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Posted: 1/31/2005 6:54:54 AM EDT
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Hey guys, I'm looking to build my very first AR and am trying to get away with it as cheaply as possible. Can you direct me to some sites where I can pick of the cheap goods? And also, how much more accurate are name brand AR's than hand slef-built? I'm looking to build a collapsible stock lower and just pruchase a 16 inch flat-top upper that is 14.5" with a 2 inch flash hider so I can stil fix a bayonet. Thanks for the help! |
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I build my ARs b ecause it's fun, not to save money. However, I do pickup parts a few at a time whenever I find good deals. In that sense, I might save a little money and it's easier to open my wallet for $50 at a time instead of $700+ all at once. Know what I mean? That said, be sure to factor in the cost of any tools you might need for your build. For the lower, the only things special might be roll pin punches and a stock wrench. If you plan on building an upper, you'll need the upper receiver block. Stick with quality parts and your AR will be just fine. I like Bushmaster and RRA (chrome lined or SS) barrels. For lower parts kits I tend to buy RRA kits when buying a complete kit. I do have parts from Armalite, Colt, LMT and FN in some of my ARs. Stay away from no-name stuff at gun shows. Some guys have had good luck with the parts kit guys (e.g. M1S, M&A and J&T). Some guys have had problems. I personally won't use parts from these suppliers. There was also an incident at a TX gunshow recently (see the TX Hometown forum for threads) between a TX member and a M&A guy. I sure as hell wouldn't give them any business after reading that mess. YMMV. Go to your local Hometown forum and ask the local guys if anyone can help you with your build, if you think you're going to need/want some assistance. Lots of good guys in the 'Bama crew around the Birmingham area. As far at vendors go, these are my favorites... G&R Tactical Eagle Firearms Pete in NH Eagle and Pete carry lots of RRA stuff. Eagle also has Bushy barrels & parts. ADCO is another good vendor and they sell kits, mainly of RRA components, IIRC. That might be a good choice for you. The kit is a complete upper, a stock assembly and lower parts kit. Everything you need minus the lower receiver. Stick with good, quality parts and you'll be fine. Let me know if I can help in any way.  |
| Thanks for the great reply! I've always been kind of scared of the uppers because of the whole gas tube assembly and screwing on the barrel, but how much work does it really involve? Oviously it would be cheaper to do it all by hand rather than ordering a complete upper, but how is accuracy insured when the barrel is put onto the receiver by me? |
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Putting on the barrel is a piece of cake. As far as saving money goes, you need to factor in the cost of the barrel wrench and a upper receiver block. You'll also need some anti-seize compound (for the threads on the receiver). Some guys (me included) use an alignment tool that helps you get the nut aligned perfectly for the gas tube hole. It isn't necessary, but it can be helpful. If you ask some local guys, chances are someone near you will have a receiver block and barrel wrench you can borrow. You do have a vice, right? You will need one to build an upper. Again, I build my ARs because it is fun. You might be surprised with the cost of building vs. buying; you probably aren't saving too much by building - UNLESS you are finding good deals on certain parts used but not abused. A lot of guys also build their rifles because they can customize things. For example, if you want a railed handguard, why pay for stock handguards you don't need? So you may save a little in that respect. Oh, one more thing. It's a good idea to headspace the upper after installing the barrel. Might want to invest in at least a field gauge. I'm not trying to discourage you from building by any means. It's just important that you understand there is some up-front tool cost. If you only plan to build one rifle, it might not be worth it to you. Companies like ADCO make their (RRA) kits a real bargain. You can get almost any configuration upper you want and just slap it on the lower you build with the parts kit. That's probably the best way to go for a first build, IMHO. |
| For my first build I bought an upper from ADCO made to my specs (SPR clone). I assembled everthing else and it was a blast. Now that I have been around the site for a couple months, I have learned loads and I am now ready to try a build from scratch. My suggestion would be , buy a completed upper and do the rest of the work yourself. When you are comfortable with how everything works, take the next step. I really isn't all that hard to put one of these rifles together. All the tools you will need will add up quickly so building your own is rarely more cost affective. Good luck. |
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MEGA (or other) lower+ AR kit from JTD or del-ton or lower+rra parts kit+ upper(lmt, rra, bushy,etc)--www.adcofirearms.com and www.eaglefirearms.net+rra 6-pos stock and WELCOME!  |
+1 for ADCO and Eagle Firearms!  I like Stag and Mega, bolth good lowers. And Welcome to the sickness. 
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