I want to build my own, as close to military specifications as possible. Of course I want the best parts, for the cheapest price. No fancy caliber, just 5.56 nato- i want to actually shoot it, on a regular basis. Should I order online, go the gun show route, or what? Would I actually save more just buying a whole rifle?

If you search around you can find good parts for cheap. It just takes some time. I've built plenty from picking up parts here and there. Main tools I bought was a vise, armorers wrench, mod 1 fast action blocks, and punches

Milspec rifles are cheap. You'll probably save some building it your self, but I would just buy one and go shoot.

Where do you live? There are two places where you can go and pick out parts (good parts) Google, Rifle Gear (Plano) and Runner Runner Guns (McKinney). I'm sure There are many more.

OR, Brownells web-site has a cool "build your own" AR feature. If you know what you are doing and want to save sales Tax but pay shipping Brownells might be good.

It would be fun building your own, most don't have the proper tools, or Knowledge .

KROYAL may chime in here, he is very good with AR stuff

Aim surplus has a lot of parts. I just finished one the other day. I had to go to Brownells, Midway, Aim and one other place to find the parts I wanted. I think I still ended up spending $1000 on it all.

It's cheaper right now to buy than build. However; once you start changing out parts (handguard, grip, stock, trigger etc.) an assembled gun begins to be a bargin. If you want an off the shelf mil-spec gun just buy one. If you are going to change out parts, build it.

It's not that hard to remove and replace. I know because I did it. If I can do it anybody can. First get a good punch set. The S&W pins are set really tight and need a good whack to get started. They do taper in the opposite direction from other manufacturers. Google it first before you start as I can't remember which direction to drive them.

I saw colts today at the gunshow under a $1000

I'm wanting to build a accurate ar 15. I'm looking at wilson combat, krieger, woa, etc..for a match grade barrel in .223 wylde. Aero precision, vltor, etc... for receivers. Anyone assembled something along these lines? I will order all parts online, but this will be my first assembly.

[quote=Brother in-law]I saw colts today at the gunshow under a $1000

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bam, Colt le6920. Doesn't get any closer to what the military uses without a class 3.