Building an AR 15 input please *** Pic now last page
 

Want to build an AR 15 223 . Is it cheaper than buying one all together .

Anyone done it cheaply . I can upgrade as time goes on as I did with my last one ( regret selling now ) Dumb a _ _ me .

Ideas on kits etc. ?

Three words...... Palmetto State Armory

You can catch daily deals on anything AR related. Uppers run $190 - $400. Lowers you can get them stripped or built. Stripped go from $40 - $100. Full lowers you can get them from $90 - $200. On the last sale I could of gotten a whole rifle from their kits for around $450. That's cheap!

Be warned tho with building your own. I do it all the time and it is not cheaper 'cause, I end up buying parts I really want and they usually cost more. My builds usually end up around $1100. But, you can build one for under $500.

PalmettoStateArmory.com runs specials on built uppers and built lowers. They also have specials on unbuilt kits and then you can buy the individual parts. The cheapest way to go is buying the whole rifle. You usually get extras like magazines or cases you won't get when you build parts. Also if you add up the cost of the parts the built rifle is cheaper. Then factor that they built it and will warranty it then it is clear to buy the built rifle.

That being said a built rifle runs $600 and up. If my wife saw a $600 charge I would be in the dog house for sure. So over time I ordered parts and l now have 4 rifles. Also there were times that I had a couple hundred to spend but not $600 so it worked out for me to buy parts and build even though when you factor shipping I paid more for the same rifle built.

Also make sure you have the tools to do the build. Depending on the handguard you choose you may need a barrel wrench. Or another proprietary wrench. Tools you will need for a complete stripped receiver build looks like:

Bench vise
Punch set
Vice grips
Screwdrivers
Torque wrench 1/2" or use adapter
Hex key set
Barrel wrench
Retaining ring pliers
Molly grease
Small hammer


There may be more tools like wood blocks or a special upper holder but I think that covers the tools. So factor the cost of tools you may need to buy into your cost as well.

I don't know if this is where you'd like to go with this, but I recently built an LE6920 from an OEM-1 sub-assembly and used Magpul MOE furniture. I was able to get it all done (including optics) for around $1300.00.

http://www.floridaconcealedcarry.com...299924&thumb=1

Perhaps, you might find something similar in a .223.

Regards,
Arnold (Ff).

Hum, I've never needed these to assemble an AR. :eek::D

You really don't need a vise either but, it definitely helps.

I have all the tools needed including a vice ,
Thanks for the info .

I will need to piece it together because of funds available , plus liking to do this stuff .

"Idle hands " you know .

I never built an ar...never owned one.....building one seems like it would be a fun thing to do.....

Ever since I learned how to squeeze those pins with the vice grips I have stopped using the punch and hammer for all but a few steps in assembly. The vise would be necessary with a standard barrel nut assembly. 30+lbs of torque is hard to do without a vise. Also timing the gas tube sometime requires small but strong movements.

Lower receiver and Bolt carrier group would be the hard things to get if election goes south.

I only set out to build one and now have 4 in two different caliber a with one SBR and a pistol. I also am a delta ring assembly away from having all the parts to build a complete upper from swapping parts on those four builds.

Cheaper: Buy!! Feeling of accomplishment and need to buy new tools: Build!!

It is likely cheaper to buy a complete entry level rifle, but PSA's Premium uppers/rifle kits with CHF barrels shouldn't be ignored, and are hardly entry level.

I mounted the dedicated AR scope to my Premium CHF MOE upper and took it to the range a couple weeks ago to see what it would do. I tested it with an assortment of match 69 grain ammo, and it did very well with all of them. It actually did well enough that it'll get a free float handguard soon.

Agreed.. Get these items now while they are cheap and available. In fact, get two or three.

I bought a good one first (Colt 6920) so I'd know what mil spec correct is when in came time to build. Assembling the lower is pretty straight forward ... especially if you do it with an experienced friend (thanks, Charlie). I bought a complete BCM upper for that lower - their stuff is freakin fantastic!

Yeah lowers can be built pretty quickly, the upper, specifically attaching the barrel to the receiver is the hardest part. Glad I was able to help you Matt!

My least expensive AR consists of:

Palmetto State Armory Forged Upper Receiver, 16" Chrome Lined A2 Barrel with FSB & A2 FH, PSA BCG, PSA Lower Receiver, A2 Handguards, BCM receiver extension, BCM Grip, BCM Carry Handle, Magpul ACS Stock, and a PSA LPK.


I've got about $750 in this one. Had I went with PSA receiver extension, a more basic stock and grip, and Magpul MBUS (or PSA Carry Handle), bought when they're on sale, I likely could have assembled it for close to $600.

Looks like I can buy a complete DPMS Orical for around $500. 00 . Can't build one for that .

The DPMS "Sportical " I sold was a nice rifle with the upgrades I had done .

I can add upgrades as I go along . I have scopes that would work and some other stuff I can add .

Just need to save up some shekels,moolaw . Wife not willing to dig into savings . :(

Palmetto State Armory. $199 mid length upper with Magpul MOE furniture. Complete lower with Magpul CTR furniture for $179. Complete AR, less mag and optics (which I have a bunch of) for $378? $10 Nics check? Under $400 complete. How does it get better than this? Watch their sales....

Just did two.
DaFadda

You would need to add the Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle. Right now those run about $100 from PSA as well.

My bad... you're right. I got them on sale for $79 on a week end deal a couple months ago. Brings it up to 450-475. Again, watch the sales at PSA

And THEN.... you're going to want/need optics of some sort, iron at least....

I have a couple scopes and would add iron later . Thanks for you input .:)

Arley

Of course, IF Hillary were to be elected, the short window between November 8th 2016 and Jan.20th 2017 ( I think that's inauguration day) should see a doubling or tripling of the value of any basic AR15. Tricked out versions won't see as large a increase, since accessories will still be available. Occurred in 2008, and definitely occurred in CT in the aftermath of Sandy Hook. Basic AR15's were selling for 1100+ before Gov. Malloy banned them from sale or transfer in CT. Remember the 1994 Assault weapons ban? Hillary will bring it back with a "no sunset" provision this time. She'll never get Australian ban in place, but... 1994? Its coming again....

Panic trumps supply and demand every time!

Just the personal thoughts and observations of a retired guy....

I think the greater concern goes way beyond HRC. It's all about what SCOTUS justices she nominates, and whether or not the Senate we elect confirms/denies them... We need to do two things, this election. Keep the Hildebeast out of office, and keep the Senate in the majority, if not increase the majority.

Staked M4 Lock Nut
 

What does this mean ? Staked M4 Lock Nut . Not familiar with this from my DPMS I had . :confused:

Probably the castle nut on the buffer retainer. Mil spec is to stake the retaining nut on the buffer so it won't rattle loose. If you are never going to replace the buffer retainer or the buffer then it won't hurt. None of mine are staked but I also only shoot at paper and am not running and gunning.

This^^^^

It's easy enough to stake your own if you wanted to, I usually don't.

Lower ordered
 

Got a lower ordered today "Impact Guns " PSA total sold out today of Lowers and uppers . I'll check back with them for an upper later when some more $ comes .

Thanks for all your feedback and I will post progress later .

Arley

Looks like there are two PSA stripped lowers in stock that aren't specialty.

$69
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-b...ire-lower.html

$89
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-a...fire-1728.html

Not the best deal but reakly only $10-$20 higher than the cheapest sale they have run in the last year so actually a good price. In 6 months those prices may seem like a dream.

Ya I saw those but I wanted a complete lower .

In 6 months those prices may seem like a dream.[/QUOTE]

That is the second reason I bought now . I don't know that it will be 6 months before the prices go crazy . A Ban is coming for sure :eek: I don't think it will be overturned this time at least in my life time .

I hope an upper will be available when I have the money saved up :(

That is the second reason I bought now . I don't know that it will be 6 months before the prices go crazy . A Ban is coming for sure :eek: I don't think it will be overturned this time at least in my life time .

I hope an upper will be available when I have the money saved up :([/QUOTE]

Keep us posted of your progress. I am sure there are enough parts here to build what you want when you are ready. I have some parts I am tweaking so let me know and I am sure we can work something out.

Thanks Gatorade , Good people here, you for sure .

Arley

I'm buying a Ruger 556 this weekend just coz I want a poodle shooter

Alert the alligators that poodles are off the menu! None will survive the first weekend when Pig gets his new toy!

Got pieces ordered today
 

Got my upper and barrel along with a Boron BCG and charge handle ordered today . My lower DPMS came in Monday .:D Now a couple of mags and some 223 Dies and I'll be once again ready to blow some paper away . I will get a floating forearm later and upgrade the trigger . DPMS triggers are not the greatest .

Any who I'll get some pics when the stuff comes in . Not that it will be different than all the rest but it will be mine .

PSA 16" Mid-length Stainless 1:7 Freedom Upper - Without BCG or Charging Handle

PSA 5.56 Full Auto Nickel Boron BCG with Logo & PSA Premium 7075 T6 Forged Mil-Spec Charging Handle

Nice! So the DPMS lower is built? Or stripped?

What he said..... did you buy a complete lower? Or a stripped one? And send pictures.... enquiring minds want to know!

Complete ,though not hard to put together it was a good price . A little lower than PSA.

So then you are 100% ready to shoot?

WEll when the stuff comes in then wait a bit for cooler weather . Shooting in 110 no fun . This well give me time to lay in some dies / powder etc . Got to look for some brass , none available where I use to get it . Once fired is much cheaper .

Thanks for the intrest , Wife not at all . SWGAS she says .:rolleyes:

Arley

I'm a little late to the party and you've already received a lot good advice.
I like building rifles for a couple of reasons, customization, and I like working with my hands. I used to be a cabinetmaker, and loved building models as a kid. Even as an adult I used to build model RC cars. It's a matter of working with my hands then enjoying the finished product.
So, building things relaxes me.

I'm currently putting some money together for my next AR. I'm going to start with a Battlearms upper/receiver combination.
Going to start with this;
http://www.battlearmsdevelopment.com...r-receiver-set