Have Built or Buy???

[Lonerider357]

Can't decide if I want to have a AR built by a private builder who has great references from quality parts or buy a Complete Name Brand Rifle w/Warranty.
What are the drawbacks to either??

 

[HavelockLEO]

In the end its up to you, I have three that I've assembled and one that I've pretty much left as assembled by the factory, I wont use built since I dont have tools to do the actual assembly.
But it can still be rewarding to buy what you want and put it together. By that I mean a complete or stockless lower with an upper you decided meets your needs.
Heres the one I left pretty much alone S&W M&P-15 Sport

1st one I assembled, Sig lower, Model 1 upper

My most pieced together, Adams Arms conversion, RRA upper, Stag lower

Another assembled, RRA lower and Larue upper

 

[Lonerider357]

I wouldn't build it myself, know a guy who builds for various Gun Shops and has a excellent rep! Was thinking about the S&W Sport but don't like the no dust cover here in Texas!

 

[greyling22]

if you're ever going to sell it, especially online, you'll want a bought gun. Particularly the upper. nobody wants to buy a frankengun upper.

 

[chrome_austex]

They're pretty easy to build, so if you know a guy with a good reputation, I wouldn't worry about the actual assembly. However, I'd like to know exactly what parts are used on my personal gun. I wouldn't want a gun built by another person from unknown cheap parts.

I built an upper myself for the first time last night

 

[TCBPATRIOT]

Hey HAVELOCKLEO how did you get that sweet effect on the 3rd Rifle posted?

 

[chris in va]

NE Texas isn't known for being particularly dusty. I know, lived there quite a while. Now if you said WEST Texas, that's a whole other ball o'wax.

Keep an eye out for S&W coupons. They apply to the regular M&P line...which have dust covers.

 

[okdee]

I built my first AR15, still have it. Dang proud of it. But since then, I changed my mind and desires on what I want on my next rifle and so I have bought only Factory rifles, Armalites. I agree, if there is a chance for you to resell, most folks would want a factory rifle as in a factory matched upper and lower. Changing out the buttstock and other assessories, does not seem to hurt the basic price. And so it is easier to buy and sell a factory rifle, then a custom made rifle. The term Frankengun seems a bit exteme for the AR platform, but it does make the asking price drop more for an unmatched upper and lower. that is what I have noticed online and in the gun shows. Either way, its a learning experience!

 

[greyling22]

tcbpatriot, my guess is he used spray paint and the sack oranges come in. or fishnet hose. It's very well done on havlocks's gun. it can look pretty lame if done poorly.

 

[Livnoutdoorsxd9]

I say build it. I've built 2 so far and I know they are one-ofs. I never plan to sell them but if the time comes that I need the cash, I'm confident I will pull in more than I put into them. Qc from major manufacturers let a bad apple slip through every now and again, but my qc standards are higher. You also get the added benefit of knowing exactly how the platform operates an can generally troubleshoot your own malfunctions.

 

[303tom]

Pretty much depends on what you want...........