Hello all! I'm new to the ar 15 world and would like to build one. I'm looking more for accuracy than anything else. Does anyone have a sub-moa 20" that could give me tips on where to find really good parts at a reasonable price? I like the regular stock and would prefer one with a carry handle of some sort. Will probably add a scope later as well as a sling. Or would it be just as cheap to buy a varminter? Thanks and happy lead slingin!!

Welcome to ARFcom pavo.  

I ain't much of an expert when it comes to building ARs, I've only put together a couple lowers.  But if you're looking for an accurate AR, and your new to the little black rifles...It might be best to just buy a Varminter or a V-match. (Or some other brand's accurate offering)

I'd say if some of the pros here don't chime in, your best bet is to buy a Varminter/V-Match or other brands' accuracy offering.  The lower is pretty simple to build but the upper is obviously where some added tool expenses, caution, and  tighter tolerances must be observed. I know if I had built my first AR from scratch, I would have messed it up since I'm impatient.

I own a BM Varminter and can't say that I see much of a difference between it and my old V-Match.  Both are accurate. The Varminter just has a slight edge with the cool factor and came standard with the two stage competition trigger installed. (The Varminter looks especially freaky with an ACE skeleton stock on the rear...)  If I were you, and unless I have someone to coach me through the build, I would just purchase my first for several reasons, one being the warranty since even the big manufacturers make mistakes here and there.  (That way after you get it, tear it down and learn it good at your own pace)  

If you want to have a little pride in having built your own AR, I guess it still counts to build just your lower and slap a complete upper on it.(I've been there before)  There's still that little bit of pride in  knowing that you brought the receiver to life and there's nothing wrong with that. Also you can install whatever trigger you want, grip, springs, etc. etc.  These little things add up pretty fast.  I have several sets of Mil-spec Fire Control Parts laying around in my constantly expanding replacement tub that have been replaced by up-grades.  I also seem to be accumulating grips that I replaced with something a little better, selectors that weren't ambidextrous, mag-catch that wasn't ambi. etc, etc, etc, etc.  In fact, it was this large collection of spare parts, which were in duplicate, that lead me to build one of my first lowers.  The parts were there, so why not?

BTW, the Varminter has a 24" barrel.  Not sure if you were dead set on the 20" but if so, the V-Match has a 20" and if you like the barrel fluting, you can get it done on the V-Match as well for a nominal fee. The V-Match has a chrome lined barrel where-as the Varminter is unlined.  Either way you can add a carry handle, but you would need to either put a flip up front site, a fixed front site or a picatinny gas block. The flip is expensive, the fixed site/block can be a pain.  Either way good luck.

Take care.

Sly

Hello out there.
Well I just took the first step. I just ordered my first AR kit from A-1. Be about 4 weeks before it get's here, they where waiting for barrels. But that all right. I'm going to get the lower fromQuantico Arms. They got stripped lower for 85.00 bucks. So now I'm in business. Might be talken to some of you about putting it all together. But I don't think I'll have much trouble. This is a great site I've gone through and read alot of the posts and have gotten alot of good info. Thanks to all of you out there that share the same passion that I due. I just have one question? I read about tools needed to put the lower together. Can someone tel me what just exactly you need to assemble the parts into the lower to make it go easier.
                 Thanks again
                   bubba4602