AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/13/2016 9:43:52 AM EDT
|
Hello all,
First time on the forums here as a member and I am finally looking to get my first AR. I have always shot guns and plinked a ton but never with an AR, mainly just shotguns and long rifles. And typically I have yeh dilemma of buy vs build. I would love to build an AR, not only for the "build it exactly as you want it" aspect but it just seems like an enjoyable experience. Here's my dilemma, I'm 19 (about to turn 20) so I would either have to buy a complete rifle or start from an 80% lower and then slow build from there. I would love the 80% lower but my issue is it would cost me a significant amount of money compared to just buying a complete rifle (such as M&P 15 which is touted as a good first rifle). If I were to build it I would start with just buying a complete upper and build the lower. So my question is, is it worth the money to invest in the tools so I can build my own (which would be useful in case of a potential ban or stricter laws) for the fun/experience of it? To give you an example of my costs this is just some random info I have down about just my complete lower. Rigid 5.5 amp router - 100 80-lower.com black forged Fire/Safe - 78 80% arms easy jig - 150 80% arms tool kit - 45 Stag lower parts kit - 72 Magpul stock kit - 75 Total for complete lower including tools - $520 That compared to ~$650 for a complete M&P sport? I want to build one but don't know if it's worth the extra cost. Depending on what upper I get, which depending on how patient I am (aka how much money I save up) I'm looking at a PSA premium upper or an Aero upper (any other suggestions?) so all in all I'll be in about a grand, is this build a $1000 rifle? Anyone have any advice/insight? Thanks in advance! |
| Personally I'm not an 80% guy, but having the tools to do everything else within reason on an AR is a must unless one is absolutely sure they will only buy and keep one AR rifle for the present and forever. The AR platform is darned good even if you just get one set up in a manner that fits your needs and preferences. However, the real beauty of the AR IMO is the ability to modify, change, and replace all manner of components as you see fit as time goes by...not to mention building the exact rifle(s) you want from the ground up. All of this can be accomplished with surprisingly few highly technical or expensive tools. |
|
I suggest you buy a complete upper and buy a stripped lower. To assemble the lower you'll need a 3/32" punch, a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers and a hammer, I use a wooden mallet. You can file or cut the tip off a nail if you don't want to buy a punch. Very inexpensive to assemble a lower which allows you to more easily pick your components. Check out JSE Surplus, Palmetto State, Joeboboutfitters, Primary Arms, Brownell's, Midway USA or Hamlund Tactical for uppers and parts for a lower. You can order a stripped lower and have it shipped to a local FFL dealer or buy a stripped lower from a local gun shop/dealer.
If you find a rifle on the shelf which has the features you want you can purchase a complete rifle. Buying a complete upper with the features you want and then attaching it to a lower you assemble is usally cheaper than buying a basic rifle then switching to a different hand guard, grip and getting an upgraded trigger. Basically it boils down to what you want, I'm old school and I still like the 16" 223/5.56 M-4 style flat top upper with 2 piece military hand guard using the delta ring and fixed front sight. This configuration is the cheapest route and since your young I suggest you learn how to shoot with iron sights first. After you've mastered the iron sights then you could add a red dot sight or a scope of your choice. The original M-16 and M-16 A2 served reliabley for decades, you don't have to have the fancy newest front handguard or most expensive stock. Spend your money on ammo and learn to shoot. |
|
You can get a stripped lower for about $50... to me aside from being off the grid (which some states are cracking down on anyway) 80% lowers don't really pencil out
I have never (and probably never will) buy a complete AR-15. I have built one and am just about done building #2. Uppers and lowers both, it is pretty easy. Just going out on a limb I would venture to say building an upper is far easier than milling out a lower... |
|
Thank you for the advice everyone! So it seems from most of you the consensus to to buy a complete rifle, which is understandable. Just a quick note, I was considering buying an 80% lower because I'm not 21 and cannot legally purchase a stripped lower. If I were to buy a complete rifle, how is the Aero AC15 compared to the M&P 15? They are very similar in price, although I've heard great things about S&W warranties.
On the 80% lower, with the easy jig it seems fairly simple, in fact I read a thread about how an 11 year old completed one with only verbal direction from this dad. Does anyone have experience with the easy jig? |
|
Personally, as far as the lower goes, I don't see the big cost savings in assembling one yourself vs buying a complete unit unless you already have some of the parts lying around or you want a specific FCG or stock.
I've done both, it's certainly not hard to assemble a lower yourself, and there's plenty of great instruction videos out there. Most people have the basic tools for lower assembly lying around. Only specific tool I had to buy was the castle nut wrench for the buffer tube. Which I've used too many times to count on other rifles as well. I bought my first few lowers as complete from a local dealer or gun show, then shopped on line for good deals on complete uppers. |
| Buy the first one, and it certainly wont be your last. Spend some time shooting, get a feel for the platform and then after you've got a better idea of what you'd like to be different, build the rifle you want. Also, theres no law that says you cant buy a complete rifle, then as time goes on build the upper you want and attach it to the lower of said rifle. |
AR Sponsor