So, I'm a tinkerer, and I'm looking for my next project. My first part-by-part build was an m1 carbine, which ended up being incredibly simple, and most recently I redid the lock work in my ASM 1851 colt copy after I had a hand and mainspring break almost simultaneously; really though, nothing stays stock around me for long... for better or worse. I should also mention that I'm on a fairly tight budget. I'm in college, and due to some federal funding cuts I just got laid off, so I'd like to be able to get a functioning weapon for under 600, whether I need to throw more money in later to make it something worth showing off is another story entirely. My carbine came out in good shape for under 300 using all usgi parts, so I'm confident I can pull something off.
anyways, I'm torn between a 1911 build, an ak build, or an ar build.
The 1911 seems like it would be an interesting project, particularly if I went with one of the 80% frames, but I'm a little bit scared of them to be honest. From what I've read, 1911 parts are extremely finicky, and I'd hate to end up over budget from replacing parts that I've screwed up and with a full-auto misfeeding 1911. At the same time, with the galco parts kits running like 190 and the 80% frames going for like 20, It could be a cheap shooter to begin with that I could keep upgrading until the end of time.
The ak would probably be from a parts kit and a receiver flat, but the parts kits are starting to get too expensive to justify - I'm seeing parts kits now that are in the same price range as brand new WASRs, and I'd need to either build or buy a flat bending jig. On top of that, with most of the eastern bloc sans-receiver parts kits, there's no way to inspect the barrels or other parts before buying online.
The ar build probably makes the most practical sense, and I should be able to get the whole thing to under 600 based on some pricing I've done so far, but to be honest I'm not a big ar fan for all the usual reasons - 5.56, direct gas, etc.
The gun shows I hit around the area have a couple of guys with basically all the parts, surplus, for all three of these guns, and there's no real difference in availability of parts online.
If any of you guys have experience with any of these builds or have any advice at all, I'm all ears.
anyways, I'm torn between a 1911 build, an ak build, or an ar build.
The 1911 seems like it would be an interesting project, particularly if I went with one of the 80% frames, but I'm a little bit scared of them to be honest. From what I've read, 1911 parts are extremely finicky, and I'd hate to end up over budget from replacing parts that I've screwed up and with a full-auto misfeeding 1911. At the same time, with the galco parts kits running like 190 and the 80% frames going for like 20, It could be a cheap shooter to begin with that I could keep upgrading until the end of time.
The ak would probably be from a parts kit and a receiver flat, but the parts kits are starting to get too expensive to justify - I'm seeing parts kits now that are in the same price range as brand new WASRs, and I'd need to either build or buy a flat bending jig. On top of that, with most of the eastern bloc sans-receiver parts kits, there's no way to inspect the barrels or other parts before buying online.
The ar build probably makes the most practical sense, and I should be able to get the whole thing to under 600 based on some pricing I've done so far, but to be honest I'm not a big ar fan for all the usual reasons - 5.56, direct gas, etc.
The gun shows I hit around the area have a couple of guys with basically all the parts, surplus, for all three of these guns, and there's no real difference in availability of parts online.
If any of you guys have experience with any of these builds or have any advice at all, I'm all ears.
