Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Has anyone built an AR15 type weapon? Did you start from a stripped lower, or partially finished lower? If you did what was the degree of difficulty. Who handled the FFL for the lower, or did you buy all the parts at a gun show? Would you recommend the build route? Is there a price estimate for a basic AR without fancy rails, or optics?

This thread is an oldie, but a goodie. Lots of links to sources and videos.

assault-rifles/build-buy-complete-t256.html

I'm sure someone with hands on experience will chime in shortly.

Hey Jim. You can certainly save a few bucks building your own and also have the satisfaction of knowing you did it. You'll also know how it works and hopefully why. The good part about building your own is that you can buy uppers over the counter or online without going through an FFL. Lowers are a different story. Here's a better thread that gives you a parts list and videos for building a lower. Good luck and let us know how it turns out if you do one:

post15718.html?hilit=build#p15718

Thanks DK. That's the thread I was looking for.

No prob. I remembered that one. its a good run down on building your own with links to other vids if you want to do the upper too.

I built one a couple of months ago form various suppliers. You can save money but it depends what your budget and goal is. You can buy a kit from model1sales for $485 +s&h and get a lower at a show for $120, so for a little over $600 you can put together a basic AR. I spent about $900 on mine but did use some better parts. I think the best thing to do like all other purchases is figure your budget and get the best you can afford. Do lots of homework like asking questions here, go to AR15.com and read up, they have sections on DIY builds, youtube is helpful but you just have to search through the BS.If your budget allows spend more on the bolt carrier group and then the barrel. There are only a few manufacturers that actually make lowers and then the different factories apply a name to them. There are forged and billet lowers and there is a difference, the forged being cheaper but billet is stronger and prettier. Also if you are going to go with a flat top dont skimp on the sights or back up sight if your going to use a red dot. Do buy the upper assembled as this will save buying another tool and i didnt find pricing the upper parts seperately saved any money unless you got a deal from a private sale or maybe used parts. Buy a quality lower parts kit and stay away from adjustible, two stage ,match, triggers unless you going to compete with the rifle. If your going to use this for self defense then stick with a reliable stock trigger, the others will let you down when you least expect it. As with all semi auto firearms quality magazines will save your sanity not to mention you'll spend any difference you saved on aspirin anyway. Remember too when you build a kit the finish on the upper and lower may not match. Mine doesnt match exactly but i built it for function not fancy. Ill list what i put in mine and if you need any other help let me know.
Spikes Lower $120
DSA M4 Upper $275
Bravo CO Bolt Carrier $150
Bravo CO Charge Handle $45
YHM Flip Up Rear Sight $89
DPMS Lower kit $60
MOE Stock $50
MOE Grip $20
Magpul End Plate $35
Mil-spec buffer tube $40
Total $884
Not including S&H or Mags, Ammo, Etc.
Hope this helps
Also i bought a sling from Savvysniper and it is a nice piece. One hand adjustable and its single or two point. $50

Thanks guys for all the info. I guess I have a lot of reading and looking to do before the next Chantilly Gun show. A special thanks for all the Links and the details from grumpyMSG and price list you put in devilfish. I'll keep you posted on what I finally decide.

Respectfully
Jim

No sweat Jim. Please take pics of the assembly so we can watch. I'd like to do a build myself and just waiting for the right time...

Ditto...

and very interweted to see what you choose on upper and lowers configs and your impression of "if i had it to do over again..."

Good luck!

If I can build one then any one can. I put about $500.00 in the last one and when the obama gun buying frenzy was going on sold it for $1000.00. Since I hear Dark Sun had lowers for $69.95 at the lastest gun shows, I think it's time to start on a 6.8 build for deer hunting.