looking to build celebration AR

[captain obvious]

I want to get an AR-15 with all the evil features now that the ban is gone, but I am a college student, and by default, don't have very much money. What is the most affordable way I can build or buy an AR?

Also, I'm looking to get something that will last, i.e. at least the lower reciever being RRA, Bushmaster, or (maybe) Colt type quality.

 

[Mulliga]

Buy a stripped RRA lower from Adco.

http://www.adcofirearms.com/rockriver/rockriver.cfm?page=rra&CFID=3056002&CFTOKEN=81256828

Then buy a parts kit from JT or Model 1.

http://webcats.net/store/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=J&Category_Code=K

http://www.model1sales.com/

============================

About $600 altogether when you count in shipping, FFL transfer fees for the stripped lower, and the tools you'll need.

It's probably easier to just save up and buy a NIB RRA or Bushie AR from Adco or AIM Surplus. Just my opinion.

 

[NMshooter]

Davidson's sells complete Bushmasters for less than you could piece one together out of Bushmaster parts, and will guarantee that rifle to the point of replacement if necessary. In the next couple of months when things have sorted themselves out you should be able to get what you want, unless you specifically want to build it yourself. In that case have fun, it is not as hard as you think, and a lot of fun, but you will not save any money.

 

[Chairman]

I'm in a similar situation (poor college student). My original plan was to go the $600 kit/lower route; however, I've found that it's a little hard to stop spending when there are so many neat parts/accessories for AR's. In the end, I'm out about the same amount of money as I would be if I bought a Bushy from Aimsurplus. I am happy with the rifle I'm going to end up with (still waiting on parts), because it's exactly what I want.

Here are the parts I am using (and prices (shipped))

Mega lower w/parts $149
RRA 6 pos. stock 75
CMMG upper: 1:7 twist, 5150 steel, chrome lined, 5.56 chamber, M4 feed ramps 510
Rear sight (still undecided, but probably a LaRue BUIS) ~80-110
Hakko Tacpoint sight with risers to mount it 130

Not counting the Tacpoint, I'll have about the same into the gun as a new Bushy from Aim, but with some personal touches. Good luck with the decisions.

BTW--if anyone has some sort of BUIS they don't need, email me.

 

[Bane]

A friend and I were in the exact same position.
We bought RRA lowers and 16" light weight A3 CAR upper kits from Model 1 with removable carry handles and collapsing stocks and tac slings.
We were able to assemble them with ease in about 1 hr. Fit and finish are wonderful and they shoot great!

RRA lower:$100
Model 1 kit:$510

Finished AR-15 about $620

Only problem is not spending too much on accesories!!!

 

[Thrash1982]

deleted by Thrash1982

 

[Thrash1982]

Here is a pic of Bane's and my rifles. Mine is on the top.

 

[captain obvious]

Wow - those sure are purdy rifles - i guess i'll just have to take that route too

now if I could only decided if I should get an M4 type carbine or a full length AR-15A2....