AR build torn on the options. 223/7.62x39/9mm

jeeptim · Feb 24, 2014

So here's my delema got the lower, lower parts kit. Now its time to decide what direction. This is for my 22yo son. Was going to go the a2 route like what I served with 40 years ago. But that's what I would want. He would like something cool and different he has a 223 and a few 7.62x39 and .308. I'm thinking 9 mm or 45acp. This is just the cool factor shooting paper and tin cans. I love to reload and we have no 9 or 45acp. So my question is....... how troublesome and expensive will this be. Want to keep the cost down. This is my first and most likley my last ar build. The a2 I was going to get the upper and start adding parts as I have extra cash until its finished. I know a long slow build but I have one of the finest young men for a son you will ever meet. Yeah I'm really proud of him. So doing little things like this is a labor of love.
So if you have any input that would be helpful in the direction to go with this. As I sit here dodging cutting the lawn I think he would like the 45. Let me know what you think.

sansone · Feb 25, 2014

you state he owns a .223 already but is it an AR15? Cool factor that you mentioned is good enough reason to build in .223 provided he doesn't already own an AR15 chambered that way.

7.62x39 is a good choice for an AR build but keep in mind the bolt face is prone to failures due to the size of the cartridge base (not pressure, just size)

You mentioned reloading 9mm which means your cost shooting that caliber is quite low. Shooting 9mm out of a rifle is a whole lot better than shooting 9mm out of a 4" pistol.. big cool factor indeed

Walkalong · Feb 25, 2014

The 9MM AR is super fun and cheap to shoot. Mine's always a hit with anyone who tries it.

rbernie · Feb 25, 2014

I assume that the 9mm options are blowback designs and therefore cast lead friendly?

carbine85 · Feb 25, 2014

My choice would be the .223 or 300 black out. I can't see spending that much time or money building a rifle in a low power pistol round like the 9mm.
The only difference in the 300 is the barrel.

HankC · Feb 26, 2014

The only difference in the 300 is the barrel.

and the ammo cost

Walkalong · Feb 26, 2014

rbernie said:
I assume that the 9mm options are blowback designs and therefore cast lead friendly?

Yes, no gas tube.

Being a blowback action, they do soot up the brass pretty good, but hey, it tumbles clean.

The 300 BLK is relatively cheap to shoot using converted brass and cheap (Used to be) 147 gr pulled bullets, or 150 Gr plated bullets, and is also lots of fun, but it can't beat 9MM for cheap.

lathedog · Mar 2, 2014

Wouldn't 40 yrs ago have been an A1?

Check out NoDak Spud for A1 parts.

Per your description I would stick with a 5.56, as that is the original caliber for an AR, will match the rifle (ballistically and style-istically) you are seeking to match, and it has the best all-around flexibility for general use. I know you said this is for your son, but it is still a gift from his dad and it would be cool if it had that extra tie-in to your past.

All the other choices, while great, have some drawback such as: more expensive to shoot; have fewer (and/or more expensive) options for magazines; shorter range (i.e. 9x19); more expensive parts due to non-standard bolt face. They are generally more specialist than generalist. They are good choices for a 2nd (or 3rd) AR. I think.

AR build torn on the options. 223/7.62x39/9mm

jeeptim

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sansone

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Walkalong

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rbernie

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carbine85

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HankC

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Walkalong

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lathedog

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