New vs. Build AR15

HeliosPrime · December 17, 2008, 06:43 PM

I am wondering if it would be cheaper to build an AR15 myself, buying the lower and upper assemblies separate, rather than purchasing a fully assembled rifle. I am hopefully going to use it as a service rifle in high power competition. I have looked at Armalite and RRA for their match grade rifles, but they are outside my budget at this time.
Also would it affect the quality of the rifle if I was to build it myself. I have no experience with customizing rifles yet, though I have rebuilt two old mausers.

Rottweiler · December 17, 2008, 06:57 PM

If funds are an issue, DIY'ing is probably your best bet.

You can pick up parts as cash comes available. The lower receiver, lower parts kit and buttstock can all be bought individually and assembled yourself. If you have a basic knowledge of mechanics and can follow the instructions over on arf.com you can handle putting it together. Later you'll probably want to "upgrade" to a match trigger. I recommend Giessele, expensive but good as it gets. They aren't much different to install than a basic one. Just about all match trigger install pretty easily.

The upper receiver is the "accuracy" part and does take some specialized tools. You are probably better off buying that pre-assembled unless you have access to the proper tools or are building several uppers

HeliosPrime · December 17, 2008, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the input. I will definitely look into building one myself, not only for the price, but also the experience. Thanks again.

HeliosPrime · December 18, 2008, 12:27 AM

I found two kits for around $500 for a complete basic 20" AR15. All I would need would be a stripped lower.
Its the standard 20" on this site.
http://www.ar15-kits.com/index1.html
http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_20_s/58.htm
Anyone know how good the quality of these kits are? They are within my budget, but I dont wont to get them if they will only cost me more in the long run.
Also, what would be a good stripped lower?

Rottweiler · December 18, 2008, 07:24 AM

I don't have any experience with either of those companies but if their parts meet mil-spec then you shouldn't have any problems with them.

As far as lowers go... pick a logo you like. Lowers are pretty much universal

jsmaye · December 18, 2008, 08:34 AM

Is building one actually cheaper or is it just a matter of spreading out the same cost?

Logs · December 18, 2008, 09:12 AM

Right now it is hard to say. Prices are crazy. Lowers that sold for $89-$99 are now $250-$300. Lower parts kits that were $49-$59 are now around $100. My cousin just bought a New DPMS AR for $735 yesterday in Wisconsin, it was old stock, but still new. I told him he got a Deal.

Dust · December 18, 2008, 09:51 AM

I have found a place with kits in stock, meaning complete minus stripped lower, for around $500-$550, plus the stripped lower can be had for around $200, and the complete guns are going for at least $900, so for assembly you save $200.

azredhawk44 · December 18, 2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Is building one actually cheaper or is it just a matter of spreading out the same cost?

Yes, it's cheaper. You have to pay a Federal Excise Tax on firearms purchases. When you buy a complete AR, that tax (is it 17%?) is applied to the total cost of the rifle at ~$700 or whatever. When you just buy a lower, that excise tax is based upon the cost of the lower only, around ~$150 or so. Accessories aren't hit for the excise tax, so your upper receiver assy is then no longer eligible to be taxed since it is no longer part of a complete firearm.

I built a complete A2 configuration with Cavalry Arms lower and Del-Ton upper for about $550. Shoots quite nicely, despite the wretched trigger that came in the Cav-15 Mk-II lower.

Working on a new AR, but my lower alone was ~$200. This one will be quite a bit nicer than the first one though. My lower receiver is blueprinted, giving exacting tolerances. Should be much tighter fitting than a pair of polymer halves glued together like the Cav-15.

December 17, 2008, 06:43 PM	#1
HeliosPrime Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 20	New vs. Build AR15 I am wondering if it would be cheaper to build an AR15 myself, buying the lower and upper assemblies separate, rather than purchasing a fully assembled rifle. I am hopefully going to use it as a service rifle in high power competition. I have looked at Armalite and RRA for their match grade rifles, but they are outside my budget at this time. Also would it affect the quality of the rifle if I was to build it myself. I have no experience with customizing rifles yet, though I have rebuilt two old mausers.

December 17, 2008, 06:57 PM	#2
Rottweiler Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 391	If funds are an issue, DIY'ing is probably your best bet. You can pick up parts as cash comes available. The lower receiver, lower parts kit and buttstock can all be bought individually and assembled yourself. If you have a basic knowledge of mechanics and can follow the instructions over on arf.com you can handle putting it together. Later you'll probably want to "upgrade" to a match trigger. I recommend Giessele, expensive but good as it gets. They aren't much different to install than a basic one. Just about all match trigger install pretty easily. The upper receiver is the "accuracy" part and does take some specialized tools. You are probably better off buying that pre-assembled unless you have access to the proper tools or are building several uppers __________________ Texas - envied by lesser states since 1845

December 18, 2008, 07:24 AM	#5
Rottweiler Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 391	I don't have any experience with either of those companies but if their parts meet mil-spec then you shouldn't have any problems with them. As far as lowers go... pick a logo you like. Lowers are pretty much universal __________________ Texas - envied by lesser states since 1845

December 17, 2008, 11:00 PM	#3
HeliosPrime Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 20	Thanks for the input. I will definitely look into building one myself, not only for the price, but also the experience. Thanks again.

December 18, 2008, 12:27 AM	#4
HeliosPrime Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 20	I found two kits for around $500 for a complete basic 20" AR15. All I would need would be a stripped lower. Its the standard 20" on this site. http://www.ar15-kits.com/index1.html http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_20_s/58.htm Anyone know how good the quality of these kits are? They are within my budget, but I dont wont to get them if they will only cost me more in the long run. Also, what would be a good stripped lower?

December 18, 2008, 08:34 AM	#6
jsmaye Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Location: Amarillo, Tx Posts: 616	Is building one actually cheaper or is it just a matter of spreading out the same cost?

December 18, 2008, 09:12 AM	#7
Logs Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 1999 Location: BLUEGRASS STATE KY USA Posts: 1,780	Right now it is hard to say. Prices are crazy. Lowers that sold for $89-$99 are now $250-$300. Lower parts kits that were $49-$59 are now around $100. My cousin just bought a New DPMS AR for $735 yesterday in Wisconsin, it was old stock, but still new. I told him he got a Deal.

December 18, 2008, 09:51 AM	#8
Dust Member Join Date: December 2, 2008 Location: Mito, Japan & Gorgetown. Texas Posts: 69	I have found a place with kits in stock, meaning complete minus stripped lower, for around $500-$550, plus the stripped lower can be had for around $200, and the complete guns are going for at least $900, so for assembly you save $200.