Building vs. Buying

[BigBear]

Can you build an AR-15 cheaper and more customized than a big box manufacterer?

Yes, been covered many times.

Where do I start as I know nothing except the operation of said firearm?

.... help?

I think I know most of the parts I need, but is there a comparison chart somewhere on stuff like triggers, barrel options, rail strengths, etc?

Probably covered already but we all know my search-fu is weaker than my resistance to a fresh steak...

[BPTactical]

I would start with:
"What is your intended use?"

[ChunkyMonkey]

I would say, buy the parts yourself and get someone like BP tactical to build it for you. Unless of course you have done it before and have all the tools for the job. The cheapest build I have done cost around $600 in parts. Bowers used to host group build class - not sure if they still do.

[ChadAmberg]

I think the question should be could you build a BETTER AR for a specific purpose for less than a big box manufacturer?

And what is the fun factor modifier for you as a builder? Most folks who shoot often have the skills to build a serviceable AR without too much hassle for a decent price. But many may not enjoy it, while others could do it all day every day.

[BigBear]

I would start with:
"What is your intended use?"

Very good question. What are other questions I should be thinking?
I'll try to answer your question when I have a bit more time.

I would say, buy the parts yourself and get someone like BP tactical to build it for you.

Rgr, I would definitely require some help and troubleshooting.... pun intended, lol.

I think the question should be could you build a BETTER AR for a specific purpose for less than a big box manufacturer?

And what is the fun factor modifier for you as a builder? Most folks who shoot often have the skills to build a serviceable AR without too much hassle for a decent price. But many may not enjoy it, while others could do it all day every day.

Don't understand the question about the "fun factor"... I don't mind building it as I would learn quite a bit about the rifle outside of just historical information and the basics of "how does it work". As far as enjoy doing it?... dunno, never built one. I'm not a model airplane type guy though, but I'm sure it could be interesting. I know I learned a lot when Byte helped me build that computer.

[Marlin]

Could be like mine, 9 months to get the parts together,, Hour and half to put it together..

[2ndAmendment]

I was giving a Vulkan Lower and was looking for a cheap upper. I only plan on shooting this no more than 25yds...Dont know too much about this stuff. What should I get???

[jim02]

If you want to build for the fun of learning then this wont help, if your trying to assemble a solid AR for cheap try this upper.
Here is a great deal on a great upper, bolt group included.

12 days of armalite christmas sale.
http://www.armalite.com/Categories.a...8-ae693c15137c
M15A4 CARBINE UPPER HALF, CHROME-MOLY 16" BARREL, BLACK (6" GAS SYSTEM) $399.00 EA

$70 for PSA AR15 Lower, $90 Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Build Kit


Add arear buis and you have a fine $650 AR.

[BigBear]

Rgr Jim, thanks for the headsup. I don't think I just want to slap a completed lower and upper together. I really think I want to get every single part and not just a kit... But again I don't know.

As far as the question of my intended use... I've thought about it all night. Realistically it'll just be a range toy as I don't really expect to see combat nor try for service rifle national competitions or anything. But as a range toy, I do want something durable/reliable and as accurate as possible. I doubt it'll see anything beyond 300 yards...

Again, I'm still looking for the questions I should be asking myself to better clarify.

Basically I'm just trying to build the stable and I don't have a .223/5.56 yet. And I do believe I only need one Ar15 notwithstanding BRD. Eventually I may venture into SBR's or Class 3's etc after teh stable is appropiately built. So, since it will be a single unit for a while, I would like something very nice, not just a beat up 40 year old rifle.

[jim02]

Again, I'm still looking for the questions I should be asking myself to better clarify.

How much $ do I want to spend?
Do I want a top of the line AR or a medium grade AR will fill my desire?
Do I want a factory looking AR or do I want to add my own options like a specific stock, handguards, etc?
Will I settle for 1"moa or do I need better?

A medium grade AR would be something like a Stag or S&W in my opinion, the parts I listed above would aslo fit in that medium grade in my opinion.
I think if you answer these questions along with what you already said you will know the way to go with your AR.