When I 'built' my semi-custom motorcycle starting back in 1999, I took the approach of buying a Ultra Motorcycle Company (think Bigdog type) complete bike that had a lot of nice touches that I could ride right then, and more or less rubuilding it over the next decade or so using new desired parts at any given time. At present, the only remaining original items are the frame and the lower half of the motor. I had a great time picking parts and doing winter projects by hand and now have a bike that suits me exactly to a tee and I learned a lot about motors, wiring, metal-work etc.. In fact, I miss screwing around with it the last three years, but there's nothing I want to change.

 

I have been thinking of building an AR and have read back through several builds on the forum, but while that approach definately appeals to me, I wonder about buying an AR either complete or complete lower and seperate complete upper and taking the same approach to rebuilding it over time as I find what I personally like in the way of seperate items. Heck the worst thing that could happen is that I eventually end up with one gun that is exactly what I want and a second one made of the original parts LOL.

 

So what do you think and if I take that approach, give me some favorites on the starting upper and lower for what will be range/plinking scoped gun shot mainly at 100 (more if I can find a place to do so down the road).

I'd appreciate the reasons behind any recommendations too.

i think the best gun you can own is one built from the ground up exactly as you want it.... a second gun made of throw away parts will be a gun built from everything you DIDN'T like.. so there is little value there...

 

an AR is like legos.. I would not personally EVER buy an off the shelf AR15 when building one is so insanely simple.... 

 

you dont even need to shoot it for us to tell you what to get...  you just have to tell us

*what the gun will be used for

*how much you want to spend

*what parts of the gun are important to you

 

ex: I am looking for a bench rest gun that can put holes in holes... I dont move and shoot often.. and a comfortable stock is super important to me..

 

 

just tell us what you want and we can all make multiple suggestions on what to get within your budget.. 

Okay then in that scenario, I would indeed like a bench gun that can put holes in holes, and a comfortable stock that isn't too short is something I have thought about. Also, I have a thing about triggers, smooth, easy, clean triggers. Plus, I wouldn't mind if the recoil was kept low. And, I have a Zeiss 3-9X40 scope that's going on top. I think an 18" barrel.

Budget is around $1000 for now.

Okay then in that scenario, I would indeed like a bench gun that can put holes in holes, and a comfortable stock that isn't too short is something I have thought about. Also, I have a thing about triggers, smooth, easy, clean triggers. Plus, I wouldn't mind if the recoil was kept low. And, I have a Zeiss 3-9X40 scope that's going on top. I think an 18" barrel.

Budget is around $1000 for now.

 

 

I will let someone else suggest an upper.. because for the most part I do more running and shooting.. short light 16in guns.. 

 

the thing that will probably be most expensive is the trigger... a really nuts trigger can be like $200 alone... I personally dont think the lower itself matters a ton.. and also don't think the lower parts kit is an enormous issue.. 

 

I would avoid anything with an overpriced "tactical" rail on it... if you are going to be bench shooting just get the most basic free float tube and a decent bipod...

 

as for stock I use a PRS which is a nice semi adjustable stock you can get in NJ.. but they are pretty costly as well.. 

 

for lower any lower from a reputable manufacturer will do..

spikes... aero precision.. S&W are all lowers I have used without issue.. 

$100

 

lower parts kit / trigger

I have a Geissel trigger and LOVE it.. there are lower parts kits trigger combos out there that include high quality triggers...

maybe something like this..  http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/lower-parts/parts-kits.html?dir=desc&limit=10&mode=list&order=price

$275

 

stock / tube / spring

if you go with something like a PRS it will be pretty expensive.. OR you can get something more traditional and upgrade later.. if you need to get the most basic cheap stock for now and upgrade to something better down the road..

$275 - $75

 

on the low end maybe like $500 on the lower... with a good quality trigger... 

 

it look like an upper alone may be close to $1000 meaning that a complete gun could be close to $1500...

but keep in mind the following.. a $1500 - $1600 built AR is going to have insanely higher quality parts catered around what you want... when compared to an off the shelf $1100 AR... AND understand that it still going to be cheaper than buying a complete mass produced gun and replacing everything off of it..  for me the trigger has been the most important upgrade..

 

there are people on this site that are far more knowledgeable about hole in hole AR bench guns.. like I said its not really my thing... I am sure they can give you more insight... 

 

the idea is to skip on things that are not that important...  and spend the money on things that will make a huge difference.. 

IMHO there is not a better trigger made (for the AR platform)  than the Geissele lineup.

Check out the application guide based upon your individual wants and needs.

http://geissele.com/applicationguide.aspx

 

Bill Geissele and his crew stand 100% behind their products.

(Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in his company. I am an extremely satisfied customer and fellow High Power competitor)

BTW, Geissele started his success in his garage in Waterford, NJ.

So I went looking at the PSA site Vlad recommended for trigger/lower and I see that the whole kit is about $30 more than the trigger alone! And, that's only if you go with the more expensive kit. Uh oh, I feel myself getting suked intop a build.

So I went looking at the PSA site Vlad recommended for trigger/lower and I see that the whole kit is about $30 more than the trigger alone! And, that's only if you go with the more expensive kit. Uh oh, I feel myself getting suked intop a build.

 

 

a build will be more than an off the shelf AR... but will NOT be more than an off the shelf AR + upgrades... 

the idea being at the end you end up with a gun built EXACTLY how you wanted... not exactly how a manufacturer wanted it....

I say build your own for what you want it to do. It's really easy and you get exactly what you want from the start. Definitely more Cosy effective than buying complete and modifying. And a geissele trigger is is the only way to go. You can't even compare other high end triggers. It is that good.

Don't be intimidated on "building" a lower. Is it so easy and you don't need any special tools other than a punch and a hammer. I am a fan of pressing pins rather than hammering them in so I also used a c-clamp to press in the trigger guard pin and visegrips covered in tape to peess in the BHO pin. I barely used the hammer except to get the pins flush. There a so may youtube videos showing step by step and ar15.com has a ton of useful suggestions ect.

Have fun..good luck.

Hey, SOF, I say build it yourself. There is now way to describe the feeling of knowing how your rifle works. And the ability to change its configuration when you want to in the future.  We are here to help.  I'm right here in Warren County and you can PM me if you need something or a little help.  I would lay out a proposed build, list it for us, and we can help you find the parts and build it.  Good Luck!

Okay, a build it will be and a Geissele for sure. 

 

Vlad, that  PSA kit looks like a winner, does anyone think there's a better way to go on the kit part.  From what I have read in the past, there is very little difference in most lower kits outside of the geissele being included in this one and I like the sound of the Magpul hand grip that is also in there. Thanks for that.

 

Carl, very good idea on the c clamp press. I did it years ago on the bike and somehow got away from it. That's also a definite.

 

Guys keep the ideas coming. Getting psyched.

I just cruised on over to the First AR thread again and as per their suggestion, arpartsfinder is now on my favorites list