AR15

[bigarm]

I would like a carbine for close shooting. Defense and fun. Would it be better to buy one or build one myself? How difficult is it to build one myself? Would I save any money? What parts would you suggest?

 

[jason41987]

probably wont save much money, building it yourself is so easy, a caveman can do it, actual knowledge in gunsmithing isnt really necessary since the parts are all basically drop in without the need to headspace (locking lugs in the barrel) and better to build yourself not just because its easy, but because you could specifically select the parts YOU want and learn more about your rifle in the process

 

[saitek]

rockriver has a carA4 holiday special $995.00 free freight !
http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=599
i just ordered a operator III $1065.00

 

[Hacker15E]

There is lots and lots and lots of reading to be done on this subject before you make a decision.

 

[benEzra]

I personally think it's a good idea to buy your first one, learn the basics of the platform, then build, unless your aim is to learn how to build AR's rather than to get a well-functioning rifle out of the gate.

You will need to buy some armorer's tools to build an AR, so factor that into any cost estimates.

My own path was:

• Sold inaccurate-as-crap mini-14 to fund the purchase of a guaranteed-accurate AR (Rock River midlength flattop with heavy-ish Wilson barrel and detachable optic riser, back then called the Elite CAR A4)
  
• Enjoyed shooting AR for a while with cheap Tasco red dot while I learned how to run it. Wrung it out in a few local USPSA-style matches to see what worked for me and what didn't.
  
• Added an inexpensive CAA rail to the front sight tower so I could put a light on it for HD purposes.
  
• Realized that my Rock River gas key wasn't properly staked; a LE armorer with the right tools kindly staked it for me.
  
• Realized that the castle nut wasn't properly staked; staked it myself with a spring punch.
  
• Realized the Tasco dot has parallax and reliability issues...so I ditched the Tasco and optics riser and upgraded to an Eotech 516 with a Magpul flip-up rear sight.
  
• Replaced the flimsy charging handle with a Bravo Company Gunfighter handle intended for cycling the action with the support hand.
  
• Added a Vickers style 2-point tactical sling to replace the old Uncle Mike's carrying strap I was using.
  
• Continued to enjoy shooting it, but realized over time that it the heavy barrel makes it handle like it has a brick hanging from the front sight, and better handling is more important to me than I thought. So I'm now looking at having the heavy Wilson barrel turned down to a lightweight profile, and in the near future I'll probably get some tools and install a lightweight free-float tube myself.

So it's been a learning experience, but until I actually had an AR to shoot, I had no idea what configuration I really wanted. But what it's gradually evolving into is a reliable, lightweight-but-accurate carbine that suits me.

Here it is right now (still in the heavy-barrel configuration, but that's about to change):

 

[Walkalong]

You could build one, as it isn't overly hard, but you'll need to buy some tools.

It would be hard to beat this deal with choice of rails right now. I doubt you could find parts cheap enough to beat it, and this one is ready to go.

https://store.ar15.com/product.html?cat=6&pr=688

 

[Hacker15E]

The "configuration" issue isn't such a minor part of things; with a rifle type that is so modular and has so many possible options in nearly every single aspect of the system, it is important to know what you want. Otherwise, you will get in the trap of buying one thing, and then spending a lot of money replacing parts that you don't want or eventually like.

I think the basic military carbine configuration is a great place to start. If it were me assembling a rifle from scratch, I'd do something like this:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...16-m4-cmv-chrome-lined-premium-rifle-kit.html

and add to my order this:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...y-ar-parts/psa-blemished-safe-fire-lower.html

The previous advice to buy a basic assembled rifle like a S&W M&P 15 Sport is excellent. We're at a time where AR15 prices have fallen and distributors are flush with product ordered and produced following "the panic". If you know what to look for, you can find some amazing deals. The "gold standard" Colt 6920 can be had for less than $900 even.

http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=COLT-LE6920

 

[gotigers]

I bought my first, a S&W M&P15A. I have since built 5. I have had no issues with my home built ARs. It usually isn't cheaper, but you get what you want in a way you can afford it. Buy fast or buy slow. If you are patient, you can find almost everything on sale over a month or two.

Shopping at places like Palmetto State Armory, Joeboboutfitters, DSG Arms, JSE, PK Firearms, Rainier Arms, The Citizen Armory, Aim Surplus and Primary Arms can save you a lot of money. One of them always has a sale going.

The first home built will be more expensive, because you have to buy a few tools; Armorer's wrench, vise, upper vise blocks, punches, etc. Not terribly expensive, but it will add to the cost of the first build.

If you go pure economy and or sales, you can build a nice AR for under $800 plus tools cost. It might take you 4 months.

Walkalong's link above is a heck of a deal. If I was shopping for an AR, I would order that.

 

[Kahr33556]

I'm thinking same thing only I want long range accuracy also