AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/2/2008 1:22:26 PM EDT
|
Would it be possible for me to build something in either .223 or 5.56 for $600 or less? I'd like it to have a flat top, but not really any other important requirements. |
|
yep but you have to do one of three things no someone in the industry search EE buy surplus Did this one with a buddy two years back for 560.00 that included 2- GI 30rounders, a web sling, LMT new bolt and carrier and a 25.00 transfer fee  It you find an M16A1 upper...you can trade for a flat top... right now the supply is not keeping up with demand and the old stuff is worth more than the new.. |
|
ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=7 The AR 15.com equipment exchange you have to know what you want and check often. |
As others have stated, the EE is your friend. Also, if you can find a stripped lower for $99, there are some quality sub-$500 kits available. I couldn't find the original thread with this chart, but here it is for your perusal, not sure if it's up to date, though: Also, if you're going with a flat-top, don't forget to factor in the cost of a BUIS. Personally, I'd skip the removable carryhandle and go with a Larue BUIS ($89) or a flip up, if you're planning on using magnified optics down the road. |
| I've seen some people post that you can get a stripped EA lower for less than $100. Then you can get a FireForEffect bargain bin kit for $500 shipped and have a basic rifle to start with. |
I just recently bought a SARCO AR209 parts kit for $399.99, it came with an A2 keyhole upper new 20" ,1:12 chromelined barrel, and a decent set of A1 furnature. All you needed to buy was any stripped lower to complete the rifle. So even with me paying $135.00 for a DPMS lower from a local shop I was under $600 total. I ended trading the A1 furnature for some modern colt furnature(stock, grip, handgaurds) So I did it for $539.00. This was within the last 3 weeks and my buddy just ordered one, so they are still availible. Shotgun news is a great CHEAP product locator....
|
I think I have $565 in mine as pictured not counting the knockoff optic. I have added an A2 stock and magpul grip since pictured. just take your time and shop around for deals. The EE is great for that. An essential arms lower is $86 for the basic black. extra for colors or different coating.
|
| Found more kits at AR-15kits.com alot of options and upgrades. |
nice looking rifle...the only thing i would want different is an adjustable stock and different hand guards |
Given the free Caveman Kit Upgrade for the assembly of the upper, the inclusion of a carry handle, sling, and mag.. The $500 kit is a great deal. Go that route and get a lower for <$100 in the EE you're good to go. |
|
My blackthorne kit was 409 plus 20 shipping. My DPMS stripped lower I got for 95 at the last gunshow. Actually I got two for 190. So 429+95=524.00 Not to bad and it shoots great I just had to restake the bolt and it is acurate so far out to 200 yards with a Tru Glo red dot. I have since added a phantom comp 29, a miad grip 40 and magpul stock 95 and still love it. O and I got 4 magpul mags at the same gunshow for 10 smackers each. They work great as well. It up to you though if you want to go cheap or not. |
|
@ everyone ive looked on a few sites that sell kits, and it seems to me, or at least from just picking out different parts to add to my kit that it only includes the upper receiver, barrel and stuff like that...... i haven't seen one that states a bolt and trigger group are included, and most are around $550 or so after adding decent parts like a chrome lined barrel now if i can find a kit that sells for about $400-500 and includes the entire upper of the gun, and also the trigger and bolt groups so that all i need is possibly a grip and the stripped lower, that would be awesome |
|
I built one for $600. I have over 1000 rounds through it with zero jams or any problems. All of them were Remington UMC Green box 55 grain. I bought the rifle kit from Del-ton www.del-ton.com after reading the remarks on this blog. They are awesome. Ordered on Thursday, it was here on Wed. If you are law enforcement that offer 5% discount. I bought the lower (Superior Arms) on Gunbroker for $96 shipped. They guy is good as gold. He shipped it the same day he got the money order. It was here the next day. I did not pay my dealer any transfer fees for the lower. So that saved me. I did buy a rear sight from Sportmansguide.com for 55 bucks. That brought my total to $600. I qualified with this rifle at 50 yards within a 3 inch group. This was my first build and first rifle to shoot for any length of time. Hope this helps. I did put a TruGlo scope on it which was free from my brother and I co-witness with the iron sights. If you are close to Illinois, I would be more than happy to help you build it. No cost. |
|
Here are a couple of pics. The one on the desk also has the Command Arms 3 point tactical sling on it. Another Sportsmansguide.com buy at $25 bucks. http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk292/rmottar/ardesk1.jpg http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk292/rmottar/photo2.jpg |
The Del-ton is EVERYTHING except the stripped lower for $465.00. Shipping will be about 20-25 bucks. |
I shot with a guy that bought one of these. It shoots fine, but you will need front and rear sights on top of the price. The Del-ton comes with the front and you only need to add the rear. Of course, the optic does NOT come with that gun. |
Most definately. Add in any brand name toys such as Troy, LMT, Larue, etc... and there goes the $600.00 mark. And yes, that means built new, from actual vendors, not a complete Noveske you bought off a cousin for $500.00. 
|
| Actually depending on the options you can find all kits that include everything and the upper is assembled ready to run for around 500 on AR15-kits.com The only thing to assemble is your stripped lower. |
So why the chrome lined barrel? Most folks are not going to shoot that much or that far. Just my 2 cents, save the money, enjoy the build and get a better grip and good sling....like Hogue Grip for under $20.at Sportsmans guide. |
|
I just bought a CMMG bargain bin complete kit, minus receiver, for $479 shipped from Fire For Effect. They're having a special right now free free assembly of the upper. Add a $100 lower and you've got a complete rifle for under $100. You certainly don't have to "no" somebody in the industry as a previous poster stated. -Chris |
i didnt see any "bargain bin" on FFE |
http://www.fireforeffect.biz/shop/index.php?cat=3&shop=1& Scroll down about half way. It isn't hidden anywhere. I found it again in about 10 seconds. I forgot to add earlier that the FFE kits come with a mag, carry handle, and sling for that price. I ordered on a Monday and had the assembled kit at my door on Thursday. Great guys to deal with! -Chris |
|
I have built many ARs now, with all of them except one under $600. Most are closer to $500. The one over $600 was my first with a complete DPMS factory upper alf that set me back $450 and then a complete DPMS lower from Del-ton for $220 or so (if I remember correctly). www.jsesurplus.com and the Equipment Exchange. You can get like new parts for half what new cost. You just may have to wait and check the board frequently. I buy things I don't even need yet for future builds, then buy the missing parts (usually the stripped lower and a lower parts kit) when I have everything else. |
AR Sponsor
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.