Zeke 5,504 Posted November 25, 2015 Uncharted territory. I'm gonna build as I've read so much here. Not sure where the direction should be Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrfly3006 42 Posted November 25, 2015 The world is your canvas...my last AR was a build...very gratifying and worthwhile..enjoy it! Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio64 5,156 Posted November 25, 2015 Start with figuring out what the rifles purpose in life will be, range toy, HD, low budget beater, varmint, M-16 or M4 clone etc. Then, look for the best barrel you can afford and build your rifle around it. Most people pick up a stripped lower thinking that's the first part of the build. In my opinion, the build begins with the barrel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted November 25, 2015 What's your budget, and what kind of AR are you looking for? 14.5" w/ Pinned Comp?, 16"?, 18"?, full size rifle 20"? Gas system - Carbine/Midlength/Rifle? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyB 4,325 Posted November 25, 2015 If this is your first AR, I would go with the standard 5.56/.223 variety! From there you can look a pictures of other Ar's and decide what you want it to look like when complete! Choose iron sights or an optic and build accordingly. Decide the purpose of the rifle up front, then configure it accordingly! Good luck and If you have any questions, we are here for you!!! Most of all, have fun and don't put the hammer spring in backwards!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gleninjersey 2,141 Posted November 25, 2015 Wait? You don't have an AR? Said the guy who's been to how many shotgun shoot outs without a shotgun. Here's my thread from when I took the plunge....probably help answer some questions. And raise 3 more for every one answered http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/64490-good-entry-level-off-the-shelf-buy/ Good luck & enjoy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted November 25, 2015 Do the opposite of what I did: go cheap for your first build, use it as an opportunity to learn and get experience, then build a 2nd one once you really know what you want. Really wish I had all the money I dumped into my first 'best of everything' build back... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted November 25, 2015 My first build was a 16" all-purpose type AR, on a budget. Spikes lower, PSA LPK, Magpul furniture, Upper from JSE Surplus... It was surprisingly lightweight. Worked really well - sold it just before Newtown - coulda made a killing and doubled my money afterwards... Oh well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HBecwithFn7 296 Posted November 25, 2015 Are there any resources in re: a complete "parts list" one might need if building an AR from scratch (ie. from the stripped lower, on up)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted November 25, 2015 Are there any resources in re: a complete "parts list" one might need if building an AR from scratch (ie. from the stripped lower, on up)? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Screwball 483 Posted November 25, 2015 Unless you want to build multiple uppers, I'd suggest getting a complete one instead of building. Lot of tools that you'd only use to do that, and are a little pricey. Lowers are cake, and easy to function test. Uppers can be a little finicky. I picked up mine right when Hillary and Obama were fighting for the nomination, and built it. Have three uppers (5.56mm, .22, and .410) and been extremely happy with it. I picked up a Bushmaster Carbon 15 the other week and got me looking at doing a super lightweight build. I'm probably going to get two or three Tennessee Arms Company polymer lowers ($40ish each) and go from there. Other lowers will be rainy day ones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted November 25, 2015 So let's have a discussion my friends. Purpose of use. I have a handgun. I have a shot gun. I will have( if the wife lets me) a ruger precision rifle. So, the AR should fall ( for use) between shotgun and RPR. What barrel lengths do you reccomend? Midwest, you can chime in anytime cause I've read enough of your post, you gonna be my goto guy for stuff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted November 25, 2015 Things I'm not gonna do. Muzzle break, pined stock. So a no threaded barrel, and a skeleton stock for sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted November 25, 2015 And, I like tools. I'll build the upper. This project could take months Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio64 5,156 Posted November 25, 2015 Most barrels are threaded, the good ones anyway. If you want to keep it simple (and quieter) get a thread protector that's the same outer diameter as the barrel. Pinning it is easy but having it pinned is cheap too. I put a rifle (A2) length Ace Skeleton stock on my SPR and I love it, they come in an entry (carbine) length too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barms 98 Posted November 25, 2015 Do you have a solid budget? Here is why i ask. In your head you're gonna say "I will spend X on the lower and then X on the upper and then I'll ne at XX total price and in okay with that." But then you didn't consider the sights, an optic, rail covers, magazines, a sling, sling attachments, a case, a forward grip. All that stuff is several hundred more. As someone said above they wish they knew what they wanted before their first one to not waste money. My first rifle was complete buy from Stag. I knew three months later what I wanted to change. Free float hand guard, flat dark earth, etc. I sold the Stag and told myielf I would build my custom preferences for $900. And yes I got a "rfle" built exactly what i wanted for that much but after you add all the non-rifle-function stuff I mentioned above you go from $900 to $1200 or $1300. I will float this idea to you. Guys are DUMPING complete ARs with tons of accessories and magazines all over the place. You have carte Blanche choices. Just scour gunbroker or even our marketplace you get packages 30% off or more for EVERTYTHING. Don't take for granted when someone is selling 5 magazines in the deal. I posted my rifle for sale recently and I saw others for sale and I was like holy cow guys are dumping stuff more than 30% 40% off build prices Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sota 1,191 Posted November 26, 2015 I swear to god people jump on 'AR Build' threads faster than the football team on a horny cheerleader. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted November 26, 2015 I swear to god people jump on 'AR Build' threads faster than the football team on a horny cheerleader.ergo, fml! Good knowledge here though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted November 28, 2015 Start with figuring out what the rifles purpose in life will be, range toy, HD, low budget beater, varmint, M-16 or M4 clone etc. Then, look for the best barrel you can afford and build your rifle around it. Most people pick up a stripped lower thinking that's the first part of the build. In my opinion, the build begins with the barrel. The purpose is to make liberals wet their panties and cry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,570 Posted November 28, 2015 Okay. I gotta ask. WTH is Fml? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted November 28, 2015 Okay. I gotta ask. WTH is Fml? Forward Mounted Lightsaber. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Golf battery 1,223 Posted November 28, 2015 Same question wtf is fml Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyB 4,325 Posted November 29, 2015 Most common usage is F#CK MY LIFE! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Displaced Texan 11,750 Posted November 29, 2015 I'm trying to figure out why buying a lower is a FML event? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooo 220 Posted November 29, 2015 It dont make any sense Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InFamous 311 Posted November 29, 2015 Meaning, FML I'm getting into buy AR's, there goes all my money...that's how I take it at least.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tattooo 220 Posted November 29, 2015 Oh o.k....gotcha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Golf battery 1,223 Posted November 29, 2015 For my love? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Golf battery 1,223 Posted November 29, 2015 Free mandela live? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites