Got this in an email from Gun-for-Hire. Looks like an interesting class. A little expensive, I think, but once you learn how you can do it yourself.

 

What do you think?

 

Build a beAR Class™

 

Want to build your own AR style rifle from scratch? Gun For Hire is now offering a build a beAR™ class.

 

This is the class for you. We are now offering a three-part class where you will spec, order, build, and shoot your own AR rifle!

 

We supply the Tools - Skills - Guidance - and Expertise. You can build your own for less and it will be customized to you.

 

We will be holding two introduction classes and you can attend either one on either Tuesday, 10/5 from 6-9 pm or Sunday, 10/10 from 4-7 pm.

 

The second class will have you with your parts build your entire lower assembly.

 

In the third class you will then build your upper assembly and mate them together.

 

Then we go shoot them!

 

Class two and three will be scheduled on the night of class one by consensus.

 

The cost of each class will be $125.00 ($375.00 total) payable at each class.

 

Note: As part of this class you will have to purchase a "lower" assembly so you must have a valid firearms ID card.

 

We will also help direct you in the purchase of your lower as well as other parts but you are free to buy from wherever you want. We will not be selling any parts at the school.

 

Note - parts are not included.

 

Stand Strong

"Sto Validus"

 

 

 

Anthony P. Colandro

Master Trainer

Gun For Hire LLC

75 Rutgers St. 2nd Fl.

Belleville NJ 07109

888-GunForHire Ext. 1

(486-3674)

The Premier Firearms Training Facility since 1992

http://Gunforhire.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ec06f464655cf87c0cbddb0cb&id=583b822828&e=fdc5b6ba2e

 

We're on YouTube http://Gunforhire.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ec06f464655cf87c0cbddb0cb&id=06ed7dd862&e=fdc5b6ba2e

$375 is a tad much.... but I am sure it would be good.

 

$150 for the series would be a great price.

$375 is a tad much.... but I am sure it would be good.

 

$150 for the series would be a great price.

 

Agreed. Maybe you get to keep the tools???? ...and they're really nice tools????

Honestly......I dont see it as THAT expensive. The cost of the class basically offsets what you are saving by building the rifle yourself. And in this case, you are learning from experts. Its about $40 an hour. Show me where else you can get expert guidance for that hourly rate. Dont get me wrong, a lower price would attract more people, Im just saying that for what you get....I dont think its that bad.

It is one thing if it is one on one for that much. =)

 

but I guess it all depends on the person.

 

You have many members here that have volunteered to help folks with putting an AR together and we had plans for in the past to do it.

 

If you are building a basic AR... you would be hard pressed to save $400 off of a $1,000 AR, unless you are going for bottom of the rung components.

Well I dont mean to sound negative but I find it to be a lot of money because in my opinion its a task barely worthy of a class. They call it the lego gun for a reason. Now if we were turning the barrel, fitting the barrel extension and chambering it, then it would be a great price.

As an AR will prob be my next purchase I would find this class interesting. The price is a bit steep for me anyway. I would prob pay 200 max to attend though.

 

I know nothing beats hands on experience but theres a ton of step by step youtube vids for free to show you how to do the same thing.

 

Not knocking it, just saying it a little too much for me.

way, way too expensive. $150ish for the entire course is one thing, but 375 is ridiculous. i dont give a good god damn how 'expert' they are. if you can change your own oil, put together an HD tv setup, or even some ikea furniture, you can assemble AR parts.

way, way too expensive. $150ish for the entire course is one thing, but 375 is ridiculous. i dont give a good god damn how 'expert' they are. if you can change your own oil, put together an HD tv setup, or even some ikea furniture, you can assemble AR parts.

 

Putting together Ikea furniture is one of the most annoying things that can be done. God forbid you don't have your own hand tools and have to rely on using the crappy little tools that come with it.

Putting together Ikea furniture is one of the most annoying things that can be done. God forbid you don't have your own hand tools and have to rely on using the crappy little tools that come with it.

It's annoying, but would you rather suffer a bit or pay someone to assemble it for you? For $375, I'd rather search the Internet for instructions and videos. I can even buy the proper tools required. I don't think it would cost me that much. Now, $150 for all 3 classes I would definitely consider.

IMO, it is a fair price. I've taken the Colt Armorer's Course as described here:

 

M16/AR15 ARMORER: The M16 course includes the M16 family of weapons, the M16 and all its variants including the M4, the AR15 and all it’s variants and the 9mm Sub-machinegun. Course length is 24 class hours over 3 days with no shooting included and costs $400.00. Length: 3 days Tuition: $400.00 Course Description: This course covers design, theory, compatibility, disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Law Enforcement Armorer.

 

Granted, for the Colt class, you are there longer and doing repetitive actions, but for an individual who is looking for the experience and needs assistance, this is it. I am sure that there would be one on one instruction if one needs it during the class. I only see the class size to be a few students due to the short notice AND few people would have all the parts still on hand resisting the temptation to attempt to put it together themselves.

how much discount on parts do you end up getting? is it something you wouldn't be able to get trying to do it on your own? because if it's fairly discounted the price for the classes won't sting so much- in my case anyway.

I think its a fair price if a person considers the big picture. Gaining a skill set (albeit an amateur status), taking instruction/picking their brains from experienced and verified individuals, and being given a portion of their time? Definitely seems fair.

I would consider it if I had the time, but I need to be picky and choose-y myself with my small budget.

Use the $375.00 to buy better components for your rifle.

You can get a complete lower with quality parts for that amount of money, a case of ammo, an optic,

accessories, etc...

Like Maks said, "You have many members here that have volunteered to help folks with putting an AR together and we had plans for in the past to do it".

IMO, it is a fair price. I've taken the Colt Armorer's Course...

The difference is, you have an FFL and can actually make money doing this for a living. it's also a plus for you to know your stuff and details of stuff you're selling, so $375 doesn't sound too bad. For some of us, it's just a hobby/itch we want to scratch. Lol

something is only worth what people will pay.. and I don't think a ONE time investment of $400 to learn how to build a firearm from the ground up is too much.. you are buying knowledge.. some of us are good with tools, good with mechanical stuff, and figuring out things with little to no hand holding.. others can barely work a screwdriver.. this class is obviously for the second type.. If I had no idea wtf I was doing with firearms I would find this to be a good investment..

IMO If you have the aptitiude, you dont need the class. If you dont, you shouldnt be trying to exceed your own limitations. As already stated there is a metric ton of good solid info on the net including the Mil Tech manual. For those that havent done it and are mech inclined, in my opinion the term build is misleading. At this level it is more assembly. It takes me about 200 hours to "buld" a 1911. It takes me about 2 hours to assemble an AR. So dont be intimidated by the term build.

 

TM 9-1005-249-23&P

 

http://www.archive.org/details/ArmyTechnicalManualforM16Rifle-Tm9-1005-249-23p

IMO If you have the aptitiude, you dont need the class. If you dont, you shouldnt be trying to exceed your own limitations. As already stated there is a metric ton of good solid info on the net including the Mil Tech manual. For those that havent done it and are mech inclined, in my opinion the term build is misleading. At this level it is more assembly. It takes me about 200 hours to "buld" a 1911. It takes me about 2 hours to assemble an AR. So dont be intimidated by the term build.

 

TM 9-1005-249-23&P

 

http://www.archive.org/details/ArmyTechnicalManualforM16Rifle-Tm9-1005-249-23p

 

 

while I agree to some extent I still see the appeal to some.. there is this kid who I was friendly with that had a Saiga and he really wanted it converted.. but he had serious issues with his vision most of his life.. and therefore never really gained the ability to use common hand tools.. lets be real.. a Saiga conversion is NOT rocket science.. so he had me do it for him.. the thing about a class like this is it will make the user more familiar with the firearm and guide them through things with a held hand.. for you.. for me.. this class is likely not worth it.. you (like me) are probably good with stuff like that, many people are NOT.. I have several friends I would not trust to load a magazine properly, let alone assemble an AR.. lol but classes like this can build confidence and help them expand what they are already doing with guns.. and ANY education passed onto the gun enthusiasts can only help build our community..

Damage, let me clarify a bit. I AM a firm believer in classes etc etc, I think Im just choking a bit on the price point/return. If the price isnt stiff for someone that wants to take it then I would fully recomend it.

Damage, let me clarify a bit. I AM a firm believer in classes etc etc, I think Im just choking a bit on the price point/return. If the price isnt stiff for someone that wants to take it then I would fully recomend it.

you... me...

same page...

The first gun I build/put together was an AR. It may seem like a lot of small parts and springs and all, but its a hell of a lot easier than you would think. There are quite a few very good free videos and tutorials online that walk you through the whole process. Assembling the parts in the lower receiver took me maybe 30 minutes. I then used a complete upper which just pins on...There is also that guy at the gun shows who will assemble and upper for you as well.............Now if it was a class for an Ak or other build, perhaps that would be more relavent, but for an AR.....not so much.

LOL

 

$375 to learn how to assemble an AR? When you can learn on Youtube/Arfcom for FREE?

 

No thanks.

 

No to mention, assembling an upper, and putting a parts kit into a stripped lower is not "building" a rifle.

 

Now if it was a class for an Ak or other build, perhaps that would be more relavent, but for an AR.....not so much.

 

you see NO need for an AR assembly class but see the value in an AK one..

 

the irony in your statement amuses me..

 

I (along with several other forum members im sure) would be more than happy to help you assemble an AK variant for $375.. hell.. for $375 I'll even provide a lunch and refreshments..

 

some of you should really look at things with a broader scope.. oh wow I can do it easily so anyone who can't is an idiot.. as I pointed out earlier.. not everyone shares the luxury of being mechanically inclined.. or for that matter even knowing how to use simple hand tools..

you see NO need for an AR assembly class but see the value in an AK one..

 

the irony in your statement amuses me..

 

I (along with several other forum members im sure) would be more than happy to help you assemble an AK variant for $375.. hell.. for $375 I'll even provide a lunch and refreshments..

 

 

Ive assembled an AR and ive built quite a few AKs and other guns as well. Building an AK is nothing at all like an AR. Assembling an AR lower I used my hands and a pen knife....thats it. It has to be one of the easiest builds out there. Even someone with minimal skills should be able to do it. There is no fitting or filing...no machining, or any of that. The parts just basicly fit in place. Honestly, if you can build with Lego....you can assemble an AR lower.

 

For an AK you need much more than that. There are free tutorials on many gun builds out there, and depending on your skill level some people probably could use a class. I attended a free build party, but thanks for your generous offer anyway, and learned how to do it. Ive also watched some videos to see if there were any other ways to do the same job. Some builds require milling and machining...some include welding and complex timing and head spacing. And the more complex the build, the more reason to take a class or attend a build party....a free one if possible.

I am a certified armorer for the AR15 / M16 and have all the tools to do it right. I've seen guys mess things up by putting in the wrong sized punch and getting it stuck, marring the side of the lower trying get pins in, epic failure the trigger guard pins, etc. To do it right, having the correct tools helps, especially doing front sights and gas blocks and if you need to stick it in a vise for a barrel install the right receiver blocks prevent you from torquing your aluminum upper. Nothing new here, the right tools for the job makes a big difference.

 

Some people are lucky to work a screw stick and duct tape, let alone have the confidence in their own mechanical abilities to build something they might have to stake their life on. Having someone there to QC your work, could be a big mental insurance policy. Some guys reload, but won't trust their reloads in a life or death situations, others will. I'm the later.

 

I built my first two lowers myself before taking a course. Now, after an armorers course, I understand everything much better have the knowledge to trouble shoot. During a class like this, it may not be a Colt Armorer course, but if you ask questions and listen to the questions of others, you are going to take away much more the a YouTube video or a tech manual.

While I agree with most of what you've said Wojo, I think the problem some people are having is that the price of the class is closer to what someone like Sully charges for an armorer's course.

 

That said, stuff like this doesn't pop up in NJ very often, and it's always nice to have someone who knows what they're doing guide the uninitiated thru the process.

I think Wojo should hold a class at his house

Tough crowd.

 

The forum sure has changed.

 

Both classes are booked. If anyone else is interested let me know we will be having a few more in the upcoming months.

 

Anthony

Not a tough crowd, we're just a bunch of cheap SOBs. Lol

Seems like you had no problem booking the class with that price point. If you dropped the price in half, you'll be overbooked for the rest of the year.