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Posted: 5/29/2008 8:25:27 AM EDT
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I'm a relative newcomer to AR-15s (and assault rifles generally, though I've target shot with different models and calibers), and I'm wondering: If I want an AR-15, why would I want to build it myself? I do not currently own any rifles (I do have two pistols and a shotgun). My desire to own an AR-15 stems mainly from the fact that my younger brother has one (a DPMS model, for a left-handed shooter), and I want to be able to have one of my own to use when we go to the range. I've fired his, but I am right-handed, so my face is actually on the other side of the stock than his when he shoots, and I've found that the ejected shell casings have a tendency to hit me in the face, which is a minor annoyance. Also, I'm just thinking it would be nice for us to not have to switch back and forth to shoot. Since I'm just looking to have one with which to target shoot with my brother, and I'm new to the concept of building my own, would trying to build my own be unnecessarily complicating matters? If there are significant advantages to building one as opposed to buying a stock model outright, then I'm not averse to the idea of building one, but I'd really have no idea where to start in so far as looking for parts, which parts had the best prices or were most recommended, etc., etc. Also, it may bear mentioning that I'm not particularly mechanically inclined, and haven't assembled anything more complicated than a personal computer or a 1:48 scale model airplane. Given this, I wanted to solicit opinions from the other forum goers. (Is there another FAQ or forum area for beginning shooters/buyers that I should be looking?) Thanks for any helpful opinions or suggestions! |
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Buying one off the shelf is just fine - but not as fun or rewarding as putting it together yourself. There are different degrees of building it yourself. At the simplest level, choose an assembled lower and a complete upper and put them together. The next level is a stripped lower and a complete kit which includes the complete upper and the lower parts kit. It really is not too complicated. There is one tricky part and that's the front takedown pin detent and spring. The next level is to start shopping individual components - different lower parts and trigger components. Barrels, upper receivers, handguards, sights, gas blocks, bolt carriers, charging handles, stocks...etc. This can take some time as it really is hard to decide what to make the build just right. It can also cost substantially more, as you may end up picking the high end components. I say get a stripped lower and a kit from someone like J&T, Delton or Model 1 sales. |
This is good advice. Building a kit is rewarding, gets you what you want, and can be less expensive. For example: Del-ton Middy Kit (a good choice) -> $465 Quality Stripped lower --------------> $120 (at most) 2 magazines ------------------------> $20 ----- $605 for a quality carbine The info on this board, plus thousands of helpful members in Texas (I'm in Houston) should make it easy to assemble and make good choices the first time. Good luck! - AG |
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For clarification, 'stripped lower receiver', is referring just to the frame, correct? That is, a stripped lower has no trigger assembly or other parts, which all come with the upper "kit"? That actually helps considerably. As far as the upper goes, the only thing that I had in mind that I wanted were a Picatinny rail along the top (instead of the prototypical carrying handle) so that I might later be able to put a scope or other optic on it easily. I also kind of prefer the aesthetic without the handle. I've found a place locally that will order the lower receiver (from DPMS). I think it would be in the $100 - $150 range. Thanks for answering my questions! |
yes, the stirpped lower is basically the frame, and is considered the "firearm" part complete kits will include ALL parts except for the lower recieved (so, it as the trigger parts, etc too) an A3 upper would probably be the way to go as it does offer the best versitiliity in the long run if you get a DPMS lower for $100-$125 locally, thats a very good deal imo good luck |
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usually, i'd recommend that 1st time AR owners/users opt for a complete AR, shoot it, learn its makeup 1st hand, etc; if not, at the least, opt for a 'snap build', where you simply get a complete lower/upper from the EE and snap em together at the most, i'd suggest 1st builds just build the lowers since they are pretty easy; uppers require armory tools, more amory skills, and knowhow...YMMV this topic should be all you need to build your own, esp if its just a lower (my suggestion if you decide to bulid some of your 1st): for the money, Stag and RRA offer great prices on uppers; kits from Delton (and others, including M1S, JTD, and MA) are easy to work w/ |
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