Building the cheapest AR

[mattw]

I've seen alot of threads about people wanting to know how to build a cheap AR or where they can get the cheapest AR15. I am in the process of saving up for my own AR15 and just thought I'd pass on some info I've found

Cheapest possible AR15 (20" barrel, A3-style)

Lower Receiver: Superior Arms Stripped lower from Kiser Munitions

Upper and parts: 20" E2 kit from M&A Parts

This comes out to $535 before shipping and transfer fee for the lower.
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Cheapest possible M4gery (14.5" barrel, A3-style, pinned flash hider, NON-SBR):

Same lower receiver as above. $85.

Upper and parts: M4 kit from M&A

This gives you a 14.5" M4 clone without needing SBR paperwork for $585 plus shipping and transfer fee.

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The kits come with everything but the stripped lower (of course), the magazine, and the rear sight (since they are flat tops). Mags can be gotten on the cheap from various sources, but the rear sight is necessary and can be found fairly cheaply on ebay, gunbroker, or the trading post here or the AR15.com equipment exchange.

Even after purchasing the rear sight from somewhere else, either of these set ups gives you the cheapest possible AR15 in the two most popular configurations without having to buy used or bargain-bin rifles that got kicked around in the CMMG storage room.
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I've heard good things about Superior Arms receivers. They had some trouble with fit issues and out of spec mag wells a while ago, but have since fixed those problems. Plus they have great customer service and will replace your lower if you find any problem with it.

I haven't heard much about M&A parts, but their web site says that they use barrels made by a company the US military contracts for barrels. I have heard no complaints about M&A stuff, but have not used any of their products personally. If you check AR15.com you will find mostly positive comments.

If anyone decides to build either of these set ups, please let me know. I am seriously considering building the M4 set up as my first AR.
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Anyone that passed the second grade and got the round peg in the round hole and the square peg in the square hole can build an AR from a parts kit like these. Simple instructions with pictures can be found here.

 

[Navy87Guy]

Check the recent post about the Bargain Bin AR's available from CMMG. Even if you have to replace a couple of internals, it will still probably be cheaper than building from scratch.

Jim

 

[taliv]

essential arm's lower receiver is considerably cheaper than kisers, and they haven't had any problems with out of spec parts.

if you're looking for a deal on an upper, wander around a gun show.

 

[OpFlash]

Taking the M4gery as an example, after the shipping of all the pieces and FFL fees you're at least at $650 if not more. My local shop regularly sells DMPS M4geries for $699 or $750, depending on whether you want A2 or A3 style. I think building your own is worthwhile for the knowledge and experience, but it really isn't necessary from a cost standpoint. The DPMS M4 I had was very reliable and accurate.

 

[OpFlash]

Sorry, double post. First one timed out.

 

[nalioth]

Agreed, I can't build a parts gun as cheaply as these are being sold.

 

[taliv]

My local shop regularly sells DMPS M4geries for $699 or $750, depending on whether you want A2 or A3 style.

oh yeah?

sure they're not selling A2geries and A3geries?

 

[mattw]

Check the recent post about the Bargain Bin AR's available from CMMG. Even if you have to replace a couple of internals, it will still probably be cheaper than building from scratch.

Jim

I swear sometimes people just read the topic and post without reading the actual original post.

20" E2 parts kit = $450
Shipping = $20.25
Lower = $85
Shipping = $FREE
Transfer at my local gun shop for the lower = $15

Price of brand new rifle in your hand = $570.25

CMMG Bargain bin rifle = $550
Shipping = $15
Transfer fee = $15

Price of bulk storaged CMMG that may be scuffed up = $580 (+ $20 for a hand pick if you want it)

Not much of a difference but you save almost $30 and get a NEW rifle that was not scuffed up in bulk storage and the satisfaction of building your own.

 

[trickyasafox]

I've had great luck with essential arms lowers and Del-ton rifle kits.

 

[mattw]

Well thats even cheaper then. $77 for an essential arms lower, right? That and the M&A kit can beat the CMMG bargain bin price by another 8 dollars. Awesome, now we're down to $562.25 for a complete new 20" A3.

And if you want a 16" barrel M4gery kit, M&A has those for $450. I just posted the price on the 14.5" kit because thats the one that I want. So with an Essential Arms lower and an M&A kit, you could have the same rifle without scuff marks for $40 less than a CMMG bargain gun.

 

[fgr39]

I think Essential Arms charges $11 for shipping one lower, not sure if you figured that in or not. I have a Del-Ton build on an Essential Arms lower and the rifle runs great and can hold .75 MOA with my hand loads, but it wasn't the cheapest build.

 

[nalioth]

Not much of a difference but you save almost $30 and get a NEW rifle that was not scuffed up in bulk storage and the satisfaction of building your own.

I've assembled my ARs just to save money. I didn't enjoy assembling them, as they presented all of the challenges of a puzzle meant for '4 and under'.

I don't care about "cosmetics", I care for function. So what if you aren't the first one to "scratch the paint".

I find that some AR manufacturers seem to charge more depending on how many letters they have in their name (or how long they've been in business).

If I'd have known about the CMMG deal (or similar at the time) I'd have bought some of those instead.

 

[righteousbarbarian]

I think I might bookmark this thread. Lots of good info in here.