Ar15 Kit Versus Pre built

[DVC357]

Good day,
I've religated my shooting to handguns for the last 10 years or so and was thinking about trying 3 gun. I'm looking to start by putting together a 20" AR. (Also, i have access to an FFL so can get some parts at wholesale.)
Would it be better to have a knowlegable gunsmith put one together from parts that i supply, or buy one pre bulit? Either through the likes of DPMS or buying lightly used, and then modifying it down the road.
Is there a Cheaper AND Better course?
Thanks for any recommendations.

[BPTactical]

Well I would have to ask you why you want to build? Are you trying to save money or are you looking at building something special?
If you are going to try 3 gun I would start out with a factory stock, complete rifle. Spend your money on range time and ammo then after a while you will know what mods will actually be beneficial to your situation.
I think for a new AR shooter a complete rifle is the way to go. Get familiar with the nuances of the AR platform before you build one. They are not a hard build but they do have their quirks and there are some things to pay attention to.
Most folks end up with close to 7-8 bills into a build and that is going to be a pretty basic rifle.
You can find a lightly used AR for that, maybe less.

[DVC357]

I guess in a perfect world, i'd like to get something a little special and save some money. I have a target budget of around a grand. I guess i have to figure out how much a smith would charge to assemble one properly and go from there. Im thinking that i might be able at a pile of parts, nicer then stock (at dealer cost) and have somebody assemble it, cheaper then i can buy what i'd like. But not sure.

[<MADDOG>]

My suggestion: watch videos on Brownell's or another reputable source on building an AR. They are relatively easy in comparison to some other rifles if you purchase quality parts and have the necessary tools.

In addition, you could build the rifle to your specs and add-ons, in lieu of purchasing one and trying to make it work or wasting $ getting it to were you want it.

If your not confident enough with building your own, there are a couple of masters on this forum that could definitely help you out.

[DVC357]

Thanks, i'll be putting together my parts list!

[blacklabel]

I went the kit route and was able to build for about $650 with a few upgrades.

I had extremely minimal experience with ARs but was able to build my lower without any major problems.

[nynco]

If you are looking to save money then check out Rainier Arms for their complete lowers. 320 with VTOR stock. They also have their combat arms uppers for around 600 with Daniel Defense barrels.

[Combatmatt]

Search around the interwebs for parts deals, I put my first together for about 1000 and looking at the work and parts I put on it its easily a 1500 weapon. Theres also alot to be said about putting together your own rifle. At first intimidating but after the first pins go in you'll be floored how easy it is. Good Luck!

[katatonic]

AR is easy to put together. If you want more than one its nice to get the tools and learn to roll your own.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you are mechanically inclined you can buy a "kit" rifle on line then acquire a lower, assemble and go shooting. If not spend the money and buy a ready to shoot rifle, as the first one and go from there.