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Inexpensive AR build help!
#4494215
08/20/13 03:49 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396
RealTreeHunter3030
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396 |
I would like to know if anyone has a basic part list I would need to build an ar from scratch? I don't have alot of money so I'm going to have to piece it together and it will be my first build on my own so slightly inexperienced. Sorry if this has been posted before just need a little advice and guidance. Thanks in advanced!
Diesel Performance & Repair Gasoline Performance (817)-721-7376 Cody I just try to do the right thing and raise my family in this land. Treat me like you want to be treated and that's what I call a man.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: C'mere]
#4494310
08/20/13 05:01 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127
target1911
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127 |
There are a few online vendors that sell AR kits that include everything but the stripped lower $5-600. Also someone posted a link to a dpms oricle for $600....look for the subject "cheap ar"
"A good life is never too short" My Dad
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: target1911]
#4494314
08/20/13 05:03 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202
SOTB
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202 |
Don't go the el cheapo route.
You will hate the gun and the experience.
Buy only quality parts.
If you can't buy quality parts, wait a little bit. Its worth it....
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: SOTB]
#4494350
08/20/13 05:55 AM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 789
kidde
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 789 |
Don't go the el cheapo route. You will hate the gun and the experience. Buy only quality parts. If you can't buy quality parts, wait a little bit. Its worth it.... Not my view, but he has a point. All parts while in spec may be far enough apart to cause trouble. I've built a few, some from kits and some from parts. I've also bought and "re"built some that the original assembler didn't know what he was doing. In theory any part in spec will fit all others, not so much in real life. If you have no experience in fitting parts find someone to show you. It is a great skill to have. AR's tend to be like appliances. Lots of names on them, but just a few making most of the parts. CNC has really boosted the number of guys machining lowers, but small parts are turned out by only a handful of manufacturers. You want just a "shooter"? Look used and buy cheap but prepared to spend extra to fix what the last guy couldn't, or new with at least a little customer service and warrantee. The pride of doing it yourself? Stripped lower and a kit. The barrel is installed and headspaced, two big possible problems if you haven't a clue. However you go search the brand and see what problems they have. You will find negative on any gun because people complain more than praise. It takes more than pliers and screwdrivers to properly build an AR. I've had SBR's out to NM and a 26" barrel 1-12 twist varmint version. Decide what you want, study a little and go for it. Paul BTW - If you're building a frankengun I may have a part or two I'd give you. Most of the guys here would donate some small stuff, but you'll still need An upper and lower receiver, barrel and maybe a stock. Good Luck
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: kidde]
#4494504
08/20/13 11:51 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197
Chris42
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,197 |
You'd probably be better served by just saving your money and buying what you want.
Palmetto state armory routinely has sales that are much cheaper than you can build them.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: Chris42]
#4494729
08/20/13 01:25 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435
rvrrat14
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 435 |
Suggest you visit ar15.com. Lots of how to's and picture threads.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: rvrrat14]
#4494753
08/20/13 01:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,325
jhenderson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,325 |
If you are in a budget and only have x to spend at a time you probably will be ok. But if you are trying to build one total for 5-600 I'd just buy the dpms and upgrade as you learn more. To build a decent one from scratch figure 800-1000
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: jhenderson]
#4495114
08/20/13 02:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396
RealTreeHunter3030
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396 |
I want to build a solid firearm since it is for my father.So i am not afraid to put good money into good parts. He's prior military(explosives ordinance) and drools over the AR's but never can fork out all the money it takes to have a good gun.It will be much more meaningful to him if i build most of it but i understand there are some parts better left the the professionals to have installed. I appreciate the insight guys,its a big help.I am going to purchase my lower friday. If you guys have any suggestions as to what parts are quality i would appreciate the help.
Last edited by RealTreeHunter3030; 08/20/13 02:54 PM.
Diesel Performance & Repair Gasoline Performance (817)-721-7376 Cody I just try to do the right thing and raise my family in this land. Treat me like you want to be treated and that's what I call a man.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4495217
08/20/13 03:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 447
Strongbad
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 447 |
DIY on AR's, especially if you want to keep the cost down, should be a lower that you put together yourself... combined with an upper of your choice that is already assembled. IMHO THAT is the way to go, and like the other guys have said, PSA/Palmetto State Armory is a great place to start. Also, just be on the lookout for sales on uppers. Things are getting better, and before the shortages came you could snag some nice uppers for ~$400... sometimes less.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: Chris42]
#4495220
08/20/13 03:14 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
RKHarm24
sergeant
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sergeant
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585 |
You'd probably be better served by just saving your money and buying what you want.
Palmetto state armory routinely has sales that are much cheaper than you can build them. ^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RKHarm24]
#4495224
08/20/13 03:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396
RealTreeHunter3030
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396 |
I have the money to put into a gun, but its a must that i build as much of it as possible.
Diesel Performance & Repair Gasoline Performance (817)-721-7376 Cody I just try to do the right thing and raise my family in this land. Treat me like you want to be treated and that's what I call a man.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4495244
08/20/13 03:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585
RKHarm24
sergeant
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sergeant
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 44,585 |
I have the money to put into a gun, but its a must that i build as much of it as possible. Do you have the tools and dedicated AR build specialty pieces? Receiver block, lower stand, front sight block, correct punches torque wrench, AR wrench, stock wrench, vice? If you don't, by the time you buy all the specialty items for 1 build, you could have bought a nicer factory built rifle.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RKHarm24]
#4495331
08/20/13 03:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396
RealTreeHunter3030
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396 |
this is why i ask. Im willing to buy the tools because this will not be my only build. Just my first.If anyone has some hand me down tools im willing to purchase
Diesel Performance & Repair Gasoline Performance (817)-721-7376 Cody I just try to do the right thing and raise my family in this land. Treat me like you want to be treated and that's what I call a man.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4495332
08/20/13 03:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396
RealTreeHunter3030
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 396 |
Diesel Performance & Repair Gasoline Performance (817)-721-7376 Cody I just try to do the right thing and raise my family in this land. Treat me like you want to be treated and that's what I call a man.
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4495643
08/20/13 05:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127
target1911
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127 |
I dont have tools to sell but I have some you can borrow if you get impatient while ordering.
"A good life is never too short" My Dad
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4497418
08/21/13 03:04 AM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,641
Fatalwishes' Wife
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,641 |
this is why i ask. Im willing to buy the tools because this will not be my only build. Just my first.If anyone has some hand me down tools im willing to purchase You are in luck Click link below for a smoking deal Complete AR15 build kit
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: RealTreeHunter3030]
#4497623
08/21/13 04:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202
SOTB
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 202 |
I have the money to put into a gun, but its a must that i build as much of it as possible. Right on. Before we run, we crawl. If I were you, I would buy a PSA lower that you put together, and a fully assembled BCM upper, get their BCG as well. You then likely have not only a gun that goes bang when it is supposed to, but no extra grey hairs and you give a gift that is quality....
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: Fatalwishes' Wife]
#4497677
08/21/13 04:50 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127
target1911
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127 |
this is why i ask. Im willing to buy the tools because this will not be my only build. Just my first.If anyone has some hand me down tools im willing to purchase You are in luck Click link below for a smoking deal Complete AR15 build kit Dang. That's a nice kit
"A good life is never too short" My Dad
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: target1911]
#4497685
08/21/13 04:55 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,200
tth_40
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,200 |
Ok dang it, now y'all are getting me wanting to get into this stuff now!!!
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: tth_40]
#4497830
08/21/13 10:07 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127
target1911
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,127 |
HA!!!!! If you think owning them is addictive, just wait till you start building them. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
"A good life is never too short" My Dad
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Re: Inexpensive AR build help!
[Re: target1911]
#4499488
08/21/13 09:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,200
tth_40
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,200 |
Legos for men. I just got an AR in a different configuration than my others so now between that, y'all and my oldest son being ALL into building them, I suppose that's going to be my next step. 
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
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