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Posted: 6/19/2008 12:21:27 PM EDT
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Looking to build my first AR, and was looking for advise (Look at this/stay away from that) on how to keep the cost low while maintaining a measure of quality (chrome-lined vs chromoly). I would like a 16"-20" barrel, rails would be nice but not essential, iron sites are good enough for now (optics will come later), collapsible stock, and pretty much anything else is icing. I not opposed to starting from stripped lower or something that is kitted out already. All advice is appreciated. tribbled |
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Get a stripped upper somewhere. Should cost you no more than $150 Then order a kit you like from one of the sight-sponsors, by clicking their ads at the top of the page. www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_20_s/58.htm That should include everything you need except tools, mags, and the stripped receiver. Depending on the options you choose, you can order it for as little as $465 plus shipping. With an A2 upper, A2 stock and basic options the total on the kit is $475 That should bring the total, minus magazines, tools, and basic accessories to less than $600. |
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If I was looking to build an AR on the cheap right now, realizing that it needed to be uber reliable.... I would start with this kit www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt103.htm $465 - 65 for no bolt carrier assembly and +45 for the chrome lined BBL = $445 I would probably go with an A3 (flat top upper) w/ fixed BUIS for the ability to move to optics later. This would cost about $100 then I would get an LMT auto BCG ($130) and charging handle ($21) from here www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-Upper-Receiver-Bolt-Carrier-Parts-s/2.htm and any forged spec lower (should run less than $120) I'd throw in some spare detent springs and various and sundry spares for about $50 and I would have a fine rifle for about $770. Minus mags and sling. The only thing I would ever add would be optics depending on how I want to use it and a weapons light (no rails lasers or foregrips.) As far as putting it together, pretty darned easy if you take your time. There is an excellent set of instructions (step by step) on here. I've done 4 and they all work. Just have a couple of the parts on hand that are apt to be thrown across the room under spring pressure. It's a %#%+* not having your AR for want of a $1 part. Companies I would most certainly stay away from... M&A, Model 1 Sales, Hesse, Vulcan |
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I just picked up 4 Stag lowers (two for me and two for a friend) from DD's Ranch for $104.95 each plus shipping. I saw an ad for them on the AK-47 forum. I ordered the Stag model 2H kit from Legal Transfers (AR15sales.com) that I saw advertised on the EE for $633 shipped. The barrel is chrome-lined and includes one mag, BUIS, LPK, and buttstock. This all comes to just under $770. I believe Stag also has a lifetime warranty. Also, if I divide the FFL transfer fee and shipping over the 4 lower receivers, I am at $746. |
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I have built 3 AR types in the last month or so and have been able to stay on my restricted budget. I bought one Spike Tactical ($105) and two Anvil Arms laser engraved ($100) lowers and three Garrison Manufacturing Inc complete kits. The Standard A2 ran $440 delivered and the M4 flat top ran $465 delivered. I went a little wild with the flat top and got a carrying handle ($40), back up iron sight ($25), and a Quad Rail Forearm ($60) from Cjeaper Than Dirt. I did not spend any money for tools. I used my old punch set and a small hammer I already had. |
Link, although they would have to be nice to beat J&T or M1S IMO. |
Don't neglect taking a look at these guys. Kits using CMMG components, a step up from D-T and J&T at similiar cost. They come completely dis-assembled, though you can choose to to get the upper receiver built and test fired for an extra $50. Fire For Effect |
I was looking around on their site and it says for a limited time they will build the upper for free. That's a pretty sweet deal, I'll have to look into it. |
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I just bought a Superior Arms lower with the trigger adjustment screw and the kit from Del-Ton for the 16" ( They have them in stock right now) and built a rifle that shot over 1000 rounds without ANY problems. I ordered the Del-ton on Thursday and got it on Wednesday the next week. I would trust those folks 100%. All I did was follow the online video to put it together, adjusted the trigger screw to my liking and now I bought a Hogue grip, CAA Tactical Sling and stole a cheap red dot from my brother. It shoots great. No worries at all. I did pickup a rear iron sight from Sportsmans Guide for $54 bucks. It flips down. Those Superior Arms lowers are $96 bucks shipped from a guy on Gunbroker. He shipped it the same day he got my money order. No problem with him at all either. |
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