Ar15

**mtaylor** · 05-17-09, 08:12 PM

I'm looking to purchase or possibly build an ar15 over the next few months and I just wanted to get some advice. Firstly is it still any cheaper or worth building your own rifle or is it better to just buy a complete rifle? If it's still a good idea to build your own are there any sites that you guys recommend? I've been tooling around gunbroker.com and I've seen a few dpms/RRA guns for around $1000 and I was wondering if that's the going rate these days? I'm sure I'll more questions down, but any advice would be appreciated!

**Xiphos** · 05-17-09, 09:47 PM

Pinki's got a whole thread somewhere about building an AR with lots of good advice and sources to look for.

**MacLean** · 05-18-09, 12:18 AM

Read the chart - you can find it at m4carbine.net or lightfighter - Since you can't buy a Colt, I would suggest you stick with Noveske or LMT.

**pgg** · 05-18-09, 12:30 AM

You could get the new Ruger

**bone crusher** · 05-18-09, 02:45 AM

I have built several of my own Ar-15's and actually just finished a Smith and Wesson m&p 15 clone for a buddy of mine. At first (pre Obama scare) I could build one out for approx. $700.00 and would carry a retail of about $1,100.00 at my local Police Supply store. The M&P clone unfortunately $950.00. Although this was still a few hundred dollars cheaper it was almost impossible to get quality parts at a low cost anymore. Barrels are really scarse to come by and when you do the price is reeeeealy gouged. this time around i actually had a harder time getting ahold of the bolt carrier assemblies and when i did i was confronted with buy for about $70.00 more than usual or pay the nor price and wait about 14 weeks. all in all and the moral to the story is, if you can wait out the scare then build your own, if not then just buy the one off the rack. Hope this helped you out.

**mtaylor** · 05-18-09, 10:23 AM

Yeah It will still be a few months before I make the purchase so hopefully prices will have died down.

**Caveman** · 05-18-09, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by pgg

You could get the new Ruger

I have one, fine weapon absolutely no problems with it.

**ARJJ** · 05-25-09, 07:16 PM

MTaylor, my advice right now would be to find someone who has a few and ask to shoot them before you buy or build. Try out different models (i.e., lightweight/M4/HBAR, mid-length/carbine, stock options/rails/etc.) if you can.

If you buy, for a first rifle I'd say keep it simple and keep it light--M4 or pencil barrel, carbine-length, collapsible stock, and flat-top upper. You can customize it to fit your needs as you go, without buying more than you need up front.

Or for a first build, go with a fully assembled lower group (receiver, stock, and small parts) and then buy a complete upper assembly. Snap two pins together and you're G2G. As bone crusher pointed out, though, right now parts and kits are scarce and overpriced for the most part.

One good (if overwhelming for the new to ARs) website is www.ar15.com. I warn you though, there are some strong opinions and some very zealous spenders on that site!

**MacLean** · 05-25-09, 11:47 PM

Beware of Arfcom - there is more bullshit spewed there than any other platform site, so you really have to pay attention to who you listen to.

**Morris** · 05-26-09, 02:01 AM

Beware of Arfcom - there is more bullshit spewed there than any other platform site, so you really have to pay attention to who you listen to

A-the fuck-men.

**DIESEL326** · 05-26-09, 05:07 PM

I have built a couple of AR's and saved a crapload of money by doing so. The biggest problem you'll have right now (or anytime soon) is finding anyone with parts in stock. I ordered a parts kit to build a rifle for my Dad with last week and was given a 16 week wait time. Brownells gives a good discount on a lot of their stuff for LEO/ Military.

**ARJJ** · 05-26-09, 09:04 PM

I second Brownells as a parts source. Register as a LEO on their website and you'll qualify for the MIL/LE pricing, which is pretty hard to beat. Their customer service is also very good.

**bone crusher** · 05-27-09, 01:20 AM

Originally Posted by maclean

Beware of Arfcom - there is more bullshit spewed there than any other platform site, so you really have to pay attention to who you listen to.

I have found most of these guys on the forums there to be the type that dress up in cammo and look like a survivalist just to go to the gun shows toting an old 410 break down around trying to sell it for 500.00. to me this equals that they dont know fuck all about guns.

**MacLean** · 05-27-09, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by bone crusher

I have found most of these guys on the forums there to be the type that dress up in cammo and look like a survivalist just to go to the gun shows toting an old 410 break down around trying to sell it for 500.00. to me this equals that they dont know fuck all about guns.

As far as platform sites for the rifle, hit m4carbine.net or maybe 10-8 forums.

Find the place where the real people go, and there you will find good information.

Arfcom is a good place to buy and sell shit.

**Kpdpipes** · 05-28-09, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by bone crusher

I have found most of these guys on the forums there to be the type that dress up in cammo and look like a survivalist just to go to the gun shows toting an old 410 break down around trying to sell it for 500.00. to me this equals that they dont know fuck all about guns.

In General Discussion..Yes the Cop-hater-fu there is strong.. THAT SAID, the Non-GD areas are pretty decent, there are buttloads of people including Industry Partners who regularlu post good, solid information. Stick to the non-GD areas and you'll do well on ARFCom.