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Posted: 4/14/2015 5:48:01 PM EDT
| Hello, I am looking for a cheap and rugged build. I want this AR to never stop working. I would like to take this thing everywhere with me from fishing on land, to kayaking, to hiking, to fishing on a boat, and maybe even as a gun to tag along in the car. Pretty much this gun will be my personal protection. I just need some suggestions and opinions on a cheap little AR that will go through hell. Preferably with just a carry handle with iron sights. A2 hand guard and light. (I already have a light.) |
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OP, aren't you a diehard CORE-15 fan and owner?
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_128/671623_Need_a_reliable_and_rugged_AR_for_the_wife____.html Quoted: Smart man. Even though CORE is not very well known, I would say, they sure give you a great AR for a nice price. Would I choose them over Colt? Absolutely. I was debating between those two companies before I purchased the CORE... I have not regretted my decision either. |
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OP, aren't you a diehard CORE-15 fan and owner? http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_128/671623_Need_a_reliable_and_rugged_AR_for_the_wife____.html Quoted: Smart man. Even though CORE is not very well known, I would say, they sure give you a great AR for a nice price. Would I choose them over Colt? Absolutely. I was debating between those two companies before I purchased the CORE... I have not regretted my decision either. Here are some that I think would be a great match for a lady. Btw, you can get all of these much cheaper at a gun shop. I had around $230 knocked off of mine. http://core15rifles.com/core-roscoe-rb1-.223-5.56.html http://core15rifles.com/core15-tac-m4-ul-ii-rifle.html http://core15rifles.com/core15-moe-m4-rifle-8118.html http://core15rifles.com/core15-m4-keymod-scout-rifle.html Yes, I do like CORE 15. I just want a real cheap AR that will not die. |
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Colt is what you seek. People have also had good experiences with PSA rifles. +1 They had a kit for $360 last week. Just add lower, rear sight, and assemble - it'll get the job done. Currently out of stock and it was a sale, but they do daily deals and holiday specials so it'll come back around. With the deals out there on an Anderson lower and a magpul rear flip I almost bit just to have a SHTF for about $480. |
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Would an AR pistol require some sort of permit and/or license in NC? This would be nice, especially if I am going to buy taking this thing on boats, yaks, etc. That you would have to ask in the HT Forum.  But since you are looking to BUILD a new gun, That would probably be a good direction to check out.
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+1 They had a kit for $360 last week. Just add lower, rear sight, and assemble - it'll get the job done. Currently out of stock and it was a sale, but they do daily deals and holiday specials so it'll come back around. With the deals out there on an Anderson lower and a magpul rear flip I almost bit just to have a SHTF for about $480. Quoted:
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Colt is what you seek. People have also had good experiences with PSA rifles. +1 They had a kit for $360 last week. Just add lower, rear sight, and assemble - it'll get the job done. Currently out of stock and it was a sale, but they do daily deals and holiday specials so it'll come back around. With the deals out there on an Anderson lower and a magpul rear flip I almost bit just to have a SHTF for about $480. Was the kit PSA brand? |
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That you would have to ask in the HT Forum. But since you are looking to BUILD a new gun, That would probably be a good direction to check out.Quoted:
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Would an AR pistol require some sort of permit and/or license in NC? This would be nice, especially if I am going to buy taking this thing on boats, yaks, etc. That you would have to ask in the HT Forum. But since you are looking to BUILD a new gun, That would probably be a good direction to check out.Primary Arms carries Radical Arms AR 15 Pistols for $600. Does anyone know anything about this company? |
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http://i.imgur.com/rf5JQVw.jpg My KISS rifle Specs: PSA FN CHF Midlength Upper w/ BCG & CH: $450 (as low as $400 on sale) Essential Arms Lower: $105 (today you can get lowers for cheaper) B5 SOPMOD stock: $ 58 PSA Buffer Tube Kit: $ 30 RRA Carry Handle: $ 60 on EE PSA LPK: $ 42 Total: $745 Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" |
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Quoted: Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" Quoted: Quoted: http://i.imgur.com/rf5JQVw.jpg My KISS rifle Specs: PSA FN CHF Midlength Upper w/ BCG & CH: $450 (as low as $400 on sale) Essential Arms Lower: $105 (today you can get lowers for cheaper) B5 SOPMOD stock: $ 58 PSA Buffer Tube Kit: $ 30 RRA Carry Handle: $ 60 on EE PSA LPK: $ 42 Total: $745 Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" |
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you can do that with a PSA or Delton kit in the sub 500 range Quoted:
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http://i.imgur.com/rf5JQVw.jpg My KISS rifle Specs: PSA FN CHF Midlength Upper w/ BCG & CH: $450 (as low as $400 on sale) Essential Arms Lower: $105 (today you can get lowers for cheaper) B5 SOPMOD stock: $ 58 PSA Buffer Tube Kit: $ 30 RRA Carry Handle: $ 60 on EE PSA LPK: $ 42 Total: $745 Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" Exactly, I just ordered a PSA complete classic lower for $149 with free shipping (thru 4/15) to go with my complete CHF upper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/20019/s/psa-14-7-chf-mid-length-lightweight-5-56-nato-1-7-premium-upper-with-bcg-and-ch/category/4220/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1213/category/4282/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1393/category/360/ |
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Exactly, I just ordered a PSA complete classic lower for $149 with free shipping (thru 4/15) to go with my complete CHF upper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/20019/s/psa-14-7-chf-mid-length-lightweight-5-56-nato-1-7-premium-upper-with-bcg-and-ch/category/4220/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1213/category/4282/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1393/category/360/ Quoted:
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http://i.imgur.com/rf5JQVw.jpg My KISS rifle Specs: PSA FN CHF Midlength Upper w/ BCG & CH: $450 (as low as $400 on sale) Essential Arms Lower: $105 (today you can get lowers for cheaper) B5 SOPMOD stock: $ 58 PSA Buffer Tube Kit: $ 30 RRA Carry Handle: $ 60 on EE PSA LPK: $ 42 Total: $745 Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" Exactly, I just ordered a PSA complete classic lower for $149 with free shipping (thru 4/15) to go with my complete CHF upper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/20019/s/psa-14-7-chf-mid-length-lightweight-5-56-nato-1-7-premium-upper-with-bcg-and-ch/category/4220/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1213/category/4282/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1393/category/360/ Gun price math on this site fascinates me. The PSA parts linked to above, while an excellent deal, total $640 without FFL transfer fees. How is a $660-$675 total sub $500? Way more often than not, the parts prices people post on here for builds are rounded down and don't include shipping. With total build costs, people (including myself) usually omit some parts or don't count parts they already had even though they paid for them at some point. Just because you paid for something a while ago doesn't make it free now. I'm guessing the typical build cost posted on this site is understated by $100-$150. I'm not trying to pick on anybody, but just point something out. |
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Gun price math on this site fascinates me. The PSA parts linked to above, while an excellent deal, total $640 without FFL transfer fees. How is a $660-$675 total sub $500? Way more often than not, the parts prices people post on here for builds are rounded down and don't include shipping. With total build costs, people (including myself) usually omit some parts or don't count parts they already had even though they paid for them at some point. Just because you paid for something a while ago doesn't make it free now. I'm guessing the typical build cost posted on this site is understated by $100-$150. I'm not trying to pick on anybody, but just point something out. Quoted:
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http://i.imgur.com/rf5JQVw.jpg My KISS rifle Specs: PSA FN CHF Midlength Upper w/ BCG & CH: $450 (as low as $400 on sale) Essential Arms Lower: $105 (today you can get lowers for cheaper) B5 SOPMOD stock: $ 58 PSA Buffer Tube Kit: $ 30 RRA Carry Handle: $ 60 on EE PSA LPK: $ 42 Total: $745 Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" Exactly, I just ordered a PSA complete classic lower for $149 with free shipping (thru 4/15) to go with my complete CHF upper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/20019/s/psa-14-7-chf-mid-length-lightweight-5-56-nato-1-7-premium-upper-with-bcg-and-ch/category/4220/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1213/category/4282/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1393/category/360/ Gun price math on this site fascinates me. The PSA parts linked to above, while an excellent deal, total $640 without FFL transfer fees. How is a $660-$675 total sub $500? Way more often than not, the parts prices people post on here for builds are rounded down and don't include shipping. With total build costs, people (including myself) usually omit some parts or don't count parts they already had even though they paid for them at some point. Just because you paid for something a while ago doesn't make it free now. I'm guessing the typical build cost posted on this site is understated by $100-$150. I'm not trying to pick on anybody, but just point something out. I see exactly what you mean, but I never call out someone who is trying to help me out. I understand it is not exact. Would I be able to have a build completely done by purchasing off of EE? |
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Just did this recently;
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/672928_Cursory_Review_of_PSA_PA15_.html |
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Just did this recently; http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/672928_Cursory_Review_of_PSA_PA15_.html Very nice, sir! Looks like a tank. |
| OK...this won't really be an AR suggestion, but it shares the pmags, is 5.56, and is ultra-compact. I have a Kel-Tec PLR16 that I carry in a small backpack...can stick it under the smallest car seat...can stuff it in a small cranny at home or on the road...and carry it in one of those book/hydration size packs you see all the hipsters toting their laptops and Starbuck's money in. With a tiny, cheap optic or the sights that come on it, you can hit things out to 100 yards or more with the right rest and enough time. I have a small Bushnell TLR-25 red dot on mine. I can go camping, canoeing, and lots of other activities I'd never really want to tote my AR rifle. If the canoe tips over, the gun is stolen, or some other snafu, I haven't lost a great deal of value. The gun costs under $500, only weights about 3.5 pounds but still reaches out pretty far for effectiveness. It's amazingly reliable. Some might demean Kel-Tec products, but it sounds like you're more in the market for a very small rifle caliber weapon, a folding rifle, or something similar. Hey, I love AR's, but when we're talking small, compact, light weight, and inexpensive, I think there are better options. This kind of category can get very preferential, so I'm sure my suggestion isn't even close to the do-all-end-all solution. On a side note, I used to think the idea of an AR pistol was illogical...until I got this PLR16. It showed me how effective the 5.56 cartridge still manages to be in a short barrel. Perhaps the only thing that has kept me from ditching the PLR is the additional weight, slightly bigger/longer, and the price of the AR setup. |
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OK...this won't really be an AR suggestion, but it shares the pmags, is 5.56, and is ultra-compact. I have a Kel-Tec PLR16 that I carry in a small backpack...can stick it under the smallest car seat...can stuff it in a small cranny at home or on the road...and carry it in one of those book/hydration size packs you see all the hipsters toting their laptops and Starbuck's money in. With a tiny, cheap optic or the sights that come on it, you can hit things out to 100 yards or more with the right rest and enough time. I have a small Bushnell TLR-25 red dot on mine. I can go camping, canoeing, and lots of other activities I'd never really want to tote my AR rifle. If the canoe tips over, the gun is stolen, or some other snafu, I haven't lost a great deal of value. The gun costs under $500, only weights about 3.5 pounds but still reaches out pretty far for effectiveness. It's amazingly reliable. Some might demean Kel-Tec products, but it sounds like you're more in the market for a very small rifle caliber weapon, a folding rifle, or something similar. Hey, I love AR's, but when we're talking small, compact, light weight, and inexpensive, I think there are better options. This kind of category can get very preferential, so I'm sure my suggestion isn't even close to the do-all-end-all solution. On a side note, I used to think the idea of an AR pistol was illogical...until I got this PLR16. It showed me how effective the 5.56 cartridge still manages to be in a short barrel. Perhaps the only thing that has kept me from ditching the PLR is the additional weight, slightly bigger/longer, and the price of the AR setup. Great suggestion. I've wondered about those things for a long time. Looks really practical. How sturdy is the whole setup? |
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Great suggestion. I've wondered about those things for a long time. Looks really practical. How sturdy is the whole setup? Quoted:
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OK...this won't really be an AR suggestion, but it shares the pmags, is 5.56, and is ultra-compact. I have a Kel-Tec PLR16 that I carry in a small backpack...can stick it under the smallest car seat...can stuff it in a small cranny at home or on the road...and carry it in one of those book/hydration size packs you see all the hipsters toting their laptops and Starbuck's money in. With a tiny, cheap optic or the sights that come on it, you can hit things out to 100 yards or more with the right rest and enough time. I have a small Bushnell TLR-25 red dot on mine. I can go camping, canoeing, and lots of other activities I'd never really want to tote my AR rifle. If the canoe tips over, the gun is stolen, or some other snafu, I haven't lost a great deal of value. The gun costs under $500, only weights about 3.5 pounds but still reaches out pretty far for effectiveness. It's amazingly reliable. Some might demean Kel-Tec products, but it sounds like you're more in the market for a very small rifle caliber weapon, a folding rifle, or something similar. Hey, I love AR's, but when we're talking small, compact, light weight, and inexpensive, I think there are better options. This kind of category can get very preferential, so I'm sure my suggestion isn't even close to the do-all-end-all solution. On a side note, I used to think the idea of an AR pistol was illogical...until I got this PLR16. It showed me how effective the 5.56 cartridge still manages to be in a short barrel. Perhaps the only thing that has kept me from ditching the PLR is the additional weight, slightly bigger/longer, and the price of the AR setup. Great suggestion. I've wondered about those things for a long time. Looks really practical. How sturdy is the whole setup? Probably better than it has a right to be. If you do an internet search for reviews of the PLR you'll also get some excellent expert tests of the gun from some reputable sources. You detect the surprise in most of them on how effective and reliable the gun turned out to be. Hey...it isn't even in the same galaxy as my LWRC or Armalites, but it is probably the gun I have in close proximity to me more than anything else I own besides my concealed carry pistol on a regular basis. It's seldom even in the safe because I throw it in my vehicle all the time when I'm out and about...secured in a creative but accessible way. It's almost always in a Camelback, medium sized, hydration pack and looks pretty darned ubiquitous. An AR pistol is without doubt better quality, but this thing seems to possess reliability and effectiveness beyond its price IMO. As one poster already suggested...a Glock...even on the AR forum an AR may not always be the only option. 
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Quoted: I see exactly what you mean, but I never call out someone who is trying to help me out. I understand it is not exact. Would I be able to have a build completely done by purchasing off of EE? Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Very nice! That is pretty much how I want to outcome to look. Very simple and sleek. Only thing different I want is just the cheap adjustable stock. I do not want this rig to be drop dead gorgeous. I want it to be drop dead indestructible. I thought about doing rifle length DI on a 16" Exactly, I just ordered a PSA complete classic lower for $149 with free shipping (thru 4/15) to go with my complete CHF upper. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/20019/s/psa-14-7-chf-mid-length-lightweight-5-56-nato-1-7-premium-upper-with-bcg-and-ch/category/4220/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1213/category/4282/ http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/1393/category/360/ Gun price math on this site fascinates me. The PSA parts linked to above, while an excellent deal, total $640 without FFL transfer fees. How is a $660-$675 total sub $500? Way more often than not, the parts prices people post on here for builds are rounded down and don't include shipping. With total build costs, people (including myself) usually omit some parts or don't count parts they already had even though they paid for them at some point. Just because you paid for something a while ago doesn't make it free now. I'm guessing the typical build cost posted on this site is understated by $100-$150. I'm not trying to pick on anybody, but just point something out. I see exactly what you mean, but I never call out someone who is trying to help me out. I understand it is not exact. Would I be able to have a build completely done by purchasing off of EE? the PSA links posted above are not mine, BTW. wait till a rifle or carbine kit goes on sale at Delton for $425, add a stripped lower for $50 and that's less than $500. I'll see if I can find you the links... prices fluctuate a lot, depending on whats on sale and other factors. |
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hey look. here is a whole entire rifle for $450 free shipping. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/19915/s/del-ton-rifle-dt-sport-lite-16-5-56-lw-dtsportlt/ |
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I see exactly what you mean, but I never call out someone who is trying to help me out. I understand it is not exact. Would I be able to have a build completely done by purchasing off of EE? I got my CHF upper and bolt on EE, saved some cash too. BTW...I was not trying to hit any specific price point, just showing an example of a high value per dollar type of build, which I would prefer over a cheap sub-$500 rifle every time. I could easily build a cheapo PTAC rifle for a lot less, but would you really want one?
You can spend more, or spend less...it just depends on where your priorities are, pricing or quality. |
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Just did this recently; http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/672928_Cursory_Review_of_PSA_PA15_.html I just LOVE the squirrel pics - can't stop laughing. |
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I just LOVE the squirrel pics - can't stop laughing. Quoted:
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Just did this recently; http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/672928_Cursory_Review_of_PSA_PA15_.html I just LOVE the squirrel pics - can't stop laughing. I know, I know....
Seriously, tho, rat shooting is the best "pre-season" shooting practice ever. We use our elk and deer rifles, too, and by elk and deer season are pretty hot shooters from field positions. All rifles and pistols get worked out on rats, and we use them for coyote bait, too. And for the pure joy of watching a 104 pound Lab dive down a gully wash and sprint over a hundred yards of logging slash and clearcut to find what's left and bring it back to the shooter. Really, there is nothing on TV that holds a candle to that kind of entertainment! |
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Originally Posted by Smith919:
I actually went with the G19 Gen 4 today... Hey, the Glock 19 is a Great Pistol. It's very Compact and Concealable, and just like a good AR or AK, it will go BANG every time you pull the trigger. Can't ask for much more then that. I would suggest that you change the Slide Stop out for the Factory Extended one, it only costs around $18., and get yourself a few more extra mag's. The Pearce +2 Mag Extension work perfectly with the Gen4, and they will give your mag's a 17 round capacity with very little extra length. |
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Hey, the Glock 19 is a Great Pistol. It's very Compact and Concealable, and just like a good AR or AK, it will go BANG every time you pull the trigger. Can't ask for much more then that. I would suggest that you change the Slide Stop out for the Factory Extended one, it only costs around $18., and get yourself a few more extra mag's. The Pearce +2 Mag Extension work perfectly with the Gen4, and they will give your mag's a 17 round capacity with very little extra length. Quoted:
Originally Posted by Smith919:
I actually went with the G19 Gen 4 today... Hey, the Glock 19 is a Great Pistol. It's very Compact and Concealable, and just like a good AR or AK, it will go BANG every time you pull the trigger. Can't ask for much more then that. I would suggest that you change the Slide Stop out for the Factory Extended one, it only costs around $18., and get yourself a few more extra mag's. The Pearce +2 Mag Extension work perfectly with the Gen4, and they will give your mag's a 17 round capacity with very little extra length. What makes you recommend this little upgrade? Ergonomics? 
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Smith919, as far as Cheap & Reliable AR's are concerned, I think PSA is your only real option.
They recently had this Upper Half for Sale for $259.: PSA 14.7" CHF Mid-length Lightweight - Unpinned - Without BCG or Charging Handle 
With the Cost of Charging Handles and Bolt Carrier Groups being fairly reasonably right now, finishing the Upper Half would be pretty reasonably priced. And throw in the cost of a Complete Lower Half, you could have a complete Rifle/Carbine around the $500 price range. Even less is you have a lot of spare parts available. You need to watch their site for whatever configuration Upper Half your looking for, and when it's in stock, BUY IT !!! |
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Smith919, as far as Cheap & Reliable AR's are concerned, I think PSA is your only real option. They recently had this Upper Half for Sale for $259.: PSA 14.7" CHF Mid-length Lightweight - Unpinned - Without BCG or Charging Handle http://palmettostatearmory.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/540x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/4/14.7mid.jpg With the Cost of Charging Handles and Bolt Carrier Groups being fairly reasonably right now, finishing the Upper Half would be pretty reasonably priced. And throw in the cost of a Complete Lower Half, you could have a complete Rifle/Carbine around the $500 price range. Even less is you have a lot of spare parts available. You need to watch their site for whatever configuration Upper Half your looking for, and when it's in stock, BUY IT !!! That's the one I linked above I used in my recent put-ta'gether. |
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add a Anderson lower for $40 shipping and transfers will add an additional $25-50 |
| Might also take a look at FatBoyTactical. I have built two from their rifle kits and am pleased with them. First one I bought was $419, second one was $399, just add an Anderson lower for $39 and you're set. They charge $10 shipping on the rifle kits and lowers. |
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Colt is what you seek. People have also had good experiences with PSA rifles. +2 on PSA For your car you want a 1911a1.
Just built my daughter a PSA carbine for around $500. They seem to be pretty good rifles IMHO. My brother-in-law has had one for years with no problems. |
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You can put together a nice AR from PSA for under $600.
PSA Carbine kit "Blem" lower Just add a rear BUIS and you are ready to go. MAGPUL rear sight |
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You can put together a nice AR from PSA for under $600. PSA Carbine kit "Blem" lower Just add a rear BUIS and you are ready to go. MAGPUL rear sight The complete blem lower, pencil barrel upper, bcg and charging handle and carry handle, all new, from PSA worked out to about the same price as the parts kit combination here. |
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Would an AR pistol require some sort of permit and/or license in NC? Quoted:
Would an AR pistol require some sort of permit and/or license in NC? In NC, for an AR pistol, it does require the standard pistol permit from the Sheriff's office when you pick it up from your FFL. Quoted:
This would be nice, especially if I am going to buy taking this thing on boats, yaks, etc. Yaks?? |
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