Budget AR for 3 gun project

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Hokie_PhD

Hokie_PhD

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After a bunch of planning I got the first piece of my first AR build today! A stripped Anderson lower.
This will be my 3rd AR but the first build. So I'm a bit excited.

The plan is to pick up parts as I find sales and a little over time to ease the financial pain. The main goals are to learn how to build an AR and to get a better understanding of how they work. The other goal is to build a quality AR for 3 gun so it won't be a total budget build in the sense the point isn't to build it as cheaply as possible but rather to build it for the best value.

Items I'll spend extra on are a good trigger and a decent barrel and a nice stock.

So I guess the next thing will be to get a good LPK and start watching for sales and bargains!
 
If you're looking for a really fine two stage trigger and have time to wait, the DPMS website from time to time has sales on the Geissele G2S triggers for $109 - they sell retail for $165. Here: http://www.dpmsinc.com/Geissele-2-Stage-G2S-Trigger_p_2679.html. They went out of stock a couple of days ago, but as I said, these are repeat sales. So if you're interested, watch often as they go like hotcakes once they put them on sale. As for an LPK, Palmetto State Armory frequently has sales on their LPK's without fire control group for around $29.95. I've used a number of their LPK's and think a lot of them. FWIW. (The G2S triggers DPMS sells are intended for OEM use and come without grease or instructions.)
 
Also get on Primary Arms Email specials list. They have recently had some great deals on LPK without triggers and Geissele triggers. I'd recommend an 18" 1 in 8 twist Wylde chamber barrel with a 15" free-float tube as a starting point for your purposes. Built one up for my wife since a 20" was just too front heavy for her and its been a real tack driver.
 
For 3 gun your looking for a handy reliable gun with a decent trigger and barrel... Those parts should not be difficult to find at a good price. Try looking at buying from PSA, AIM surplus, and direct from Anderson Rifles.

An AR is really easy to build. It is actually surprisingly simple. You can put one together quickly with a simple vice, non-marring hammer (brass, plastic, wooden, doesn't matter) and an Allen wrench. The only specialty tool you really need is an armorers combo wrench. Upper blocks are handy but truthfully aren't necessary.
 
Thanks everyone
Today I ordered the LPK from PSA
They had the one with the Magpul MOE pistol grip and ALS trigger for a good price.

I've read good things about this trigger so am going to try it. Worse case I'll use it for now then swap out for a 3 gun trigger in the future.

So total so far I'm in a little over $100 with taxes, shipping, background check etc

I'm leaning to the Ace Ultralight for the stock.

The next thing I'll need is the stock, buffer tube and spring to complete the lower. So I'll order that next pay once I've decided which one I want.

I have all the tools basic tools for building the lower minus a roll pin punch so I'll pick those up
 
Items I'll spend extra on are a good trigger and a decent barrel and a nice stock.
Click to expand...

What's left ?

Everytime I've looked at an economy build those pieces are what got me in budget trouble. Lol
 
ford8nr said:
What's left ?

Everytime I've looked at an economy build those pieces are what got me in budget trouble. Lol
Click to expand...
Lol
Sell the stock is what's left to order
I'm waiting on the LPK to arrive

Maybe I'll confused but to me it seems the barrel and trigger are the most important parts. A free floating hand guard would be next. Then of course sights or optics. The rest of the parts seem to be Legos as they say.

And I agree it's very easy to get out if budget fast. That's said I don't mind spending a little more for the parts that matter.

Right now I'll see how the ALS trigger is then change latter if I don't like it or if I find a few dollars down the road.

So far I'm happy with the lower build and feel I'm doing well keeping the budget in check so far.
 
Look at AIM for a Faxon barrel. They have the Gunner with pinned gas block for around $180. The barrel profile was made for 3 gun and has really good reviews. Another cheaper option would be a Ballistic Advantage Modern series. You can find them under $150 on sale pretty frequently on Right To Bear. If you go with the buffer tube from PSA make sure you read the description and it states it is made from 7075. If it doesnt say it in the description its 6065. Anderson Buffer tubes get god feedback and are 7075 aluminum and are reasonably priced as well
 
Mosin Bubba said:
$60 for a trigger, Magpul grip, and LPK? I'd say you've done good.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I think so. I'm really excited and can't wait to it gets here! As said above I'll just need a stock and it'll be my first lower build.

I'm leaning towards the ACE Unltralight but it's subject to change. I know it's not the cheapest option but it's also nowhere near the most expensive. It also seems to get good reviews and have some loyal users.

Everready73 thanks for the lead on the Faxon. AIM doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for in stock right now, but I'll keep watching. The $180 is the higher end of what I want to spend but with a gas block it's not out of the range and actually winds up being closer to what I figured. So timing might work if they get some in next month or in May.
 
Hokie_PhD said:
Thanks. I think so. I'm really excited and can't wait to it gets here! As said above I'll just need a stock and it'll be my first lower build.

I'm leaning towards the ACE Unltralight but it's subject to change. I know it's not the cheapest option but it's also nowhere near the most expensive. It also seems to get good reviews and have some loyal users.

Everready73 thanks for the lead on the Faxon. AIM doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for in stock right now, but I'll keep watching. The $180 is the higher end of what I want to spend but with a gas block it's not out of the range and actually winds up being closer to what I figured. So timing might work if they get some in next month or in May.
Click to expand...
Aim has free shipping which helps too. The 16 inch Gunner is in stock, but not sure if that is what you were looking at http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...4150+QPQ+Nitride+Barrel&groupid=8352&fprdct=1 . They have a medium contour 18 inch for $180 that was out of stock which might be what you were looking at.
 
Everready73 said:
Aim has free shipping which helps too. The 16 inch Gunner is in stock, but not sure if that is what you were looking at http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XFX15A58R16NLQ&name=Faxon+Firearms+16+IN.+Gunner+.223/5.56+4150+QPQ+Nitride+Barrel&groupid=8352&fprdct=1 . They have a medium contour 18 inch for $180 that was out of stock which might be what you were looking at.
Click to expand...
I already have a 16" carbine in 1:7 twist, so I'd like an 18" rifle length. I've maxed out spending for this month so it's no rush.
Free shipping helps. I know it's not a lot but every bit helps. Adding that takes another $10 or $20 which makes it very competitive.

I'll keep an eye on AIM and watch. So thanks again.
 
No problem. To give you another option Ballistic Advantage gets great feedback. Checkout Monmouthreloading.com they have the best prices on these i have seen. They offer with the gas block for around the same price as Faxon, such as this http://www.monmouthreloading.com/sh...-performance-series-17-7-hanson-3-gun-barrel/ . I am personally going with Faxon, but Ballistic Advantage offers an MOA Guarantee and receives great feedback as well
 
Do you have any experience actually shooting 3-gun? I'm not asking that to be a smart-alec. I ask that because if you haven't been in some of the unusual positions required or figured out how you shoot in both CQB and 300+ yard situations on the clock, you may not know yet what features you want in your rifle.

I finished my most recent "pro level" AR-15 build this past November. I decided to try to make it as recoilless as possible and have zero muzzle rise while being stupid accurate and not a fat pig that weighs 9 lbs like my first 3-gun rifle. I went with an adjustable gas block, lightweight BCG and 10% reduced recoil spring/buffer combo. I understand you're doing a "budget" build, but there are still features that can make a difference. You're right to "splurge" on a good barrel and trigger. An inaccurate rifle is worthless. I've also heard good things about Faxon barrels, but have no experience with them. My experience is with AR15 Performance barrels. GREAT barrels! Whatever company you decide on, great features include 16" (midlength gas) or 18" (rifle length gas), 1:8" twist, Wylde chamber and melonite treated rather than chrome lined.

A long, lightweight, vented, free-floating handguard is important too. That combination of features doesn't come cheaply either. The long handguard helps with a "thumb over bore", extended arm grip for fast transitions on CQB stages and resting the gun on something for stability on longer shots. It gives you the most flexibility for whatever hold you use. I recommend at least a 12" handguard, but I MUCH prefer a 15".

Forgive me if it seems I'm talking down to you. I don't intend to, I'm assuming you don't have much experience in 3-gun. If you do, carry on...
 
LocoGringo

I appreciate your comments and took them as what they should be --- good questions.

No I haven't shot three gun yet but I've done a lot of research and I've also have had two ARs so I know a few things I like and some I dislike. I sold one and still have the second.

I'm not an expert but I think the goals I've set out apply not only for three gun but for many other uses too. For instance varmit control when I visit my folks place (if needed)

Plus worse case building it myself I can always change it! Actually I expect to make changes to it. So the goal is to have a good foundation that I can use for learning.

I guess in my case the things that I think would make a good three gun rifle are things I want in my next AR. That is light recoil, nice trigger, accurate, reliable and able to take abuse and of course fairly light!
 
I like my Larue MBT trigger. I think they are on sale now. I got a 16" heavy profile barrel from DPMS thru Brownells- (about $160 I believe) 1/9, shoots sub MOA with 75 grain Hornady and 77 grain MK 262. Also very happy with my $325 Vortex 1-6.
 
FL-NC said:
I like my Larue MBT trigger. I think they are on sale now. I got a 16" heavy profile barrel from DPMS thru Brownells- (about $160 I believe) 1/9, shoots sub MOA with 75 grain Hornady and 77 grain MK 262. Also very happy with my $325 Vortex 1-6.
Click to expand...
The Larue MBT is the best budget trigger out there IMO. The RRA is a little cheaper and good too. Then there is the ALG ACT and BCM PNT in the $60 range, but they are single stage
 
Just an update
I put my lower together today except for the stock. I'll be ordering that next payday.
It was much easier than I expected.

I now see why building Legos, I mean ARs is so addictive!

Onto the upper once I get the stock!
 
Well I never said this was going to be a fast build.
Today I ordered the stock from Joe Bobs.
I decided to get the Ace Skeleton kit.
This has the rifle length spring, buffer, and fixed stock.

I picked this as it seems to get good reviews. The price was $119.95 with free shipping. So we'll see how it is when I get it. As far as I can tell most folks that get one like them, a few didn't.

Anyway this will give me the parts needed to complete the lower. So once it's done, I'll take it to the range with my existing AR, swap the upper and see that everything is ok and if the stock, trigger etc have much of a difference.

Then it's on to the upper build.
 
The stock came in today so I was able to install it which completed the lower. My son saw it and gave it his approval. He said it was cooler looking than the standard carbine collapsible one on my other AR.

The stock went on easy once I figured taking the top and botton apart required a little oomph. After that it was easy.

I can't tell how much weight difference there is, but it seems solid and fits me well with the 1" pad.
I'll take it to the range the next chance I get and let folks know how it all works with my exiting upper. Then it's onto the upper build!

As I've said, I was surprised how easy this all went and I'm hooked. Can't wait to start ordering parts for the upper!
 
Here are some items you might want..
Ambidextrous charging handle for under $40
https://www.deltateamtactical.com/L...trous-Charging-Handle-223-556-300_p_5454.html
Here is a nice 15" M Lok rail. They are out of stock right now but should have them back in stock soon.
https://www.deltateamtactical.com/D...ra-Lite-Slant-Pro-M-Lok-Handguard_p_5207.html

They have this one in key mod that is in stock.
https://www.deltateamtactical.com/D...ymod-Handguard-W-Steel-Barrel-Nut_p_4981.html
Both have anti rotation tabs.
I have the 15" M Lok one in my shop for an up coming build and have used the key mod one before.

I would like to help you with your build. Let me know what type of flash hider you are thinking of getting and I will see if I have one in my box of goodies.
 
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