AR options

[HABU]

I am gonna buy an AR in one form or another. Unfortunately for me, there are so many options I am not familiar with. I went through MCRD SD 20 years ago as a reservist, and havnt used one since, although I am not a stranger to firearms or safety.

Slab side, a1, a2, a3, a4, m3a4, blue label, green label, Hbar, this config and that config. Where can I go to learn about the different configurations available, to determine what config works best for me?

Are there significant savings to building one yourself, or is it more of an educational process or both? How much or what percentage can be saved building it myself?

 

[mondocomputerman]

try ar15.com

tons of information there. I myself am getting interested in AR's, especially since the AWM should expire...

 

[ny32182]

www.ar-15.com for gun info, www.ammo-oracle.com for ammo info.

Post what you wish to use the rifle for, and people here will be able to recommend the best configurations for your intended use.

 

[DMK]

Are there significant savings to building one yourself, or is it more of an educational process or both? How much or what percentage can be saved building it myself?

Yes and no. Most people build their own either for the education and interest in doing things "hands on" or to build a configuration that is not available as a complete rifle. In either case, saving money is not a primary factor and the rifle may end up costing more than if one bought one complete (at least initially, because in the latter case the owner may buy additional parts and start swapping with parts that came with the rifle).

If your intent is just to save money, buy a complete upper assembly and a complete lower assembly then simply attach them together. This should end up costing less than a complete rifle. I believe that you need to purchase the two assemblies from different vendors though since there is a tax issue involved (which is the primary reason for the savings).

 

[N3rday]

Using a kit and a Stag Arms of Mega lower receiver, you can build a chrome-lined 16" or 20" AR for $530 (using a model 1 kit). If you want to customize it (like I am going to do) it will be more. But then again, it will be customized.

I would at least recommend buying a complete upper and a complete lower if you aren't going to build your own of either. Again, Stag Arms of Mega lowers come assembled for about $70 more- and the parts kit to assemble a stripped lower is a little less than $60.

It is so much more unique when you build it yourself. It's all in the mixing and matching. Plan what you want, and then build it.

FYI here is my planned build for my first rifle ever:
Bushmaster 20" chrome lined gov't profile chopped to either 18" or 16" for a dissipator effect
Cavarms MkII lower receiver
YHM free float or lightweight handguards
Phantom flash suppressor, assuming the ban dies.
etc, etc.

Just plan and build. AR15.com got me pretty far, knowledge-wise. Don't be afraid to ask a whole bunch of questions.
Good luck!

-N3rd

edited to add: Almost forgot! Stay away from HBARs unless you have a very good reason not too. There is no need to haul around extra unneeded weight.

 

[El Rojo]

If you want to get a good deal on a complete upper, go to the AR15.com Equipment Exchange. I have had two great deals over there on complete Bushmaster uppers with bolt/bolt carrier/charging handle. Then you can buy a lower and build it no problem.

As far as what to get first? I recommend you just stick with a 20" upper to start. You can always get a 16" later. Start with a 20" upper. Then decide what kind of optics you want? Original iron sights like bootcamp? Then go with an A2 upper. If you want to stick a holosight or ACOG scope on it, then go with the A3 model. You could go with an A3 model with a removable carry handle and have the flexibility that way. Either way, I recommend you start with a stock A2 20". Then it will be all over after that. Next thing you know you will have a couple different uppers.

 

[dbshabo]

I'd suggest getting a 20" A3 (flat top upper). That way you'll have the flexibility to mount an optic or you can attach the carry handle and use irons if you want. But you will at least have the choice. Optics can be attatched to an A2 carry handle but it's much easier and more options available for a flat top. If you're gonna build a rifle be aware that not all parts are created equal. Stick with quality like Colt, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, or DPMS. A few bucks saved is not worth the aggrevation of a rifle that won't fuction properly or breaks the first time you take it out.

The advise to go to www.ar15.com is good advice. Lots of helpful knowledgeable people there. The equipment exchange is a good place to look for gear once you know what it is you want. Also look at this site it's jam packed full of really good info on the AR-15 rifle. Between these two sites you should be able to answer any question you may have.

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

Shabo

 

[JShirley]

You can't go far wrong with an A2 style that you've swapped an A1 stock onto.

'Cept it's an AR15-type rifle, of course.

John

 

[JNewell]

The advice that the old timers at AR15.com will give you is: don't build your first rifle, and don't start with something other than Armalite, Bushmaster or Colt.

There are reasons that there are zillions of threads about malf'ing ARs at AR15.com. A reliable, accurate rifle is more than a pile of parts.

 

[MAUSER88]

Get a Rock River Arms NM rifle. You won't be sorry.