Thinking of getting into a AR

[Shawn.54]

Was thinking of getting into a AR I realize that there are many different makers/prices but I don't want to break the bank (yes I'm cheap not by choice but by bank account).
Have done some net surfing and I'm down to Ruger AR 556 and SW M&P Sport ll. Ok I asked let me have it.
Shawn

 

[badkarmamib]

A few of my friends have bought the S&W, and like it. I don't know anyone who has the Ruger, but I do know they did some non-standard things in their build (like the gas block). I would personally go with the M&P Sport 2, out of any possible AR out there today, if I wanted a turn-key, mil-spec AR.

 

[Jimster]

I would build one. Very rewarding project.

 

[Shawn.54]

The building has crossed my mind but I have 0 experience with AR platform.
Would not know what parts brand to use. I know 1 person who says he is an expert but he loaded 500 rounds for his left bullets out to far and couldn't figure why it wouldn't cycle.
Shawn

 

[badkarmamib]

I enjoyed building mine, and it is literally easy enough, that you can learn how to do it by watching YouTube

That said, at $539 shipped to your FFL, you would be hard-pressed to build this kind of quality for cheaper:

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/166590

But, a complete kit from PSA, a stripped lower from a LGS, and an hour watching and pausing YouTube to assemble the lower? The pride of knowing your weapon inside out is its own reward.

 

[herrwalther]

Build one. I don't have much more experience with an AR outside military use. Get yourself a halfway decent rifle kit from PSA or something. Pick up a stripped lower from a local gun store. I put together my AR lower with nothing more than a punch set, AR vise block, a castle nut wrench, and some pliers. There are plenty of Youtube videos that walk you through putting a lower together step by step. Worked just fine on my AR build.

 

[cdb1]

I like the Delta Ring set-up on the Ruger.

 

[Shawn.54]

I think I'm going to figure out what I need and build it so I hope when I'm not sure I can get help.
Shawn

 

[readyeddy]

PSA has a Magpul Special going on now. $150 complete lower and $300 complete upper. Comes with sights. Needs Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle. They also have kits if you want to put together the lower.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...ia&utm_campaign=secondmedia&utm_medium=banner

 

[Shawn.54]

I was looking at that I like the fact that I can order parts ascash becomes available.
Shawn

 

[Jimster]

Now you're talkin'!

 

[Shawn.54]

Now as I said l have to be cheap. I was on PSA they have a blemish striped lower any idea what the blemish would be 49.99 this would get me started.

 

[Pat Riot]

A blem could be a scratch or a nick. I wouldn't worry about it. On your first build you will ding something up anyway.

Get a lower and a parts kit. Hit the CMMG site, they have a great video that makes assembling your lower easy as pie. I wouldn't get too caught up in bells and whistles for your first gun. It's easy to get caught up in "tacti-cool" stuff. Build yourself a basic AR and enjoy it. Once you have had some experience with it then you can trick it out...or not.

I have built several ARs and they look intimidating at first but they are really easy to build. My favorite one was the cheapest and most basic one that I built.

 

[larryh1108]

I have purchased many "blem" uppers and lowers and have yet to find a blem on any of them. It could be a way to sell items cheaper than their regular price so they don't devalue their pricing.

 

[Shawn.54]

I'm not looking to trick it out plain utilitie is what I want this could be fun. Just one question is the lower the only part that needs shipped to ffl dealer?

 

[readyeddy]

If you go with PSA's least expensive complete lowers and uppers (when they go on sale), you can probably build a complete AR for around $450 ($130 lower, 200 upper, $100 BCG and CH, $20 rear sight). But I would seriously consider the Magpul special. You'll look a lot cooler at the range!

 

[Shawn.54]

My range is my backyard no one to look cool for. Or the stone pit on the farm. I want reliable and functional.
Shawn

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I have the Sport II and really like it. But as folks will warn you, they are addicting. Built one over the holidays for coyote hunting. Now I'm thinking I'd like an A2 rifle clone. It never ends....

 

[badkarmamib]

I'm not looking to trick it out plain utilitie is what I want this could be fun. Just one question is the lower the only part that needs shipped to ffl dealer?

That is correct, it is the part with the serial number.

 

[Shawn.54]

A local ffl is in PSA's list of dealers he said pick his shop off list it's easy. So this is looking very doable.
Shawn

 

[MachIVshooter]

Another recommendation for building. You'll get a lot more for your money, and be able to put it together how you want it off the bat instead of spending more money to customize a production base rifle.

No need to be apprehensive about building. Very easy to do, countless written and video tutorials out there for free. You can also go the complete lower + complete upper route, in which case "assembly" consists of attaching the upper to the lower with the takedown pins; quite literally something a monkey can do, and part of normal maintenance anyway.

 

[BrocLuno]

Another farm kid here. Long time ago now, but I remember the days of walking out the back door and grabbing Gramps 22 pump and popping birds out of the fruit trees... Sighting-in rifles before deer season across the pasture on water balloons hanging from fishing line in an old Buckeye Tree

Anyway, glad you decided to build. From you comments above, I suspect no military service? So no training on military weapons... If so, that means you need to build to understand the whole system.

Building will allow you to see the inside and all the little pieces and how they fit together. Once it's done and shooting, you will never be frustrated by why something does not work, you'll know right what to look for

 

[Shawn.54]

At this time PSA has a complete lower and complete upper for less than parts kits can be found. That will be the way I go for now but I have two sons who will be wanting their own so I may start buying parts and putting them together after I get mine.
No service experience have a few buddies who served and my father did a tour in Vietnam 1970 so a few who are at least familiar with setup.

 

[Shawn.54]

Well first order to PSA a striped lower is on its way. Next week the parts kit.
I'm jumping in hope I can swim.
Shawn

 

[Coal Dragger]

Good luck.

I would have suggested doing some research on what brands put up well with high round count use, minimal maintenance, and rough handling. Not that it would do any good. Everyone thinks parts are parts even when it is demonstrably not true.

Have fun with your first AR, mine was also a cheap one before I knew any better. Back in 2004 after I got out of the USMC I also thought parts were parts. Learned the hard way that was not true.

When you want an education in AR's/M4's go look around m4carbine.net a lot of industry professionals post there along with some very highly respected subject matter experts.