Build or Buy?

[northmoboy]

Ok, I have been all over the internet for weeks studying about the AR. I recently sold my 22-250 predator rifle and am ready to pull the trigger on an AR. I was ready to pull the trigger on a RRA Coyote carbine but the more I read on the forums the more confused I got. Then came the gas vs piston confusion, build a nice gun or purchase a complete gun, ect. I don't want to start a big debate or reopen a can of worms but here is my question: I really would like to keep cost under $700.00. Can I purchase a nice reliable, accurate complete AR? Or should I try to piece on together and save a few bucks. I know there are you guys out there that are totally consumed with building the best AR money can buy. I just want a fun to shoot, accurate black rifle. Ok, BUY or BUILD? Thanks so much for your professional advise.

 

[Hanzo581]

If you do decide to go pre-built you can get an optic ready M&P15 for $799 shipped.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_763/products_id/53496

I just like the fact that if anything goes wrong I have one manufacturer to deal with when you go complete, when you build depending if you build completely from scratch you could have five or more brands going on.

 

[Quentin]

Under $700 is cutting an AR to the bone. I'd add a little to that budget.

The M&P15 is a decent AR, most people would be well satisfied but I'd rather have a midlength gas system myself. Building or buying a factory rifle is up to you. I've built my two ARs lowers then topped with factory built uppers and am happy with the results.

 

[cal74]

You can get Bushmaster Predator uppers around the 500.00 range now, few hundred for a lower and put a better trigger and what not in it when you have the funds?

 

[AR27]

BUY

 

[briang2ad]

Spikes Mid. $800. Best thing in that range - period.

 

[possum]

buy BCM parts and build.tier one quality ar at a price that will surprise you.

 

[odfox]

I've wasted a lot of money building 4 ARs, the desire to use higher quality parts or swap parts out is very high. I echo some advice above... buy a complete upper at least, if not a complete rifle. BCM is great for the money.

 

[nyn]

I would echo BCM. You can get a standard non float upper for relatively cheap. Comb the net a little. No one talks bad about Bravo Company USA. Palmetoarmory is also another great site. I went to them for all my lower parts. GREAT deals on lower parts. All parts for my lower including all magpul items for cheap:eek. Magpul CTR stock and lower parts kit came out to 170 or so.

 

[KyCountry]

If you are mechanically minded at all, build the AR.. you'll enjoy it. And yes, you can keep a basic AR under $700 (Before optics). DPMS was selling complete 20" stainless steel barreled uppers for $499 last time I checked. And you can easily build a lower for right around $200.

 

[spartan00054]

Even if you got a screaming deal on a complete rifle, I'd still advise you to build it. You'll understand the rifle's inner workings better, and be able to diagnose problems, make repairs, and/or swap/upgrade parts if you know how it goes together in the first place. Also, there's something deeply gratifying about pulling the trigger on a rifle you built in your garage (even more so if you also handloaded the ammo) and sending hot, accurate lead screaming downrange, especially when you don't blow yourself up in the attempt. You just can't put a price on that kind of satisfaction.

 

[migkillertwo]

I would wait until CMMG has "bargain bin" rifles again. Building is not a bad option, but there are a few things that can go wrong if you build it wrong. For instance, you might not be able to stake the castle nut.

When CMMG has them, their bargain bin rifles run about 600$ (non-chrome lined, but nitrided barrels which are almost as good, but much better than your standard chrome-moly steel) to 650$ (for chrome-lined), and they are extremely nice rifles. If you really want an AR on the cheap, that is what I would do. If you want the best value though, I'd save an extra 100$ and spring for the Spikes Tactical ST-15 LE. The upper receiver on those rifles is completely mil-spec