Ok, so the title pretty much explains it all. I have no experience with this but have for the most part been reading up on what i need to complete the build. I am a fan of the "suppressor" look, so i need an upper with a muzzle break. And i would like a collapsible stock, as well as an upper with a rail for sights. Now since i'm new to this im not sure what is good and what is not, and while im looking to build cheap, i'm not looking to buy cheap stuff. I thought a good place to start is with a bushmaster complete lower, and when i got to looking at uppers the confusion set in. I would like an upper that is easy to clean, and i saw some of the new uppers with the quick release for the gas system, so i would like to utilize a system like that which doesnt require you to strip the upper to clean the system as well as a free floating tac rail. Any help is appreciated, i would say that price is not really a concern becuase i will be piecing it together, but i would say im looking to spend about 1300 for the rifle, not including optics and accesories.

 

This shouldn't be hard for me to build, a friend has a workshop with all the tools and equipment.

Ok..couple of things MOST important, you cannot have a Collapsable Stock in NJ it has to be pinned into one position and kept there. I've never seen a "Quick Release' for the gas system, nor do i understand why you would need one..a pipe cleaner now and then will take care of any cleaning you need to do with the gas system as the fouling that results from the Direct Impingement system is all inside the Bolt Carrier. While some would steer you away Ar15.com's "Build it yourself" section in their Ar-15 tech forum has just about ever possible answert to questions you probably havent even thought of yet LOL.

 

just remember that Anything you do has to be ban-Compliant..that means your Muzzle Brake has to be permanantly attached, no bayonet lug on your FST/Gas block. Shop around, look at other people's rifles..ASK QUESTIONS before you buy...

I thought it folding stocks were illegal, if its true that adjustable stocks are illegal that seems pretty dumb, considering you can pin it at what ever position you want. Either way i would rather have the collapsible stock and pin it.

Its not a matter of whether or not its true, telescopic stocks are illegal by the NJ AWB. As KPD also pointed out, be aware of the other NJ AWB caveats (muzzle device can only be a brake-type device and must be pinned; no bayonet lug). These are small fry issues though, considering compliance work is inexpensive and can be done by the manufacturer (depending on who) or in-state (or by another third-party).

 

If you're adamant on piecing one together yourself, don't be concerned about brand names just yet-- and know what you're looking for in the different parts. After that, then consider the reputation of manufacturers.

 

Also, and I should have mentioned this initially, its easier if you know what purpose the rifle will serve. Is it going to sit in the safe and be the occasional plinker? Is it going to be used hard as a training gun? Is it going to be the primary rifle you might use to depend your life on? Or maybe a competition gun? Once you know that (or have an idea), then its not too difficult to know what to look for and where to find such items. I could drag this post on, but I think it would be easier for the community if you knew its use first, and then asked-- that way you can get the information you're looking for specifically, and not get further confused by all of the specifics.

For around $1300 you can buy yourself a sweet rifle put together for you. But if you are like me and just love building things here are the things you need to know.

 

Assault Weapons: Pistol grip and one of the following features

bayonet lug

flash hider

collapsable stock

grenade launcher (pointless but i dont make the laws)

 

Magazine limit is 15 max

Barrel length must be 16" total. that means 14.7 barrel with a muzzle brake permanantly attached is perfectly fine.

 

If you follow those guidelines you should be A-ok.

 

Now that the legal stuff is out of the way. brownells has a great series of videos of how to build an AR step by step, assuming you know NOTHING about ARs.

 

My recommendation is stay away from bushmaster and dpms as a general rule if you have a choice. Their quality is not as consistent.(Please do not turn this into a "But my (brand name) has never failed me" hijack. Some manufactures have been known to not be consistent so lets just leave it at that and not get defensive.)

 

Here are a list of good reputable names, this is my personal opinion and not the end all final say so do some further research to see what works for you(some may be cheaper than others):

Stag

BCM

Colt

Spikes

Larue

Daniel Defense

Hey Bro,

Just keep in mind that if you build it, and have any issues, no one is going to warranty it. ARs aren't rocket science, but they aren't exactly model building, either....

Unless you really know what you are doing the few bills you save, could be made up of a lot of headaches and heartburn trying to get it to run right...

I believe it was Pat Rogers that mentioned that bar none, home builds are the single model of gun most likely to choke or self destruct during his courses...

It's much easier to buy the quality model closest to what you actually want, then pull the items off it you don't want, sell them and replace with your preferred parts.

That way, not only is a problem less likely to occur, but you have some place to send it, if it does...

Just some food for thought...as in all things, YMMV...

Respectfully,

Harry

In my line of hobbies, building is so much more satisfying. And just like most of my hobbies, warranties are meaningless. I want a nice AR that i can learn on, an all a rounder type rifle, i guess you would say "middle Shelf" AR. At some point i will be building the ultimate AR for my needs, but I'm not there yet. I'm not looking to necessarily save money, just get the most out of my money. I may go with a completed rifle this time around, so i can learn the gun and do more research on what needs to be improved for the building of the second AR. I just need some opinions on where to start cause when you search for this stuff, endless and i mean endless amounts of info comes up. I was originally gonna go with a bushmaster or M&P complete, but once i got through reading all there reviews i was thinking i might step up the quality, besides everyone has those guns. I looked at the colts and some stags, and there looking like possible options. I like the LWRCI's but there out of my price range. Maybe a rock river, ahhh so many to choose from, my head is spinning.