AR-15 build or buy complete?

[allingeneral]

I'm thinking of getting my hands on an AR-15. I don't really want to drop $1,200+ on one and I was thinking of buying parts and piecing one together a little at a time. Is it cheaper to go that route or just buy one? Is parts compatibility much of a problem? If buying parts, should I stay with a single manufacturer for all parts (like Command Arms, for instance) to ensure compatibility?

[Moccasin]

From the little bit I've looked into it, it appears it would cost about the same whether you bought the parts separately or bought the gun assembled. Check the gun show in Richmond this weekend. I went to the last one and did see some AR's that were less than $1,200.

In theory compatability shouldn't be a problem if they stayed true to Saint Eugene's instructions.

[OakRidgeStars]

When I was at the last SGK gun show at the VA Beach Convention Center, I saw a couple of DPMS Sporticals for around $850. I've seen them on Gunbroker and GunsAmerica for even less. The reviews I've read have all been good. It might be worth looking into.

[Vahunter]

I built mine about 4 years ago for a tad over $500.00. I did buy a used upper to keep the cost down.

[Moccasin]

When I was at the last SGK gun show at the VA Beach Convention Center, I saw a couple of DPMS Sporticals for around $850. I've seen them on Gunbroker and GunsAmerica for even less. The reviews I've read have all been good. It might be worth looking into.

I got one for $900 in Culpeper THEN found them at the gun show in Richmond for $850. Oh well, I wanted one and got it, there was no guaranty that I'd find one at the gun show.

[allingeneral]

Well $850 or $900 what's the difference, really?

Here's a picture of the DPMS Sportical. mmmmmmm....

[Moccasin]

That be it. Scope didn't come on mine. I added an NC Star 2-7x32 scope.

[allingeneral]

Anyone else have pictures and/or commentary on their AR's that they would care to share?

[flowmaster]

i would definately piece one together, unless you intend on selling it sometime soon. delton incorporated (usually referred to as DTI) sells parts kits that are reasonably priced. get everything shipped to your door except for the lower (which has the serial number) for under $500. there are a whole bunch of options/upgrades to chose from. there's a link somewhere here on this forum for new lowers for a hundred bucks. then throw in shipping and an FFL to recieve the firearm for you and you're looking at about 150 plus about 500 for a kit. 650 for a brand new AR, in this political climate. it might not be the best, but its an AR. reviews are good on them too.

[allingeneral]

for later reference... http://www.del-ton.com/

[re8609]

Gander Mountain has the Bushmaster on sale for $1,099.00 this week, I'd have to go with buy versus build.

[allingeneral]

Buying would definitely be easiest. Will someone tell my wife that I need $1,100?

[re8609]

Sure.

Dear Mrs. Allingeneral,

Please deposit $1,200.00 in you husbands wallet as soon as humanly possible. There is a major shoe sale (code name) that expires this Saturday. I am sure you could relate. He will be grateful for a very long time.

Thanks, VAGUNFORUM Member (name withheld for protection)

[OakRidgeStars]

Sure.

Dear Mrs. Allingeneral,

Please deposit $1,200.00 in you husbands wallet as soon as humanly possible. There is a major shoe sale (code name) that expires this Saturday. I am sure you could relate. He will be grateful for a very long time.

Thanks, VAGUNFORUM Member (name withheld for protection)

I think you might have just found a new part-time job

[re8609]

Thanks, but something tells me this would not work.

[VAJay]

Buying would definitely be easiest. Will someone tell my wife that I need $1,100?

I called her she said it was fine with her. In fact she said get one for me also.

[Gatorfarmer]

Unless you know what you're doing, you're unlikely to be able to assemble one that will be of the same quality as a factory built gun. Del ton guns are "okay", but they're not really milspec or anything like that. If you want a "social gun" and not just a range toy, I wouldn't (personally) get anything lower on the totem pole of quality than a CMMG or Rock River. I have five ARs now, and have owned a total of six. The only one that I ever got rid of was a DPMS. I'd suggest spending the money and getting a decent gun rather than buying a DPMS or Olympic, or even a Bushmaster. Colt, Noveske, LMT, Rock River, Sabre, CMMG, and arguably the current Smith and Wesson offerings are all serviceable guns.

[Vahunter]

Unless you know what you're doing, you're unlikely to be able to assemble one that will be of the same quality as a factory built gun.

True to a certain extent. I can control the quality of parts and tolerances in the ones I build. Plus anyone who can read and comprehend can build a AR, it doesn't take a rocket scientist. After I built my first one, my brother in law wanted one. I told him to get the parts and I'd help him put it together. No way, he had to have what he thought would be the best .. Armalite. I went with him to the gun store to pick it up when it came in and about flipped, almost $1500.00 for the 'best'. Turned out that when we went to do some shooting that afternoon his high dollar Armalite was a jam-o- matic, even after trying 5 different types of ammo in it and different mags. My $500.00 AR never missed a beat, cycling everything from Wolf to reloads. Goes to show you don't always get what you pay for.

[flowmaster]

there are some awesome videos on youtube showing step by step how to assemble lowers. i bet i assemble lowers just like the guys at the factory do, but they may be using better quality parts.

[SiGfever]

Spend a little extra and buy a Colt 6920 or a DD XV, either will serve you very well for many years to come.

The DD XV with its Cold Hammer Forged barrel will be a great rifle.

http://riflegear.com/p-585-daniel-defense-xv.aspx