Looking for advice regarding an AR-15 build

[NewToThis]

Hi guys, I am a new resident to Colorado (Erie) and looking to get into the gun scene. I am currently 17, but have been doing as much research as possible to get a head start on my options for a build. To start things off, I'd like what I get to be a respectable platform that won't break the bank (>$700). I am currently debating on whether to go with a complete rifle (5.56/.223) from a better known company: PSA, Radical, Spikes, etc. or to either partially or fully build a platform from scratch. As someone new to the industry, I feel as if building would be somewhat above my head if I went with completely stripped uppers and lowers and added all components myself. I also am unsure on if there would be a big difference in prices between building and buying. From what I've seen so far, this really depends on the build, whereas I know I can get a quality complete rifle in the sub-$700 range. I'd appreciate if anyone had any ideas for what would be a good starting point for me, keeping in mind costs and how difficult a build is to do yourself. Lastly, if anyone could recommend a range in the Front Range area that is a good place to shoot, I'd love it. Thanks!

[ray1970]

Welcome.

I say if its your first AR that you should buy something complete. Once you?ve become familiar with the platform in general and your specific rifle then you?ll know what you like or don?t like and can either make changes to your current rifle or maybe build your next one the way you want.

Putting one together yourself isn?t rocket science but will require investing in some special tools. If you factor in the cost of those tools and all of the parts and pieces for the rifle it will likely add up to way more than just buying a factory rifle of some sort.

When it?s closer to time for you to get serious you should swing by Bowers Tactical in Centennial some time. The guys their are very knowledgeable and helpful and I?m sure would be happy to talk to you. Plus, its like an AR candy store.

[NewToThis]

Thanks for the insight, I'll stop into Bowers when I get the chance.

[whitewalrus]

Welcome.

I say if its your first AR that you should buy something complete. Once you?ve become familiar with the platform in general and your specific rifle then you?ll know what you like or don?t like and can either make changes to your current rifle or maybe build your next one the way you want.

Putting one together yourself isn?t rocket science but will require investing in some special tools. If you factor in the cost of those tools and all of the parts and pieces for the rifle it will likely add up to way more than just buying a factory rifle of some sort.

When it?s closer to time for you to get serious you should swing by Bowers Tactical in Centennial some time. The guys their are very knowledgeable and helpful and I?m sure would be happy to talk to you. Plus, its like an AR candy store.

This, go with a factory AR-15 for your first or have someone build it for you. You will soon learn what you like or don't and can build for your next purchase. It also allows you to hit the range frustration free the first time if things didn't go exactly as planned.

[whitewalrus]

Hi guys, I am a new resident to Colorado (Erie) and looking to get into the gun scene. I am currently 17, but have been doing as much research as possible to get a head start on my options for a build. To start things off, I'd like what I get to be a respectable platform that won't break the bank (>$700). I am currently debating on whether to go with a complete rifle (5.56/.223) from a better known company: PSA, Radical, Spikes, etc. or to either partially or fully build a platform from scratch. As someone new to the industry, I feel as if building would be somewhat above my head if I went with completely stripped uppers and lowers and added all components myself. I also am unsure on if there would be a big difference in prices between building and buying. From what I've seen so far, this really depends on the build, whereas I know I can get a quality complete rifle in the sub-$700 range. I'd appreciate if anyone had any ideas for what would be a good starting point for me, keeping in mind costs and how difficult a build is to do yourself. Lastly, if anyone could recommend a range in the Front Range area that is a good place to shoot, I'd love it. Thanks!

When you turn 18, you still cannot buy a stripped receiver. Must be 21 to buy a stripped receiver. So this further makes the case for buying it already built.

[ray1970]

When you turn 18, you still cannot buy a stripped receiver. Must be 21 to buy a stripped receiver. So this further makes the case for buying it already built.

Legitimate question. Could the lower be transferred as a long gun instead of other?

[Great-Kazoo]

Legitimate question. Could the lower be transferred as a long gun instead of other?

NO. Only ways to do that is buy the lower with a rifle stock, or as a complete rifle. If not, it's done as Other on the 4473.
Such as this one. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-stealth-lower.html



In today's over reacting, hysterical environment regarding guns. There's few if any ffl's that would sell a stripped lower to one under the age of 21

[whitewalrus]

NO. Only ways to do that is buy the lower with a rifle stock, or as a complete rifle. If not, it's done as Other on the 4473.
Such as this one. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-stealth-lower.html



In today's over reacting, hysterical environment regarding guns. There's few if any ffl's that would sell a stripped lower to one under the age of 21

This. Except I wouldn?t think ANY FFL would sell a stripped lower to under 21.

[theGinsue]

NewToThis, with recent events in the news I feel compelled to say a few things that is likely on everyone else's mind.

You're 17 years old. This means you're likely still living at home with your parents, and probably still attending High School. Everyone on this site is passionate about firearms and our firearms rights, and we have no reason to believe that you are any different. But, due to your age, and recent news events, I must strongly urge you to ensure your parents are fully aware of your interest. This is especially true since you'll be needing to have this firearm in their home.

While everyone here understands the excitement in getting their first firearm, especially their first AR, don't let that excitement push you into any rushed decisions. Take your time and think it through. Consider how your sense of urgency might be viewed by someone who doesn't share the appreciation for AR's and other firearms like we do. Know that there is nothing in place or on the immediate horizon that will stop you from acquiring what you want when the time is right. Colorado now has Red Flag laws. A 17yo expressing too much enthusiasm for acquiring a firearm could quickly become very uncomfortable for said 17yo.

Think about it.

[SouthPaw]

Lowers with or without a stock do not classify how they are transferred. All lowers without a barreled upper receiver are transferred as frames/receivers regardless if they are setup to be intended as a pistol or rifle.

[buffalobo]

What is your firearm experience? Novice, regular shooter, hunting, competition?

Rays advice was spot on, Bowers, much to see and learn.

[Great-Kazoo]

Lowers with or without a stock do not classify how they are transferred. All lowers without a barreled upper receiver are transferred as frames/receivers regardless if they are setup to be intended as a pistol or rifle.

Not according to vendors, like PSA. While they both say Must Be 21 to Purchase. The 1st link says it's sold as a pistol lower

. I know when working for a few FFL's. If the lower came in with a regular stock (before the whole KAK & SB) it was 4473'd as long gun. HOWEVER that has probably changed in the last few years.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-sba3-lower-gray.html
Must be 21 or older to purchase.
This complete Palmetto State Armory Pistol Lower with SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable Brace is fully assembled and ready for your Pistol Upper!

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-ctr-ept-miad-edition-odg-no-magazine-5165457977.html

This Complete Palmetto State Armory lower is fully assembled and ready for your complete Upper!

[SouthPaw]

Not according to vendors, like PSA. While they both say Must Be 21 to Purchase. The 1st link says it's sold as a pistol lower

. I know when working for a few FFL's. If the lower came in with a regular stock (before the whole KAK & SB) it was 4473'd as long gun

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-sba3-lower-gray.html
Must be 21 or older to purchase.
This complete Palmetto State Armory Pistol Lower with SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable Brace is fully assembled and ready for your Pistol Upper!

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar-15-complete-lower-magpul-ctr-ept-miad-edition-odg-no-magazine-5165457977.html

This Complete Palmetto State Armory lower is fully assembled and ready for your complete Upper!

They can advertise any way they want but a lower, whether stripped, with a stock, or setup as a pistol is transferred as a receiver/frame. If it does not have a barreled receiver on it, it’s is not a rifle or pistol. They changed this ruling sometime ago hence why you have to be 21yo+ and cannot sell a lower to an out of state resident.

I just bought that exact lower last week and it came in on Friday, yeehaw!

[MrAK]

NewToThis, with recent events in the news I feel compelled to say a few things that is likely on everyone else's mind.

You're 17 years old. This means you're likely still living at home with your parents, and probably still attending High School. Everyone on this site is passionate about firearms and our firearms rights, and we have no reason to believe that you are any different. But, due to your age, and recent news events, I must strongly urge you to ensure your parents are fully aware of your interest. This is especially true since you'll be needing to have this firearm in their home.

While everyone here understands the excitement in getting their first firearm, especially their first AR, don't let that excitement push you into any rushed decisions. Take your time and think it through. Consider how your sense of urgency might be viewed by someone who doesn't share the appreciation for AR's and other firearms like we do. Know that there is nothing in place or on the immediate horizon that will stop you from acquiring what you want when the time is right. Colorado now has Red Flag laws. A 17yo expressing too much enthusiasm for acquiring a firearm could quickly become very uncomfortable for said 17yo.

Think about it.

I completely second this notion. No offense to Newtothis, but your original post comes off as fairly new to firearms in general and you are admittedly underage for buying firearms / still living at home unless imancipated or under some other extreme circumstance.

I would suggest to you that you have your parents or legal guardian go with you to a shop like Bowers and get some quality shop chat with the guys / gals there. You?ll leave with a much better mindset as to what your options are and what will work best for you.

MODERATORS, I highly suggest reviewing and closing this post due to the current political and media climate. I?d do my best Admiral Ackbar impression for everyone, but I can?t figure out how to upload video to this site.

[ray1970]

MODERATORS, I highly suggest reviewing and closing this post due to the current political and media climate.

The original post doesn?t come across as anything nefarious if you ask me. The post is well written and the young man who wrote it appears to be gathering information so that he can make a decision about a potential upcoming purchase in the near future once he is of legal age to make that purchase.

The internet wasn?t really the resource it is today back when I was his age but I can assure you I was anticipating my first firearms purchase when I was his age and was reading magazines and dreaming about what I wanted to buy when the time came.

I think it?s good to see interest in the sport from the younger generation. Let?s not discourage potential new shooters by shutting down their threads out of some weird fear unless there is an implied attempt at circumventing the legal process or using a firearm for illegal activities.

[crays]

Ray, did you just assume OP's gender?

All kidding aside, I too had a fervent interest in firearms at a young age. I had a subscription to Guns & Ammo at 13 or 14. I keep hoping to find the box with all those old issues squirrelled away somewhere at my parents home, but they haven't surfaced even though neither of my parents remembers discarding them.

To the OP, I hope you have support/mentor from a parent, sibling or relative in your passion. I cherish the memories of bird hunting with my dad when i was young.

Welcome to the fold.



Sent from somewhere...

[theGinsue]

Minimum age to purchase a complete AR-15 from a FFL dealer (nationally): 18.
Minimum age to purchase a lower from a FFL dealer in any configuration (nationally): 21
Private party transfers must be processed through a FFL dealer with the same age requirements (in Colorado), and both must be a resident of the same state (nationally).
Legitimate gifts of a long gun can be received from parents, grandparents, siblings, or spouses at any age (in Colorado); however they must be a legitimate gift, e.g. your parents buy a gun for you for Christmas without your knowledge. *
(and it would be wise for a giftor to be responsible for securing it until the giftee is age of majority)
Legitimate gifts of a stripped lower can probably only be received if you are 18. **
*Handing money off to a relative to buy it and "gift" it is not a gift, it is a straw purchase, which is a crime.
**The age of possession for handguns in CO is actually 18, but they can only be acquired between 18-20 as a legitimate gift. I'm not aware if stripped lowers would be considered to have an age of possession, but it is quite wise to assume a court would interpret it so, especially after the federal requirements clamped down a few years ago.

As far as building or buying complete, at the age you are entering, you're probably going to have to buy.

[NewToThis]

What is your firearm experience? Novice, regular shooter, hunting, competition?

Rays advice was spot on, Bowers, much to see and learn.

Regular shooter. Was a member at a gun range in Georgia where I shot just about any caliber and gun you can name. I've taken basic pistol and rifle as well as Tactical rifle l in addition to shooting with friends on private property in fun, yet competitive atmosphere. I'm generally familiar and comfortable with guns, just haven't gotten the fam on board with shelling out their own money to fund this hobby of mine.

[Gunoholic]

Newtothis,

Great post. I think my dad bought "our" first AR when I was 16/17 years old.. Few guys here are too uptight. Everything in my dad's house was his until I moved out after 18. With your parents approval/help (parental supervision) I hope you can get into any appropriate hobby your heart desires.

Id say go Aero/PSA/Anderson in that order for a lower. or Matching PSA upper and lower because they have so many options.. I prefer to put money in the barrel, trigger and optic. Over the years you'll swap triggers, rails, optics... and the last thing would be a QUALITY barrel. If you skimp on the barrel from the start, you'll always question it (well I would anyway).

$519 PSA upper CHF 16 with Geissele MK14 rail.. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-carbine-length-m4-chf-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-mk14-m-lok-upper-no-bcg-or-ch.html
$339 PSA upper chf 16" standard m4 style....https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-carbine-length-chf-m4-5-56-1-7-upper-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

Congrats on your upcoming birthday. Hope my suggestions are helpful.

[NewToThis]

Newtothis,

Great post. I think my dad bought "our" first AR when I was 16/17 years old.. Few guys here are too uptight. Everything in my dad's house was his until I moved out after 18. With your parents approval/help (parental supervision) I hope you can get into any appropriate hobby your heart desires.

Id say go Aero/PSA/Anderson in that order for a lower. or Matching PSA upper and lower because they have so many options.. I prefer to put money in the barrel, trigger and optic. Over the years you'll swap triggers, rails, optics... and the last thing would be a QUALITY barrel. If you skimp on the barrel from the start, you'll always question it (well I would anyway).

$519 PSA upper CHF 16 with Geissele MK14 rail.. https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-carbine-length-m4-chf-5-56-nato-1-7-nitride-13-mk14-m-lok-upper-no-bcg-or-ch.html
$339 PSA upper chf 16" standard m4 style....https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-carbine-length-chf-m4-5-56-1-7-upper-without-bcg-or-charging-handle.html

Congrats on your upcoming birthday. Hope my suggestions are helpful.

Thanks for the guidance, I'm definitely throwing all my money to the barrel and BCG as well as a solid trigger. Going to train with what will eventually be backup irons first to get a baseline for additional optics and magnifiers. Don't know if PSA still has their sale on, but their M4 style variant was discounted over $200, which would compensate for a drop-in trigger or something.
Thanks again!

[ray1970]

I gave up spending money on expensive barrels years ago. I?ve had sub $100 barrels that would outshoot barrels costing three to four times as much. As long as the cheaper barrel is headspaced correctly and the gas port is sized properly it should work.

Definitely don?t cheap out on the BCG. The difference between a cheap one and a something like a BCM unit is maybe $50-$80.

Post pictures if your project becomes reality.