Which budget AR 15
- Thread starter bersaguy
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Hokie_PhD
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MisterNoisy
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I'm biased, but I'd say build one. Stripped lowers are $50-80 all day long, and a 'kit' is ~$400-ish (alternately, a complete upper is $300-ish and LPKs are dirt-cheap). You can buy a complete rifle for less in many cases, but it's nice to see how it all goes together - it gives you confidence wrt to taking things apart when the modding bug bites (and it will!).
grampajack
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Gotta agree with that. Most importantly, you can put your money where it really counts and cheap out on other stuff. There's not much wrong with having an el cheapo upper as long as you put a premium BCG in it. Might not be the most accurate gun in the world, but chances are it will be stone cold reliable, at least assuming they did the chamber and gas port right.
Hokie_PhD
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I'm going this route but wouldn't recommend it to a first time AR owner. Now for someone who has had one or more I highly recommend it for the reasons you state. Plus it's just fun. And it's cool to say you did it yourself
MisterNoisy
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I hear yas, but my first AR was built just because I liked the whole 'adult LEGO' thing, particularly since I could keep LEGO-ing down the road with mods. The fact that I got a functioning rifle out of the deal was almost secondary.
I agree as well. My next AR will probably be assembled from components. I figured I get this first one as a complete rifle to get familiar with the platform, then get a second lower that I can try out different uppers on, ie different calibers. I haven't even taken possession of my first one....already making plans for the next one....this could get out of hand
Hokie_PhD
Member
You've been warnedI agree as well. My next AR will probably be assembled from components. I figured I get this first one as a complete rifle to get familiar with the platform, then get a second lower that I can try out different uppers on, ie different calibers. I haven't even taken possession of my first one....already making plans for the next one....this could get out of hand
ARs are a HIGHLY ADDICTIVE DRUG
My first one I bought complete
I had to sell it do to some things beyond my control
I then bought a complete PSA lower when I scraped together a few dollars. I saved a bit more and got an upper, then an optic. I actually like the PSA a lot more than the one I sold. It's nice but very basic carbine. It's the kind of gun I would trust in any situation, but I don't love it. It's lacking in beauty, and it's not great to shoot although it's very accurate. The milspec trigger gets the job done .
I decided I wanted to learn how they really work and how to put one together, and I wanted a little nicer AR, so I picked picked up a stripped lower at a great price at a gun show. I then got the lower kit from PSA with the Magpul MOE grip and ALG trigger on sale. Right now I'm getting ready to order the stock. I've been watching for sales on the one I want but can't find anything. Ironically I did see MidwayUSA had them on sale a few years ago. So when all is said and done on the lower it looks like I'll have just over $200 in it but I'll have a few upgraded parts. Considering the PSA lowered go for $130 then add a transfer which would put it around $150 to $160 I think I'm doing well. If I can luck into a sale like I saw it would save me 30 or $40.
I'm planning the upper now. Wanting a specific length, twist, and gas length , with an adjustable gas block I'm watching sellers. I'm not sure which barrel I'm going to get yet but I'm close. Folks here have pointed out options. And the barrel is an area that I may spend extra for.
My thoughts are trigger and barrel are the key areas to spend extra on, the rest of the parts can be quality milspec and all is good. A few upgrades for the grips and stocks and we can build something better than budget in the budget price range.
The problem is like you, I'm already thinking other calibers, different colors, and such.
Maybe I should post an ad, will work for AR parts!
There are many like it, but this one is mine.
I'll get this to the range as soon as I get the gunk cleaned out of it, it shipped dripping with oil.
Transaction was very smooth, ordered online from Smokey Mountain Guns and Ammo, nice place. Had a chance to visit there on my last trip to Gatlinburg.
Anything to pay attention to on the 1st outing with this? I've fired these on a few occasions, never owned one.
Hokie_PhD
Member
CongratsWell, there she be.
There are many like it, but this one is mine.
I'll get this to the range as soon as I get the gunk cleaned out of it, it shipped dripping with oil.
Transaction was very smooth, ordered online from Smokey Mountain Guns and Ammo, nice place. Had a chance to visit there on my last trip to Gatlinburg.
Anything to pay attention to on the 1st outing with this? I've fired these on a few occasions, never owned one.
Please let us know how it is after you get to the range.
My suggestion is to look up field stripping and breaking it in.
Strip it, clean it, oil it, and enjoy!
Oh yea and don't use garbage ammo ;-)
Jackal
Member
Spin the wheel and throw a knife. Most all low end name brand AR's are virtually identical.
Joshboyfutre
Member
Bushnell TRS-25 is a good budget optic. +/-$100 and its a 3moa dot which makes a big difference in my book.
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