« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Building my first AR  (Read 665 times)

Offline ShirtRIPPA

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Building my first AR
« on: November 17, 2011, 10:12:13 AM »
Hi guys, I'm building my first AR here fairly soon, finances permitting, and I was just wondering what kind of "regulations" Idaho has, if any, regarding the AR-15 platform. I have been doing alot of reading and see that some states require a bullet button and all sorts of other bullsh!t...
Logged

Offline Jaggy13

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 771
  • I love it when a plan comes together
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2011, 11:06:11 AM »
just federal guidelines.
keep it semi auto and 16" barrel to avoid any stamps and the rest is up to you!
Logged
They call me "Double J"

Offline onemountain

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 96
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2011, 11:27:56 AM »
The State of Idaho requires that you post pictures of your work on local shooting fora for everyone to ogle  ;)

 Aside from that, just the federal crap.
Logged
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy sights and thy trigger, they comfort me.

Thank goodness I'm too crazy to go insane

Offline e11charlie

  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2270
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2011, 01:26:50 PM »
Just stay away from model one unless you plan on assembling everything your self. Had a barrel from them that had the front sight gas block crooked as all hell.
Logged
"The people should not be afraid of their government.  The government should be afraid of the people.  Is it not time?"   I am not a pessimist I am a realist, sooner or later the world shits on everyone, pretending it isnt shit makes you an idiot not a pessimist.

Offline birddog1989

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 689
    • facebook
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2011, 11:29:37 PM »
Quote from: e11charlie on November 17, 2011, 01:26:50 PM
Just stay away from model one unless you plan on assembling everything your self. Had a barrel from them that had the front sight gas block crooked as all hell.

That sucks, did they fix it?
Logged
When the last deer disappears into the morning mist,
When the last elk vanishes from the hills,
When the last buffalo falls on the plains,
I will hunt mice, for I am a hunter,
And I must have my freedom.
                             Chief Joseph, Nez Perce

Offline e11charlie

  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2270
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2011, 07:49:13 AM »
Quote from: birddog1989 on November 17, 2011, 11:29:37 PM
That sucks, did they fix it?

No. All the horror stories I heard about their customer service I just did it myself. But back on topic, check out M&A parts. Never had a bad product or screw up from them.
Logged
"The people should not be afraid of their government.  The government should be afraid of the people.  Is it not time?"   I am not a pessimist I am a realist, sooner or later the world shits on everyone, pretending it isnt shit makes you an idiot not a pessimist.

Offline han_cholo

  • PRK escapee
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 94
  • "...send lawyers guns and money...."
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2011, 08:59:13 AM »
Bullet buttons and magazinelock kits are not required in Free America.  Escapees from other states are encouraged to install a standard magazine release on their Cali-legal AR's the day they move here.  Ask me how I know  ;D
Logged
We miss you Bob. K-13 you're clear to secure.

Offline HD-DVD

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 272
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2011, 04:51:04 PM »
Welcome, ShirtRIPPA! Glad to see you here.

Looks like you're getting good advice and I know you'll love building an AR, just do your homework and set your specs and budget and you'll do fine. As I mentioned to you in the other forum definitely get over to Sawtac and look over Jeff's stuff! I've bought a complete AR from him - but one piece at a time like the Johnny Cash song! ;D
Logged
US Army 1966-69, VFW Life Member, retired geek

Offline ShirtRIPPA

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2011, 11:50:13 AM »
Thanks for all the great advice and words of encouragement guys! I have had alot of people tell me "oh man don't build your own, you'll feck it up, just buy a complete one", but its always nice to hear encouraging words about building, and HD-DVD has been a big supporter of mine on another forum hehe, by the way, thanks for leading me here HD and the welcome  ;D. I want to build my own so it will be MY rifle that I put together with MY own 2 hands  ;D Now I just cant decide if I want to spend an extra $300 to get a BCM upper or a Del-Ton upper with all the fixins...choices choices

Logged

Offline Nealio

  • un-Certified Tanfoglio Armorer
  • Trade Count: (11)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1146
  • Team European Steel
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2011, 12:59:22 PM »
Buidling an AR is about as easy as it gets as far as "gunsmithing" is concerned.   I ordered a box of parts and just put things where they would fit.
I'd just order a box of stuff, go to a guy's house that owns an AR and putter together.
Logged

Online dutch1911

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 304
  • Colt 1911... 'Nuff Said!
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2011, 04:56:47 PM »
Good luck! And most importantly enjoy the journey.
There's some good and bad information around. Do plenty if research on parts prior to purchase. Remember the forums are fun but everyone has their opinions.
There's some great folks here that are willing to help.
Jeff is a great guy, he's helped a lot of guys. The list goes on!

Cheers and good luck!
Logged

Online broncovan

  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 267
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #11 on: December 08, 2011, 06:07:07 PM »
Quote from: HD-DVD on November 21, 2011, 04:51:04 PM
Welcome, ShirtRIPPA! Glad to see you here.

Looks like you're getting good advice and I know you'll love building an AR, just do your homework and set your specs and budget and you'll do fine. As I mentioned to you in the other forum definitely get over to Sawtac and look over Jeff's stuff! I've bought a complete AR from him - but one piece at a time like the Johnny Cash song! ;D

Good luck with staying within budget!  You'll start out with good intentions, but before you know it...................  So much for budgets. :evilgrin:
Logged

Offline HD-DVD

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 272
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #12 on: December 11, 2011, 01:46:24 PM »
Quote from: ShirtRIPPA on December 08, 2011, 11:50:13 AM
Thanks for all the great advice and words of encouragement guys! I have had alot of people tell me "oh man don't build your own, you'll feck it up, just buy a complete one", but its always nice to hear encouraging words about building, and HD-DVD has been a big supporter of mine on another forum hehe, by the way, thanks for leading me here HD and the welcome  ;D. I want to build my own so it will be MY rifle that I put together with MY own 2 hands  ;D Now I just cant decide if I want to spend an extra $300 to get a BCM upper or a Del-Ton upper with all the fixins...choices choices



It's not hard to build your own AR but, as you're discovering, the hard part is doing the proper research and setting your specs and budget. I'd say pay a little more to get real quality, especially since you can stretch out the cost over time in a build vs. a complete AR. The more research you put into it before pulling out your credit card the more satisfied you'll be with the final product - and the less you'll end up upgrading later. IMO definitely lean more toward BCM than Del-Ton but there's much more to it than that... barrel profile, gas system, rifling, coatings, bolt/carrier... everything. If you build, why not be on top of everything that goes in to YOUR rifle!
Logged
US Army 1966-69, VFW Life Member, retired geek

Offline idcastandblast

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #13 on: December 11, 2011, 07:14:24 PM »
So, what is a ballpark budget for a decent AR from parts?  I know that the sky is the limit, but I'm just curious about what the range might be.
Logged
"Get yourself a Glock and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol." U.S. Marshals (1998)
- Tommy Lee Jones

Online luvmy45

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2700
    • My shooting and reloading web
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #14 on: December 11, 2011, 07:36:23 PM »
That is a big "It Depends" answer.

Going for a SHTF/HD gun, varmit tack driver, competition 3gun???
Logged
Brian - W1CDP
idpa.kohagen.com

My Gun Club: www.parmarng.org
My Video's: http://www.youtube.com/user/luvmy45

Online broncovan

  • Trade Count: (14)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 267
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #15 on: December 11, 2011, 08:08:08 PM »
Quote from: idcastandblast on December 11, 2011, 07:14:24 PM
So, what is a ballpark budget for a decent AR from parts?  I know that the sky is the limit, but I'm just curious about what the range might be.

Just about any stripped lower - $100

Lower parts kit - $55-$75  (great trigger, another $175-$250)

Complete buttstock - $70

Now comes the expensive part.......

Complete upper - $100

Barrel - $150-$567 (Noveske 16.1" barrel w/switchblock) where's that drooling emoticon?

Bolt carrier group - $110

Charging handle w/tac latch - $35

Standard handguard with hardware - $40ish
Free float quad rail - $150-$250

Mags, flash suppressor, crush washer, etc. - $50

Beg somebody here for the armorers wrench, receiver block and nogo guage - $ a little pride ;)


So for around $720-$820, you can have yourself a pretty basic 16" carbine that you can say you put it together yourself.

Would I do it?  Of course.  I enjoy tinkering with stuff and once you get one, you'll want another and another and,,,,,,,,,,,, 
Logged

Offline idcastandblast

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 55
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #16 on: December 11, 2011, 08:24:01 PM »
I have not given it much thought, but just thought that an AR would be a good rifle to have.  Based on the above comments, it sounds like some reading is in order.  And some gathering of funds!

Thanks
Logged
"Get yourself a Glock and lose that nickel plated sissy pistol." U.S. Marshals (1998)
- Tommy Lee Jones

Offline HD-DVD

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 272
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #17 on: December 12, 2011, 08:49:34 AM »
Quote from: idcastandblast on December 11, 2011, 08:24:01 PM
I have not given it much thought, but just thought that an AR would be a good rifle to have.  Based on the above comments, it sounds like some reading is in order.  And some gathering of funds!

Thanks


broncovan's breakdown and prices are pretty much dead on for a decent AR. You can shop around for a complete upper with bolt/carrier/charging handle (assembled and test fired) in the $500-700 range. This makes the build easier plus you can get one built to your specs so it's still your design and the parts you choose. The two ARs I've built came in at $750 and $850 before optics. You can buy cheaper off the rack but it probably won't be cheaper by the time you figure out what it's missing or what's not up to par.
Logged
US Army 1966-69, VFW Life Member, retired geek

Offline sidaemon

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 187
    • Grande Photography
Re: Building my first AR
« Reply #18 on: January 03, 2012, 10:52:54 PM »
Maybe save yourself a bit on parts. I just finished my latest build, and I was really impressed with some of the stuff that believe it or not, Amazon had.

I was especially impressed with their selection of handguards...
Here is a rifle length for less than $50
http://www.amazon.com/AR15-Rifle-Length-Quadrail-Handguard/dp/B001STCKKK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I395O7D8IOFJB0&colid=2VX8TA0PVKJF1

Here is the carbine length that I settled with and was VERY impressed with.
http://www.amazon.com/AR15-Carbine-Length-Quadrail-Handguard/dp/B001ST8EA0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3NPQTMDLCI9VA&colid=2VX8TA0PVKJF1
For less than $40
Logged
No, I know exactly what I'm doing, I just have no clue what effect it will have!
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »