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1/29/2017 9:55:55 PM EDT
YES, YES, I know that this question has been asked 10 billion quadrillion times, BUT on every single topic I've found it always ends up with people telling the OP to build the rifle himself.  Well, I'd love to build an AR, but I'm not legally old enough to buy a lower, so I'm pretty much SOL when it comes to building an AR.  So, I have to buy a complete one.  My budget is around $700-750.  I'd prefer one that didn't have an A2 front sight so that I can later add a free float handguard if I so chose.  I've read that you can chop the A2 sight, but I don't have the tools to do that well, nor do I know anyone that does.   Thank you for your time.  Please don't internet mosh pit me.
1/29/2017 10:06:56 PM EDT
[#1]
A ar15 lower and a ar15 rifle transfer the same way. 18 except the commie states maybe.

That said smith and Wesson mp15 or psa are good starting points for compete $500 rifles. Get the basic ar tools and get a cheap gas block to replace the front site when your ready.
1/29/2017 10:41:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Quoted:
A ar15 lower and a ar15 rifle transfer the same way. 18 except the commie states maybe.

That said smith and Wesson mp15 or psa are good starting points for compete $500 rifles. Get the basic ar tools and get a cheap gas block to replace the front site when your ready.
View Quote


No, since receivers are listed as "other" on the 4473 and not a long-gun you have to be 21 to buy an AR-15 receiver.  And I thought the replacement low profile gas blocks required dimpling on the barrel, and taking a drill to my barrel is out of my comfort zone.
1/29/2017 10:57:05 PM EDT
[#3]
Get a Del-ton, Smith n Wes M&P sport, DPMS, Anderson, Aero, or PSA complete rifle. All should fall at or below your budget.
1/29/2017 11:32:23 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:


No, since receivers are listed as "other" on the 4473 and not a long-gun you have to be 21 to buy an AR-15 receiver.  And I thought the replacement low profile gas blocks required dimpling on the barrel, and taking a drill to my barrel is out of my comfort zone.
View Quote


Dimpling isn't necessary.
1/30/2017 2:23:28 PM EDT
[#5]
Buy of these Upper Receiver Groups $299
Midlength URG FF Railed with sights
+
Transfer one of these complete lowers to your FFL $149 + fees (free shipping)
MagPul PSA Blem complete lower
+
Buy one of these upgraded BCGs $109:
NiB BCG
+
charging handle $24
charging handle

Total: ~$600
INSTALL BCG & CH into URG
PIN TOGETHER URG & LRG
$99 red Dot w/ Mount
1/30/2017 5:37:58 PM EDT
[#6]
If I recall correctly, the other classification for a receiver makes it 21 years because you can build a pistol.

Also, again, if I recall correctly, buying it as incomplete units (upper and lower) saves you paying the 11% excise tax a complete gun has added into it.
1/30/2017 5:41:56 PM EDT
[#7]
PSA aero precision S&W or Stag would be my choices for a cheap budget rifle.  If your willing to wait awhile a colt 6920 will be in your price range when prices settle back out.
1/30/2017 9:50:17 PM EDT
[#8]
I bought a Colt 6920 OEM 1 a week after the election for $740. I think you could find an OEM 2 for nearly the same.
1/30/2017 9:51:54 PM EDT
[#9]
The OEM 2 comes with the FSB already ground down. You can put whatever furniture/sights on it that suit you.
1/31/2017 10:23:41 AM EDT
[#10]
I just bought one of these, should be here tomorrow.

http://www.brownells.com/firearms/rifles/semi-auto/oem-mid-length-16-rifle-prod81838.aspx
1/31/2017 10:25:23 AM EDT
[#11]
good choice
1/31/2017 10:37:17 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:


No, since receivers are listed as "other" on the 4473 and not a long-gun you have to be 21 to buy an AR-15 receiver.  And I thought the replacement low profile gas blocks required dimpling on the barrel, and taking a drill to my barrel is out of my comfort zone.
View Quote


Sorry about that. Bad info on my part.  Is that something recent(last 10 years) I wonder? I dont recall that when I started building ARs 10+ years a go(which would have been when I was in that age bracket).

As far as dimpling the barrel they make clamp style blocks too. Ive never had a issue with them. I also have wrenched down set screw style blocks that live under rails and never had them move on me.
1/31/2017 10:53:48 PM EDT
[#13]
I have done this. 60$ 80% lower, 100$ milling job (bought partial ownership in the cnc machine), and a 349$ PSA build lot. Assembled the lower assembly with basic tools. Channel locks, pin punches, and YouTube videos.
1/31/2017 10:56:12 PM EDT
[#14]
Correct no dimpling necessary on the low profile gas blocks. Easy money
1/31/2017 10:58:12 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:  Sorry about that. Bad info on my part.  Is that something recent(last 10 years) I wonder?
View Quote


Since 1968.

OP, take a look @ the S&W Sport 2, right in your price range.  The Ruger is also there, and there's a stripped Colt just a little bit above it.
2/5/2017 4:14:55 PM EDT
[#16]
complete lower from psa has a stock on it transfers as a rifle and op get yourself a dremel and chop the pinned fsb there is no better gas block youtube it and take your time trust me (trump quote) on this when you get more involved which everyone does you will love that thing for polishing feed ramps and sear surfaces and a ton of other stuff arround the house not even gun related talking about building your own gun means your a tinkerer you will love it
2/6/2017 12:25:12 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:  complete lower from psa has a stock on it transfers as a rifle and op get yourself a dremel and chop the pinned fsb there is no better gas block youtube it and take your time trust me (trump quote) on this when you get more involved which everyone does you will love that thing for polishing feed ramps and sear surfaces and a ton of other stuff arround the house not even gun related talking about building your own gun means your a tinkerer you will love it
View Quote


No, it doesn't.  Lowers transfer as Other.  Even if they have a stock built in, like a GWACS CavArms Mk 2, that is a one-piece receiver and stock.
2/6/2017 4:32:03 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
YES, YES, I know that this question has been asked 10 billion quadrillion times, BUT on every single topic I've found it always ends up with people telling the OP to build the rifle himself.  Well, I'd love to build an AR, but I'm not legally old enough to buy a lower, so I'm pretty much SOL when it comes to building an AR.  So, I have to buy a complete one.  My budget is around $700-750.  I'd prefer one that didn't have an A2 front sight so that I can later add a free float handguard if I so chose.  I've read that you can chop the A2 sight, but I don't have the tools to do that well, nor do I know anyone that does.   Thank you for your time.  Please don't internet mosh pit me.
View Quote


PSA is selling a complete classic blem lower for $130 right now.  You can get a complete upper ready to go for ~$350 any day of the week.  Just connect the two halves and you're ready to go.

Check this out - you can get yourself a complete nice rifle with MLok rail and 16" stainless 1:7 barrel for ~$580+shipping&transfer:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-5-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch-516444973.html
2/6/2017 5:05:20 PM EDT
[#19]
i guess it just depends on your ffl bc i just bought a ctr lower from psa and it transferred as a rifle if it had a pistol buffer it would have been a pistol and if it was stripped it would have been other i talked to him when i was there and up untill a few months ago he was asking about what you were building it into for a stripped lower to mark it as that untill psp told him he didnt have to ... and let the pissing match begin... totally not intended
2/6/2017 6:29:38 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:  i guess it just depends on your ffl bc i just bought a ctr lower from psa and it transferred as a rifle if it had a pistol buffer it would have been a pistol and if it was stripped it would have been other i talked to him when i was there and up untill a few months ago he was asking about what you were building it into for a stripped lower to mark it as that untill psp told him he didnt have to ... and let the pissing match begin... totally not intended
View Quote


It depends if your FFL is following federal regulations, or putting his FFL @ risk.  Totally up to him.
2/7/2017 7:02:57 AM EDT
[#21]
I remember ~10 years ago buying several stripped lowers and building a couple a pistols. When I bought the "pistol lowers" I had to specify on the 4473 that it was going to be used as a pistol. Not sure what the others were marked as may have been "other". Around that time frame it was said if you ever took a "pistol" lower and put a stock on it it became a rifle for the rest of it's life. As most parents that are into guns have bought guns that are for their kids. Might be worth it but have one of your parents buy/gift you a stripped lower then do what ever you want to with it.
2/7/2017 4:15:15 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:Check this out - you can get yourself a complete nice rifle with MLok rail and 16" stainless 1:7 barrel for ~$580+shipping&transfer:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-5-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch-516444973.html
View Quote


In retrospect, I might just have to pick one of these things up myself.  This is a screaming deal for a decent rifle.
2/7/2017 4:56:37 PM EDT
[#23]
S&W M&P 15 Sport II is the answer.  As to free float rail, there are many models that can be used with the A2 front sight. Daniel Defense Omega 7.0 comes to mind.  There are many other choices.  If you do want to chop the FSB, it is easy with a Dremel and a cut-off disc.  Lots of threads here on that.

But you can add the free float later.  Right now, just get the rifle, ammo, extra magazines, invest in some range time, and learn to shoot it well.  An inexpensive range toy red dot, such as Bushnell's TRS-25 with riser would be a good start up optic for less than $100.
2/14/2017 4:03:17 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Quoted:
S&W M&P 15 Sport II is the answer.  As to free float rail, there are many models that can be used with the A2 front sight. Daniel Defense Omega 7.0 comes to mind.  There are many other choices.  If you do want to chop the FSB, it is easy with a Dremel and a cut-off disc.  Lots of threads here on that.

But you can add the free float later.  Right now, just get the rifle, ammo, extra magazines, invest in some range time, and learn to shoot it well.  An inexpensive range toy red dot, such as Bushnell's TRS-25 with riser would be a good start up optic for less than $100.
View Quote



I just bought this exact gun from Academy for $699.00 in Austin, Texas.
2/14/2017 10:09:07 AM EDT
[#25]
My man, new to site but former Marine Recon here and retired law enforcement officer. I've built them and I've bought them. Currently my favorite is a Windham I've purchased in the M4 configuration (16") barrel. They used to make the bushmasters before Remington bought it and bastardized the bushmaster name. Very quality weapon and fully customizable. It's easy on the wallet too. Check into that bud, you won't be disappointed.
3/7/2017 2:19:33 PM EDT
[#26]
All the high quality ones under 700 have the A2 front sight block

The franken-rifles from low end rifle companies will have the non a2 models available cheap but poor quality

I would strongly reconsider poo pooing the a2 front sight

I did too at first, thinking it was going to mess with my optics but I was wrong (just a negligible shadow at the bottom of the reticle)

and free float is overrated XD

I love the A2 sight now that I gave it a chance

.... So M&P Sport II is my vote
3/8/2017 10:22:50 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
YES, YES, I know that this question has been asked 10 billion quadrillion times, BUT on every single topic I've found it always ends up with people telling the OP to build the rifle himself.  Well, I'd love to build an AR, but I'm not legally old enough to buy a lower, so I'm pretty much SOL when it comes to building an AR.  So, I have to buy a complete one.  My budget is around $700-750.  I'd prefer one that didn't have an A2 front sight so that I can later add a free float handguard if I so chose.  I've read that you can chop the A2 sight, but I don't have the tools to do that well, nor do I know anyone that does.   Thank you for your time.  Please don't internet mosh pit me.
View Quote


Grab A Gun has the Savage MSR 15 Recon for $759. It already has the free floating hand guard. It has fold down sights in front and rear, Wylde barrel, much more. It is the model I am getting.

Sootch 00 has a video review out on it.

Joe
3/13/2017 5:21:49 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:


PSA is selling a complete classic blem lower for $130 right now.  You can get a complete upper ready to go for ~$350 any day of the week.  Just connect the two halves and you're ready to go.

Check this out - you can get yourself a complete nice rifle with MLok rail and 16" stainless 1:7 barrel for ~$580+shipping&transfer:
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-blem-lower-classic-edition-no-magazine.html
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-16-mid-length-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-5-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch-516444973.html
View Quote

I just finished my first build this weekend. Spikes lower that I assembled and then picked up an 18" stainless .223 Wylde barreled upper with a 15" keymod handguard for $300 on sale. All together I am into my build for $650 at the moment with Magpul BUIS while I save up for a Vortex. PSA has the complete lower for $130 plus the upper I bought with BCG and CH on daily deal today for $350. A complete rifle minus optics or mags for $480 is nothing to turn your nose up to IMO.
3/13/2017 11:32:50 PM EDT
[#29]
As others have stated if you get a lower with a stock on it it is a rifle. "Other" would be incorrect IMO based on FFL/SOT friend.

Lots of choices out there at $700.

Salad days indeed...

Enjoy, OP.

Also, 18 from a private party for a stripped lower is legal unless there is a state law prohibiting it.
3/14/2017 12:07:05 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:  As others have stated if you get a lower with a stock on it it is a rifle. "Other" would be incorrect IMO based on FFL/SOT friend.

Lots of choices out there at $700.

Salad days indeed...

Enjoy, OP.

Also, 18 from a private party for a stripped lower is legal unless there is a state law prohibiting it.
View Quote


Your friend is an idiot.  A lower is a lower is a lower.  It's an "other".  What is your FFL going to do when he puts down rifle w/an AR lower & OP builds a .410" shotgun out of it?
3/20/2017 4:40:47 PM EDT
[#31]
I would have to say the Smith and Wesson M&P Sport II is the best choice, you can easily find it for under $700 dollars and personally I'd have to say it's the best you can get (by small margins) under $700 without assembling one yourself.
3/20/2017 5:17:39 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:
All the high quality ones under 700 have the A2 front sight block

The franken-rifles from low end rifle companies will have the non a2 models available cheap but poor quality

I would strongly reconsider poo pooing the a2 front sight

I did too at first, thinking it was going to mess with my optics but I was wrong (just a negligible shadow at the bottom of the reticle)

and free float is overrated XD

I love the A2 sight now that I gave it a chance

.... So M&P Sport II is my vote
View Quote
What he said except go with del-ton. IMHO they are superior to the M&P, PSA and all the other budget Builds I have handled. 

Delton kit was my first AR purchase. This was probably 7 years ago. The upper and bolt assy is very well made. Finish is incredible for the price. Its still running strong after cases of cheap ammo. 
3/20/2017 8:10:14 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:


Your friend is an idiot.  A lower is a lower is a lower.  It's an "other".  What is your FFL going to do when he puts down rifle w/an AR lower & OP builds a .410" shotgun out of it?
View Quote
No, I had it wrong.

He verified for me that you are correct he transfers it as other.
3/20/2017 10:20:45 PM EDT
[#34]
You can't go wrong with a sport ii, wyndham, aero, ect. A lot of people like the ruger and the saint by springfield. I am intrigued by the saint. Specs are great for the price. I have a sport 1 and a magpul mid by s&w in my arsenal. My only issue with the sport ii is the barrel. They went from a 1/8 twist, 5r, 4150 barrel to a 1/9, 4140 barrel. That is a huge downgrade IMO.
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