AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/27/2003 9:13:28 PM EDT
| Probably not the best place to post this, but I've been researching building my next AR15. I'm looking for a decent trigger, SS 20" free float barrel in a varmint like rifle. I've priced RRA striped lowers, RRA Match complete lowers, J&T kits, Bushmaster uppers, etc., etc., and when I do all the math, I've come to the conclusion that I would not save all that much money over a complete rifle from one of the major manufacturers and end up with a rifle I built. Now, that's cool, my own two hands, put it together and I learned a lot about the inner workings, but, in the unthinkable - resale, where would I be? On the other hand, if I buy from a discount local dealer, I can get a Bushmaster or Colt (although I don't think they make a 20" in that config)for about the same cost or slightly more, get the factory warranty and have a name brand gun that will have way better resale than if I assembled it myself. So, why build? I ask because there is so much info here on building and so much enthusiasm, which I started to get excited about, and then when it came down to order what I wanted, I said to myself - why? |
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Personal satisfaction, the experience, and money savings. You can understand the first two I believe. I have so many parts left over from other rifles that I have swapped parts out on that I will be able to build a new rifle for about $400, and that is saving me some money. I like the idea that I am getting to use a lot of the parts lying around, and I won't mind abusing a gun that's far cheaper then the rest of what I got, made from parts I don't really need anymore anyways. But I will be proud of the fact I made it, and learned how to make one, and enjoy the satisfaction of a totally custom and unique rifle. YYMV |
| You kind of answered your own question. By building your own, you get the knowledge and satisfaction of doing it yourself. Your not going to save a great amount building your own but lots of fun doing it. With a "factory" built one you have the warranty with it. So its just kind of a personal preference as to which way you want to go. Also I think RRA is a good choice for a lower and upper. I done it both ways. Bought a Bushmaster and also built my own using RRA parts. Both are fine AR's. |
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I'll put in my own two cents. I haven't built one yet but I have already spent some money at it (kinda verifying your cost arguement). Bought the tools and the video (and yes - even the cool poster). The benifits I see that cause me to want to build my own are 1) I can choose exactly the configuration I want 2) I plan to have several and the cost savings is cumulative 3) I can build "beaters" for friends, family and rough use for around 500.00 [stripped lower plus 400.00 for a kit] 4) The left-over parts do eventually count against the cost of the rifles, and 5) On a limited budget I can stretch out my "lay-a-way" program indefinitely by just buying what I can afford and picking up bits and pieces from the shows and shops. That I learn my rifle better - have the equipment to repair it in-house - and can say "I built that" are just icing on the cake! Still like my factory complete Bushmaster a great deal - but I thing building meets MY needs better. Your situation may differ. Good luck in whatever you decide, Coffee |
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I already have two Bushmaster factory AR's. But.....just changing out the stock triggers for match ones lit a fire in me. I'm already planning on building my next AR. I made a list of what I want and priortized it. This way I can put it togeather as I get the money. The tools one needs really don't cost that much and down the road I can use them to modify my factory AR's, ie..new barrel, forearm, etc. I love to reload and get satisifaction out of that. But I'm really looking foward to this new project. Keeps me out of the nudie bars. [8D] |
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I have an Armalite rifle and I also reload. The downside to that is I have to shoot factory ammo through it. By using reloads in my Armalite, I would void the lifetime warranty. [:(] So...I MUST build an AR to shoot the reloads that I can't stop myself from making. Hey...Wait a minute.....Is that such a bad thing? [}:D] |
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Quoted: 88balanced, Have we convinced you yet? [:E] Coffee I hate this forum! I went out and bought a Bushmaster Varminter because it just felt right even though I wanted a 20" barrel. So now I have to get a scope and that taps me out for awhile and then I know I will build one because, well, just because. |
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88, you're OK and belong here for we all have the same damn Black Fever. [:D] As for resale, it's all in the marketing. [b]Custom Built AR Target Rifle[/b] ER Shaw SS 20" bull barrel with 1/9 twist Forged upper and lower Hand polished Colt Trigger System Has a nice ring to it to me! |
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What are you guys talking about?... not rreally saving money by building it yourself? I have looked into buying a AR and the price for a decent rifle is between 700 and 850. You can add some goodies and boost that price to over a grand. Sure there are 500 models out there but I don't hear anything good about those pieces of crap. If you build one yourself with the same name parts kits from the same reputable manufacturers you will only pay around 500. That is a 200 dollar savings when com paring apples to apples. Do not price a built Hesse rifle and then a Bushmaster kit. Price DMPS rifles to DMPS kits and Bushmaster rifles to Bushmaster kits. Anyway you cut it you will save money AND ahave all the other beb]nefits already mentioned like pride and custom built and knowledge gained etc etc. merc |
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I have four AR's, I built three from kits and the fourth is a Colt Sporter pre-ban. If you only want one AR-buy one and get the warranty. Otherwise you should be warned that you cannot, under any circumstances, build just ONE. AR's are like cookies. I get a couple of cookies and a glass of milk. I have milk left over, so I get another couple of cookies. I then run out of milk, refill my glass and then end up with excess milk which then requires more cookies. With AR's, you start out thinking, "hey, I'll just have one lower and buy a couple of different uppers". When you order the upper you go ahead and get a full kit so that you can have the spare parts....then one day it hits you. For $100 you can buy a lower and have a whole other gun! Can I get an "Amen" from the brethren? |
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AR's are like cookies. I get a couple of cookies and a glass of milk. I have milk left over, so I get another couple of cookies. I then run out of milk, refill my glass and then end up with excess milk which then requires more cookies. With AR's, you start out thinking, "hey, I'll just have one lower and buy a couple of different uppers". When you order the upper you go ahead and get a full kit so that you can have the spare parts....then one day it hits you. For $100 you can buy a lower and have a whole other gun! Can I get an "Amen" from the brethren? I was afraid of that and now realize I've got the disease. I think I'll get off of this forum so I can get some sense of reasonableness and stop thinking about more AR's! |
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