To build or buy?

[moto_stevo]

I really want to finish my ar15. I've got a lower and parts kit installed. I need a buttstock and upper. The problem is this economy. I need to do this as inexpensively as possible. (The champagne taste on a keystone light budget) Is it more economic to buy a complete upper or buy and assemble to parts.

 

[BUCKrub91]

Build the upper... will save you a bit of money and you will be able to put the parts you want on it...

 

[TurtlePhish]

Build. Look around and you'll find the parts for cheaper in total than buying complete. Emphasis on look around.

 

[mshootnit]

A while back I was finding complete Del-ton 16" HBAR uppers for very close to 400 to me. I put together my complete 16" rifle for around 597 IIRC, and it groups less than an inch at 100 yards. (optic not included)
In actuality I have almost as much in the optic setup as the whole rest of the rifle!
Mine is for hunting and plinking so not needing the whole Colt milspec thang. As long as it goes bang once every two minutes or so, and does so every time I pull the trigger for up to 100 rounds at a time I am happy.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=6lh3T_ymHYPXiAKa79SnDg&ved=0CFAQ8wIwBA#

 

[animator]

To build one, you'll also need to consider the cost of the tools you'll need to do it.


If I was wanting an absolutely specific upper that no one offered as a kit, I'd build one. But for just a basic shooter, buy one already assembled.

 

[WinThePennant]

You can almost always build an AR for less than what you'd pay for a similar one.

You can build a VERY good AR for $700 - $750.

You can build a GREAT AR for $1,500.

 

[The War Wagon]

I really want to finish my ar15. I've got a lower and parts kit installed. I need a buttstock and upper. The problem is this economy. I need to do this as inexpensively as possible. (The champagne taste on a keystone light budget) Is it more economic to buy a complete upper or buy and assemble to parts.

Is this your FIRST AR? How familiar are you with the platform? What's your HONEST mechanical aptitude? Do you HAVE the right tools for the job?

BUILDING the upper is something I haven't even tried yet, and I've owned them for 21 years now. Yeah, lowers aren't too difficult - especially if you don't mind scratches - but you're probably better off pinching MORE pennies, & buying a complete quality upper - with all the internals matched & mated - in order to have a reliable tool at your disposal.

You're attempting to cradle a controlled EXPLOSION in your arms, that takes place about 6 inches in front of your eyes & face. Such is NOT the place for low-bid, second-guesses!

 

[Airborne Falcon]

Build it yourself. You will be amazed at how much more confidence you will have in a rifle you tweaked from the ground-up as well as knowing that you can repair the thing in a pinch if something were to ever happen ... provided you have a spare set of springs, screws and pins.

 

[moto_stevo]

I appreciate all the feed back. The War Wagon: my honest mechanical aptitude is excellent. I also have resources locally if I need help. I was just wondering if builders Kim spikes tactical or bravo company put together packages that saved a few bucks over building them myself.... And where do the scratches come from when assembling a Lower?! LOL

 

[TurtlePhish]

Roll pin for the bolt release... real easy to scratch up.

Keep in mind that buying the complete rifle means that part of the cost is Federal Excise Tax.

 

[browningguy]

As of today Midway USA has about 8 complete uppers with bolts for under $400 (DPMS and Delton), and a couple of more around $419. It seems to me it would be difficult to build one with new parts for less than that.

 

[justice06rr]

I'm torn on this one. If you wanted to save a bit and choose specific parts, then building is the way to go since you already have some mechanical skills.

But my own opinion is to buy a complete upper like BCM or Spikes that already have matching parts.

 

[animator]

Roll pin for the bolt release... real easy to scratch up.

Keep in mind that buying the complete rifle means that part of the cost is Federal Excise Tax.

You're right in that excise tax only applies to the firearm, which for an AR is the lower receiver. In this case, the OP is talking about an upper assembly, which has no registered parts, and is therefore not applicable to any firearm excise tax.


But regarding the scratching while assembling, I've found that masking tape and a very long punch works great at preventing that little ding at the bolt catch

 

[WinThePennant]

Is this your FIRST AR? How familiar are you with the platform? What's your HONEST mechanical aptitude? Do you HAVE the right tools for the job?

BUILDING the upper is something I haven't even tried yet, and I've owned them for 21 years now. Yeah, lowers aren't too difficult - especially if you don't mind scratches - but you're probably better off pinching MORE pennies, & buying a complete quality upper - with all the internals matched & mated - in order to have a reliable tool at your disposal.

You're attempting to cradle a controlled EXPLOSION in your arms, that takes place about 6 inches in front of your eyes & face. Such is NOT the place for low-bid, second-guesses!

I'm curious, but what part of an upper is so hard that a person with above average IQ and mechanical aptitude is unable to manage?

 

[TurtlePhish]

You're right in that excise tax only applies to the firearm, which for an AR is the lower receiver. In this case, the OP is talking about an upper assembly, which has no registered parts, and is therefore not applicable to any firearm excise tax.

Whoops, I made a stupid.

BUILDING the upper is something I haven't even tried yet, and I've owned them for 21 years now. Yeah, lowers aren't too difficult - especially if you don't mind scratches - but you're probably better off pinching MORE pennies, & buying a complete quality upper - with all the internals matched & mated - in order to have a reliable tool at your disposal.

Building an upper is easy, I did it on my first AR after five minutes of reading a how-to. As long as you do everything carefully there's nothing to worry about. ARs are all drop-in with quality parts, nothing needs to be matched and mated.

 

[TxBobS]

I've never built an upper just because I didn't see a huge savings when you factor in the tools and the headspace gauges. Maybe I was wrong though.

 

[Tex4426]

it is cheaper to buy a complete upper...i built my lower then ordered a custom upper..saved a few hundred bucks but i search for every part till i found what i felt was the best price