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-...lth-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-...lth-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.

[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.