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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:48:47 AM EDT
[#1]
By your invitation, please allow me to tbe the first to call you silly.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:49:03 AM EDT
[#2]
Some of us pick and choose BETTER components than are normally available in a factory rifle for our builds. We're the ones you never hear about, because our guns RUN.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:50:39 AM EDT
[#4]
The satisfaction with assembling your own weapon cannot be explained.
Sometimes, it is for persona preference. Not all factory weapons will have EVERYTHING you want. Sometimes, you just need it for a special puspose that most folks don't offer. It also lets you learn about the operation and assembly of the weapon first hand, lending itself to easy repairs without having to send it off for weeks on end. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:51:49 AM EDT
[#5]
I do it because I enjoy building the rifle, that is part of the fun. Plus if one breaks, you know how to fix it!
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:52:14 AM EDT
[#6]
Thats a bit cocky aint it??? I have never had any malfunctions or problems with my ALL Factory Bushy. And no I havent just taken it plinking at the local range. I have attented quite a few classes from local facilities and have put this gun thru the ringer. I can understand buying a rifle and changing a few things for maybe stronger components, but trying to build one from scratch.... UGH??? Seems like a headache to me....? |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:54:33 AM EDT
[#7]
The more you do it. The more comfortable you will feel upgrading it yourself.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:57:15 AM EDT
[#8]
Ahhh, but if and when it breaks, are you familiar enough with the guts to fix it yourself? |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 10:58:05 AM EDT
[#9]
To some its a headache. To others its a challenge and fun. When you have built something up from scratch, you will have a better understanding of the weapon that you don't get by just buying one off the rack. And as AZ-K9 stated, if something breaks you will be more inclined to know how to fix it. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:01:42 AM EDT
[#10]
It is many things. First, Bushmaster and other manufacturers charge you a tax to sell you a complete rifle, so you save there and more depending on how well you shop for your components. If I chose to, I can usually build an AR identical to a manufacturer supplied one for around $200 less than dealer price, depending on how well I shop for the parts. More than a couple of bucks. $200 buys alot of ammo. Second, there isn't a factory setup that fits my specific wants or needs, so I have to build them to suit my wants or needs. I prefer quality parts - Colt or Bushmaster barrels, Colt bolt/carriers, Bushmaster lower receivers, Colt LPKs, aftermarket sights, high quality rail systems, etc. Third, all companies have had their QC glitches. While I'm not perfect either, I feel alot more confident in my ability to put together an AR than some underpaid line worker, or some disgruntled union worker (I'm union, so I know the attitude, although I try to keep mine in check). And finally, it is a hobby. I am sure if you sat down and actually built one, then were able to shoot it well - reep the fruits or your own labor - your attitude may change a little. Then again, maybe not. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:05:57 AM EDT
[#11]
1. It's fun to build your own from scratch.
2. You get to know your weapon better than if you dont. 3. You get to pick and choose your components. 4. Since an AR is made from interchangeable parts, most costing far less than $100, it is cheaper to repair it youself than shipping charges back to the manufacturer..... and you never have to be without your rifle. 5. It's challenging. 6. You can save a few bucks. 7. You can take spare parts you have laying around, and build more rifles than you had before, with just a few more dollars. 8. You learn more about the weapon to fix yours, and others, when there are issues. 9. You can have just as many problems with factory built rifles. 10. Cause its COOL to say, "I built it myself, from scratch" 11. Because I can. 12. Because why have someone do for me, when I can do for myself? |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:07:00 AM EDT
[#12]
Save a few bucks?
I'm building an M4A3-forgery and M16A2-forgery, quality MEGA lowers, RRA uppers, Bushmaster barrels. Total cost for 2 rifles, including shipping, sales tax, transfer fees, EVERYTHING, $1482.50. Equivalent cost of complete rifles from Bushmaster, including shipping and FFL transfer fees: $2195 A difference of... $712.50... That's equivalent to another complete rifle, or over 4000 rounds of ammo, or an Aimpoint CompM2 AND mount AND Surefire M96. It makes a difference. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:10:07 AM EDT
[#13]
same reason why some people like to work on their own cars, or mow their own lawns.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:13:50 AM EDT
[#14]
Cars okay... Lawns... maybe I'm just too young and still scarred but I can't believe anyone actually wants to mow their lawn. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:14:20 AM EDT
[#15]
I can either pay my local dealer tax and 10% on a lower(about $100 bucks) or pay him on a complete gun ($700+ dollars) , it justs makes more sence to only pay the tax and 10% on the lower and then buy a kit and complete the gun at home, where I can build it with the parts and in the configuration that I want. Plus, it's just plain fun watching a stripped lower turn into a rifle from a pile of parts. Makes you feel like you "gave birth" to the rifle rather then just bought it from a store.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:18:01 AM EDT
[#16]
It isn't cocky if you are doing it.  I have built every one of my AR's.Bob |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:28:23 AM EDT
[#17]
My wife LOVES to mow the lawns. Every saturday morning, "Honey, would you start the mower for me?" It's a pride-of-ownership thing. She still doesn't understand why I like to build rifles though. I tell her it's the same as her mowing the lawn, but she just doesn't get it. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:29:39 AM EDT
[#18]
Building your own rifle or having one built from parts you selected is actually more cost and time efficient than buying one off the shelf and later adding to it because you will get it the way you want it right off the bat. Many of us have bought stock rifles then replaced the stocks, handguards, and added this and that. You now end up with spare parts that tie up space and resource. Switching barrels is another consideration; though not difficult, it can be another affair in itself. Selecting the one you want the first time will save you time and money down the road. If you know what type of configuration you want before hand, it is rewarding to shop for all the subcomponents and then have it assembled of your own creation.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:31:07 AM EDT
[#19]
Why do some people build model cars? At least you can play with an AR after your done and it won't break-er hopefully...
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:32:24 AM EDT
[#20]
That also gets to the fact that alot of guys aren't in a position to fork out the complete cost of the gun at one time. Most of the guys I've helped build rifles with could do just as 'Frank said, buy the reciever first and then space the rest of the components out as MOMMA allows A lower parts kit THIS payday, a bolt and carrier next..........Besides that, as everyone else has mentioned, it's fun. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:37:57 AM EDT
[#21]
I like that you can put it together right, and not have to worry about some $6 an hour high school dropout, or worse yet a $30 an hour union hack, overtorquing the barrel. You can make sure molybdenum disulphide is used on the barrel threads (unlike Bushmaster and Colt!), and not just motor oil or lock-tite. Some companies make great components, but are not that great at putting rifles together. I like not having to wonder.
I like that you can select the best quality components where it really matters, paying top dollar if necessary, but pay less when the components are fungible. I like Bushmaster barrels, but I am not going to pay $175 for a flat-top upper when the RRAs and others are every bit as good for half the price. I like Colt fire control components, but many of their barrels are not chrome lined and are relatively very expensive. Building my own, I get Bushmaster barrels, Colt fire controls, an RRA upper, etc.; altogether a superior rifle to what you could get if you had stuck with one manufacturer. For less money. After a building a few, I understand how they work and how to put them together and take them apart. If something ever goes wrong and my warranty has expired, or for some other reason I can't send it back to the factory, I know how to fix it. Cheaply and quickly. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:39:21 AM EDT
[#22]
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:47:14 AM EDT
[#23]
Everyone has basically sumed it up. But unless i was gettin a super duper good deal on a complete rifle, I will always build mine. I have never had any issue with my Franken ARs, I use them in competitions. Plus you get the components that you want in a rifle. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:48:19 AM EDT
[#24]
I built my ar. Runs GREAT. My sons are building their first ar's this year. When you build it you have a better idea how it works or more importantly why it may NOT be working at any particular time. Simple as that. Oh, and your silly
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:48:34 AM EDT
[#25]
Actually it's so easy it's almost scary. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:58:45 AM EDT
[#26]
My reason for building a gun is simply because it is much cheaper! Plus, as it was posted above, fixing anything that might go wrong is very simple (unless you are mechanically challenged). However, I have yet to have any problems with the guns I have built, so this isn't an issue. Also, the savings can be considerable. Your basic 16" gun is going to run you $7-800 new, depending on several factors. However, I can build one for less than $500, and it will work just as well. There are several excellent lowers going for around $85 stripped, and these are good, quality lowers to build on.
Plus, there is always the satisfaction of doing something yourself instead of paying someone else! |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 11:59:38 AM EDT
[#27]
I'd guess you don't have a refined enough sense of your needs and capabilities.
I know only very very few people that are satisfied with "stock" configurations. It's military tech, and is intrinsically a compromise design intended for MILLIONS of people. Putting together your rifle lets you customize what you want without wasting money. It also means you're not the factory's bitch when a part breaks. It's gross as hell seeing the helpless worthless souls whine when a bolt catch breaks. "oooh, I have to get an RMA and send it back to the factory!" $5 to GA Precision gets me a new one, and it takes me a couple days to get it. Repair done in 2 minutes. Only nutless dependent fags need the factory to help them. Have some independence and pride, damnit. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:05:38 PM EDT
[#28]
It's the same as people who like myself, build there own desktop computers. The savings is minscule, but you know the ins/out of you creation better than any tech support person would. Like others said, there is also the satisfaction of you creating something.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:07:10 PM EDT
[#29]
If you want to save money, just buy complete halves and be done with it. You can get a RRA CAR/A4 for about $675 retail before taxes and shipping. I consider that quite a bargain.
For me, going the custom route for my first AR will cost me more than I dare fathom. However, it allows you to have an AR exactly the way you want it, without having to pay for redundant parts that will eventually be replaced. I knew from the start that I wanted certain parts and to my knowledge, they are not available as factory options. Another reason for "building" your own is that you can spread the cost over a period of time if money is an issue. Of course, there are downsides to self-assembled/custom ARs. If something goes wrong, there is no warranty or customer service department to turn to. You have to be able to diagnose and fix everything yourself (which can also be considered a good thing). Time is another deterrent. It takes considerable time for parts to come in, especially during the current rush. Finally, the temptation to use cheap parts may cause problems and frustration. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:13:13 PM EDT
[#30]
I guess alot of it comes down to wether you've got a knack for working on guns or not. I've always had a knack for fixin' up old guns and building new ones. I recently bought an Essex 45acp from my local dealer, it needed some work but all I really needed was the frame, I bought a Sarco 1911a1 kit and replaced every part on that pistol except for the frame(of course) and safety. I had to do alittle work to the flat main spring housing so it'd not rub on the grip safety but it wasn't all that hard. I took it out in back to my "testing" range and put two mags thur it without so much as a hitch. Same with the AR's that I've built. Just put them together and they work. I think they've been making AR parts for so long now that they've got all the tollerencs figured out pretty well so they work 99%of the time. I've also had fun working on VW's, that little air cooled engine is one of the neatest designs you've ever seen. Easy to work on and rebuild, can make a butt load of power if you know how to fix it up too. Some things just beg to be built/messed with, 1911a1's, AR's and VW's are just some of them. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:16:53 PM EDT
[#31]
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:17:17 PM EDT
[#32]
Nothing better than to see all those parts in various bags/boxes and then after a little bit of work pull the charging handle back and pull the trigger to see the first round go downrange.
I built my first AR from a kit and in all honesty its probably my favorite. * I know every piece of that firearm, how it fits, and how to quickly replace it * I had plenty of time to observe the interal parts and compare them to those I knew were correct. This ensured that there would be no bad parts in the gun * Did it for less than a NIB rifle from one of the ABCs would have cost * Forced me to buy some AR smithing tools that have come in handy down the road. Hey, if you want to buy an already assembled rifle that's fine. I know its not hard to take an AR apart and examine/clean the parts. It just felt good to know that I could build an AR and it worked. Nothing like loading that first mag up and actually having the damn thing fire and hit what you are aiming at! |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:20:23 PM EDT
[#33]
I know for me personally, I saved around a grand on my current build which is pretty substantial to me(thats a free eotech 552 and surefire M900 in my mind, hell, thats a free HK USP tactical). I also got to pick and choose from what I really wanted instead of what was available from any one munufacturer. What I ended up with was a 2000$(bushmaster quote with parts I really didn't want) rifle for about 900$, and I now know exactly how the thing is put together and functions incase of future failures. Maybe if your just going for a standard build, you wouldn't save very much and maybe it would be a waste of time, but when your like me, and want aftermarket everything from about 10 different people, your only choice is a custom build. This was the first AR15 I had ever built, and let me tell ya, there's NOTHING to it. Any blind monkey with a stick can do it with NO TOOLS, and do a fine job. I had a hammer, and a small punch(thats it!), and it took about 30 minutes to do a lower without a mistake. Uppers are even easier. I now have a beautiful, Ameetec, RRA, bushy, arms sir, magpul MUTT that will shoot circles around just about any stock rifle for the same price my father in-law spent on a plain jane DPMS carbine and looks 10 times as good to boot!!!! What more of a reason could you need??
PS. To me personally, "do it right" means "do it myself". Thats been my experience on everything form cars to quads to guns. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:27:13 PM EDT
[#34]
To each, his own.
I have done both, and have much more attachment to the build, than the rack gun. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:31:30 PM EDT
[#35]
I built three Viet era replicas for about $407 bucks each.
 Thats a little disingenuous. Thats how much the actual parts cost that went into the rifles. I did have to by tools, I bought some parts in packadge deals and have leftovers, I spent money driving to gunshows, admission/parking. I had some shipping costs etc...so the actual cost is somewhat higher but I have a good supply of spare small parts and A1 furniture now. I spent a long time hunting parts on EE and the net but the whole process was fun, not just the actual builds, especially when I found some great deals.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:37:08 PM EDT
[#36]
I absolutely LOVE to mow the lawn. Not kidding. I used to do it for a living even in college, and still just love it. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:45:25 PM EDT
[#37]
Consider HOBBY.
Most people have one, some don't. Those that don't can/will never understand. Why do people make their own planes and fly 'em when you can buy a Cessna? Why buy an old '67 Mustang and restore it yourself when you can probably find one somewhere already restored? Why build a 1" to the foot scale dollhouse for your wife or daughter when you can go out and get one? Why cook a fancy meal at home when you can just go out to a restaurant and order the same thing for no hassle? Because some people like to do things with their hands, minds, to use their creativity, to customize something in a way that isn't readily available, and the list could go on ad nauseum. I have a factory Bushmaster and a J&T kit. I love both, but for different reasons. I am now into building AR's (it's my hobby), but I wouldn't rule out ever getting a factory gun again. Bushmaster has more than earned my respect and my business through their quality and actions. 
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:50:52 PM EDT
[#38]
+1 |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:53:20 PM EDT
[#39]
your so silly...    
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:58:13 PM EDT
[#40]
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:58:19 PM EDT
[#41]
My neighbor LOVES to mow his lawn. In fact he mows it about every 3 days. He is also the same guy who uses a special mitten to get rid of bug spots on his cars too. That is a once a week thing. I hate mowing my lawn and finally gave in and have a gardener now. |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 12:58:46 PM EDT
[#42]
Ok, now the threasd is getting silly. Must be spreading...
Bob |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:05:36 PM EDT
[#43]
I build them the same reason I stock spare parts,god forbid you cant get ahold of parts in an emergency and no access to a gun smith I would have to and also my buddys who have ARs be able to work on the rifles ourselves to keep them seviced and in good repair.Especially importtant for those of us who shoot high volume to keep proficent its good to know I can service my own stuff.Another reason I have 1911s.Yes it saves money and gives satisfaction and confidence in proving to ourselves that we know the design but most of all I can rely on myself to keep things going and in the longrun it saves time and money.So to the original comment of the thread I hope you use your ARs for more than looks.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:07:29 PM EDT
[#44]
It's just fun and rewarding. If you're the type who has never had any desire to tinker with his car and lets the dealer handle EVERYTHING associated with its care and maintenance, or can't stomach the thought of buying a stereo system or home entertainment system that requires you to read the instructions and connect all those wires and cables by yourself, or has never set the clock on a VCR, then you should just BUY your rifles complete. But if those things are things you LIKE to do or at least don't mind doing, you're the type that might enjoy assembling a rifle from a few boxes of parts.
I'm one of those who has taken the further step of machining out the lower receiver myself, starting with a raw, uncut forging, a milling machine, a few tools and cutters, and the blueprint. The satisfaction I got from doing it was great, and the resulting rifle works as well as any AR anyone ever saw. I'd trust my life to it, and the most critical component, I made myself. Now THAT'S a feeling of satisfaction! CJ |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:13:20 PM EDT
[#45]
Once you realize how easy and cheap it is. You'll change your mind. Not to mention the knowledge gained. I have really only been into AR's for about 2 years and I was able to teach my father in law quite a bit about his Colt that he's owned for nearly 20years.
Since i built my first AR, I moved on to bigger and more challenging builds like the FAL. And I've gained the confidence to successfully tear down every one of my "pre-built" guns down the the last pin. My gun building hobby has virtually eliminated the need to seek a gunsmith. (a painful, lengthy, and costly, venture in my experience) BTW, all of my builds have been reliable, if not, I was able to make them reliable with a reasonable amout of tweaking. Honestly I cant imagine one good reason NOT to build. Man up! Damnit! Oh, and your silly 
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:25:35 PM EDT
[#46]
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:30:40 PM EDT
[#47]
LoL...wait til ya get into 0% Lowers. Now youve managed something.
I also dont consider me putting parts together as Building one, im mearly assemblying it. 0-80% lowers are considered Building IMO> |
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:34:26 PM EDT
[#48]
putiing something together is building it.
making one from a 0% lower is manufacturing it.
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:36:44 PM EDT
[#49]
Call me silly, but I just don't understand why people throw down the money and buy a factory put together gun.......
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Posted: 9/20/2004 1:36:59 PM EDT
[#50]
I am going to attempt putting together a stripped lower. I weighed purchasing a complete lower online and going through an ffl against buying a stripped lower and lower parts kit right down the street. The time I had a firearm shipped to a ffl was a hassle. I opted for buying the stripped lower and parts kit. I am not going to save money by the time I get everything. Mostly I want to get some experience with working on the rifle. There are very good directions on this website. Wish me luck!
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