Starting to plan my first AR purchase- buy package, or parts?

[Jason_W]

After some thought, I'm going to start putting a little money away and gradually save up for an AR in .458 SOCOM (don't try and talk me out of the chambering, my mind is made up).

What's a better way to go, buy the lower and upper separately, or just buy the whole gun? I'm not really a tinkerer, so I can't see buying a stripped receiver and a mess of trigger and bolt parts, but I could probably hack joining a lower to an upper. Probably.

 

[wally]

I'd buy a stripped lower at a gun show, then while saving for the complete upper, shop for the lower parts kit you want (I've been very happy with DPMS lower parts kits I can usually find for $40 at a show) and then get the butt stock you prefer. Again I find the Tapco M4 style works great for me and can generally find them for about $45 at shows. The buttstock can easily cost more than the stripped lower, but I'm willing to skimp on the lower parts to have more money for ammo and a better upper. So I've rarely got more than $190 in a complete lower.

If you buy a complete gun its easier, but you will end up paying the $100 Federal excise tax which is where the savings come from to support the AR kits cottage industry.

 

[shagmcnasty]

My 12 year old son assembled his own lower after watching a few videos.................... It's agreat way to learn the opperation of your rifle.

 

[rjrivero]

My 12 year old son assembled his own lower after watching a few videos.................... It's agreat way to learn the opperation of your rifle.

Thats one way to throw down the internet gauntlet......calling him out with your 12 year old's skillz.

 

[Big44mag]

Be careful of the Auto-Collapse feature.

Either way you go, I would really recommend either a fixed stock or something like the Magpul ACS because of the friction lock. The CTR has a friction lock as well but is pretty thin and starts to smart a bit after a few rounds. I damaged an ACE M4 Socom stock pretty bad after just 6 rounds and wasn't able to collapse the stock, I had to Dremel the nub so it would collapse all the way. The ACS on my 10.5" works extremely well and I am more than happy with it.

I have heard of a few people ultimately getting the auto-collapse feature but the 458 forums have been hacked and is down again.

This is on ACE's site but wasn't in the paperwork for my stock.

"NOTE: The Ace Socom Stock is designed and intended for calibers up to and including 7.62x39. Use on weapons of higher calibers such as, but not limited to: 12 Gauge Shotgun, .450 Bushmaster, 458 Socom, .499LWRC, .50 Beowulf, .50 BMG may cause damage to your stock that will not be covered by warranty."

Hope this helps.