Topic: Price/manufacturer advice

[Longshot]

Well I ought to get as many opinions as people here but here it goes anyway.

What manufacturer and price should I consider a good deal (or build it myself)  For an AR- A2 stock, A3 upper w/20" heavy barrel.  Of all the looking I've done this combo seems the most attractive to me.  I need(want really bad) to get one in the next few months.  I want inexpensive but not cheap.

Thanks

[Shortmag]

Building one will be your cheapest bet.

If you buy a complete upper with bolt carrier and charging handle and a complete lower, it is just a matter of pushing in two pins. The reason you can save a lot of money? The main one is a complete firearm is subject to 11% federal excise tax. "Parts" are not. Even if you paid the excise tax on the complete lower, it is still 11% on less than 1/2 the total price, so a big savings. The other thing is there are different warranty/liability issues when dealing with parts vs. a complete rifle.

There is a gun show coming up that would be a good place to pick up a lower.

hope this helps.

SM

[Jeff]

Personally, I think it would be cheaper to buy off the EE.  At least if you can find an upper you like.  Building a lower is pretty cheap if you use stock parts and cheaper if you buy used.

You should be able to find a complete upper with bolt, carrier, and charging handle for $400 unless it has lots of options. 

You can buy a new stripped lower and build it for $250+ depending on options.

There is a gun show coming up where you should be able to get a DPMS lower for about $125.  Lower parts kit should be about $50.  A stock with buffer tube, buffer, and spring can be found used for maybe $50.

If you want a new gun check with the guys at Impact or PM Legal Transfers on ARFCOM and get a quote for a RRA model that you like.

[Spiff]

If you build it yourself you know it's put together right (well, hopefully). Building an upper is easier with a couple of special tools but half the people posting on this forum own them. With all the parts it takes about 30 minutes to assemble one. Maybe 45 if you stop to have a few drinks of your coffee (or whatever poison you claim!!).

And it's *fun* building your own AR's!!

I've never had a problem with DPMS or Rock River which is what all 4 of my AR's were built using........well the first lower was a Stag, no problems with it either.

[Todd]

There is something that I really like about the SunDevil uppers and lowers.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=122

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=587

I'm getting ready to order a set myself for my new puppy - so I hope I am not disappointed.  I've heard many good things about them, but the lack of a forward assist concerns me.

Anyway - hope this helps.

Todd