Budget AR15?

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This is REALLY simple:

PSA or similar stripped lower, $100 or less. (I've built three on PSA's, they're fine)

A Del-Ton Rifle Kit from Del-Ton $465 or from MidwayUSA $470

print the build instructions off the 'net, and you have a rifle for about $600, give or take.

I've built two using the Del-Ton kits and they're great. No missing parts, everything fits and mine are accurate shooting under 1 1/2" @ 100 yds.
Also, I'd suggest an A3 upper or kit as this gives you the option of mounting a scope or a carry handle with sights. When I'm testing loads in my Dissipator, I put an old 6X Weaver on the rifle. When I shoot High Power the carry handle and sights are installed.

35W
 
kwelz, where did you hear about those stories? Any links? I heard they had some QC issues awhile ago with the feed ramps, but they were fixed. Of course any company has their lemons but I am pretty happy with mine. $600 and it shipped in about a week.
 
Most of the threads have been on ARFcom. Go check out their sub forum there. The one about the ammo was on M4C but I think the thread got nuked because they hadn't contacted PSA yet.
 
To be fair to PSA. They are a small company, and probably didn't realize the overwhelming response to their great prices. They've gotten swamped with orders, and mistakes occasionally happen. From what I see, they've always made it right. I know that more than a year ago I ordered a LPK from them, and it was missing something. They got it shipped right out.

I went back to the end of last year, and saw no thread about a round in the chamber when shipped. Remember, every company can have some issues. It's how well they take care of the customers when they do make a mistake.
 
he said the thread about the round in chamber got taken down (as it rightfully should have) because they hadn't contacted PSA yet. It kind of seems far-fetched, and unless I hear about it being verified and confirmed it is nothing but an urban legend. But sadly urban legends like that have tarnished a lot of companies' reputations in the past.
 
Don't let broad-brush statements like in post #25 dissuade you from buying from Palmetto State Armory.

The sell quality products and are simply a small company that has experienced phenomenal growth in product and volume in 2011. Their mistakes are very, very minor compared to the enormous number that are perfect.

Companies at all levels in the firearms biz make mistakes all the time. If you actually look at the two big AR forums, you'll see complaints about mistakes from all the big operations, too...it's just that those bigger companies all ready have an established reputation and a bit of a halo effect surrounding those mistakes. PSA is so new that people are forming opinions based on growing pains which aren't offset by any halo effect.

The measure of merit isn't that they happened...it's how the company responds and remedies the mistakes that is most important. PSA stands behind their products. I have been impressed with how they've responded both in public and private to mistakes and complaints. I own a couple PSA products and I'm eager to bring my AR business to them again when the time comes.
 
Follow-up to the OP: based on what you're saying about budget, the used market is where you're going to win big. AR owners are constantly upgrading and changing out setups; a little patience on the forum classifieds (not necessarily here, bot more likely on AR15.com or M4Carbine.net) will probably yield good results.
 
PSA is actually right around the corner from me and I have a ton of local friends that buy from them. Never had an issue. Like an earlier post I think they got a lot more business than they expected to be right out of the hole. I am sure they would make any error right and the quality of the parts are top notch.

They are also selling FN barells (Which are also made here locally).
 
Stick to your budget and you should be able to build one for that price if you are patient. Wait for sales and/or buy used parts.
 
If your budget is quite a bit under $600 then you may want to look at a Kel Tec SU-16. I would check out the SU-16C as it can be fired with the stock in the folded postition unlike the other models. It is chambered in 5.56 NATO, takes AR15 mags and has a chrome lined chamber and bore. I don't think you'll find a "decent" AR for under $600 unless you are in the right place at the right time and very lucky on top of that. Remember that it is an election year and the buying frenzy will start soon. Other than that I am a fan of Del Ton. That is my budget AR but still ended up around $700 before adding a my Primary Arms red dot.
 
David Fortier in Shotgun News (Volume 65, Issue 2) last year wrote an article called, "Building an Ultra-Affordable AR." Bottom line: $119 complete lower, $299 upper, $120 bolt carrier assembly, $20 charging handle, $58 back up sight. Total $616. He also recommended a couple of scopes to match.
 
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My experience with PSA has been excellent. I have two lowers from them and the quality is excellent (especially the small parts and stardard trigger group, which is the best standard AR trigger I've ever encounterd).

I've handled a few of their uppers as well, but don't own one yet. However, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. Their customer service has been excellent in my experience (I have only dealt with them in their Columbia store, though - never online).
 
Yea if well under 600 is your price point it leaves you with few options, for about $700 you could pick up a complete spikes upper from joebobs for 480 and build a lower for around $200. Just trying to throw some options out there as i check prices daily on AR parts when i get bored at work.
 
You can check out www.jsesurplus.com. I have used all of them, Model 1, Delton, JP, DPMS, Rock River, and JSE sells the best parts kits around for the money. Also I've known Tony down at Delton for years, he has some Great Kits too. You can get a standard M4 built for under 600 bucks easily. Take your time and learn to build the lower yourself. www.AR-15.com and then just order your upper already built from them if you don't want to worry about headspacing etc. Main thing is to ask "Are these Parts Make in the USA?" There are some shaky Asian parts kits on the market that are a nightmare and are pure junk.
 
If $600 is too much I think you may be out of luck unless you find an used rifle. If i were in your shoes i'd consider a Saiga in 5.56($300) and convert it to the pistol grip configuration. Obviously thats not an AR but its still a "Black Rifle" that shoots the same ammo.
 
Well I think i've settled on a S&W MP15 sport. What is the lowest price I could get on one, in the used market?
 
Well I think i've settled on a S&W MP15 sport. What is the lowest price I could get on one, in the used market?
Click to expand...

While not improbable, it might be hard to find a used M&P Sport. I believe they were going $600-699 new so I would say 80% of new depending on condition.
 
I have had great results with my DTI. The thing to remember is these are just leggo kits as there are just a handful (4 companies) that manufacturer their own parts and everyone else just stamps their name/logo on the components.
 
The Smith and Wesson M&P Sport may be your best option for around $649 new.

Also check out Tactical Machining. They have complete uppers for $399, lowers for $169. All you'd have to add is the Stock with buffer kit. Should run you less than $700 total.
 
THanks guys. You know, I was originally gonna get a ruger Mini 14 ranch ecause to me it looks much more appealing and doesn't have that "black rifle" look that AR's do, But I see some going as high as 650 used, which is ALOT more than it's worth according to some inaccuracy tales i've heard.
 
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