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Hokie_PhD
Member
Thanks Gunny
You're hopeless
Unfortunately it takes one to know one and I IS ONE
You're hopeless
Unfortunately it takes one to know one and I IS ONE
Budget AR for 3 gun project
- Thread starter Hokie_PhD
- Start date
- Status
GunnyUSMC
Member
I know what it's like to live from paycheck to paycheck. I remember only being able to buy one gun a year too.
Now days I try to help others when I can. The muzzle break I sent isn't much but should work till you can afford a nicer one. If there is anything else I can help with, let me know.
Now days I try to help others when I can. The muzzle break I sent isn't much but should work till you can afford a nicer one. If there is anything else I can help with, let me know.
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Hokie_PhD
Member
Thanks I appreciate
Four years ago I was a victim of a crime at work which cost me. So I'm rebuilding and hopefully things will take off soon. It's been a hard four years but I can see the sun on the horizon.
A few prayers that my business takes off. A few for our nation. And accept a big thank you for your service and help!
Otherwise let's just do what we can to make the world a little better
I actually have a formula the correct number it's X-1 where X= Divorce
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Hokie_PhD
Member
I know it's been awhile but life has a way of doing that.
Between some unexpected expenses, a lot of work I haven't had much time to be on here let alone to work on this build.
Since the thread on a young man who wanted to spend $800 to build an AR got new life I thought I'd update this thread to give a status update and show where my build is at.
Anyway today I began the first step in building the upper by ordering the BCG.
I decided to try a lightweight BCG as this is as the gun is planned for 3 gun and I want an ultra light recoil and hopefully fast cycling gun.
The next steps will be to get the stripped upper, the barrel, gas tub & block, and charging handle. And any other parts I may have missed. I'll also be ordering a few tools to do the upper build. Since I'm planning on doing another build I'm not going to include the cost of tools as part of the build cost.
I'm also not including the cost of going to the gun show as that was also for fun. Otherwise, I'd add another $8 to the build. I have included shipping if applicable in the amounts.
So right now the build has the following:
Anderson Stripped Lower purchased at gun show $49.39
PSA MOE QMS LPK PSA $68.49
Ace Skeleton Stock Joe Bobs $119.95 $237.83 to build the lower
w/buffer, tube and spring
Lightweight BCG Righttobear.com $112.32
Muzzle Break Gift from the one & only
Gunny $0.00
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subtotal as of 6-22-17 $350.08
So far, while the goal is to keep this from going crazy, I think I've found a balance between budget and decent parts.
What I like so far is that the ALG trigger seems to have a nice feel. Much better than the PSA lower on my other AR, and better than the other AR that I had to sell. I figure this is a great compromise for someone who wants to try 3 gun but doesn't want to spend a few hundred on an expensive trigger. Like many things this can be upgraded if I decide to get serious about competition.
I also love the Ace Skeleton Stock. It's light and has a great solid feel. Likewise, I like the Magpul MOE pistol grip. I say that as it's nicer than the one on the PSA lower. That said, at some point it may go on the PSA and I may do an upgrade.
Testing of the lower, putting it on my 16" PSA upper there is a noticeable difference in recoil between the PSA lower and the one I built. What's so funny, is I laugh as I type this as the recoil on an AR is light, and had I not shot the two back to back, I wouldn't have enough experience to say that there's much of a difference. Anyway I think it's a great sign that I can notice a difference as it means that the parts I've picked so far are doing what I expect. So, I'm hoping with a rifle length barrel, adjustable gas block, and the light weight BCG that it'll be like a 22. So we'll see.
Anyway, until the next purchase, this will be the update for now!
Between some unexpected expenses, a lot of work I haven't had much time to be on here let alone to work on this build.
Since the thread on a young man who wanted to spend $800 to build an AR got new life I thought I'd update this thread to give a status update and show where my build is at.
Anyway today I began the first step in building the upper by ordering the BCG.
I decided to try a lightweight BCG as this is as the gun is planned for 3 gun and I want an ultra light recoil and hopefully fast cycling gun.
The next steps will be to get the stripped upper, the barrel, gas tub & block, and charging handle. And any other parts I may have missed. I'll also be ordering a few tools to do the upper build. Since I'm planning on doing another build I'm not going to include the cost of tools as part of the build cost.
I'm also not including the cost of going to the gun show as that was also for fun. Otherwise, I'd add another $8 to the build. I have included shipping if applicable in the amounts.
So right now the build has the following:
Anderson Stripped Lower purchased at gun show $49.39
PSA MOE QMS LPK PSA $68.49
Ace Skeleton Stock Joe Bobs $119.95 $237.83 to build the lower
w/buffer, tube and spring
Lightweight BCG Righttobear.com $112.32
Muzzle Break Gift from the one & only
Gunny $0.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
subtotal as of 6-22-17 $350.08
So far, while the goal is to keep this from going crazy, I think I've found a balance between budget and decent parts.
What I like so far is that the ALG trigger seems to have a nice feel. Much better than the PSA lower on my other AR, and better than the other AR that I had to sell. I figure this is a great compromise for someone who wants to try 3 gun but doesn't want to spend a few hundred on an expensive trigger. Like many things this can be upgraded if I decide to get serious about competition.
I also love the Ace Skeleton Stock. It's light and has a great solid feel. Likewise, I like the Magpul MOE pistol grip. I say that as it's nicer than the one on the PSA lower. That said, at some point it may go on the PSA and I may do an upgrade.
Testing of the lower, putting it on my 16" PSA upper there is a noticeable difference in recoil between the PSA lower and the one I built. What's so funny, is I laugh as I type this as the recoil on an AR is light, and had I not shot the two back to back, I wouldn't have enough experience to say that there's much of a difference. Anyway I think it's a great sign that I can notice a difference as it means that the parts I've picked so far are doing what I expect. So, I'm hoping with a rifle length barrel, adjustable gas block, and the light weight BCG that it'll be like a 22. So we'll see.
Anyway, until the next purchase, this will be the update for now!
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Hokie_PhD
Member
Thanks
It looks like the hardest part now is picking out the barrel.
Several folks have made some good suggestions earlier in this thread so I'll go through them when I'm ready to order. And then watch for sales. The BCG was on sale and back in stock so it's why I ordered it today. I'm not sure if the "sale" price is like PSAs in that it's a regular thing, but I know this BCG doesn't stay in stock long.
I think the next step is going to be to get the tools I need to put the upper together. Right now I'm leaning towards the Wheeler kit. I like that it has everything needed, I'm just not sure if it's the best value vs getting the tools that I need/want.
Other than that, What's so rough is PSA has had some killer sales on uppers but the point of this project is to learn how to put one together myself. Plus none of the uppers was exactly what I want. And I really don't want to compromise.
In any case I'm loving the project and can't wait to have it done.
And more curses to Gunny and the others who are feeding this monster! May you too be saddled with more builds!!!!
GunnyUSMC
Member
I have the AGL A.C.T trigger in a few of my rifles, I really like them.
I have an extra ( new) low profile gas block, just missing the two set screws, it's yours if you want it. Did I send you a crush washer with the comp ?
I have an extra ( new) low profile gas block, just missing the two set screws, it's yours if you want it. Did I send you a crush washer with the comp ?
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Hokie_PhD
Member
Gunny
Yes you sent me a crush ring. Thank you again.
I'll gladly take the gas block. But I'm going to have to do something for you for paying for the postage on both and the parts. Either get you the postage cost or something for a cause that's near and dear to you. Let me know privately.
Yes you sent me a crush ring. Thank you again.
I'll gladly take the gas block. But I'm going to have to do something for you for paying for the postage on both and the parts. Either get you the postage cost or something for a cause that's near and dear to you. Let me know privately.
GunnyUSMC
Member
Just think of it as helping me clean up my shop.
What length gas system are you going to use? I might have a few extra.
I have a bad habit of dropping small parts, like springs and stuff so, I have a lot of those to.
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Hokie_PhD
Member
I'm planning on using a rifle length gas system.
I'm glad to help.
If it's ok with you, Wounded Warriors is a group my family supports. So I'll make a donation to them in the name of all those buried at Quantico. (My grandparents are buried there) It won't be as large as I'd like but every bit helps.
I'm glad to help.
If it's ok with you, Wounded Warriors is a group my family supports. So I'll make a donation to them in the name of all those buried at Quantico. (My grandparents are buried there) It won't be as large as I'd like but every bit helps.
GunnyUSMC
Member
Well I don't have another rifle length gas tube, I know because, I had to order one for my last build.
I'll put together a few small parts to send with the gas block.
A donation to Wounded Warriors sounds great.
gotboostvr
Member
Oh that's the truth. I knew my current rifle wasn't going to be a %100 pure target rifle. I still used a 1x8 18" melonited midweight barrel. It may not be a phenomial shooter, but should be good for any 100-200yd varmint hunting and paper punching I want a handy carbine for. It wears a fixed 3x scope, good for most uses except trying to shoot .25" groups. So I saved a little and bought a PSA freedom barrel for something like $110.
Edit: and then I had to cancel all my bank cards.
LocoGringo
Member
For the barrel, I'd HIGHLY recommend an 18", rifle length gas system, 1:8 twist, melonited 3R or 5R rifling, with a 223 Wylde chambered barrel from AR-15 Performance for around $195 (if they're in stock). I own 2 3-gun barrels from them...1 5R rifled barrel and 1 3R rifled barrel. They are both sub-MOA with match ammo and great with PMC 55 grain ammo. The 5R rifled barrel has been solid for several years. The 3R barrel replaced a fluted, 17.3", rifle length gas, 5.56 NATO chambered Rev Arms barrel that I was disappointed with. The Rev Arms barrel was great with all of the features, but mediocre in accuracy.
grampajack
AR Junkie
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2016
- Messages
- 1,714
Agreed, but I would always spring for an A5 tube instead. I can't live without the adjustable stock.
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Hokie_PhD
Member
I've gone back and forth. My first AR had an A2 style stock. I thought that's what I wanted when I ordered it. I had to sell that one. Bought a PSA blew with the cheap mil-spec collapsable stock. It's ok for what it is but I've never been thrilled with it. At some point I may upgrade it, but for now it'll stay as they gun is my general purpose AR.
For this build, I did A LOT of research on stocks and the Ace Skeleton stock seemed to be the best low cost option for a rifle length stock. Testing the lower, I really like it. It has a nice feel and I actually like the looks. The complements it got also weren't bad. That said, I'm not biased, so who knows what I'll do on the next build as my learning opens me to seeing things and it's resulted in my trying new stuff. So we'll see ;-)
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Hokie_PhD
Member
The BCG arrive just a little while ago.
I bet my poor mailman is happy the package was real light. Unlike the RMR bullets I ordered last week.
I had a minute to look at it and it seems nice
Too bad it'll sit until I get the rest of the upper parts
I did pull the one from my PSA AR and put it in to make sure it fits and it cycles ok.
It did both and it's much lighter as advertis d
I bet my poor mailman is happy the package was real light. Unlike the RMR bullets I ordered last week.
I had a minute to look at it and it seems nice
Too bad it'll sit until I get the rest of the upper parts
I did pull the one from my PSA AR and put it in to make sure it fits and it cycles ok.
It did both and it's much lighter as advertis d
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GunnyUSMC
Member
Keep an eye on the mailbox, you should have a care package arriving in two to three days.
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Hokie_PhD
Member
Thanks Gunny.
AABEN
Member
Why not a Anderson upper? They are a no lube gun and clean up with water and sop I have one and like it. NO LUBE so it does not draw dust
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Hokie_PhD
Member
I'm probably going to go with an Anderson or Tactical Machining upper. It just depends on which I can get cheaper. I missed out on the TM special of 3 for $90, which was the cheapest I've seen.
As for the Anderson, I think the no lube is only for their complete guns unless they've changed things.
Santa Gunny sent me a charging handle and a gas block so the parts I need to finish this project are the gas tube, barrel, and the upper. So the next thing will be to decide on barrels. I've had someone here offer me what may be a good deal on a used barrel. I have to do a little more homework on it to see if it'll be right. If so, I'll go that route, if not, I'll have to sort through all of the options. What I'm looking for is an 18" 1:8 twist rifle length gas system.
I'll know what I can get for the project next week. I have a lot of travel for work coming up so I'll have to watch cash flow tight until I get back . So we'll see.
Zerodefect
member
This is the barrel I'm running in 3 gun:
https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM...-with-Rifle-Length-Gas-p/bcm-brl-rec-18ss.htm
Not too expensive, but works. No breakin needed. Just clean, foul it with a few mags and wipe it clean again.
The Mossberg 930 JM pro is a good choice. You'll need a welded lifter and this:
http://or3gun.com/OR3GUN/about_or3gun_combo.htm
https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM...-with-Rifle-Length-Gas-p/bcm-brl-rec-18ss.htm
Not too expensive, but works. No breakin needed. Just clean, foul it with a few mags and wipe it clean again.
The Mossberg 930 JM pro is a good choice. You'll need a welded lifter and this:
http://or3gun.com/OR3GUN/about_or3gun_combo.htm
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justice06rr
Member
Do you have a target budget for this build, or you're just building it as you go?
My 3-gun AR costs around $900 when I built it 3yrs ago. Its not a name-brand or super high quality parts rifle, but I picked each part specifically to my liking and budget. I'm using a standard LPK which works just fine in the 3gun events I've done.
With today's prices, you should be able to get it built around $700 without optics. It doesn't really have to be a tack driver if you're new to the 3gun world. Whats important is reliability and functionality. A lightweight rifle with 1-2 MOA will work fine. I'm certainly no expert, but in my first 3-gun event I was able to hit 200yard targets with my AR build
My 3-gun AR costs around $900 when I built it 3yrs ago. Its not a name-brand or super high quality parts rifle, but I picked each part specifically to my liking and budget. I'm using a standard LPK which works just fine in the 3gun events I've done.
With today's prices, you should be able to get it built around $700 without optics. It doesn't really have to be a tack driver if you're new to the 3gun world. Whats important is reliability and functionality. A lightweight rifle with 1-2 MOA will work fine. I'm certainly no expert, but in my first 3-gun event I was able to hit 200yard targets with my AR build
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Hokie_PhD
Member
There is no formal budget per se. The idea is to find the parts to make a decent gun as inexpensively as possible. I don't mind spending a little extra if I see value. For instance the barrel is one such area. The $700 range is what I was thinking too. But looking at the cost of the lower, the parts that I have and need, I may come in a bit lower. But we shall see. I've graciously had a few parts gifted to me so that was nice. And helps a lot.
Right now, I'm watching this months budget and after I get back from a work trip I'll probably order the parts for the upper.
I've had some good suggestions on barrels so will see what I find as far as pricing when I get back. If all goes well I should have what I need to build the upper. If not then next month.
I am looking forward to getting it done. Then the painful task of saving for an optic begins
Right now, I'm watching this months budget and after I get back from a work trip I'll probably order the parts for the upper.
I've had some good suggestions on barrels so will see what I find as far as pricing when I get back. If all goes well I should have what I need to build the upper. If not then next month.
I am looking forward to getting it done. Then the painful task of saving for an optic begins
Blkhrt13
Member
Holy blinkers Batman that's a pile of ARs.
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