What is the cheapest way to get into an AR platform rifle?

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mickeydim468

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I have never seen one in real life. I have only ben able to sit here and drool over pictures of the ones you guys have posted pics of. I think I like the AR15 platform type rifle, but I don't even know where to start to figure out what I like. I like the looks of the M16 Commando type rifle with the carry handle on top and the tall front sight. That is Schwartzeneger Kick a$$ kind of cool. I don't want any rails or anything like that to start off with except maybe one for a light for HD on the right side of the rifle. Other than that I like the plain jane commando look.

Any help would be cool!

Thanks,

Mikey!
 
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buy the upper and lower seperatly, get a used one, buy from cmmg (they have good online deals) I'm sure there's more too...
 
CMMG Bargin Bin. $599.99
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Isn't that a crap shoot though? Which one would be better, the short one or the long one, or is that jus a preference thing? Does it make a difference on how it will wear or how long it will last or something?

RC, I am 42 yrs old and all broken down, but my son has his in the Navy!

You have a whole years begging time before next Christmas.
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My thoughts exactly!

Mikey!
 
If you're in the PDX area we do a local rifle match where black rifles are welcome. PM me if you want more info.

Probably the best/cheapest way is to hand out on the EE over at ar15.com. Lots of used parts come up over there and perfectly good rifles have been assembled from EE parts for around $450-$500. It takes more time and you have to be quick, but you can save some serious cash.

Me at the match with something other than a AR15.
IMG_5951Medium.jpg

Me with an AR15.
IMG_4756Medium-1.jpg

BSW
 
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If you're in the PDX area we do a local rifle match where black rifles are welcome.
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Where is PDX? I live in coastal Oregon. Is that close?

Probably the best/cheapest way is to hand out on the EE over at ar15.com.
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is to hand out on EE... WHat does that mean?

Sorry, I just don't understand.

Mikey!
 
You could go to the bargain bin and see what you come up with. Not sure who is picking out what, but without seeing it is anyones guess on what you will get. CMMG has a good reputation so have to see what they pick out for you.
 
Hey Brian,

thanks for the pics. Nice! Yeah, that's what I want.

Well I saw my first AR15 today at my local gun store. Even though the owner knew I was not going to buy today, she took the time to explain how the whole thing worked and actually field stripped the rifle right there for me to see everything and explain it as she took it apart. I was impressed that the only tool she used to take it apart was a Bic pen to get the little cotter style pin out so the firing pin could be removed. That is an awesome setup and quite an ingenious way of doing stuff. So, what part do you have to go through an FFL for? Is it the lower or the upper or both? Or do you have to go through an FFL at all? Can you just buy the parts separately and put it together like a kit without FFL? I am legal, I would just rather nobody know I have one of these! :D :neener: :evil:

Mikey!
 
The lower is the 'firearm' according to the ATF. Uppers and every other part can be bought without any paperwork.

For a local sale from a private individual in Oregon you don't need an FFL.

If you're buying online or from a dealer obviously you'll need to fill out the 4473.

And yes, I'm in Portland. The range we shoot matches at is in Tigard. BSW
 
Thanks Brian,

Never traveled much by air, so didn't know that. I saw on one of the AR sites that they sell an 80% lower that doesn't require an FFL. Have you heard about those? Would a non machinist be able to finish one?

I wouldn't mind going that route if I don't need a lathe and machinist degree!

I am pretty savvy with hand tools, but Yeah! I don't know if I could do it.

Mikey!
 
another option is the $649 or $659 doublestar from budsguns. they're out of the $649 one at the moment, but they come back in stock all the time. those are delivered prices and they come with 1 magazine. I got one, it worked great.

cmmg is cheaper, but when you take $599+$25 shipping +$10 magazine= $633.95. +10 if you want hand picked, and you might end up with a doublestar anyway.

so going scratch and dent you get a discount anywhere from $5-$35 depending on options and availability.

then you need wither a carry handle with sight, or an optic. I've had good luck with this http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=218751 + http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=586644

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=683902 is the cheapest carry handle I could find. but basically, you're not getting out new or newish for less than $700 by the time you add an optic etc. you might find a deal used, but from what I have seen people want at least what they put into their gun, and prices have been falling so new is cheaper than used until people get realistic and remember than used items sell for less than new items as long as there is sufficient supply.
 
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add about $20 bucks for an ffl transfer too. (guns have to be shipped to a gun dealer who will run your name through a fbi database to make sure you can buy a gun. gun dealer charges for this service.)
 
cheapest way ? Build it yourself.
Bought the Fulton lower complete ( with 2 stage trigger ) and it came with a Clubfoot stock for under $200 shipped . sold the stock for $135 , used that $$ and a few more $$ to build this....total thus far $275 :)

Isn't as accurate as my Sabre Defense 1:7 16" AR , but it will do until I get around to turning it into a 10 1/2" shorty , hopefully this summer once I get the sheriffs sign off.

Ar15%20Fulton%20Lower.jpg
 
Hey JTW,

What do you mean by this?

hopefully this summer once I get the sheriffs sign off.
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Is there a minimum barrel length or something? What would you use as justification for needing less than minimum? What is the minimum? Does it vary by state? I live in OR where can I find out the minimum for here?

Thanks all of you who have posted so far. There is a lot of great info here. I will be busy checking everything out for quite a while!

Mikey!
 
I saw on one of the AR sites that they sell an 80% lower that doesn't require an FFL. Have you heard about those? Would a non machinist be able to finish one?
Click to expand...

If you have a vertical mill and lathe (+ the skillz) it's dead easy. I wouldn't try it.

If you're dead set against getting your name on 'the list' buy locally from a private seller. Be aware that a private sell may want a receipt to prove who he sold the rifle to. I know I do unless I know the buyer.

BSW
 
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