveled factory AR for. (Not cheaper than I could have bought a base model for) 4. I wanted to spread out the cost of my AR and acquired parts over the course of about 8 months, being patient for sales and learning about what I wanted. Here are some cautions: 1. I built my lower myself except that I had to rely on using a castle nut wrench from a local shop that offered their use to AR builders. I then moved and had to rely on a kind ARFcommer (props to Marksman14) with the proper tools to help me finish the upper. (Had I known I was moving and didn't have access to said LGS I wouldn't have chosen to build.) 2. It is entirely plausible that as you go through the process of learning what you want that you'll take directions with your build early on that will require you to return/resell parts after you learn more about what you want and change your mind on the direction of your build. 3. More than likely you'll learn that what you actually want is multiple rifles and you'll want to build many more. 
The final truth for me: If I had had the disposable income to drop $2-3000 grand on a high end factory AR that already met all my requirements I would have. Ultimately my decision to build was to get similar performance to those options for less than half that price spread out over several months. |
|
First ar, buy upper complete, and build a stripped lower.
Next, buy stripped lower and build it and build upper... Or buy a complete upper because sometimes it's $100 more to buy one complete to all the specs you want (bcg, rail, caliber, gas block, flash suppressor) and at that cost difference, it's not worth your time. 
|
|
Quoted:
Buy the first few so you know how they work and put together. then build so you know then if something doesn't feel right. it's not a model car. these things go bang I dont necessarily agree with the "feel" comment. What if the factory assembled rifle is not optimal as 16" carbine systems are well overgassed? I purchased my first and had a barrel issue about 700 rounds in. Now it wasnt a colt or a BCM, and I wouldnt be scared to run one of these factory built rifles. Being a new user entering the market and purchasing a first AR15 rifle will not give the shooter an accurate idea of what the rifle is supposed to "feel" like. It will only tell him or her what THAT rifle feels like in its current state which may or not be optimal. Like I said, I purchased my first AR. and I absolutely wish I would have built it. I've assembled 4 since then AND rebuilt the first one i purchased. I would read, Find some friends with different gas length systems and rifles that are set up differently and see how they all feel. Then go back and decide what you want the rifle to do for you. After you have determined this, go back and read about components that will be the most efficient choices for the purpose in mind. After that, read some more, and start picking up parts. Get the right tools and check your tolerances, but make sure the parts are all compatible before installation and function testing. |
|
I bought my first. I have build ~10 since. Just build and start the sickness. I went to a gun show yesterday, so I build almost everything for a 300blk build. I already had a lower. The lower was lonely.
edit: by the way, the parts were all Anderson. At gun shows, buy names you recognize. |
| If you buy your 1st AR and something goes wrong, you have a warranty to fall back on. If you build it, it's yours. Nearly all the trouble I have seen at the range and on forums is home built ones. Building is a great hobby but I would buy my 1st one, then experiment with building. Unlike a few years ago all the major manufacturers are building good ones. It's your money. |
|
No right or wrong way to do it....just one's preference. That said, my first two AR's were complete rifles. The third one, I bought a complete upper and built the lower. Now, I build all my AR's from the ground up. After I got all the proper tools together, I was embarrassed/mad at myself at how simple an AR is to build....and how much $$$ one can save himself. On top of that, it is educational to the function of the rifle's parts. Lastly, it's a lot of fun to build. Building also saves you from having a bunch of parts laying around that you may never use (from upgrading). FWIW....I never sell a gun that functions and shoots well, so resale value was not an issue for my builds. Good luck and have fun! |
|
Quoted: Depends on what you want it's not even cost effective to build a standard~ ar. I sort of disagree with this. You can buy an M&P 15 Sport, or a DPMS Oracle, or a Bushmaster, Del-Ton etc. etc. for around $500-$600-ish. You're going to get 4140 steel barrel, non chrome-lined, probably 1:9" twist. Your bolt and barrel are going to be batch tested (HP/MPI). You will more than likely get a commercial receiver extension and a semi-auto bolt carrier. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV |
|
Quoted:
I sort of disagree with this. You can buy an M&P 15 Sport, or a DPMS Oracle, or a Bushmaster, Del-Ton etc. etc. for around $500-$600-ish. You're going to get 4140 steel barrel, non chrome-lined, probably 1:9" twist. Your bolt and barrel are going to be batch tested (HP/MPI). You will more than likely get a commercial receiver extension and a semi-auto bolt carrier. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV Quoted:
Quoted:
Depends on what you want it's not even cost effective to build a standard~ ar. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV +1 |
|
Quoted:
I'd buy the first one and spend time asking other AR owners at a range about their guns. I've found most gun people love to talk about their guns and would probably be happy to let you try guns with different parts. Plus, you'll have the benefit of a factory warrantee should something go wrong. I totally agree with your post. Buy your first AR then build your second. |
|
Quoted:
I sort of disagree with this. You can buy an M&P 15 Sport, or a DPMS Oracle, or a Bushmaster, Del-Ton etc. etc. for around $500-$600-ish. You're going to get 4140 steel barrel, non chrome-lined, probably 1:9" twist. Your bolt and barrel are going to be batch tested (HP/MPI). You will more than likely get a commercial receiver extension and a semi-auto bolt carrier. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV Quoted:
Quoted:
Depends on what you want it's not even cost effective to build a standard~ ar. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV Buying a put together upper isn't building imo. I own several of these show me how you build it cheaper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/2109/ This is "building"
|
|
Quoted:
Buying a put together upper isn't building imo. I own several of these show me how you build it cheaper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/2109/ This is "building"
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h54/acman145acp/AR%20stuff/9C364B48-7473-4A41-A8A6-B28AD79F9E9C_zpspfaxlpen.jpg To further split hairs, I think there are some 80% guys out there with CNCs and Lathe times that would argue that what you're doing isnt building, but ASSEMBLING....
I assemble mine... 
|
|
Quoted:
To further split hairs, I think there are some 80% guys out there with CNCs and Lathe times that would argue that what you're doing isnt building, but ASSEMBLING....
I assemble mine...
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buying a put together upper isn't building imo. I own several of these show me how you build it cheaper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/2109/ This is "building"
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h54/acman145acp/AR%20stuff/9C364B48-7473-4A41-A8A6-B28AD79F9E9C_zpspfaxlpen.jpg To further split hairs, I think there are some 80% guys out there with CNCs and Lathe times that would argue that what you're doing isnt building, but ASSEMBLING....
I assemble mine...
I'll agree were assembling......... but i'll stand by my statement not cost effective if you take into consideration a lathe and cnc unless your gonna build quite a few.
|
|
I've bought exactly three complete ARs since I caught the affliction. First was a post-ban Century Arms monstrosity built from M16 A1 parts on an Oly lower. Second was a complete Oly post-ban carbine. Those were around '98-'00, and they're long gone. After that, all others were builds - Bushmaster parts, DPMS, Stag, Armalite, High Standard, Lauer, BCM, PSA... Some factory-built uppers, some I built myself.
Earlier this year, I looked at my assortment of builds and decided I needed at least one good factory-built gun back in the stable, so I bought a Colt 6920. I promptly SBR'd the Colt, changed out the trigger, and have BCM and PSA SBR uppers for it. I've got the original 6920 upper on a Stag lower.
Only fully factory-built AR I have right now is a S&W M&P15-22. |
|
First AR?
Buy a QUALITY one. Colt, BCM, Daniel Defense, LMT, FN (put in a H or H2 buffer though). Or if you want to spend a ton Laure or Noveske. The other brands tend to be overgassed or parts that have a higher percentage of breaking, and even with the crappy factory triggers those will tend to be better feeling and more consistent from gun to gun than the lower end brands. Yes, sometimes to really do get what you pay for. If you're new to ARs, ignore the advice to build one. "So you get exactly what you want." If you're new to ARs how do you know what you want? Unless you have a few friends with multiple ARs so you can try different options. |
|
Depends on what stage in life you are at:
Noob/first AR: Get a Colt OEM 2 and install the furniture of your choice. 2nd AR: Build the lower yourself following competent guidelines, and buy a complete BCM upper or build the upper yourself if your mechanical inclination and access to a solid vice and tools is in play. 3rd AR: Build it, selecting quality components from reputable manufacturers. 4th AR: Start looking into doing the coating on parts yourself, and look at accuracy enhancing techniques based on Robert Whitley's list if you want exceptional accuracy. Start looking at troubleshooting lists so you can avoid all the pitfalls from the start. Almost every component assembly step I do involves a troubleshooting tip, especially on the upper receiver group. The bolt gets worked over before I even think about assembly. The barrel gets chamber-checked before it goes near the de-edge and polish job for the extension feed ramps and other tricks I do. Ejector, extractor, lugs, springs, BCG rails, Cam Pin, FCG, recoil system, gas system, muzzle devices, barrel bedding, balancing of working systems, and overall fit/feel get special attention, but I've been doing this now for decades. I see the AR15 in a totally different light than I did back in the 1980's or 1990's, and even the early-to-late 2000's. There were so many things going on under the hood that I had no clue about, and I've been an avid student of the gun since childhood. |
|
My first rifle - I bought a lower receiver and a rifle kit so I was able to build the lower (very simple) and the upper was already completed so I just slapped them together.
Second rifle - Built the whole thing from scratch. Much more fun / rewarding. Knowing how a rifle works by putting it together is really enjoyable. |
|
Quoted:
Depends on what stage in life you are at: Noob/first AR: Get a Colt OEM 2 and install the furniture of your choice. 2nd AR: Build the lower yourself following competent guidelines, and buy a complete BCM upper or build the upper yourself if your mechanical inclination and access to a solid vice and tools is in play. 3rd AR: Build it, selecting quality components from reputable manufacturers. 4th AR: Start looking into doing the coating on parts yourself, and look at accuracy enhancing techniques based on Robert Whitley's list if you want exceptional accuracy. Start looking at troubleshooting lists so you can avoid all the pitfalls from the start. Almost every component assembly step I do involves a troubleshooting tip, especially on the upper receiver group. The bolt gets worked over before I even think about assembly. The barrel gets chamber-checked before it goes near the de-edge and polish job for the extension feed ramps and other tricks I do. Ejector, extractor, lugs, springs, BCG rails, Cam Pin, FCG, recoil system, gas system, muzzle devices, barrel bedding, balancing of working systems, and overall fit/feel get special attention, but I've been doing this now for decades. I see the AR15 in a totally different light than I did back in the 1980's or 1990's, and even the early-to-late 2000's. There were so many things going on under the hood that I had no clue about, and I've been an avid student of the gun since childhood. This is kinda what I did: First - bought a Colt LE6920 with Magpul FDE furniture ($899) Second - bough a Colt OEM 1 and added my own [magpul] furniture set ($800) Third - PSA 7.62*39 upper and PSA magpul lower Fourth - PSA 7.62*39 upper PSA magpul lower Fifth - PSA CHF CL 14.7" mid length gas upper; PSA lower Sixth - TBD, looking at SBR and/or suppressed Whatever you do, I would suggest doing it as soon as possible (i.e. black Friday deal at the latest). I have a bad feeling about our (USA) current economic and military situations. If things go south and shit gets real, it could get very ugly very quickly. We are blessed to have so many options at such great prices right now. I would get SOMEthing ASAP. And a case or two of ammo. Fiddle around and take some time with your second purchase (my opinion) |
|
I'm solidly in the "build" camp, and this is why: Accountability.
If something isn't right, it's directly my fault. No mfr's to blame (unless it's a defect with a part, not the assembly process), no sending rifles back and forth, no warranty claims, etc. I can control what parts go on. I research the hell out of my parts and know what'll work well together. It's rewarding. I'm also picky about my parts and there isn't a rifle out there offered with the exact parts I like to run. |
|
Quoted:
I'm solidly in the "build" camp, and this is why: Accountability. If something isn't right, it's directly my fault. No mfr's to blame (unless it's a defect with a part, not the assembly process), no sending rifles back and forth, no warranty claims, etc. I can control what parts go on. I research the hell out of my parts and know what'll work well together. It's rewarding. I'm also picky about my parts and there isn't a rifle out there offered with the exact parts I like to run. And if you built it, you know how everything works, so if a part breaks you know how to fix it. |
|
Quoted:
And if you built it, you know how everything works, so if a part breaks you know how to fix it. Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm solidly in the "build" camp, and this is why: Accountability. If something isn't right, it's directly my fault. No mfr's to blame (unless it's a defect with a part, not the assembly process), no sending rifles back and forth, no warranty claims, etc. I can control what parts go on. I research the hell out of my parts and know what'll work well together. It's rewarding. I'm also picky about my parts and there isn't a rifle out there offered with the exact parts I like to run. And if you built it, you know how everything works, so if a part breaks you know how to fix it. Exactly. It speeds up the disassembly/reassembly process in case you do need to pull it apart. But, if you're stuck in an apartment and don't have the tools, I understand the buying route. |
|
Quoted:
Exactly. It speeds up the disassembly/reassembly process in case you do need to pull it apart. But, if you're stuck in an apartment and don't have the tools, I understand the buying route. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm solidly in the "build" camp, and this is why: Accountability. If something isn't right, it's directly my fault. No mfr's to blame (unless it's a defect with a part, not the assembly process), no sending rifles back and forth, no warranty claims, etc. I can control what parts go on. I research the hell out of my parts and know what'll work well together. It's rewarding. I'm also picky about my parts and there isn't a rifle out there offered with the exact parts I like to run. And if you built it, you know how everything works, so if a part breaks you know how to fix it. Exactly. It speeds up the disassembly/reassembly process in case you do need to pull it apart. But, if you're stuck in an apartment and don't have the tools, I understand the buying route. I read this all the time: My rifle is not working because__________. Now I have to send it back to________. I will never buy from them again. Then usually its an easily fixable thing that didn't even need to be sent in for. Build your rifle, know your rifle. I have built all my rifles on my kitchen table with a portable vice so you apartment dwellers have no excuses. 
ETA: Post count 556! |
|
I assembled my 1st AR using a Daniel Defense upper and Aero Lower. Ended up selling the DD Upper and getting an AAC 300 BLK Upper.
Then I realized that after dropping $2000 in parts, I couldn't get $1200 for my AR because no one buys garage built ARs regardless of the parts for any decent amount of money. Then I spent some time on gunbroker and realized that people are selling these 100% factory Noveske's, LWRCs, KACs, Etc. for close to what they paid for them when they bought them and other people are actually buying them. Same parts, same builds, but the fact they were factory built from these high end factorys means the parts actually end up retaining value. At that point I sold my build gun for as much as I could get, turned around and bought a Noveske. I have no intention of selling my Noveske but I see these high end weapons as heirlooms and eventually my son will own it. I want to pass down a rifle with worth and value, not a rifle with a collection of 30 year old parts that have long been antiquated by new designs and fads. |
|
Quoted:
I assembled my 1st AR using a Daniel Defense upper and Aero Lower. Ended up selling the DD Upper and getting an AAC 300 BLK Upper. Then I realized that after dropping $2000 in parts, I couldn't get $1200 for my AR because no one buys garage built ARs regardless of the parts for any decent amount of money. Then I spent some time on gunbroker and realized that people are selling these 100% factory Noveske's, LWRCs, KACs, Etc. for close to what they paid for them when they bought them and other people are actually buying them. Same parts, same builds, but the fact they were factory built from these high end factorys means the parts actually end up retaining value. At that point I sold my build gun for as much as I could get, turned around and bought a Noveske. I have no intention of selling my Noveske but I see these high end weapons as heirlooms and eventually my son will own it. I want to pass down a rifle with worth and value, not a rifle with a collection of 30 year old parts that have long been antiquated by new designs and fads. You used fad and Noveske in the same sentence. Honestly if you believe your Noveske will not be just as antiquated as a "garage build" as you so put it, you might have drank too much of the COOL aid. You did have some what of a point but still I would not go so far as to call an AR15 an heirloom. Also if you never plan on selling it, what is the point of getting something with a high resell point? |
|
Quoted:
IMHO - Buy your first, assemble the rest. Get a good, reliable, warrantied rifle in your safe (and shoot the bejeezus out of it) and THEN become a hobbyist. This. Buy a quality gun. Not one that everyone just says 'ya, they're awesome' but actually from a company with their name on the line. Some are known for awesome reliability/quality, others are known for cheap prices and/or great customer service.... Buy the first. And don't mess with the barrel nut and gas block! Then when you feel you have the required bases covered and want to finally cover being tooled up and knowing enough to completely assemble the AR, build one. Also... buy the complete lower and complete upper separate, and slap them together yourself. Saves you the tax the gov charges for complete guns. A complete lower is classed as the same thing as a stripped lower. |
|
First rifle buy.
After youve had some time to shoot it, clean it, tear it apart and rebuild it, maybe install a few after market accessories and do some research then you are ready to build. Building is always better but its quite a task for someone unfamiliar with the rifle. it will also give you time to decide what kind of gun you really want. Some people like lightweight rifles, others want benchrest rifles with hair triggers and big scopes, others want the latest and greatest setup used by special forces and some people are just happy with a basic carbine. I personally go into NFA firearms and enjoy shooting SBRs and MGs all with Suppressors of course 
|
|
Quoted:
Buying a put together upper isn't building imo. I own several of these show me how you build it cheaper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/2109/ This is "building"
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h54/acman145acp/AR%20stuff/9C364B48-7473-4A41-A8A6-B28AD79F9E9C_zpspfaxlpen.jpg Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Depends on what you want it's not even cost effective to build a standard~ ar. For under $500 I can get a PSA CHF barrel w/chrome-lined barrel kit that the barrel is made at the FN plant. The barrel is 1:7 twist, and has been HP/MPI tested, as has the bolt. I will get a FA bolt carrier and a mil-spec receiver extension. Then, I go to a local gun show and pick up an Aero Precision or Anderson lower for $39.99...a Magpul magazine for $12...and a Magpul rear BUIS for $45. I will then have a better rifle for around $600 than the factory rifles mentioned above for around the same price. And IMO...a MUCH better rifle. I could also build the complete upper myself and spend about the same but have something free-floated, making the rifle even better. This is of course keeping in mind that I have all the tools to build a rifle from the ground up. If others have to buy a lot of the proper tools just to build ONE rifle, then the cost of the build will probably soar to over $700, but they will still have a better rifle for a decent cost. If they buy the tools and end up building three or more rifles, then they are coming out ahead to build....both in cost AND quality. Just my opinion....YMMV Buying a put together upper isn't building imo. I own several of these show me how you build it cheaper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/catalog/product/view/id/2109/ This is "building"
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h54/acman145acp/AR%20stuff/9C364B48-7473-4A41-A8A6-B28AD79F9E9C_zpspfaxlpen.jpg Whats that blue goop on your threads? Aeroshell 33MS isn't blue.
|
|
I would consider a Noveske a fad if they weren't built to the high quality they are, they became popular because of the superior worksmanship they put into them and as usual when anything becomes popular there are people that will do anything in their power to go against the grain to feel unique. I do believe that newer parts will come in to take the place of the older parts used on it just as much as a garage build where but to some extent the brand and the high level of craftsmanship utilized will allow it to hold more value than the garage build with the same parts.
I also would consider it a heirloom to an extent. Just like the M1 Garand and original 1911s are passed down as heirlooms. You never know what future markets will look like and nothing is around forever. At some level everything becomes unable to be replaced and hopefully those weapons keep getting passed down even if it is "just an AR-15" Finally, never planning to sell it doesn't mean I shouldn't evaluate its eventual worth. To quote a high end gun dealer "In general, investment grade guns are 1) rare, 2) very high quality, or 3) documentable to someone or something notable." My Noveske was limited to 50 and the lower can't be bought by itself, Noveske's are widely known to be of high quality, and they're associated to a brand that has a high fan base. Not saying I'm expecting it to be worth $10,000 in 20 years. But it will always be desirable because there will always be someone who appreciates what it is. So if I'm ever in a position where I absolutely need cash, I can assume to be able to get a good chunk of it back if needed. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Buy or Build (Page 1 of 2)
AR Sponsor