AR15 Questions

[Varminterror]

Doesn't matter. The marking means nothing -if it were sold stripped and build first as a rifle, then a rifle forever shall it be, regardless of marking. If it is sold stripped, it should have been transferred into inventory log as a receiver, NOT as a handgun, so when it leaves, it leaves as an "other," not as a handgun. That's the law - read the 4473.

If it left the factory completed as a pistol, and marked as such, then it's a pistol and can be converted to a rifle and back, just like any other stripped lower could be.

The pistol marking on a stripped lower is nothing more than marketing.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

It looks like the OP hasn't been back since the end of May. I'm gonna blame Gunny for scaring him off! Gunny and his collection of ARs that has inspired some of us ;-)

That said, and all other things aside, I think if OP comes back, $800 is a great budget for a nice AR. Not a super cheap one, but not a super expensive one either. Rather one he can make an AR that is his and one he will love for a long long time.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

It looks like the OP hasn't been back since the end of May. I'm gonna blame Gunny for scaring him off! Gunny and his collection of ARs that has inspired some of us ;-)

That said, and all other things aside, I think if OP comes back, $800 is a great budget for a nice AR. Not a super cheap one, but not a super expensive one either. Rather one he can make an AR that is his and one he will love for a long long time.

Well, with an $800 dollar budget the OP should not be scared, most of the rifles in my collection cost less then that to build.
But here is a little more inspiration. This one cost just under $1000.

 

[grampajack]

It looks like the OP hasn't been back since the end of May. I'm gonna blame Gunny for scaring him off! Gunny and his collection of ARs that has inspired some of us ;-)

That said, and all other things aside, I think if OP comes back, $800 is a great budget for a nice AR. Not a super cheap one, but not a super expensive one either. Rather one he can make an AR that is his and one he will love for a long long time.

Wisely spent, 800 can get you a nice AR for sure.

 

[Danoobie]

That's nice, Gunny. I've got one with a long bull barrel and scope, nothing that fancy.
But it'll shoot .75 MOA all day long, and I'm blind in one eye, and can't see out'n the
other.
But the OP never stuck around to explain the intended purpose or function of his AR. It's a
little hard to tell him what to build, if we don't know what he's using it for.

 

[MistWolf]

Alex, get yourself a Colt 6920 or 6720 lightweight. They are good, solid, reliable rifles that work right. Shooters should start with a solid, basic rifle so they know how a solid AR is supposed to perform. Until a shooter understands what a solid AR is supposed to be, they won't know how to build one.

The 6920 and 6970 are very basic configurations and it's important for new shooters to start with a basic AR and shoot it. Every time someone asks "What type AR should I get?" everyone responds with "It depends what you want to do with it." Almost always the answer is "I wanna shoot it." This is because our new shooter hasn't shot enough to determine just what they want from an AR.

Neither choice is as exciting as as planning a new build and shopping for parts, but getting a Colt 6920 or 6720 will get a shooter up and running so they can shoot and figure out what works. It's easier and more economical to upgrade a basic AR than one with expensive options that didn't work out.

Get a basic Colt carbine and go shoot it

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Wisely spent, 800 can get you a nice AR for sure.

Even just buying ones that $800 can get a good gun.

Or start with a barebones PSA on sale use it a bit then modify it. Or better yet, get the PSA and a decent optic.

Anyway, it's a shame OP hasn't come back. I know I like hearing what people do. Sadly too many come to forums ask a question then leave.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Well, with an $800 dollar budget the OP should not be scared, most of the rifles in my collection cost less then that to build.
But here is a little more inspiration. This one cost just under $1000.
View attachment 236723
View attachment 236724

It's not that you have sub $1000 ARs. It's that you inspire us to build MORE.
I still need to build my upper and get an optic and you already have me thinking about my next two builds.
The rabbit hole is deep and you're giving us a steam shovel to dig our way out ... um I mean um ... dig deeper ;-)

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I'm not a fan boy of any gun company. All of them have put out a lemon or two. If I were to buy a solid basic rifle, I would by pass Colt and get a FN. I say this because Colt lost the Government contact to FN years ago.

The OP is a young man and is most likely tied up with something. Hopefully he will pop back in.

 

[MistWolf]

I'm not a fan boy of any gun company. All of them have put out a lemon or two. If I were to buy a solid basic rifle, I would by pass Colt and get a FN. I say this because Colt lost the Government contact to FN years ago

It's not like Colt has forgotten how to make ARs. Truth is, Colt still has a contract with the .mil

 

[grampajack]

It's not that you have sub $1000 ARs. It's that you inspire us to build MORE.
I still need to build my upper and get an optic and you already have me thinking about my next two builds.
The rabbit hole is deep and you're giving us a steam shovel to dig our way out ... um I mean um ... dig deeper ;-)

I think a lot of people already know what they want in the back of their minds, and then come to the forums to see if they can find a way to justify it, then do whatever they had planned from the beginning against all rational advice. I've seen it many times.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I think a lot of people already know what they want in the back of their minds, and then come to the forums to see if they can find a way to justify it, then do whatever they had planned from the beginning against all rational advice. I've seen it many times.

True
I know in my build I'm not looking for advice for the big picture, but I've received a ton of help, suggestions and such that have made it fun and more enjoyable.

Having folks that know their stuff and can help you is nice. Better is them helping you and teaching you.

In the end though we all need to be happy with our decisions.

I don't know about others but I hate the fanboy BS. What I like is people giving real insight and sharing experiences. For instance I really like PSA. I think they have great prices and a wide selection. You can get a killer deal with them but they're not for everyone. And in my case I love the AR I put together but hate the stock. I won't pass it off as the greatest. But for a good solid cheap AR I'm happy and will share it. I'll also freely share what I see as weaknesses or things to look for.

Anyway more ARs!!!!