AR-15 build or buy complete?

[wbtrunx]

I've been looking into a build myself recently.
What I'm going to do, probably, is buy a Stag Arms completed lower (Standard A2) and a CMMG Inc complete 18" SPR A3 upper (2nd the last, no picture). The total is a hair under $850 before shipping and without a rear sight, which can be added when ordering the upper.
That's assuming I don't find any great deals at the Fredericksburg gun show in Aug (if I can make it). If I can't do an 18" rifle length system, I'll be going with the good ol' 20". If I were going carbine, I'd spit out another $150 for CMMG's piston Ar15 ($1000). There was a non-LE version but it's not up anymore...maybe sold out?

Originally I was going to buy bit by bit but this saves me the hassle of making sure it's all set right and having to buy the tools I'll probably only use once.

[walkertool]

I am new to forums, but found your question today. I build custom AR 15s and found
that by mixing and matching suppliers, that I can build a prime weapon for under $1000.
Stag Arms is good, but the wait is long.
Putting your own AR together is an experience worth the trouble. It makes you intimate with the weapon and its' working. You will need some special tools. Stock wrench, barrel or multi-tool wrench and a good set of punches.
When I build a custom rifle, I have found Yankee Hill Machine (http://www.yhm.net) to be the best value for the dollar. On any Upper or Lower go with 7075 aluminum instead of 6061. I use Lothar-Walther match barrels for under $250. Brownells(http://www.brownells.com) sells lower parts kits for @ $100. Command Arms has good accessories also.
Building rifles is a passion and not a vocation. I don't charge full retail on what I have in stock. If I may be of assistance please feel free to contact me.
http://www.walkerarmsonline.com

[MountainCat]

Here's a video series to assemble an AR:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11014/learn/

Anyone have any other good assembly resources?

[derek141]

It bears mentioning the obvious, that a self-build leaves one with no manufacturer to fall back on for service should you have a problem down the road.

[langoley]

Check these out here at CMMG; http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/ind ... =1&cat=161 ;as they say,they are "bargain" rifles,but from what I have heard they are pretty good.

[KaosDad]

Personally, having now owned my AR for a bit - I would buy first - then build your dream machine. At gun shows you can usually get them fairly cheap - I saw a Spike's Tactical at the Chantilly show for under $1K and got my Stag lefty for $750.

Now y'all got me thinking about building. I have to build my bench first.

[REL1203]

I was in this same spot a few weeks ago... I didnt know how to build, but would learn if needed... I ended up ordering the Daniel Defense DDM4 for $1200 shipped. it was EXACTLY what I wanted... Threw on a EOTech 553 on it and couldnt be happier..... I wanted the warranty, and piece of mind.

[M1A4ME]

I bought my first one a couple of years ago or so (always wanted one of the "cool" looking CAR15's). It was so accurate - if I still hunted I could head shoot squirrels with it - that I got the bug, or BRD (black rifle disease). Since then I've built some lowers and bought the complete uppers for them. Recently I built a complete rifle.

I wanted something a little different and just wasn't seeing what I wanted. I got a chrome lined 16" lightweight profile barrel with a mid length gas system from one vendor, an upper with that new coating that is supposed to be so slick from another vendor, a free float tube from another vendor, a lower at a Richmond, VA gunshow and the other parts here and there off the internet. Now I have a pretty light rifle that I can use with a sling (tough to beat a good sling supported firing position) without affecting the barrel. I don't remember the cost (yes the barrel was more than an average barrel because it was chrome lined, had the mid length gas tube set up and was "skinny/lightweight" profile. The bolt/carrier was more expensive tht average because of the that new slick coating (not chrome, but I can't rememmber what that stuff is called at the moment). Its got a two stage trigger that is actually pretty decent and is lighter than my other carbine type ARs.

And I put all the pieces on it myself. How cool is it to know that YOU built your own rifle.

[rromeo]

I assemble my own, but that's mostly because it's easier to budget that way. I'm new to the area though. Are there any good black rifle specialist shops near Richmond?

[Diomed]

Are there any good black rifle specialist shops near Richmond?

Not really. Your best bet is probably going to shows or hitting the internets.

[rromeo]

Anything near VA beach/Norfolk? I like shopping locally, for my benefit just as much as supporting the local shops.

[kanata67]

I picked up the RPG HEAVY BARREL OPTIC READY AR-15 RIFLE from http://www.classicarms.us/ for $800 plus shipping and transfer fee and am quite happy with it. There are better ar's out there but I couldn't find anything else similarly decked out even close to that price. Good entry level ar at a "affordable" price. Not that I don't want another in 308 mind you

[allingeneral]

Not that I don't want another in 308 mind you

heh, heh - you like those .308's don't you

[VBshooter]

With the Mil Specs and repeatability of the parts making process,building an AR is pretty much risk free,,, Once done it's hard to make a mistakes but their are certain things that require more attention than others,, Head space, bolt quality,, If and when you do build one you'll be reluctant to not build from then on. It's like anything else new...Only scary till ya do it once. Parts, like a complete rifle should be purchased from a known manafacturer,not Billie Bob's gun and feed store brand.,,, I personally build my own and have never had a malfunction of any kind;;; Heres a pic of some tools you may or may not want to purchase ,but I will say these make the process much easier,,

Headspace gauges;

These are also worth shopping the best prices for,.. some places are insane and others are more than reasonable..

[gunderwood]

VBshooter, you should document a build and post it up here. I've never done it, but I've seen enough to know you are right, it isn't hard. My earlier objections were just on price. You can't compare lower quality parts to a high end assembled AR and claim you are saving money. A real price comparison uses the same parts.

How many have your built? I imagine the first you broke even or even spent a bit more after buying all the tools, but after the first you are probably saving a bit of money depending on your spec.

Where did you find that awesome calibration 2x4?

[VBshooter]

I;ve done three to date and when I can get back to work have another one in mind,, Very true,You have to purchase quality parts and buying brand X is not the way to do that,,I stick with known entities, Bushmaster, Stag, Fulton ,Del Ton,, mnay times whoever has the best price... I will document the next one for sure,,,Wanted to on the last but got rolling and forgot to have camera handy,, Also correct is savings... I figure savings if any for me have been around a 100$ per rifle except the first ,it went over the projected costs , tools and minor upgrades, and they have all functioned perfectly so I consider the warranty to be me.....That outstanding 2x4 was courtesy of a dumpster dive at the Hope Creek Nuclear plant in NJ when I needed a chock for my rear wheels.... Took it home and customized it and it works perfectly

[CK1]

I don't know where yall are building these rifles for no $850!?!? Maybe parts are more expensive in SoCal where I built mine a little over a year ago before I moved here to NOVA, but it really get's down to what you want I guess... And I wanted a Bad-Ass AR!

And that's what I have... A true masterpiece, custom built by me, piece-by-piece. Each part was purchased pretty much by a different manuf. for it's specialty, which is a great way to go and a lot of fun but heads up, it can get addicting and VERY EXPENSIVE.

I've got $2200 into mine. So here a list of what specific parts REALLY costs if you're looking to do it with nice stuff on your own;

"Mega" Complete Lower Multi-Cal - $450
VLTOR MUR1-A Upper (flat-top) - $285
CMMG Heavy Bolt Assemby - $180
BCM 18" Heavy Chrome Comp. Barrel - $180
Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite Rail - $280
Magpul 6-position Colapsible Stock - $130
Smith Vortex Flash Supressor - $ 80
Magpul XTM Rail Covers - $ 80
Daniel Defense Sling Mounts - $ 60
Deployable Bipod - $ 130
Primary Arms Red Dot - $ 110
Aimpoint (Copy) 4x Magnifier - $ 100
(4) Lancer & Magpul Magazines - $ 120

Anyway, that's just off the top of my head from memory. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things and not entirely accurate on the prices, but should be fairly close. The point is, if you're going to build it yourself be prepared. It can get a little out of hand and grow to be more expensive than you think.

Try to build a budget on paper. I worked up a list of parts based on what I wanted based on quality of parts and then purchased over time. I'd buy a few parts on a month when I had an extra paycheck and then another month use a credit card and I spread it over like 7 months. But I did that so I would attract any unwanted attention from the boss, if you know what I mean.

See, you go drop $2K on a gun in 1 month, you'll drop $3K on a diamond for the boss the next month if your not careful! You gotta be smart about these things!

Here endeth the lesson.

[grumpyMSG]

I don't know where yall are building these rifles for no $850!?!? Maybe parts are more expensive in SoCal where I built mine a little over a year ago before I moved here to NOVA, but it really get's down to what you want I guess... And I wanted a Bad-Ass AR!

And that's what I have... A true masterpiece, custom built by me, piece-by-piece. Each part was purchased pretty much by a different manuf. for it's specialty, which is a great way to go and a lot of fun but heads up, it can get addicting and VERY EXPENSIVE.

I've got $2200 into mine. So here a list of what specific parts REALLY costs if you're looking to do it with nice stuff on your own;

"Mega" Complete Lower Multi-Cal - $450
VLTOR MUR1-A Upper (flat-top) - $285
CMMG Heavy Bolt Assemby - $180
BCM 18" Heavy Chrome Comp. Barrel - $180
Daniel Defense 12.0 Lite Rail - $280
Magpul 6-position Colapsible Stock - $130
Smith Vortex Flash Supressor - $ 80
Magpul XTM Rail Covers - $ 80
Daniel Defense Sling Mounts - $ 60
Deployable Bipod - $ 130
Primary Arms Red Dot - $ 110
Aimpoint (Copy) 4x Magnifier - $ 100
(4) Lancer & Magpul Magazines - $ 120

Anyway, that's just off the top of my head from memory. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things and not entirely accurate on the prices, but should be fairly close. The point is, if you're going to build it yourself be prepared. It can get a little out of hand and grow to be more expensive than you think.

Try to build a budget on paper. I worked up a list of parts based on what I wanted based on quality of parts and then purchased over time. I'd buy a few parts on a month when I had an extra paycheck and then another month use a credit card and I spread it over like 7 months. But I did that so I would attract any unwanted attention from the boss, if you know what I mean.

See, you go drop $2K on a gun in 1 month, you'll drop $3K on a diamond for the boss the next month if your not careful! You gotta be smart about these things!

Here endeth the lesson.

I hate to be the one to tell you, but your wallet got raped on some of those prices. I know a Mega lower is more expensive than most, but $450? I can find LMT, BCM and Daniel Defense (considered to be some of the best) lowers with the collapsable stock for that price. A MUR-1A for $285, the manufacturer's list is $229.95 and it really is no better that a regular $130 upper from another manufacturer. A CMMG Bolt Carrier group (I am guessing you mean an Auto or M16 carrier) for $180, the company lists them at $159 and I know they are easily found for far less, usually in the $130-140 range from quality manufacturers. Lancer and Magpuls for $30 apiece, wow, most people can pick them up for $15-20 each, Southern California really is more expensive.

My big question, I just can't pass on asking it, because you obviously take great pride in what you've built, why the $110 red dot and a knock off magnifier? I figure a rifle like that would be at topped by an ACOG or a Leupold MRT scope.

[jrswanson1]

I hate to be the one to tell you, but your wallet got raped on some of those prices. I know a Mega lower is more expensive than most, but $450? I can find LMT, BCM and Daniel Defense (considered to be some of the best) lowers with the collapsable stock for that price. A MUR-1A for $285, the manufacturer's list is $229.95 and it really is no better that a regular $130 upper from another manufacturer. A CMMG Bolt Carrier group (I am guessing you mean an Auto or M16 carrier) for $180, the company lists them at $159 and I know they are easily found for far less, usually in the $130-140 range from quality manufacturers. Lancer and Magpuls for $30 apiece, wow, most people can pick them up for $15-20 each, Southern California really is more expensive.

My big question, I just can't pass on asking it, because you obviously take great pride in what you've built, why the $110 red dot and a knock off magnifier? I figure a rifle like that would be at topped by an ACOG or a Leupold MRT scope.

You do realize the Mega lower is billet, not a forged mil-spec lower, right? They tend to be pricier.

And yeah, I think an Aimpoint would have fit the rifle better.

Jim

[rod]

I've built several ARs, all different configurations. My original thought was that I'd save money. That turned out to be wrong (with one exception). There are some advantages though. First, you gain a better understanding on how your rifle is built and operates. There's also a sence of pride building your own "masterpiece". It's been my experience that I've always ended up with a nicer rifle by building it vs. buying it. By building it, I get the exact rifle that I want with all the features I want, and none of the ones I don't want. With that said, I'm like a woman in a purse store when it comes to firearms. One (or a few dozen) just isn't enough. That's why I've built several. I usually start by buying a lower at a really good price. Then I save my money and buy one piece at a time. That way, I buy higher end pieces as I can afford them instead of buying a complete rifle with whatever cash I have on hand. The one exception I mentioned above was my AR pistol. I bought one of those DSA blemished lowers for $60 and decided this was going to be a budget gun. I had no idea how it was going to turn out. The deals I found would determine what configuration I build it in. I begged, traded, and bargained for the cheapest parts I could find and ended up with a $450 AR pistol.

Whichever way you decide to go (buy or build), you'll be hooked. I bet you don't stop at just one AR.