Well, I have to admit. I always hated ARs. More of an M14 body style guy honestly, but (and feel free to make fun of me) I got an airsoft gun based off the M16A4 with an RIS, and the body style looked great. I always hated the carry handle and stuff. Anyway, I've been toying with getting a smaller caliber, semi-auto rifle, ideally something accurate, and I think I've decided.

 

I want some sort of AR.

 

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I was never an AR guy, so I don't know enough about them. I've read they're accurate out to the distances I want to shoot, and the ammo is relatively cheap. Honestly, I've been converted, and have really adopted the look, and have heard great things.

 

Of course, with our back asswards laws, I want some suggestions. I like the larger sized rifles, not much of a fan of smaller carbines, but I also don't want to break the bank. I don't mind buying second-hand, and as far as price goes, if it's over $1,000, I'd probably just buy an M1A.

 

Anyway, for a new fan who doesn't know crap, please enlighten me with all of your knowledge of what's out there. (I do know things like the history, round, customizations, etc. just not sure what make/style/etc. would be right for me.)

There are lots of options and it can be confusing to someone who is new to the AR platform. You can customize the heck out of an AR.

The Lower receiver is the part which has the serial number so it is the one part you can't have mailed to your door. Upper receivers have variations but they can basically be broken down to carry handle or flat top. The carry handle houses the rear sight. Flat tops have a rail on which you can mount optics, iron sights or even a removable carry handle. The barrels come from 24" to 10", since we are in NJ the lowest you can go is a 14" with a 2" brake attached, bringig it to the minimal 16". Barrels also have profiles, bull barrel to Thin and light weight, depending on the application. The gas block is generally the location of the front sight, there are dozens of options from virtually non existant gas blocks to standard A2 style block/sight to blocks that have rails and can attach 4 accessories. Fore ends come in many options, classic foreends attach to the upper receiver and to the front sight, giving 2 points of contact. Free float fore ends attach solidly to the upper receiver and do not touch the barrel, meaning you can mount accessories without stressing the barrel.

If you are looking to put a scope on the rifle, plan on prone or bench shooting beyond 200 yards and are looking for pinpoint accuracy then a flat top upper with a free float tube, low profile gas block and a 24" heavy barrel may be a good option. If this is a gun that will be carried, shot standing at time and may go between optics and irons you may want to consider a lighter barrel for better balance and ease of carrying, and a set of flip up sights. I hope this helped a little.

Optics will drive the price up unless you're sticking to iron sights only.

 

The most economical way to go about this is to assemble an AR yourself.

 

Unfortunately you missed out on the $50 PSA Stripped lower, but there are other options for a good price. Heck you could even get one of the NJGF engraved lowers for $122.

 

Oop - you can actually get that lower still if you order fast (though you will have to go to a FFL and pay transfer fees):

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php

 

PSA has decent lower kits. Go either with a Lower Parts Kit, or Lower Build Kit. The Build Kits include everything the lower parts kits have, but also include the stock (M4 adjustable style - which will have to be pinned), End cap, the Buffer tube (stock tube), buffer spring and buffer.

It's $90 for the basic build kit or $125 for the Magpul lower build kit.

 

For the upper for your build, I'd go with a mid-length gas system, and since you're looking for a longer rifle, either an 18" or 20" barrel. There's a bunch of different options at JSE Surplus.

http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom223.aspx

My neighbor had lent me a few magazines (reading ones, just in case I should specify haha) and really got me pumped into it. He mentioned the building one, and how it would be cheaper. It's relatively easy to assemble, isn't it? He made it sound like it's just a few pins you pop into place.

 

Now how does one go about ordering a lower receiver through an FFL? Do I just walk into my local gun shop, and ask them to order one for me?

Well your LGS may have a stripped lower for sale. Look on AR15.com - they have guides on how to assemble the lower with the parts kit.

 

It only took me a hammer and some punches.

 

What you can do is contact your local FFL and tell them you have a stripped lower coming in, then you can order from PSA and give them the FFL info.

Assembly guide - http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_Assemble_your_own_LOWER__UPPER__FREE_FLOAT__TRIGGER__GAS_BLOCK___Step_by_step_instructions_.html

 

If you want assemble a 20" rifle I would check out PSA's kit, then add a stripped lower of your choice.

 

20" kit - $500 http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/8816.php

Stripped lower - $50 http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php

 

You will have to either have to ask PSA to pin and weld a muzzle break on it, or take it to a local 'smith that can do it and shave the bayo lug for you too.

If you are mechanically inclined, can follow directions and have a basic set of tools, you can assemble most of an AR. It a little more then a few pins but not too far off. You can buy a lower parts kit which will include everything needed to assemble the lower receiver. You can buy an assembled upper with the options you want from a laundry list of suppliers. If you want to barrel your own upper or change a standard fore end to a free float, you will need some specialty tools but they are not overly expensive.

I'm actually considering looking into gunsmithing if I end up not being able to get into dental school. Thanks for the help, but yeah, I don't think I want to do all of that yet, but I am considering just getting a simple lower receiver, and then picking up a long-barreled upper. I'll probably just use iron sights for a while, get used to some distance shooting, then later on get some sort of optic.

This...

 

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=93576

This...

 

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=93576

 

Last time I checked a Colt 6920 was a 16" carbine, not at all what he was asking about

 

I like the larger sized rifles, not much of a fan of smaller carbines,