Build me an AR - please

[sdkidaho]

Ok - I've worn myself out looking at all the options, all the different manufactures of complete guns, all the manufactures of just parts to put one together yourself, etc...

Everyone I talk to adds to the confusion. Everyone has a favorite flavor they like and everyone elses isn't as good for this reason or that reason. There is just no way for a newbie to sift through it all and come out with a clear, concise answer. There seem to be a few that actually agree on various weapons being at the top of the list (I'm not going to name them here), so that in and of itself is helpful to a degree.

Anyway - on with my request. What I'd like is to see your recommendations for a newbie. This is what I believe I want, but I am open to suggestion.


<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]5.56 (223)[*]18" barrel[*]Magpul stock (not sure which one, I just like those)[*]Rails, full length I believe (not sure which one, I just know I want them to be able to possibly add accessories in the future)[*]BUIS[*]P-Mags (I already bought some of these and they are on the way)[*]Upper (obviously need one)[*]Lower (obviously need one)[*]Whatever else I'm missing...[/list]

I know - this is probably a stupid thread to have posted but I'm seriously overloaded with all of it. I really thought I wanted a POF 415, but I've had some guys tell me not to go that route, stick with a DI gun and buy two for the price of one POF. I've read and read on DI versus Piston, it seems 6 of one, half a dozen of another. Guys saying to get a BCG that's plated (or chromed or whatever) and guys saying don't do it, it isn't needed. Etc, etc, it goes on and on and round and round.

Buy POF - don't buy POF.
Buy Quality Arms - don't buy Quality Arms.
Buy LMT - don't buy LMT

I just want an AR so I can actually start to shoot the thing!

No clue on exact intended purpose for the gun. I can see using it in some training courses, as well as just shooting it for pleasure and possibly even using it for some varmit or predator hunting. I'm not the guy that runs home and cleans his gun after each use (figured I better throw that information in there as well).

I could spend a couple grand, but I would rather spend close to $1000 and have money left for ammo and optics and... whatever else a guy can't live without once he has one of these guns. But again - I'm open to suggestion.

Is this too tall of an order? I can't be the first guy to be overwhelmed by all of this...

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Ok here is the barrel,
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=449
Here is the upper,
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=461
Here is the lower,
http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2124
Here is a rail
http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/spikes-tactical-12-bar-rail-system-p-448.html
You will need a gas block, lower parts kit, flash hider, BCG, Charging handle, Gas Tube, and I like just about all the magpul stocks and run the UBR on my rifles but the PRS is also good, both are heavy but they do have some lighter stocks. What are you wanting to use the rifle for? That would help on trying to get a better rifle fit to the person and their needs.

Rainier and spikes sell some good stuff and both are great companies.

 

[Maestro Pistolero]

Re: Build me an AR - please

I have yet to hear a single bad thing about BCM, Spike's Tactical, or Noveske. If I were starting from scratch, I might choose a BCM complete upper and build the lower with my favorite stock and a Giesselle or RRA trigger.

 

[DP425]

Re: Build me an AR - please

build yourself- MEGA Monolithic upper (modular) in mid or rifle length, mega lower (check for group buy going on now), WOA 18" stainless barrel w/ mid length gas system and head spaced bolt, JP Carrier and JP adjustable lo-profile gas block.

 

[bowslngr]

Re: Build me an AR - please

My suggestion: If it is all really that confusing to you at this point, just go out and buy an entry level rifle from a decent manufacturer and shoot it as is for a while. RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster and others will fit the bill very easily given where you are right now.

 

[Glen Seekins]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Where in Idaho are you located? Ever make it to Lewiston? If so i have a shop full of kick ass AR parts...

 

[tullius]

Re: Build me an AR - please

No.

Build your own, you plaintively indecisive and fluctuating social butterfly petitioner.
Tools: hammer and a 16p nail.

Chop chop.

 

[Soapxx21]

Re: Build me an AR - please

I just had this one put together, everyone has their preferences on what they want to use it for, I got this(still being built) for versatility, hope this help a little, was very costly though, but sold a bunch of guns to get the one I actually wanted.


N4 16" Recon 5.56mm Rifle w/Vltor 9" VIS
Switchblock

SOPMOD TAN
GAS BUSTER
Ambi Selector
MIAD Pistol Grip Tan
BUIS TAN
Geissle SSA
Flash Hider:SUREFIRE 556K MB
Tango Down Stubby QD Vertical Grip-TAN
Schmidt&Bender LE Short Dot(1.1-4x) with ADM recon mount

 

[bcw1284]

Re: Build me an AR - please

I would recommend a basic carbine for a first AR. This will get you into the platform in an affordable manner, and from there you can learn how they handle and build more in the future. You don't really need an SPR (18" variants) until you are somewhat proficient, IMHO. It is easy to swap an upper (or even just the barrel) later on if you choose to.

If you don't clean things reliably (i'm that guy also), then you want a stainless barrel or a chrome lined barrel. Here is what I shoot for carbines, and I will probably stick with these for a long time. http://www.lmtstore.com/featured-products/defender-standard-patrol-model-16.html

I have yet to be disappointed with this m4, and I have had ZERO ftf/fte issues, even with cheap ammo. I have laughed and continued to run the course while my friends go back for their cleaning rods or tool kits because they have a stuck round in their kit built guns... that said, i've had numerous kit builds and not had the same problems then either. I don't think a chromed carrier is necessary, I have yet to see any corrosion or abnormal wear on my LMT and it has several thousand rounds through it. Accuracy is much better than some of the cheapos i've had. I'm running a Daniel Defense 7.0 Lite rail on it, and magpul furniture (CTS/MIAD + XTM panels). I can hit everything I aim at with Irons, and with a scope I have had no trouble dispatching crows, coyotes, jack rabbits, and a crap ton of marmots (nearby pasture is full of the little buggers) out to several hundred yards.

I have had, and still own, a lot of AR-15s. I can honestly say that while many of the cheapies are fine, I do believe that you get what you pay for. My LMT even makes my rock river rifles look like junk as far as fit/finish is concerned.

I don't think you NEED a piston system unless you run short barrels, cans, burst fire, etc. constantly or just want it.

I don't think you need a chromed BCG, i've never seen any abnormal wear or corrosion on any of my parkerized units.

If you are not going to run lights or lasers, etc. then I would get a modular handguard with customizable picatinny sections. It will save quite a bit of weight. There are several out from PRI, Troy, Midwest Industries, and many others.

just my .02, and then some. good luck.

 

[TattooedScumbag]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Yep it's overwhelming at times. First try to figure out what use it will get and go from there. Buy the best parts you can afford and dont get hung up on "mil-spec". WOA is gonna be a good barrel to use and has a pretty good price. Ask around for opinions but be prepared to be more confused if you go to arfcom=)

 

[phxfa]

Re: Build me an AR - please

just get a Colt 6920 and call it a day, $1100.00 and if you outgrow it or whatever it has excellent resale value

 

[Maestro Pistolero]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tom Olson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">just get a Colt 6920 and call it a day, $1100.00 and if you outgrow it or whatever it has excellent resale value </div></div>That's pretty good advice. But I doubt you'll outgrow it. Start with a 6920, and you have an excellent base gun for whatever kind of carbine you may want it to be in the future.

As nice as the <span style="font-weight: bold">6940</span> is, it limits your options somewhat as to rail choices. You don't have to make all the decisions, or spend ALL the money now. Good call. . . get a Colt <span style="font-weight: bold">6920</span>.

 

[LimaBravo]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Priority #1 is to establish what you want.You hit on the most mind numbing thing with AR's and that's selection.If you have no idea where to start you'll end up building someone's rifle that may or may not be what you want.
Colt 6920 is a good start.Add accessories as you like/want and go from there.
You could spend a bucket full of cash and come out with a rifle that is more problematic than anything and who wants to waste range time trying to figure out why your rifle doesn't work properly???
Just my .02 cents

 

[sdkidaho]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]Rainier and spikes build.[*]Another build with BCM, Spikes, Noveske, RRA and Giesselle.[*]Mega build[*]Buy entry level RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster[*]Build your own.[*]Build your own & here is a list of parts.[*]Buy entry level LMT[*]Buy a Colt[/list]

So, either I am even more screwed with more suggestions, or... it doesn't look like I can go very far wrong by buying a well known name and just getting after it.

Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want to sound like I do not appreciate the input, because I most certainly do. I appreciate you guys taking the time to help out a stranger - thank you.

I think I'm liking the LMT that was suggested by bcw1284. That same gun was suggest this week to me by a local guy. Anyone have a good line on one as far as cost? A local place has one for $1175 (plus tax 6%), but I've already found it cheaper than that online at a few places. Is $1020.00 too much for that gun?

Thanks again, guys.

 

[jasonZ]

Re: Build me an AR - please

I agree, go buy a dpms, rra, etc. You can mod it as u go and it will shoot everything it sounds like you want. You can also sell and upgrade later if you choose to. It's really up to you as you're the one that will be handling/shooting it.

I personally don't see the need for the high dollar units if your not competing or something. My dpms lower and model1 upper had never failed me. I use it for tactical entry and such.

Besides why spend all that money if you've never owned one before! Goodluck

 

[phxfa]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sdkidaho</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]Rainier and spikes build.[*]Another build with BCM, Spikes, Noveske, RRA and Giesselle.[*]Mega build[*]Buy entry level RRA, DPMS, Bushmaster[*]Build your own.[*]Build your own & here is a list of parts.[*]Buy entry level LMT[*]Buy a Colt[/list]

So, either I am even more screwed with more suggestions, or... it doesn't look like I can go very far wrong by buying a well known name and just getting after it.

Don't get me wrong, I do NOT want to sound like I do not appreciate the input, because I most certainly do. I appreciate you guys taking the time to help out a stranger - thank you.

I think I'm liking the LMT that was suggested by bcw1284. That same gun was suggest this week to me by a local guy. Anyone have a good line on one as far as cost? A local place has one for $1175 (plus tax 6%), but I've already found it cheaper than that online at a few places. Is $1020.00 too much for that gun?

Thanks again, guys.
Thats a good buy, LMT is good stuff

</div></div>

 

[archad]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Heatseekins(Glen) I'm gonna take you up on the offer I'm local pm sent

 

[5RWill]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Just got done building a BCM 14.5 mid and so far can't complain either. I bought the upper and added on as i got cash then got the lower, put my stock on and pinned the two together. Before i even had this build finished i start to plan another 20" build for 500 yard shooting and plinking. Something that i can just buy bulk ammo for chronograph it and sight it in and go. But after i discovered how easy it is to assemble one yourself thats exactly what i'll be doing for my next. My parts for the upper include:
Rifle length gas tube
larue tactical 13.2 handguards
BCM SS 410 20" Hammer forged barrel.
BCM BCG and charging handle
Larue low profile gas block
VLTOR or Larue stealth upper reciever (haven't decided yet)
Standard A2 Bird cage FH.
You could do all the same but with a 18" if you want or go for something cheaper.

Here is my 14.5

 

[RONINUSMC]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<span style="color: #FF0000">5.56mm CARBINE.. 11.5"</span>
JD UPPER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
JD LOWER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
BLACKHOLE WEAPONRY 11.5" BARREL CARBINE LENGTH GAS SYSTEM <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT ACCURATE BARRELS</span>
TROY IND TRX STANDARD RAIL LENGTH 11" <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT PRODUCT AT A GOOD PRICE</span>
AIMPOINT T1 1/3 CO-WITNESS MOUNT LARUE <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT SIGHT</span>

<span style="color: #FF0000">5.56mm CARBINE.. 14.5"</span>
JD UPPER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
JD LOWER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
BLACKHOLE WEAPONRY 14.5" BARREL CARBINE LENGTH GAS SYSTEM <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT ACCURATE BARRELS</span>
TROY IND TRX STANDARD RAIL LENGTH 13" <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT PRODUCT AT A GOOD PRICE</span>
AIMPOINT T1 1/3 CO-WITNESS MOUNT LARUE <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT SIGHT</span>

<span style="color: #FF0000">5.56mm CARBINE 16"</span>
JD UPPER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
JD LOWER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
BLACKHOLE WEAPONRY 16" BARREL CARBINE LENGTH GAS SYSTEM <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT ACCURATE BARRELS</span>
TROY IND TRX STANDARD RAIL LENGTH 13" <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT PRODUCT AT A GOOD PRICE</span>
AIMPOINT T1 1/3 CO-WITNESS MOUNT LARUE <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT SIGHT</span>
<span style="color: #FF0000">
5.56MM SPR/DMR..</span>
JD UPPER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
JD LOWER <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>
BLACKHOLE WEAPONRY 18" RIFLE LENGTH GAS SYSTEM <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT ACCURATE BARREL AT A GOOD PRICE</span>
TROY IND TRX STANDARD RAIL 13" <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT PRODUCT AT A GOOD PRICE</span>
NIGHTFORCE NXS 2.5-10 x 32 <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT SCOPE</span>
LARUE SPR MOUNT 30mm <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT QUALITY</span>

<span style="color: #FF0000">MISC IE COMMON ON ALL MY WEAPONS..</span>
MAGPUL BAD LEVER.. <span style="font-weight: bold">I DIDN'T LIKE THE PHASE 5.. KEPT COMING LOOSE</span>
MAGPUL ASAP.. <span style="font-weight: bold">MAKES SWITCHING RIGHT TO LEFT MUCH EASIER</span>
MAGPUL CTR MIL-SPEC.. <span style="font-weight: bold">CAUSE IT WORKS</span>
MAGPUL AFG.. <span style="font-weight: bold">SOME PPL HATE THEM.. SOME LOVE IT.. I LOVE IT</span>
MAGPUL MOE GRIP.. <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT VALUE</span>
MIL-SPEC POSTION TUBE MODIFIED.. <span style="font-weight: bold">I DRILL MORE HOLES.. SO I HAVE MORE POSITIONS</span>
TROY IND DOA REAR SIGHT FLIP-UP..<span style="font-weight: bold">USE ONE ON A BUDDIES RIFLE.. I'M HOOKED</span>
TROY IND HK FRONT SIGHT FLIP-UP.. <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT SIGHT</span>
YHM GAS BLOCK .750 GAS BLOCK.. <span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT PRICE AND THEY WORK</span>
MAGPUL ILLUMINATION KIT.. <span style="font-weight: bold">IT PUTS THE PRESSURE SWITCH RIGHT WHERE I WANT IT</span>
SEI VORTEX FLASH HIDER..<span style="font-weight: bold">GREAT FLASH HIDER</span>
STAG ARMS AMBI SELECTOR..<span style="font-weight: bold">NICE TO HAVE</span>
PALMETTO MOE LPK.. <span style="font-weight: bold">CHEAP</span>

NOW YOU NEVER SAID "EXACTLY" WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH THIS RIFLE.. SO I GAVE YOU BUILD OPTIONS.. AND AS FOR CONFUSION.. IF YOU JUST GOING TO PLINK/TARGET/VARMINT GO WITH A 16" BARREL

DO YOU SEE A FEW COMMON THINGS??.. GO WITH THINGS THAT WORK FOR YOU.. U MAY BUY SOMETHING TAKE IT TO THE RANGE AND TRY IT OUT AND HATE IT..

I SAY JUST GO 16" THEN U CAN ALWAYS UPGRADE LATER TO A DMR/SPR TYPE RIFLE..

RONIN

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Build me an AR - please

for stripped stuff your hard pressed to find a better starting point then the JD stuff. your basically buying a spikes, noveske, cal guns, etc lower just with a diferent roll mark for less money. i really don't buy into the whole billet thing for AR uppers and lowers. they may look more highspeed but billet is NOT as strong as forged, there is a reason they look the way they do its because you have to put more material into it to make it as strong. if not JD then yeah i would stick to a top name; LMT, spikes, noveske, BCM, etc.

barrels: there are so many good ones- noveske, centurion arms, WOA are my top 3 for 18" spr barrels in 5.56

triggers: i love giessele but have heard good things about the AR gold and wilson as well.

rails: i love daniel defense stuff, but the SWS rails are nice (they are what are on the noveske guns), the PRI rails are nice, centurion arms is coming out with a pretty nice rail too the 12" aren't made yet but should be in a couple weeks. the larue are nice as well

charging handle: PRI or the gunfighter

BUIS: i go all troy, great sites, hard to beat for flip ups.

you already said you wanted a PRS so thats easy. on my SPR's i use the sierra precision grip but thats personal preference because i like the trigger finger placement with em.

bipod: i only use accushot stuff.

 

[Unknown]

Re: Build me an AR - please

I was just at a local gunshop today, and they said that the price on NEW Bushmaster rifles is around $700-750. You could buy one already built for probably less than you would pay for the parts, and you would have a factory warranty. I have had two of them, and they both shot better than any of the major name (pony) AR15's I owned.

 

[sdkidaho]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Thanks guys - this is a great reference thread for me. I can see now that I could easily wind up with more than one AR...

 

[acidone]

Re: Build me an AR - please

LMT MRP with an 18" barrel! Can't buy or build a more flexible platform for the money. The sopmod stock is excellent, but if you don't like it you can always put a magpul on. The quick change barrel setup is perfect and their replacement barrels aren't over priced!!!

The AR-15 market can be confussing to the new and old alike. There are so many great and poor products out there. Sometimes it's hard to know which is which. The guys on this site know what they're talking about and won't steer you wrong. Also consider the fact that most AR owners don't have just on. If there is something you find that work on this gun, I guess you'll just have to build another It's taken me 7 to get there, and I'm still not sure I'm finished!!!

 

[acidone]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Also, I'd have to agree with all the guys who mentioned BCM!!! Their stuff is great, quality wise, and their prices are pretty good too!!! I have 3 of their barrels, both moly and stainless, and they all shoot better than MOA! Even my 11.5"

 

[Tango_Bravo]

Re: Build me an AR - please

If you are looking for a good reliable carbine....


#3: Bushmaster or Rock River $800-$900


#2: Colt 6920 $1200-$1300


#1: Noveske $1500 and up.

I personally am going to be upgrading to a Noveske within the next few weeks.

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: Build me an AR - please

+ 1 on Big Joes post

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BERTMAN77MK2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+ 1 on Big Joes post </div></div>
I agree also but I had enough forged ones so I went with the billet on my last build and so far it has been the most accurate. I went with the Rainier Billet upper and Seekins lower which fit perfect together. Looking forward to seeing what Seekins does with the .308 stuff.

 

[silver78]

Re: Build me an AR - please

A few years ago I was in a similar situation. I just bought this in an 18 inch barrel:

http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=1332

I had steve KG Kote the barrel and add a DD rail. I have been very happy with this rifle. ADCO has also re-barreled my AR10. To me the dealer you choose is a key part of the value chain. ADCO has an excellent reputation here. I suggest that you do a quick search. Good luck!

 

[glock1985]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Two years ago I was looking to get my first AR, with absolutly no previous experience or even handling one. I went out and bought a S&W M&P15 for $800 and played around with it for a few months and found out what I liked and what I didnt like. I took it apart to learn how it functioned and realized how simple they were to put together.

After I found out what specific things I would want to change I built one myself. Now I have built 7 of them and I will probably starting a new one again soon.

If I did it over again, I would do it the exact same way, buy a less expensive AR and learn how it works and what you would change, then start building with your new knowledge.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: glock1985</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Two years ago I was looking to get my first AR, with absolutly no previous experience or even handling one. I went out and bought a S&W M&P15 for $800 and played around with it for a few months and found out what I liked and what I didnt like. I took it apart to learn how it functioned and realized how simple they were to put together.

After I found out what specific things I would want to change I built one myself. Now I have built 7 of them and I will probably starting a new one again soon.

If I did it over again, I would do it the exact same way, buy a less expensive AR and learn how it works and what you would change, then start building with your new knowledge. </div></div>

+1 to this also. While i didn't buy the gun assembled i ordered a upper added the rails on it and then my lower, added the stock, and pinned the two together. Since i've read tons about how they function and how to assemble one and it truly is simple.

 

[comeback]

Re: Build me an AR - please

If you are looking for a great upper that will shoot amazing out of the box check out LaRue http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=100

They make amazing products and have the BEST customer service out there.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Build me an AR - please

Only problem i have with any of the larue uppers is i could build a BCM for the price of one upper. 1000$ dollar upper for starting out unless your rich wouldn't be very ideal IMO, while i agree larue makes fantastic products, their uppers are quite pricey.

 

[comeback]

Re: Build me an AR - please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only problem i have with any of the larue uppers is i could build a BCM for the price of one upper. 1000$ dollar upper for starting out unless your rich wouldn't be very ideal IMO, while i agree larue makes fantastic products, their uppers are quite pricey. </div></div>

I do agree that they are a little pricey, but he was looking at a POF so i was trying to suggest something in that price range. That said I think that the Larue uppers are better than the POF, i have a LaRue steath in 16" and it was shooting sub MOA with match ammo right out of the box. Also their scope mounts are amazing too.