Posted: 7/12/2005 2:39:22 PM EDT
For a long time, I poo-pooed the idea of a FAB-10 based AR. I mean, how pitiful is that? But, seeing as I have no other options, and how all of the parts could be put on areal receiver if/when I move to another state or legally acquire a real AR-15 here (that is a possibility, if I get the Deputy Sheriff job I'm after  )...What would be the easiset, cheapest way to do this? Keep in mind the Crossroads gun show is coming up this weekend. Should I buy a receiver there, and start mail-ordering parts? Or would I be better off buying a complete rifle and then customizing it? I know very little about the AR, so if building my own involves special tools or knowledge, that's probably out. What are the steps / major parts involved? I assume I can just get a complete upper set (what's good? How much?), the trigger group, grip, stock... anything else? |
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It has been my experience that with just about anything it is cheaper to build it yourself (think about the lack of labor that gets charged to you). So buying any assemblies would probably be more expensive than to buy the parts seperate and put it together yourself (again, this is a broad generalization and sometimes it's not true). Also, you don't buy double parts, which should also save cost. It seems that most anything can be done to an AR-15 with the AR-15 multi tool, a receiver vice block, and that forend torque bar thing. You could probably get all the tools need to assemble your rifle from parts for $150, and probably around $50 for the bare minimum, so tools aren't that big of a deal. As for the receiver, if you want premade, pick one you want and (general concensus seems to be) build it yourself. I don't think I have seen a single "California AR" that was reasonably priced. I'm not saying they don't exist, I just haven't seen them. I don't want to break your bubble, but buying on impulse is never good. You can usually find what you are craving for cheaper by shopping around. If money isn't an option, or you don't care about saving $20, the go for it and buy the one you want. You could also always build one yourself, and that is almost guaranteed to be cheaper, though probably lower quality (due to our ways of error  )Cliche advice, I know, but sometimes you need to hear/read it for it to set in. |
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They're dead nutz simple to build - the lower requires no special tools or talent. Buy a couple of extra detent spings and detents if you're going to assemble it yourself and for safety wear a pair of safety goggles putting those darn things in! If you're going to assemble you're own upper I recommend buying the bolt and barrel as a matched set and have the seller do a quick gauge check on them for you. I also recommend using a proper torque wrench when tightening down the barrel nut. You'll need a barrel nut wrench too - about $15. |
Go to AtlanticFirearms.com, You can buy a complete Cal Legal for under $1000. Not really a bad price! These are the ones you can convert to a regular functioning AR if you move to another state. If you are new to building AR's It would save you money and many mistakes by buying a complete rifle. Then you can start from there. Not too many people will be satisfied with just 1 AR. You don't always save money by building it your self. Bulding a AR is a matter of customizing to your likes and dislikes. There are endless ways to customizing an AR. 
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