Building an AR-15

[mrfsm1]

im wanting to build a ar. any advise on parts and where to buy? thanks

 

[Don]

J&T Distributing: AR-15 & Black Rifle Specialists call em (859)745-1757, tell em what ya need, they got it in stock. They are working on the website right now. GREAT people and even better customer service, they treat me like family every time at the 1500 or if I pick up the telephone and call them. They even have PTFE coated uppers and lowers, pretty slick stuff and in more then one way! tan, black colors are available right now. More later.

 

[RobbLG]

That's a broad question... You might be better researching it and then asking specific questions...

 

[acarnahan]

I've been researching this myself and have found what I'd like for my lower based on function however I'm now looking at alternatives for each that would shave weight. My goal is to build an awesome AR but hopefully keep it as light as possible.

DPMS stripped lower & DPMS lower parts kit
Rock River Arms 2 stage trigger
MagPul MIAD grip
MagPul CTR stock (pretty certain this will go away)

Here's my recommendation, look at this in 3 stages.
Upper - If necessary, go to del-ton.com and look at what is included in a rifle kit. Then go search for each of those parts to get the price & features you want. When you've decided what you like, put that on the wishlist and move to the second stage.
Lower - Repeat the process, identify what a complete lower needs (google complete lower) and search to find what you like.
Tools/Accessories - AR15 tools & anything that you'd clamp on such as optics, VGs, lights, etc.

Brownells has videos on assembling an AR15. They also have a AR15 toolkit that is like $100 with all the tools you'd need.

 

[mrfsm1]

still trying to pick up all the lingo but a complete upper includes the barrel correct?

 

[Hop]

Yes but it may or may not include the bolt/bolt carrier & charge handle.

coldhandarms.com had a sale on complete kits. Call my buddy Steve and see if he has them back in stock yet.

I just got done with my "kit". I'll post pics later. I started with a stripped Noveske upper and lower.

[edit - Steve does have them back in stock. $529 with a Spikes lower]

 

[gcoop]

model 1 has about any thing ya need for ar parts. they are always at the indy 1500 gun shows.

 

[Don]

model 1 has about any thing ya need for ar parts. they are always at the indy 1500 gun shows.

Complete with a cocky holier then thou attitude attitude till you got greenbacks in your hand.

 

[kharb]

Not to sound rude, but my suggestion is to go form your own opinion and preference on what you'd like. There's a LOT of opinions out there in regards to what's the best AR. In the end though, it really all depends on what YOU want. Do you want a lightweight, a cheap plinker, a varmint, a long range tackdriver, an off caliber cannon, a 22 variant, etc., etc.??? There are a ridiculous number of manufacturers, configurations, options and accessories when it comes to AR's. That's the beauty of them.

I can offer up all kinds of advice as I've spent the last several months researching AR's, but a lot of it is my opinion (and I'm sure you probably know what opinions are like...). Nothing against INGO because I love this place but I suggest you join a particular website that specializes in AR's (do a Google search for "AR15 forum"), join up, read all the FAQ's and then read everybody's opinions on the products you think you would like...then disregard everything they said and buy what you think you want. It is a good place to find cheap or used parts though.

You'll need to determine your wants/needs/goal and budget for your AR. Tell us what those are and I'm sure myself and MANY others will offer up their opinions.

Just in case, my advice is to go Daniel Defense all the way...but expect to pay a pretty penny for it. BCM and Spikes are my next "favorites".

Just my ! Good luck on your build!

 

[Marc]

i go through J&T

 

[groovatron]

Spikes is the best AR out there for the money. Get them while they are cheap. There is no competition in that price range. I've never seen another upper offering m4 feed ramps, chrome chamber/bore with a 1:7 twist for $500. The fit and finish is also excellent.

 

[mrfsm1]

sounds like good advise....thanks. im wanting a long range tack driver, 223/5.56 cal and a 16" barrell. i am looking at a bushmaster from buds for $668 but would really like to build one myself. would like to be in for under 800 but not sure that possible.

 

[Citronman1980]

Spikes is the best AR out there for the money. Get them while they are cheap. There is no competition in that price range. I've never seen another upper offering m4 feed ramps, chrome chamber/bore with a 1:7 twist for $500. The fit and finish is also excellent.

What he said ^.

Here is a link to my Spikes Tactical AR build I did a few months ago. My First AR build! If you are unsure about building your own and don't think you can tackle it by yourself, check out youtube. They have lots of videos showing how to build a lower (it's what I used). In my opinion the upper wasn't worth the time or effort to build due to what Spike's has to offer for a complete upper. I bought all of my items off of AIM Surplus.

I have roughly $750 into the base riffle. I have added a few items, quad rail (UTG), forward grip (UTG), Hogue pistol grip, rear backup site (magpul), and removable carry handle (by Colt) that I use when I want an old school look.

The best advice I can give, is be sure you get what you want the first go around.

 

[Don]

sounds like good advise....thanks. im wanting a long range tack driver, 223/5.56 cal and a 16" barrell. i am looking at a bushmaster from buds for $668 but would really like to build one myself. would like to be in for under 800 but not sure that possible.

225-250 yards will be pushing it for a 16" barrel. And I'm sure it won't be driving tacks at them ranges.

 

[cranduit]

For the 16" range, BCM runs specials which puts them in the same price range and I've never had any problems with the 2 I've run.

Like everyone else said, there are easily hundreds of companies offering thousands of competing products. It's best to do lots of research because buying the bargain rifle to save $50 and losing M4 feed ramps and a chromed barrel may seem worth it until someone shows you why, then you're out another $500+ for new gear. Or just buy a ton of them...that's probably the best advice.

(advice also applies to handguns, any other rifle...hell, anything that makes an explosion)

 

[mrfsm1]

so then 20 barrel is what i want for 400 yard range?

 

[groovatron]

so then 20 barrel is what i want for 400 yard range?

You will get better accuracy out of a 20" at that range.

 

[vick1]

UPPER

BCM M16 Government 20 Upper Receiver Group

Buy this if shooting 400 yrds you won't be sorry. I prefer the 20" but I do not plan on shooting out of my car or clearing bldgs. any time soon. Get the most out of your rifle with a 20" barrel that is also light enough to carry all daY.

If you can't or do not want to build your lower look at these guys

TM-15 Lower with parts installed