Want to build an ar.

[G.barnes]

I here everyone talk about how they built a top quality rifle for 800 to 900 dollars. I just bought a ddm4v5 from my dealer for 1280. I've searched all over and the best I can build the same rifle for is around 1150 with the extras it comes with and using a 110 dollar reciever for tax and ffl purpose. What am I missing cause even after the tax on the complete rifle it's not enough to justify not having the dd lower and the manufacturer warranty. If I build a psa to the same specs and accessories I still can't get low enough to justify it.

 

[CHALK22]

Admittedly, that is a pretty good price for that DDM4. I have a buddy that bought a couple when they first came out, and he was into them about $1500/piece. I build my rifles because I get to cherry pick all the parts I want, and not have to replace stuff I already paid for. I am also a mechanic/installer by trade and like to build things. It might not be for everybody, but it works for me. Also, I don't have tax here (or a waiting period), so that might make a difference.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

I know cost is a factor, it always is but are you trying to build an AR cheap or are you trying to build a Supreme AR? A high grade AR will always cost more, even if you build it yourself. Are you trading off between cost and accuracy, cost and reliability, or cost and coolness?

Choose you build, then build it.

 

[G.barnes]

I wanted something good but what I actually wanted they don't sell so I wanted to build it. After I added up the price of the add ons like rails the base daniel defense rifle was about the same as I would have been for an RRA around here.

I hear all the stories of people building a psa for under 600 or I built a 1500 dollar rifle for 900. I figured I just wasn't looking in the right places for parts.

 

[Lovesbeer99]

Some people already have parts from a previous build ot get parts cheap on trades or even buy used parts on gunbroker and ebay. Lots of good used parts on the market, even here on the HR. Don't give up

 

[madcratebuilder]

The DDV5 is a really nice AR, you do have extra cost for the Omega rail and pinned low profile gas block. A PSA clone of the V5 could be built for less, about $750 without the Omega, plus you would not have the DD warranty. If add in the cost of the Omega it's getting close to what a PSA would cost to build.

The DD lower is a upgrade from a PSA (Aero) lower and the DD LPK has a better trigger out of the bag.

 

[gotigers]

in 2011, I built a 3 gun AR with glass for $1300, a 20" Hbar for SRS matches with Criterion barrel for $800 and a carbine for $600.

You can build a nice carbine for $600 +/-. Building a high end AR is more expensive because the good stuff has a higher retail mark up. In todays price environment it is very hard to beat the price of an assembled AR.

I would only build now if i needed a specific set up. otherwise i would buy complete. Besides, i build ARs as a hobby.

The DD V5 is on my wish list. That is a dang fine AR. good choice. I have seen them a little cheaper, but you did good.

 

[helotaxi]

The DD lower is a upgrade from a PSA (Aero) lower

Qualify that statement, please.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Qualify that statement, please.

Two things stand out immediately. The DD has a very nice BEVELED mag well, the AP's have minimal bevel. This is not a big deal unless you do reloads under stress for time, like 3 gun.

I didn't think this would make a lot of difference until I bought a Mega lower that has the enhanced mag well beveling. Now that have used that lower I consider the mag well bevel as a necessity.

Second is the finish coating. Most manufacturers use MIL-A_8625F type III Class 2 or MIL-A_8625F type II Class 2 finish. There are also different sealers used over the anodizing. All minor points, but there is a difference you can see and feel.

I guess I would call the DD a enhanced lower and the AP a standard lower. I have two AP's, they are GTG, but the DD is a step up.

Enhanced lowers are now seen from Noveske, Mega, AXTS, DD and others.