Posted on 02/08/2017 6:15:05 PM PST by TNoldman
I am considering building a AR-15 Carbine 223/556. I have looked at the Ruger AR556 for about $600. Being an Engineer and mechanically skilled I'm giving some thought to "building my own". What do you think?
I paid $99 for this and all the 922 compliance parts.
Add $60 for a receiver, $4 rivets, paint..
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/619366366
This is insane pricing
Just buy one built
My 17 and 20 year old sons built them. One has some
Minor issues but I think we can fix it.
These days, it would be difficult to build your own and save much money. For $600, I’d probably just get the Ruger.
You’ll need a solid bench vise, an accurate torque wrench and some assorted specialty tools (receiver block, barrel wrench, etc.), so make sure to factor those into the build cost.
About a year ago, I swore that I would NEVER buy another AR-15.
I’ll build them. It’s too much fun. If you’re mechanically adept and able to follow instructions, you won’t screw it up.
I recommend getting the Magpul BEV Block AR-15 Action Block.
For those of us in Fascist states like CA, NJ, IL, NY - will companies who build them for you (like Spike Tactical) do the mods like pin the stock and weld the muzzle break for a fee before they ship to you?
Build your own on an 80% frame. Nothing more satisfying than milling out your own. You can tailor to your likes. Engrave it with your own branding and S/N to CFR specs just in case it is ever stolen. Without that little key point the Popo will laugh at you while saying good luck finding it. Over the years I have built AR-15, AR-10, 1022 and 1911’s all on 80% frames. They all shoot just as good if not better than the store bought versions and I have bragging rights. All but the 1911 can be done on a standard drill press but if you have access to a mill it makes things easier.
Lots of Break Free CLP until things start clicking smoothly. Also, check the size of your buffer spring. That bit me once.
NOT CHEAP
Your choices are buying a PRC-80 and finishing it or buying a stripped lower and assembling.
If this is your first rodeo, I would say buy the stripped lower and build from there.
The PCR-80 is a fun project if you know your skill set can support it. Use those for the off calibers like .243 and 6.8mm etc.
BTW...welcome to the addiction.
They’re easy to put together and a bit cheaper but it’s hard to beat the Ruger. They come with good flip up BUIS which would run well over $100.
My son built my first AR last year for me.
I ordered a 6.5 Grendel upper from Alexander Arms.
The rest of the parts I ordered from Primary Arms.
I chose an Anderson stripped lower.
And the Rock River parts kit w 2 stage trigger.
I like it a Lot!
By The RUGER!
There’s a fellow with a popular YouTube video who says that if you buy a functional factory rifle and accessorize it by taking factory parts off of it and replacing them with boutique parts, you’re basically turning a $600 rifle into a $2100 rifle pretty quick and it will be less capable than a factory boutique rifle. He’s absolutely correct. Don’t do that.
You’re best off deciding what you features you want and then setting a top end budget that gets you the majority of features on your list. If you have the means and the appetite, just buy a boutique rifle. That Ruger rifle you’re eying is more AR-15 than most marksmen can use. Buy it and forget making changes to it.
You need to build one. Will better understand how they work and how to fix something if it fails in the field. Need a few tools that are unique to AR builds which are good to have for maintenance and repair.
the mods like pin the stock and weld the muzzle break for a fee before they ship to you?
= = =
Probably too late for CA.
If you didn’t have it by 31 Dec 2016, you can’t get one.
Built 2. My advice? Buy a complete upper, and assemble everything else yourself. The headspacing in the upper is the only critical dimension you have control over, though you could do it, I recommend that you have someone else do the first one. Hence, a completely assembled upper.
Thanks. Interesting I did not know that California banned them starting January 1. I’m not in California, but a general comment here. Trump needs to do something about the states that have unconstitutional and fascist gun laws.
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