AR Budget build advice

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I currently don't have an AR rifle, so I'm looking at buying a PSA upper and lower. Then putting a holoson red dot and streamlight. Is there any parts that I should want to make sure are upgraded?

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I did a write up on my full budget build. You might want to search for it.

Prior to that I did a PSA lower and upper.

I highly recommend the latter for a first “build”.

As for the PSA parts. They’re decent but if you can afford it get an upper with a free float handguard. I’d also suggest getting the lower with the Magpul furniture. The bare bones lower is ok but the stock is so so as is the grip.

An upgraded trigger would also be nice but not until you use your AR and get used to it and see what you want/need

 

[Ks5shooter]

Yup^^^^^^^

 

[FL-NC]

Not sure what you have planned, but beware of low profile gas blocks. In have had the most success using the clamp-on type vs the ones that attach w/ set screws.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

If you find a build kit from PSA, alot of time they will upgrade alot of the things I would personally upgrade.

I'd look at changing grip, maybe stock, and adding a rail if it doesnt have one.

Depends really if you want a free floated rail upper or basic a2 front sight style... If you go PSA

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you can handle OD green furniture, this is a screamin' deal:

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...t-m-lok-moe-str-rifle-kit-odg-5165448814.html

Add their $39 free shipping lower and a couple P mags, you're gonna have a complete rifle for at or under $500 after transfer that is sporting stuff which would have cost you $350+ to add to a basic $500 carbine not long ago. Individually:

Magpul STR stock: $100
Magpul MOE grip: $25
Magpul Trigger Guard: $12
MBUS sights: $70
Decent free float MLOK 13.5" hand guard: $130+

 

[ScrapMetalSlug]

I’m not familiar with the holosun red dot, but on a budget build it is hard to beat iron sights or magpul BUIS. Iron sights on an AR are very good compared to most other rifles. Look at a free float hand guard or giesselle trigger. After that plenty of magazines, ammo, and practice.

PSA parts are good value, I’ve built 2 ARs with their parts. Depending what you want to do with the rifle would influence what to upgrade on. I have a nickel boron BCG from PSA that I like how slick it is and it’s easy to clean. On the daily deals I got it for about the same price as a regular one.

If you are looking for target level accuracy or want to compete, the barrel would be the most important part to upgrade.

 

[Capt.Roll]

My AR is an 18" barrel upper/receiver/lower from PSA; very pleased with the overall quality and function. I have a second upper, 16" barrel and receiver, from Bear Creek Arsenal that I pair with the PSA lower, they fit/function like a matched pair.

Take a look at this featured product at Classic Firearms; it's a Bear Creek Arsenal AR-15 Rifle .223/5.56 NATO w/ M4 Barrel, Flat Top, 30 Round Mag and Hard Case.

https://www.classicfirearms.com/ar-15-for-sale-m4-flat-top-bear-creek-ar15

It has 223 reviews with a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating. For $399.99 it may be a great out of the box option for you to consider.

 

[imashooter]

I currently don't have an AR rifle, so I'm looking at buying a PSA upper and lower. Then putting a holoson red dot and streamlight. Is there any parts that I should want to make sure are upgraded?

I have a few PSA's I've built and they're just fine, especially for the price. Good price on this upper: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...er-with-mbus-sight-set-bcg-ch-5165448081.html

I would prefer this upper with the full-length rail and 13.5" handguard (personal preference) https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...e-13-5-m-lok-upper-with-bcg-ch-516444973.html

This is a good lower with their "polished" trigger. Very good price. Excellent price for the 2 and both are free shipping plus whatever your local ffl fee is for the lower. I have 2 Holosuns and both are excellent imo. This is a very good deal outside the holiday sales window. Would be good even then. I'd do it.

 

[KYamateur]

I prefer the rifle kits that are upgraded with magpul parts and include sights. For the barrel I would look for one of their nitride freedom barrels. I have two and they have been excellent. Unless you have FFL, I would by a stripped lower locally - I prefer Anderson because they are great quality at a good price, and are consistently a flat shade of black. Buy your lower locally and you won’t have to pay a transfer fee. I think you can save money doing the rifle kit route (upper w/ all lower parts) and buying a stripped lower seperately. I’ve actually done a great deal of research on red dots just in the last few months and from what I have read the Holosun red dot is good to go. It’s just as good as any unless you want to step up to the $400 range where Aimpoint and Trijicon become the best options. Stream light is good to go, but Ive never been able to break a UTG LED light. Assembling the lower is easy with YouTube and it will give you confidence when cleaning or upgrading parts in the future. I don’t like rails because I don’t really use them, and don’t like holding the aluminum, but that is a personal preference.

 

[ar-newbie]

I started out with a freedom rifle kit and a stripped anderson lower purchased locally. It is definitely the way to go if you are just getting started. That being said , consider carefully which kit you choose to order. I went with a nicer one that came with magpul furniture and a free float handguard. That will start you off well. Later you can upgrade trigger and add any accessories you want to do.

I have had excellent results with their stainless barrels, although I don't see them discussed much on the forums. Accuracy for me has been great.

 

[MistWolf]

I currently don't have an AR rifle, so I'm looking at buying a PSA upper and lower. Then putting a holoson red dot and streamlight. Is there any parts that I should want to make sure are upgraded?

-Upgrade the carbine weight buffer to either an H, or better yet, an H2 buffer
-Upgrade the action spring to a Sprinco blue spring
-Upgrade the extractor spring with a Colt M4 extractor spring

I would recommend the Primary Arms Advanced Micro with rotary dial over the Holosun

 

[readyeddy]

I would add a good BCG, VTAC sling and Aimpoint PRO.

The PRO looks expensive, but it's actually a bargain at around $400.

 

[AKElroy]

+1 on the Aimpoint PRO. The Holoson has some poor reviews, and this is one part of the build you don't want to skimp on. I have 4 PSA builds, and they are the best value for the money IMO. Wih the exception of the PSA10 .308, all the others have been 100% reliable. Their service is outstanding if you can stay on the line long enough, they made my one issue right and now the .308 is 100%. Look for the daily deals, grab a complete lower with a magpul CTR for $175, maybe $199 with their better than $30 polished trigger group, and you have a very reliable lower. I would spend a little more on the upper to make sure it includes the FN Barrel, Chrome lined. $300, you can get a nice M-Lok free floated handrail, CHF CL FN Barrel that will give a lifetime of pretty hard use. Add the PRO, and you have an excellent HD/CQB/Hunting rig. With a 1/7 twist and 77 gr M 262 rounds, you really have a capable medium game rig.

I also have a Daniel Defense that was pricey, a little more refined, but still required an upgraded trigger to be accurate. 2 of my PSA's out shoot it.

 

[Everready73]

-Upgrade the carbine weight buffer to either an H, or better yet, an H2 buffer
-Upgrade the action spring to a Sprinco blue spring
-Upgrade the extractor spring with a Colt M4 extractor spring

I would recommend the Primary Arms Advanced Micro with rotary dial over the Holosun

These are solid suggestions that will enhance the reliability which is what matters

 

[Al-jim19]

Hard to beat the psa deals posted earlier, but if you’re willing to try something else primary arms usually has some good deals. I got a Troy complete upper from them last year for $400, came with folding Troy sites.

I’ll admit I have an axe to grind with psa though: about 2 years ago they completely stopped shipping to Massachusetts. Not even clothing. Won’t purchase from them even if they do come back around.

 

[pert near]

I currently don't have an AR rifle, so I'm looking at buying a PSA upper and lower. Then putting a holoson red dot and streamlight. Is there any parts that I should want to make sure are upgraded?

+1 on your PSA decision. Upgrade nothing.

I recommend that you buy the Upper/Lower & use it as is. The gun will be more than accurate enough with your sight selection. As you already know, the good thing about the AR is it's many customization possibilities. Shoot it for awhile & change something later if you need to or if the "AR-bug bites".

 

[Skylerbone]

Post #12 + the MOE EPT lower. Alternative sight would be a Sig RDS like the Romeo 5 ($129.99).

 

[IndianaBoy]

I’m not familiar with the holosun red dot, but on a budget build it is hard to beat iron sights or magpul BUIS. Iron sights on an AR are very good compared to most other rifles. Look at a free float hand guard or giesselle trigger. After that plenty of magazines, ammo, and practice.

PSA parts are good value, I’ve built 2 ARs with their parts. Depending what you want to do with the rifle would influence what to upgrade on. I have a nickel boron BCG from PSA that I like how slick it is and it’s easy to clean. On the daily deals I got it for about the same price as a regular one.

If you are looking for target level accuracy or want to compete, the barrel would be the most important part to upgrade.

Just to play devil's advocate. Depending on the type of competition, I would favor a rack grade barrel and a decent optic over a match grade barrel and iron sights.

I used to be a staunch devotee of iron sights and being able to shoot them well. But there are just too many scenarios where a decent optic can give a huge advantage.

For bargain parts I am a big fan of PSA. I have used a bunch of their barrels and bolt carrier groups, and a few receivers. All good quality and gave acceptable accuracy.

 

[<*(((><]

16" Mid-Length, 1:7 with 13.5" M-LOK rail w/o BCG and Charging Handle = $200.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...m-lok-upper-without-bcg-or-ch-5165448513.html

AR15 Classic Lower - $130.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-lower-5165447829.html

Toolcraft Black Nitride BCG - $70.00
https://www.righttobear.com/Toolcra...ier-Group-MPI-B-p/tooauto-016.htm?Click=64422

Strike Industries ARCH Charging Handle - $32.00
https://www.righttobear.com/Strike-Industries-ARCH-AR-15-Charging-Handle-E-p/si-arch-el-bk.htm

Vortex Sparc Red Dot & 10 MagPul P-Mags = $200.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-sparc-red-dot-scope-ten-magpul-pmag-30-magazines.html

TOTAL = $632.00 + $20 FFL = $652.00

1,000 rounds of Federal XM193 = $280.00 Shipped
https://www.natchezss.com/federal-x...ntLink&utm_medium=35987&utm_campaign=48247-NA

I would have bought the Palmetto State Armory BCG and Charging handle but they were out of stock currently. But Toolcraft is an excellent BCG for the money and I just found a charging handle at the same place to combine on shipping.

This would get you a complete rifle with a nice red dot optic and 10 P-Mags, add a 1,000 rounds of M193 and you have a ready rifle with accessories and ammuntion for $932.00.

 

[BSA1]

I currently don't have an AR rifle, so I'm looking at buying a PSA upper and lower. Then putting a holoson red dot and streamlight. Is there any parts that I should want to make sure are upgraded?

Why don't you ask a simple question like Blondes, Redheads or Brunettes? Without knowing the purpose of your gun your question is too vague to give you meaningful replies.

Since you are using PSA I will share my PSA budget build experience. I brought a complete PSA Freedom Carbine Magpul build kit for $350.00. I put it on a Anderson stripped lower ($45.00) and a Magpul ASAP sling swivel end plate ($30.00) making my total cost $425.00 (plus a little sales tax for the Magpul end plate). It has 16" carbine barrel, tower fixed front sight and Magpul polymer folding rear sight.

I built, well assembled, this gun just to see how good of a gun I can get on the cheap. The trigger is a bit heavy but crisp and I will take a crisp trigger everytime over a lighter creepy one. The dang gun shoots like a house on fire and very accurate to boot. It put four of five rounds in a tight cluster with three of them touching creating a nice hole. The first round was a little low as it was from a clean barrel. The overall group was 1/2".

I can not say enough good things about how satisfied I am with this gun. In fact my gun fan daughter has claimed it as her own. It's role is a good, solid self-defense rifle.

I have several other AR's each having a different purpose meaning different parts. They are "lego" guns meaning I am buying parts from different manufacturers and am playing mixing and matching looking for that "just right" combination. (In fact I posted a thread a while back about why I can't seem to finish building AR #3).

My first AR has been a disappointment both with accuracy and trigger. I recently replaced the original BCG with a nitride Aero Precision and have been rewarded with improved accuracy and a couple of weeks ago installed a ALG ACT trigger. The ACT trigger is a big improvement over the ALG QMS trigger that I had in it. My remaining problem with this gun is I do not like the Magpul front sight post which is a situation I hope to resolve later this week with a AR Post Kit I have ordered arrives.

I have two other builds in various stages of progress but I can not comment on their parts at this time. One is a lighterweight with the idea for my wife and daughter #2 to shoot and #4 is a going to be a gift to my AR fan daughter. However I would (and most likely will when I have the dino) buy another PSA Freedom Rifle Kit without any reservations for the AR.

 

[<*(((><]

Or you could cut the cost down further with:

16" Mid-Length, 1:7 Classic Upper with BCG and Charging Handle = $200.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/ble...Avantlink&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=cl

AR15 Classic Lower - $130.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-lower-5165447829.html

Vortex Sparc Red Dot & 10 MagPul P-Mags = $200.00
https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-sparc-red-dot-scope-ten-magpul-pmag-30-magazines.html

1,000 rounds of Federal XM193 = $280.00 Shipped
https://www.natchezss.com/federal-x...ntLink&utm_medium=35987&utm_campaign=48247-NA

Which would get you a complete rifle, optic, 10 PMags, and 1,000 rounds for $810 + $20 FFL.