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AR15.COM
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11/6/2006 8:39:21 AM EDT
I am looking to pick up my 1st AR.
Question #1: do I need to get a 5.56 Nato chambering to cover .223 as well? I see RRA's Wylde chambering and Stag's 5.56 Nato chamber, but Bushmaster calls out .223 chambering
I thought that the two were interchangable?

Question #2: how much cheaper can I build a high quality AR myself verse an off the shelf rifle? I am looking at the Carbine with A2 handle. Just a basic beater that shoots and is easy to transport.

This site has more than enough info!
11/6/2006 8:45:22 AM EDT
[#1]
While they are not exactly the same load, you should have no trouble shooting 5.56 in a Bushmaster. However it isn't a good idea to shoot 5.56 in say a .223 bolt gun.

Building can save you some money. Depending on the rifle, maybe a couple hundred bucks, maybe less maybe more, depending on what kind of parts you buy. A popular motto around here and what I plan to do is "Buy one, build many".
11/6/2006 8:49:25 AM EDT
[#2]
Thanks for the info.
It looks like .223 is easier to come by.
What about special build tools? Barrel wrench and action block.
11/6/2006 9:35:18 AM EDT
[#3]
Buy a complete rifle first, and then after you fully learn how everything works, then look at building one.
11/6/2006 9:36:45 AM EDT
[#4]
Plus 1 to above.
11/6/2006 9:45:05 AM EDT
[#5]
first, read this to answer your ammo questions:Ammo Oracle; overall, i'd opt for 5.56/.223 wylde chambering

2: depends on what you plan for your setup, and how much you are willing to scourage for parts, and if you mind used parts, and how many you plan on building....the more you invest, build and scoure, the more you will save in the long run

personally, i'd second the notion for you to buy a stock A2 (ABCDRS brands), and learn the AR system first hand before building, h/w, if you feel you are up to this not so difficult task, then i would highly suggest you READ, READ, READ around--esp the tacked threads and past topics as well as the 'search' feature

and welcome to the site
11/6/2006 10:35:12 AM EDT
[#6]
Coming from a fellow "AR newb" I would recommend buying a complete rifle first. I opted for the Bushmaster M4 A3. I love it! I'v had it apart a couple times, learning alot about it. I would have never considered building one before, however after having this one, I plan to build a 20-22" Varmint gun in the near future. Look into Bushmaster or DPMS.
11/6/2006 10:52:37 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for all the replies.
I plan on buying a complete rifle to start, but was wondering about building one.
Looking at Bushmaster,Stag and RRA.
11/6/2006 11:34:14 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
I am looking to pick up my 1st AR.
Question #1: do I need to get a 5.56 Nato chambering to cover .223 as well? I see RRA's Wylde chambering and Stag's 5.56 Nato chamber, but Bushmaster calls out .223 chambering
I thought that the two were interchangable?


Bushmaster use 5.56 chambers in all their chrome lined barrels.  Only the unlined barels (Varminter series and the CMP Match Rifle) get .223 chambers.

You can shoot .223 in all 3 of the mentioned chambers. You should only shoot surplus (5.56) in 5.56 or Wylde chambers.  Dimension wise the rounds are the same - pressure wise the 5.56 is hotter and the throat is different to accomidate this higher pressure.


Question #2: how much cheaper can I build a high quality AR myself verse an off the shelf rifle? I am looking at the Carbine with A2 handle. Just a basic beater that shoots and is easy to transport.


If you shop the EE looking for deals (and don't mind some used parts) it can be much cheaper (assuming you have all the tools).  
11/6/2006 12:41:42 PM EDT
[#9]
For your first I would suggest going with a flat top as it is more versatile for when you want to add optics.  I love my Stags and they are an excellent value

It is certainly easier to buy a complete rifle but it is not difficult to build one.  You will need to factor in the cost of the tools but if you will use them again then they are worth it.  Although some may disagree for the need, the manual calls for a torque wrench for installing the barrel properly.

Seydou
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