Advice on building an inexpensive AR

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bhhacker

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Notice I didnt say cheap! :p

I have searched this forum and a few others loking for up to date info on building an AR, but the posts that I am seeing are a little older than Id like. How much should I be expecting to pay for parts? im in no rush and would prefer to get parts when a good deal pops up rather than all at once, problem is I dont really know what this stuff goes for.


So far, I am looking for a 16-18 inch barrel, 1:7, flat top.

Just looking for an inexpensive shooter that doesnt have to be ungodly accurate, reliability takes precedence.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks for your time.
 
With those requirements, try a Bravo Company Mfg. 18-inch upper. It is very well-made, reasonably-priced, and will meet the specs you require. Attach it to a serviceable lower half and you are GTG.
 
I'd start by finding a good deal on a stripped lower and get the FFL part out of the way. You can find them for $100-$130 and they are the basic component that's pretty much the same for any direction you plan to go in an AR. Then shop around for a LPK and the stock you want. They each should go for about $60 so the lower should be about $220-250.

Before you get an upper get all your research done so your rifle ends up exactly like you want it. I'd look at midlength gas systems. Can't say how much you'll spend on an upper, too many variables. And then you need sights and accessories.
 
DSA is selling an upper for $275--less bolt and charging handle---this is a steal.

There are stripped DD barrels for $169 all over the net---also a steal.
 
Depends on what your final budget is. For $600 you can get a bargain bin AR from CMMG. But if you are like me and never have $600 at anyone time then do some research and find what you like in your available price range and start buying up parts. That is what I did for my FAL build.
 
Casual use buy a Bargain bin rifle as mentioned above. More serious use or trainign then build a BCM for about 800..
 
Wow. Those bargain bin rifles are priced nice!

Heres a question. Say I have that money all at once, would it be smarter to drop the 200$ extra for a "more serious" gun or just have fun with the bargain bin.


has anyone purchased these bargain bin guns and have any input for me? How accurate are they? Are they a headache? etc..etc.
 
Heres a question. Say I have that money all at once, would it be smarter to drop the 200$ extra for a "more serious" gun or just have fun with the bargain bin.


has anyone purchased these bargain bin guns and have any input for me? How accurate are they? Are they a headache? etc..etc.
Click to expand...

I purchased 2 BB-AR's 2 years ago. A 16" M4forgery and a 20" STD AR.
Both were purchased as range toys.
Have put >1500 rds through each. Both have been flawless.
For a range toy, they're a great deal.

BTW-I really prefer the 20". Just gives a much better cheek weld.
 
There are some great and knowledgeable people on this board, but there are many that aren't familiar with the AR platform. You might get more responses on an AR-dedicated forum such as ar15armory or ar15.com. Although, the responses given here so far have been right on the money. :)
 
eres a question. Say I have that money all at once, would it be smarter to drop the 200$ extra for a "more serious" gun or just have fun with the bargain bin.
Click to expand...

This is completely up to you and what you want to do with it. I almost always recommend to just buy quality. However even I am tempted by one of the 18 inch Bargain bin rifles for a beat around gun.
 
Yeah, Im not looking to compete in any matches, more of an inexpensive AR to see what all the fuss is about. I assume it can be used for all sorts of things if need be (shtf scenario, light hunting, etc)

I have been really wanting to consolidate ammunition and have one round for a rifle and pistol. Thats probably a whole 'nother thread though :p
 
I'm in the process of a new build now.

What I have bought so far.

Stripped lower from Spike's Tactical ( with transfer,etc.)= $125
Lower parts kit from G and R Tactical ( also bought buffer and spring)= $140
Magpul UBR stock in OD on sale from DSA= $200
Troy BUIS from AIM surplus= $120

Will be buying

BCM 16" Midlength with auto carrier group from BCM or G and R= approx $600
Magpul carbine length MOE handguards (When they come out this summer) = approx $45

And with overtime money I hope to purchase a Aimpoint with mount= approx $500

So you can see that you can spend as much or little as you want. This is what I WANTED at what I AM WILLING to PAY. That is the beauty of the platform.

FWIW, my current AR is a ARMALITE 20" HBAR and has been flawless.


As mentioned above, get your lower NOW. Prices have come down.
Start reading on m4-carbine and ar-15.com and then spend your money.

Don't feel bad if you buy a "name brand rifle", it should work.
 
My son just got a CMMG Bargin Bin Rifle. It's new,never fired, and not a scratch on it. I can't build one for $599.00. You can always sell the upper or trade up for something different.
 
This is a nice thread. This afternoon I was looking at a Midway catalog and thinking I could probably build my own. More for the experience than any other reason, and wondering about the price.

I've seen the "Build Your Own" CDs and wondering if there are any that would be better (or neccessary) than others. I did spend a lot of time in a Marine Corps armory one summer about 20 years ago....
 
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