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Posted: 4/9/2014 6:47:38 PM EDT
Hello all. I'm obviously a new timer here since I only have 1 post, but I'm also a new timer when it comes to ar-15s. I have never owned one and I like to purchase one even though I'm in CA. Unfortunately I've got a strict budget, but would like to get the best bang for my buck. After looking around I came across PSA (Palmetto State Armory). After seeing so many good reviews from owners I thought I'd take a look at their site. Eventually I found that it would be cheaper to purchase parts separately and build the AR instead of buying the entire rifle. I was pretty legit when it came to legos as a child, so I think I'm capable of building an AR-15.
I'm here to ask a few questions. [span style='font-weight: bold;']1: What would be a better budget rifle other than PSA? 2: Should I build one or purchase a full rifle? |
| I'm newb here too, I was looking at PSA stuff too. I have an 80% and Jig coming from Juggernaut Tactical. anyone else got any good or bad picks there?(PSA), I was looking at the daily sales/Blemish items(I figure I'll scratch mine some first trip or 2 to the range, anyway). I am also in California, the least free state in the Union(At least it feels that way, trying to smog my 78 jeep right now, so I can pay the expensive california registration,it's 36 years old, COME ON!) |
| Welcome to the forum. It's hard to see what exactly you have listed the pic won't enlarge for me. I noticed the lower, complete upper and the LPK. Didn't see a stock listed. You will need to have a bullet button installed on the lower receiver before they transfer it to you. As far as cost there's a few ways to look at. You'll need to add the FFL charge to that price and then factor in shipping, cost of any tools you need etc. I would recommend hitting your local shop and seeing what they have and "kick the tires" definitely check out the S&W M&P Sport. I was in this same situation when I bought my Del-Ton. It's a budget rifle but it has allowed me to get into the hobby without going broke. Another thing to consider, when you buy a built rifle, you get customer service and a warranty, just something to think about. Good luck! |
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As long as you stay away from any PTAC stuff from PSA website, you should be good to go.
I'm not sure about the communist state compliance, but there's Hometown tab and you can find CA subforum there. "Blem" means just cosmetic imperfection. In most cases, you will have hard time finding any noticeable mark/imperfection at all, so "Blem" lowers or uppers are good to go. Just buy complete PSA upper when on sale, and buy the "Blem" lower and LPKs and other small parts, and you should be able to build one around $400-500 range. |
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I'm a total newbie from Southern California. I just bought my first AR, a Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport and I haven't had any negative feedback from anyone here yet. I considered a build and I'm sure it would have been fun but I decided I'd better own an AR and get used to how it works before tackling a build. Plus, the M&P didn't set me back that much coin (about $600 bucks) and I knew if I started a build I'd be into the thousands before I knew what hit me. Now that I finally own an AR I am quickly learning what I do and don't like on them so I know when I do start a build I will be much more educated about the parts. Sorry I don't have anymore useful input for you on brands or parts, just letting you know my thought process as I became a new AR owner. I am definitely going to do a build someday for sure though.
CA isn't as bad as some states in terms of gun control. At least we can have collapsible stocks and flash suppressors here. Although I do hate the 10 round mag rule and the fact that you have to have a bullet button on the mag release. Kinda feels like my AR is a neutered pit bull. Anyway, good luck with your purchase or build. Either way you'll love owning an AR! |
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Quoted: Hello all. I'm obviously a new timer here since I only have 1 post, but I'm also a new timer when it comes to ar-15s. I have never owned one and I like to purchase one even though I'm in CA. Unfortunately I've got a strict budget, but would like to get the best bang for my buck. After looking around I came across PSA (Palmetto State Armory). After seeing so many good reviews from owners I thought I'd take a look at their site. Eventually I found that it would be cheaper to purchase parts separately and build the AR instead of buying the entire rifle. I was pretty legit when it came to legos as a child, so I think I'm capable of building an AR-15. I'm here to ask a few questions. [span style='font-weight: bold;']1: What would be a better budget rifle other than PSA? 2: Should I build one or purchase a full rifle? I would just save up some more and a get a Daniel Defense M4V5 from Rifle Gear. |
| I went ahead and got the "PSA 16" M4 CMV Rifle Kit " on sale for 419(down from 599) and some 10 round Mags, when I get my JT lower finished, I'll have a whole rifle to put together. It will end up being around 780 including shipping, I am including the jig&shipping and the 3 mags in that overall price. I did not purchase the drill bits and end mills, I have that kind of stuff, or a buddy of mine does. I have a Harbor freight mill, and I'm not afraid to use it! |
| Assembling a stripped lower is not rocket science and can be done with some basic hand tools. I would suggest buying a compete upper as building one requires some specialized tools and is a little more difficult. PSA has good products and has been putting all kinds of AR parts including uppers on sale recently. You won't go wrong with them and PSA will probably be your best bet for a budget build. Good Luck and welcome to the site! |
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Now you just need to escape CA I was born here, and I've been here most of my life, I'm stuck here till I retire at least, I have a really good job. The excess of laws, rules and regulations here make me want to puke. Problem is, If I did puke, I'd probably have some environMENTAL-ass, fining me, or creating a committee to see what harm my puke will do to the environment. Then they'd blame the lead in my puke on hunters, and try to outlaw all lead in all bullets, not just the lead bird shot. 
I'll bet they try to find some way to blame the stabbings in Pennsylvania on gun owners or the NRA, or violent video games, we won't be allowed to have knives bigger than a steak knife in our kitchen, unless we had it before the ban. Sorry, the rules here just piss me off, I still haven't gotten my 36 year old jeep,smogged, either. (which I drive less than 500 miles a year) |
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I'm in CA as well, keep checking PSA because they do sometimes have CA compliant complete lowers ( including stock, buffer, and LPK installed) for sale. However I do believe getting a stripped lower, even if u have to buy it at ur local shop, is the best way to go. From there u can get great deals on LPK's from PSA or many other sites which will not only make the build fun but also familiarize u with how everything operates. Like a post I saw earlier buying a complete upper is prolly best for ur first build and yes stay away from PTAC stuff. A lower is simple with standard hand tools, uppers r definetly more difficult but I think ur on the right track going PSA if u want to keep price down on ur first build. Good luck!
minor edit by nick |
| I'm new Ar's too. The s&w m&p looks tight @ $1100 but I can get help from someone who builds Ar's so I'm confident I can put together a kit after I get a stripped lower and a bullet button. There are a lot of conflicting opinions on the dpms oracle but it's at the top of my list. Most agree it only shoots +-3000 rounds very very accurately. The kit is $550 @ midway USA. This dude I know says he can build one in an hour? I'm also in love with the m1 garand after yesterday @ $1000. I don't like the colt, del-ton raised forward site but would like affordable recommendations too. |
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There are pros and cons to 'building' your own AR15. One big pro is that you save some money generally and can choose some aftermarket parts to start off with not wasting money on stock parts you plan to swap out right away anyway. A con is you generally don't get customer support or a warranty from the company. PSA makes some good rifles and equipment I have a PTAC gun that I bought just to beat the crap out of and it has done fine.
Some big complaints you may here from PSA are based off of slow shipping times and on occasion poor quality control. On the other hand they are generally credited with having good customer support and have tried to make things right if a rifle was shipped out that shouldn't have been. The extremely low prices and good deals are generally what most people like about them. |
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