Keep my R-15 or build a new AR

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bme27

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So my dilemma is that I have one of the original Remington R-15s (I believe it was made by Bushmaster before they sold out, if I am wrong on that feel free to correct me). The gun shoots well, but I kind of have the itch to build an AR. I know the simple solution would be to keep this one and build a new AR, but I convincing the wife that's the best plan is a little harder. Plus we are trying to pay off the remaining student loans we have so I do not have enough spending money to do that.

The problem I am having with the situation is that while the R-15 shoots well, I am nervous that if I build a new AR-15 it won't shoot as well and I will end up disappointed. I know of plenty of guys who have built cheap AR-15s that will not shoot 1.5" at 100 yards, and for me that is unacceptable. I expect my guns to be at least 1 MOA.

The other side of it is I could potentially build a better AR than the R-15. I just do not know where the R-15 stands as far as quality. What would you all recommend in this situation?
 
You don’t have to build it all ate once.

One nice thing is parts are always on sale and readily available.
I built and documented a low buck build that I did. And I’m in the process of getting the rest of the parts for another.

Part of the fun is figuring a plan.

Why not but a stripped lower? Then figure out what trigger, stock, etc. and that’s just the lower. You can also decide what roll marks engraving etc.

After that you can do the same on the upper, barrel, optics.

Also don’t forget that you’ll need tools. And while they’re not expensive it adds up.

Personally I think our instant now gotta have it now culture sucks. So getting a little at a time also makes you appreciate it more.

Finally building it you can always take it back apart again and change things if you don’t like them.

My only warning is once you build one you’ll want to build more.
 
I’ve been building mine one part at a time for about a year now. I am two parts and a scope away from being done.
 
Given the fact that you have an itch to build one. build what you want from what you have. Keep the left over parts and build another.
If I have left over screws they end up becoming rifles:)
 
Yes.

Keep the R15.
AND, start buying parts (and tools) as you see awesome ones, and deals, and just keep them in a box. When a major component arrives, put the stuff on it. When it's a whole top or bottom half, trade it out with the R15 and try it!

And, if you get all parts on good deals, even if you go too poor, sell all the parts off for likely a profit if you suddenly cannot afford the project.
 
I would consider a new high quality barrel, a free float handguard possibly replacing trigger and hammer parts on the rifle you have. I built a Delton with upgrades in mind but I liked it so much stock I didn't change anything. Or you might consider just a new upper and build a lower later. Another approach is to build piece by piece.
 
Thank you all for the advice. I do like the sound of forming a plan and figuring out which parts and pieces I want to use, plus that way I can keep the R15. My brother built an AR last year and has most of the tools so that will help with the cost as well.
 
How close are you to paying off your Student Loans?

My goals for this year are to pay the IRS, finishing paying off a big credit card bill, refinance our mortgage and do a major home remodeling project. As my reward for accomplishing (surviving?) all of that I am promising myself a new gun (or two).

I would not get rid of a 1 moa AR-15. My budget build AR is more accurate than my more expensive one that has a premium Wilson Arms barrel, trigger / hammer set and high quality BCG build.
 
It’s just not a seller’s market for ARs at the moment so I would wholeheartedly agree to building if it doesn’t present a burden, but consider keeping your Remington for the time being. Piece by piece makes perfect sense at present what with different parts going on sale at different times, just keep shipping charges in mind.
 
If you want to build one, eventually you will. Parts are about as affordable right now as they ever will be, so keep that in mind too. Keep the rifle you have and pick up a stripped lower. If you shop around its only 40-50 bucks and then you're started. Wait for sales and you can build decent for very few $.

Also, most cheap builds aren't inaccurate, people are shooting crap bargain basement bulk ammo in them. Handload up some loads or buy a few boxes of match grade ammo and even most cheap ar's will shoot well. BTW, barrel and trigger is where to spend some extra... Go have fun building a rifle (or pistol) to keep your Remington company!
 
Yes to both. Keep the R-15, they are a good rifle. As mentioned by others, you can build one at your lesiure, a part on sale here, a good deal there, get on PSA and CDNN's email list, you'll never lack for parts on sale.

adcoch1 said:
If you want to build one, eventually you will. Parts are about as affordable right now as they ever will be, so keep that in mind too. Keep the rifle you have and pick up a stripped lower. If you shop around its only 40-50 bucks and then you're started. Wait for sales and you can build decent for very few $.

Also, most cheap builds aren't inaccurate, people are shooting crap bargain basement bulk ammo in them. Handload up some loads or buy a few boxes of match grade ammo and even most cheap ar's will shoot well. BTW, barrel and trigger is where to spend some extra... Go have fun building a rifle (or pistol) to keep your Remington company!
Click to expand...

Good point. My CDNN Pistol build is as accurate as my DPMS Sportical out to 100 yards. Haven't tried it at 200 yet.
 
Last edited:
adcoch1 said:
Also, most cheap builds aren't inaccurate, people are shooting crap bargain basement bulk ammo in them. Handload up some loads or buy a few boxes of match grade ammo and even most cheap ar's will shoot well. BTW, barrel and trigger is where to spend some extra...
Click to expand...

Huge point - my Trash Panda is as cheap as cheap can get, (total cost outside of donated parts was $138), and she shoots well enough for this blind old bat.
Real_operators_rifle_jpg-793242.JPG
60 gr Horn SP 100 yards.jpg
You can probably do better. Buy parts a few at a time, and have fun. It took 3 months to get this one together, and believe it or not, I have more fun with this El Cheapo than my $2000 BREN 805, no joke.
 
Hokie_PhD said:
You don’t have to build it all ate once.

One nice thing is parts are always on sale and readily available.
I built and documented a low buck build that I did. And I’m in the process of getting the rest of the parts for another.

Part of the fun is figuring a plan.

Why not but a stripped lower? Then figure out what trigger, stock, etc. and that’s just the lower. You can also decide what roll marks engraving etc.

After that you can do the same on the upper, barrel, optics.

Also don’t forget that you’ll need tools. And while they’re not expensive it adds up.

Personally I think our instant now gotta have it now culture sucks. So getting a little at a time also makes you appreciate it more.

Finally building it you can always take it back apart again and change things if you don’t like them.

My only warning is once you build one you’ll want to build more.
Click to expand...

^ This!

Keep the REM and build over time.

I've built several and each took months to plan and buy parts. Mine went into the $2K plus range when all was said and done, but I ended up with my idea of perfection based on intended purpose. Zero reliability issues, great accuracy due to quality parts and sorting out what parts complimented each other. Half the fun was developing the "plan". Look at your task/purpose for the gun, do some research, read reviews. I use a spreadsheet to list parts with anticipated sources, then figure out purchase dates based on anticipated sales, ie 4July, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving etc.

It's kind of a journey......or buy an upper and lower from PSA....and call it good.
 
Robert said:
What would I do? Pay off the loan first.
Click to expand...

That’s the responsible but boring thing to do.

I suggested building one a little at a time as we can all find a few bucks here and there. So he can still be responsible, but also have a little fun too.
It’s also fun to get the parts as you save a few bucks. I have a several stripped lowers that I got on a killer $30 sale in a box. On is now in another box with all the parts to build it into a complete lower. A stripped upper a dear friend gave me for Christmas is also in that box. The next time I have a little money the barrel will be ordered.
I’m also watching sales for other deals for the other stripped lowers.

In other words I’m building my LEGO set.

I do it this way to be responsible and to still build ARs. A few bucks here and there doesn’t take away from much. Just eat out a little less, don’t go to movies. Or whatever. There’s always a little spending money that can be saved even for those of us on a tight budget.

So I think it’s why almost everyone agrees with me.
 
Thank you all for the advice, it helps a lot! It seems like this will be better to do piece by piece instead of buying a 80%-100% lower and upper. I think that is the plan I will go with. I saw a stripped lower for sale on PSA for $30, maybe I'll start with it.
 
Yeah, some smart folks up above.
Pay off loans first.

For the "itch," one thing you can do is buy "bits," and experiment. Like a handgrip. Or an adjustable stock. Even a trigger group. Optics, too. Slings, and bipods, as well. All of those are under $200 each if you shop right (I'm thinking Holosun or RMR here, not Nikon glass).

And if $200 is out of your "treat yourself" budget, then, for sure, put loans first, and research instead. But, scale the parts buys down to where you can afford them.

Research a lot, too. There are arguments for both M-loc and KeyMod--sadly, those arguments tend to become flamewars. Watch the InRange series of the What Would Stoner Do project rifles that Karl & Ian built. Is that the best answer for a lightweight carbine? No, but the process is illuminating, as are the lessons learned along the way. Sadly the polymer lower is unobtanium right now.
 
FWIW my DTI lightweight kit was a 6-10" rifle with the ammo I was using, and my shooting skill. Fine for shooting cans close up, but wouldn't impress at the range. I sandbagged it, and with its (A2) irons, I got a 1.06 three shot group with a Midsouth Varmint Nightmare and H335. Who knows what it would do with a nice scope, and a real effort to work up the load. The point being, as many say, a cheap rifle can shoot well, but people who buy cheap rifles are more likely to buy or load cheap ammunition.
 
Thank you guys so much for your help and advice thus far.

So my wife and I finally got our taxes filed, and the return is going to be enough to pay off the student loans! That frees up some cash, but I still want to build this slowly. I had been tempted to buy a complete lower and a complete upper, but what's the fun in that? With that said, what brands of parts and pieces should I stay away from, or does it matter?
 
This is very dangerous. It starts with just to have enough extra parts. Then one day you’ll find a roll pin and then you must build another. Then you realize that you need one in 9mm. Oh just need one in pistol. Last one I promise. Just one more.
Really I can quit any time. It’s not a problem.
 
Ed4032 said:
This is very dangerous. It starts with just to have enough extra parts. Then one day you’ll find a roll pin and then you must build another. Then you realize that you need one in 9mm. Oh just need one in pistol. Last one I promise. Just one more.
Really I can quit any time. It’s not a problem.
Click to expand...

This. Keep them, build them. Build more. :thumbup:
 
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