View Full Version : Why Do You Build?
Forget all the budget AR receivers and parts for this question. With the availability of almost any combo of options you could desire in the top tier ARs available like DD, BCM, LMT, and to a lesser degree to customize but a good base rifle in the Colt 6920, why do you choose to build?
Can you put a DD or BCM together cheaper than buying a factory upper and lower? Is it the "not currently available" of the top tier guns? The satisfaction of making your own from the parts of top makers? Nobody makes a rifle with the specs/options you want? Other?
I have two high quality rifles. Oe all LMT SBR and one LMT lower /BCM upper mid length 16". I could easily build a new upper and would actually enjoy it but the question still stands for me, why do you guys build your own instead of factory with warranty?
It's easier to pick up the components a little at a time... financially.
It's easier to pick up the components a little at a time... financially.
Ah yes, something I had thought of and forgot to list. Really, that may be one of the best answers I can see. Thanks.
I think most will tell you it's because they can get "exactly what they want", whether or not they know what it is that they want.
As an example, I was assembling a rifle for my fiance. Nobody was selling a complete gun with the exact parameters I wanted for her, and in some cases things like the CAR stock aren't available on new guns at all. The Noveske Thunder Ranch model is similar to what I was putting together for her but was still way more expensive than what I made with a DD barrel and Les Baer upper.
If I remember that rifle you were trying to go very light?? What DD barrel did you end up using?
14.5" lightweight carbine gas DD. the shorter gas tube weighs less and allows ms to use a shorter handguard and still cover the gas block.
for me it was a combination of the availability of the features I wanted on a rifle to financial ability at the time. Also I really enjoyed assembling the entire rifle from parts from little things like roll pins and springs to barreling my upper, sure I had to deal with some trial and error;) but I think I came away with a better understanding and appreciation for the operation of this rifle, how different parts work in conjunction with each other to make this gun run. But it is addicting, now I'm in the process of building my next one. And no I dont think I can build a better rifle than BCM or DD etc. but it sure is nice to mix and match the components of the manufacturers that I do like.
Forget all the budget AR receivers and parts for this question. With the availability of almost any combo of options you could desire in the top tier ARs available like DD, BCM, LMT, and to a lesser degree to customize but a good base rifle in the Colt 6920, why do you choose to build?
Can you put a DD or BCM together cheaper than buying a factory upper and lower? Is it the "not currently available" of the top tier guns? The satisfaction of making your own from the parts of top makers? Nobody makes a rifle with the specs/options you want? Other?
I have two high quality rifles. Oe all LMT SBR and one LMT lower /BCM upper mid length 16". I could easily build a new upper and would actually enjoy it but the question still stands for me, why do you guys build your own instead of factory with warranty?
The main reason is that I build a better gun than some guy making $12 an hour on an assembly line. My "give a shitter" is very high. ;)
I can also cherry pick the best from each company.
C4
Paying less taxes? Said jokingly but could impact someones decision.
Pay tax on a $130 lower(not that I have anymore $130 lowers...), or tax on a $1800 rifle...
For me, it's the satisfaction of doing something myself
an excuse to buy more tools,
and getting the exact configuration I want.
As a plus, if I get a part I don't like or just doesn't work for me, having built said rifle, it's easier to change said part out to something that will work better.
Failure2Stop
08-15-11, 11:17
Not a single one of my current ARs comes as a complete package.
I could probably be just as good (or bad :alcoholic:) with one of the basic out of the box packages, but I find that over a few iterations I start to build preferences and opinons, and those generally turn into progress of some kind.
I try to be cost effective and maintain a favorable cost:benefit ratio. Sometimes this means range time and driven practice, and sometimes it means spending a bit more on a barrel or buttstock. I want to have as "perfect" a weapon as possible without being afraid to shoot it and build a twin of it, just in case.
I also have more AR lowers than I have the ability to carry if they are complete, and fairly few people have won gunfights with a stripped lower. So I tend to buy upper receiver groups and mate them to the lower that best fits the application of the upper.
I usually just like to do it myself. Always loved dicking around with Legos when I was younger (and still do, to a lesser degree) there is a certain amount of entertainment value and challenge in building an AR.
Also for someone like me, I often times trade for parts, or find used stuff for a good discount, which saves a good amount of money.
And when I first started out I was constantly updating my rifle, changing it to reflect what I'd been learning in the various classes I take. What I started out with and what I have now are two VERY different rifles, and there was a pretty long and complicated path between both points.
All that being said, at this point in time, where I have a solid grasp on what I want out of my rifle and how I like it to be set up, I could probably find a factory rifle that is 90% to my liking, and would only require minor changes like adding an optic and minor furniture changes. Having thoroughly taken apart and put back together my rifles more times then I can count, I'm not really that 'into' it anymore, so I wouldn't have a problem buying a factory rifle that fitted me well.
I've bought 2 complete BCM uppers and the first one wasn't so bad (just a basic middy) but the other was with a DD LITE 12.0 rail for $875. I couldve easily saved myself $100 or more by buying that rail on the used market and putting it together by myself but I didn't know anything about AR's at the time. Found out that I didn't like the LITE 12.0 and sold it for near $100 loss. Never again.
As time goes by I learned that there are some things I want and some things I don't so I wait and try to get the item used or on sale.
I just started a new build. My reasons are twofold, I can spread the cost out over time and I can put together a combination of parts that is otherwise unavailable in the commercial market. In this case, I'm using an MUR1A, URX III and a 17" Noveske 3-groove barrel with rifle gas length.
It's easier to pick up the components a little at a time... financially.
I think most will tell you it's because they can get "exactly what they want", whether or not they know what it is that they want.
These two pretty well sum it up for me.
It also gave me a much better understanding of how the rifle works, and it was a lot of fun.
MidwestRookie
08-15-11, 13:09
I didn't so much build mine, as I only bought a separate lower/upper and picked out a charging handle and BCG that was available, but being able to spread the purchases out and still get what I wanted was my main reason over buying fully assembled.
I have my eyes on a complete 16" Larue PredatAR next tho..
Having changed out enough parts like buffer tubes and FF rails, and stripping a SBR lower to send off for engraving, I have learned that working on an AR is not real complicated. There is a lot of good info here on the forums and on youtube (although there are some hooples posting videos but they are pretty easy to spot), I forsee a build for an upper in my future.
The ability to collect parts as $$$ permit is good, plus if you pay attention there are always deals on the forum's EEs. I also like the challenge of putting the parts together to complete a rifle to meet a role in my world. thanks for the input.
Above posts pretty much cover it.
For me it was building exactly what I wanted as far as components, aesthetics and purpose. I knew what I wanted and nothing else would work; in my little world that is.
Above posts pretty much cover it.
For me it was building exactly what I wanted as far as components, aesthetics and purpose. I knew what I wanted and nothing else would work; in my little world that is.
Just to get an idea of degree of want/need, what was different on a rifle you built VS what was available? It seems like DD and BCM have many, maybe not all, bases covered. What was the "deal breaker" that put you over the edge to say I'll build it myself?
Just to get an idea of degree of want/need, what was different on a rifle you built VS what was available? It seems like DD and BCM have many, maybe not all, bases covered. What was the "deal breaker" that put you over the edge to say I'll build it myself?
IIRC, when i weighed it out, I could have started with a BCM, DD or Colt but would have to swap parts more or less. I wanted a stainless heavy barrel, low profile gas block, SJC brake, Troy TRX 15" rail, PRS stock and the GA SDE trigger which were the main parts that I would have to do some form of swapping if I started with a complete rifle regardless of who I went with. I also wanted everything in FDE.
I find it too annoying to buy something just to take it off and sell it, IE: stock parts. You can say they would come in useful for another build, etc... but I haven't decided on the layout of the next build yet so I see them as useless (rails, grips, etc... not bolts or magazines).
There was also the added wait time of ordering a custom rifle from a manufacturer if I went that route, which was a turn off.
All the parts I wanted were readily available and it was just so much easier to order and build, all parts delivered within two to three weeks (picked up a few lowers at a local gun show). While putting together an AR is not hard by any means, I also enjoyed receiving parts and putting it together.
My goal was to try my hand at precision shooting and wanted it a certain way, this was also a big factor when deciding. Whatever experience I gain from this will go into the next build when that time comes.
On the other hand if I wanted a standard carbine with iron sights, I would definitely purchase from one of the manufacturers i've already mentioned; actually, I already have (done so before the build mentioned above).
thanks all, this has been a good discussion.
--I can use the quality components that I know and trust.
--I can use configurations that aren't available from any mfg as a single rifle.
--If I assembled it, I can readily disassemble it for repairs or changes.
Pretty much a combination of everything above. I guess my big points are:
1. Its rewarding to do; I also have more faith in my own assembly abilities than someone elses; its very nice to know exactly how it went together, exactly what torque is on that barrel nut and that it is properly greased, that the rail is painstakingly perfectly aligned, etc.
2. You can cherrypick every individual part exactly as you want it, and you can shop for the best prices on those parts. You can also often find the parts you need (or a near substitute) when already assembled uppers/lowers/rifles are out of stock/backordered/waitlist.
3. If necessary I can spend less on the stuff I feel you afford to do so with, and spend more on the bits that really matter. A lot of the time high end factory rifles are high end through and through, and as such can be very expensive. I do think the more high end rifle you are building, the more money you can actually save by doing it yourself. Mass produced basic rifles....you don't save anything at all.
I want a gun set up in one very specific way. No one sells the combination I want, it's cheaper to build exactly what I want.
I would rather build my truck how I want and need, than go out and but it after someone else do the work.
Same goes with an old muscle car, would you rather buy it, or customize to the specs you want.
Also, like above posts mention, its harder to pay a huge lump sum all at once...its easier to buy as you go, IMHO
I built mine because no one offered the Battle Comp perm welded on a 14.5 barrel from the factory.
So rather than shell out the $ all at once, I decided to assemble the parts I wanted. Which parts? Spent lots of time reading the M4 and Lightfighter posts getting info, formed my own conclusions, had the retail $'s in my head and began to post for WTB. Takes time but since I didn't need or care if it was new, sooner or later the part shows up. Having built AR's before, I was confident that assembling quality parts would allow me to do more for slightly less. Plus have the fun of the hunt (after all, that's the interesting part). Almost done, just deciding on which of the parts what to go on what, I'll post the completed asembled list with prices just to show what can be done with what. Nothing earthshattering for the crew on this list but it may benefit a new member thinking that they have to go low end to get an AR. Buy in haste, regret at leasure.
I built my first AR to get exactly what I wanted, or at least as close to what I wanted as practical. I like working with my hands. I'm also a cheap bastard. I'd rather do the work myself than pay someone else who might not get it right. I can't claim to have saved any money, though.
I've built aircraft, cars, Jeeps, and other items, why not a rifle? I'd already torn down and built a FAL, which was easier than expected. The AR was even easier than the FAL.
I like designing, creating and making things. Stories for my kids, drawings, carvings- I like working with my hands. It's very satisfying to tackle a trail in a Jeep I built and step out with a rifle made with my own hands to shoot the reloads I assembled for it. The research and experienced gained stimulates my mind and builds confidence.
My next AR will be configured as a fighting carbine. Not that it won't be used for other types of shooting, such as chasing varmints, busting dirt clods and a carbine class when I have the time & money. I like to shoot.
When my sons come home from overseas (neither are in a war zone), I'll teach them to build rifles as well
Last, but not least in addition to all the above, when you buy your upper and lower separate, you save the Federal Excise Tax, which is 11% on assembled firearms.
--I can use the quality components that I know and trust.
--I can use configurations that aren't available from any mfg as a single rifle.
--If I assembled it, I can readily disassemble it for repairs or changes.
Pretty much the same for me...
I can build it right the first time without having to pay to swap out stuff I don't want. For example, the very first rifle I built from the ground up so to speak was a Noveske barreled Recce with a Lite rail, not something you could/can get off the shelf. Only thing I've ever ended up changing was the VFG to a handstop. In the end I got exactly what I wanted, saved money over paying someone to build it or replacing parts on a factory gun, and got the satisfaction of putting it together myself. Plus you learn a lot about the platform in the process.
That said these days with the myriad factory built upper configurations from the likes of BCM, DD and Noveske the urge to roll my own is somewhat diminished, but even still certain projects I want to do I will have to build to get exactly what I want.
sir_n0thing
08-15-11, 21:22
I am choosing to build my first AR for a few reasons...
1. Easier on the bank account (and to clear the Wife Control Tower) a piece at a time :)
2. I wanted the experience of building one from the ground up. A feeling of accomplishment when done, and to build my knowledge of the platform.
3. My rifle will be more or less "unique". In theory. ;)
4. I will have only the features that I want and none that I don't.
EDIT: One more thing, as mentioned by SA80Dan above, I can choose to spend a bit more on certain parts, while spending a bit less on parts I did not feel were as critical. I spent $80 on a Spikes lower, but will spend a bit more money on a quality BCG, for example.
wolf_walker
08-15-11, 21:25
It's capitalizing on the modularity of the platform, to put it in big words. And the incremental cost is easier to swallow for a lot of us.
Also, off the rack if for those who can't. I build everything within reason. Machines are my thing.
I like building because it is cheaper usually, and I can get EXACTLY what I want.
Mostly for convenience. I start with a stripped lower, then plan the build and slowly order the parts I want when they are on sale. So, I get exactly what I want, at less cost (by being patient and waiting for sales), plus the 11% excise savings.
it seemed like a good idea at the time.... :D
ok in all seriousness, I got a great price on a nice billet lower and it seemed like a fun hobby, the financial concerns of dropping 1200 on a rifle or spending 200 a mo for six moths did play into the decision.
I'm also one of those tinkerers and never owning a AR before it seemed like a fun way to learn the system; and there's only the one rifle no one has one just like mine (i know because of my crappy spot weld on the pinned flash suppressor, had the damn stick running to hot)
EDIT: also things like the rainier arms evolution hand guard system (made by sampson), or having a 14.5 light weight mid-length Daniel Defense barrel with a pinned Vortex flash suppressor...
gotta say I just tested mine today fed 15 flawlessly still waiting on sights but what a great feeling to drop the BCG in and fire off five 3rd sets in the front yard :D
JohnVassilakos
08-21-11, 12:35
I build because I like to know how the rifle was put together.
Trusting someone who builds virtually the same rifle, day-in, day-out for months/years on end has advantages - they become more efficient and learn to spot out of spec parts before assembling them. But anyone who's done assembly work can tell you that no one is perfect 100% of the time. Sooner or later there's a lapse and something makes it through that isn't up to par.
I don't want that rifle.
I also am in the camp that no manufacturer offers a complete rifle (at this time) that has all the features and components I want. The closest thing out there (for me) is the Larue PredatAR and the Noveske Thunder Ranch Rifle. However, neither are EXACTLY what I would want and would both require minor changes after purchasing.
The Laure is a great value IMO and I can't build something like it for the price they're selling it for. However, it's B/O for 12-16 weeks right now and I have a rifle school coming up quickly.
The Noveske is a LOT of $$$. I'm sure it's a fantastic rifle, but that's a lot of coin.
Warranty is a non-issue for me as a catastrophic KB would have to occur for me to utilize it. Any small part issue is easier for me to repair/replace (at a minimal cost) and have the rifle back up and running in short order vs. possibly waiting weeks or even months for a warranty claim. Not to mention most AR failures in the higher quality rifles are ammo induced and probably not covered by warranty at all.
I've built several AR's over the past few years, both for myself, friends, and co-workers. With the information I gleaned from this site and a handful of others, I can tell you that I have yet to have any issues with any of the rifles I've assembled (mine or the others).
I did build a DPMS based .308 that was not as accurate as I was looking for (the goal was 1MOA with mil-surp 147gr) but that was not because of an error in the assembly but rather an unrealistic expectation from a thin-barreled rifle with that ammo (although it was REALLY light for a .308). Did that discourage me from building another? Not in the least and I learned from it.
And last but not least, I find it easier to paint them when they're disassembled:D
The main reason is that I build a better gun than some guy making $12 an hour on an assembly line. My "give a shitter" is very high. ;)
I can also cherry pick the best from each company.
C4
He (ETA: I was referring to Grant here) also knows what he's doing, and has the tools to do so.
I'd say I'm a bit of both in this, My AR started out as a broken magpul MIAD (Which I contacted Magpul and they replaced it) I got in a trade for a Magpul MOE Grip, and I figured since I had the grip... and I mean at that point I had already committed so much... Well now I had to build a rifle. :D
But Building constituted buying a Complete BCM Lower, and then buying a Complete BCM Upper, using a BCM M16 BCG, and Troy BUIS with BCM on it, and installing MIAD Grip, I.E., punching two carrier pins and getting essentially a Factory Rifle.
But I bought it as I could, at the time, that's what was feasible, but I got what I wanted.
I'm a tinkerer, I enjoy working with mechanical things, but I don't like spending a lot of time fixing broken things, so I mostly buy firearms.
But I also buy firearms that are really close to what I "envision" them being. Like I changed out the Mag change to a KAC Ambi mag change, and changed out the Selector to an LMT Ambi Selector, I think adding an Aimpoint ML3 (eventually) will complete the gun.
So I might not mind installing a grip myself, changing a stock, adding a Selector switch.
But I do mind my gas key coming loose on my carrier because I could buy them cheaper separate and I didn't properly tension it and stake it, or that my castle nut is properly staked so that my buffer tube doesn't come loose on me, etc, etc.
skullworks
08-21-11, 14:46
I build because I liked LEGO's and Meccano (http://www.meccano.com/) as a kid; and it's fun!
Oh, and what you all said. :D
The AR-style platform is a hobby for me, so it's for the fun/challenge. I don't 'need' anything that doesn't come on the most basic of carbines or rifles, if I even truly 'need' an AR at all.
How many of us have piles of extra parts lying around? Stocks, grips, triggers, end plates and so on...... All the parts that you took off of the rifle to put upgrades on were all paid for. Why pay for items you are just going to take of and throw in a box?
There is a counter-point here. Typically the reason you hear from people looking to assemble their first AR is that they "get exactly what they want". On paper this sounds like a good idea, and they do typically get exactly what they want. The thing is that it's equally as often not what they need.
In some cases they at least get quality parts after a lot of internet research, but more often they fall into the "this part looks like that part" trap and have a hard time digging out of it. "I want a rail system" turns into a YHM, "I want a red dot sight" turns into a $100 chinese knockoff, etc.
But even with the good parts, if they don't leave enough money for magazines, ammo, and training they may be even worse off.
I know these things happen for two reasons. The first is that I see these people every month, twice a month, at our events. They have $2k in a gun they have no idea how to use, and often have some of their top-shelf parts installed incorrectly because they don't know WHY they want it, just that they want it. Or they have sub-standard parts that look just like what they thought they wanted and they can't figure out why the bullet fairy doesn't carry their projectiles out of the gun and magic them into the bullseye.
The second is that I did it myself. I tried at least to go about it in a reasoned way, and I researched all the parts, figured out what the top two most popular makes/models were, and bought them all. A Larue rail and a Daniel Defense, A Magpul stock and a Vltor, an Aimpoint and an Eotech, etc. and I assembled two guns with the parts, shot both, and cherry picked the parts and pieces from each that I liked best, then went and bought a Colt 6520 and combined all of the parts I liked best into that one gun. The thing was, I had no idea what to do with all those fancy parts, and only after going through all these machinations did I go and get some instruction on what to do with them. I would have been FAR better off, both in terms of becoming a better shooter AND in terms of my wallet, if I had simply bought that 6520 right from the beginning and gone and taken a basic class with it. The most expensive parts are the ones you try and get rid of at a loss because you don't like them (sometimes because you don't know how to use them correctly to begin with). So the idea that someone is "saving money" by "getting exactly what they want" is generally a fallacy as they don't know what they need and wind up changing things almost immediately once they start actually, you know, shooting.
But, for some the owning is all about exactly that, the owning. They like the erector set, gives them something to do in the garage that isn't quite as lame as building dioramas, and as soon as they are done "building" one they are on to the next one, with virtually no trigger time on the first, but that doesn't matter because the guns aren't bullet-launchers they are wall-hangers.
elkknuckle
08-21-11, 17:30
For those who buy a part here and a part there to save money, does it really save you money paying shipping everytime you order a part? One would think it would be about even if you just save your pennies and buy it all at once instead of piecemeal.
For those who buy a part here and a part there to save money, does it really save you money paying shipping everytime you order a part? One would think it would be about even if you just save your pennies and buy it all at once instead of piecemeal.
I don't think it's so much about saving money overall, unless you're shopping used and buying piece by piece as you come across good deals, as it is that it's easier to come up with $200 today, $200 in two weeks, etc. than it is to come up with $2k all at once.
2theXtreme
08-22-11, 01:24
I am right along the same lines as everyone else here. I first got into firearms in September of 2010 and I fell hard as I do with most things I get into. I couldn't shoot my XDm .45 enough. Few months after the purchae I started competing. Then a buddy of mine who had very little knowledge of the AR platform said I could get a smoking deal on a RRA AR. I was hooked. Started researching and checking it out. I went in to my personal favorite shop in town and asked about RRA. The look that came over my friends face said it all. "You don't want a RRA AR." "You ever hear of Daniel Defense?" he asked. "Nope" I replied. He showed me a package deal they had put up. DDM4 V2. Complete with EOTech xps, AFG, Rail Covers, MBUS. 2 days later I bought it. Another buddy of mine gave me the run down on the platform and how it functions right there in the store. I was at the very next carbine match they had. I absolutely LOVE my M4.
I am currently in the process of building my 2nd M4 (1st Build). My #1 reason is I think it will be freaking awesome to build my own rifle. My #2 reason is now that I have gotten to "play" with the platform, figure out what I like/what works. Research what is quality and what is not. I know exactly what I want my next M4 to be. Middy. 14.5. Light Weight. Modular. Bad Ass. Daniel Defense. My #3 reason is I'm hoping that this will subdue my extremely strong urge to have more weapons. Hopefully...it is getting expensive.
Because Centurion Arms doesn't make full rifles yet, and it was cheaper for me to build the upper myself than buy one of their complete ones.
2theXtreme
08-22-11, 10:48
You are right and those are good points. But, since you say you don't want those, don't you think an LMT lower for $365 is a pretty good deal and maybe not worth building a lower if you don't want the mods you mentioned?
I say that's a smokin' deal on a complete lower and in most cases would be the way to go but this is a "why do you build thread" not a "why don't you build" thread. Some people want what they want regardless of cost and they want to do it themselves...like me. It is totally worth the couple hundred bucks I would save buying a complete upper and lower to say "I made this."
Honestly, the time and effort and straight cash cost for milling/anodizing my 80% lowers were WAY more than just buying a stipped lower and building it up....but with the custome engraving I got on it, and my own personal serial number...there's nothing else like it in the world.
Allright, but that's not the question. It's not about milling your own, but buying a lower and building it out.
EDIT: sequences all messed up again. This should be post #55.
AGENT TIKKI
08-22-11, 13:29
It all began with a Glock.
A Glock 17. I was frustrated when I learned that the other glocks could be multicaliber with a 10 second barrel change. So I sold it, and got a Glock 31 and a G33, modified it to shoot, .40 caliber, 9mm and .357 sig. Tinkered with it until I got 99.9% reliability from them. Then I started changing sights, recoil springs, trigger mods, complete trigger swaps, culminating with a G21sf .45 caliber, with a 10mm conversion long 6" slide with a Leupold Delta Point melted in the slide and supressor BUIS for cowitness. Sweet sweet shooter that just shrugs aside the recoil of full power 10mm loads.
Then my friend let me shoot his ar15. Damn him. Damn him all to hell. Now if I can't find what I'm looking for I build what I want. Just finished a pistol build, from a 80% lower. That was a project. Ultimately very happy with it, but honestly won't be doing that again anytime soon. At the end of the day, at least I go to sleep at night thinking about my next ar build, and not my boss, my problems at work, my other boss (the nagging one...wait, they both nag), damn. I got this bug but good....
AGENT TIKKI
08-22-11, 13:40
I'm a little confused as to the sequence of this thread........
I personally have predilection for tinkering. So building is the option that I choose. The main reason why I think this ways is, its gives you and intimate understanding of how and why it platform works. Now, this probably is not for everyone. I do understand that.
There are very good companies out there, that will make a complete lower better than I ever will. I know this. They have the tools, supplies and knowledge to do so. But if you are ever out in the field, or the range, you'll be much better prepared to solve any problems that may come up, and salvage your day.
You bring up the the LMT, they have a great reputation. At $365 a complete lower is a great deal no doubt about it. If I were on a budget tho, and my first build was all about seeing if I can do it the cheapest way possible, I could make a complete lower from parts all from say, Palmetto State Armory with free shipping for: $80 reciever +50 lower parts kit +50 moe stock +40 complete recoil assembly for a grand total of $220 that's about $145 cheaper. That's about a 40% reduction. Is this lower better? No, not really. Well, I guess only if you can't afford the LMT. But it will be a good one reliable one.
I build because I liked LEGO's and Meccano (http://www.meccano.com/) as a kid; and it's fun!...
It's all about the fun for me, too.
I really didn't intend to build an AR, as I already had one with all the features I wanted--purchased complete.
Then I stumbled across a stripped lower at a price I couldn't refuse. It was all downhill from there.
When I realized I felt more attached to the AR I'd built from cobbled together--albeit excellent quality--parts than I did to my "perfect" pre-made rifle I knew I had the building bug.
TXGUNNER308
08-22-11, 16:20
1. Save money (11% excise tax)!
2. I am able to pick and choose quality parts.
3. Enjoyment and satisfaction of creating a quality firearm.
:D
Seeing that Grant sells a complete LMT lower with single stage trigger, ERGO grip, and mil butt stock for $330; add an MOE stock for $50, sell the mil stock for $15, and you have a top tier lower for $365, is it really worth building a complete lower?
I can see that the upper, having many more options, might be the place to build, but I can't see saving a few dollars on a lower over an LMT that has everything I need.
Is it really worth it financially to build your own lower (forget satisfaction of doing it yourself, doing it right, and the "layaway plan") when I can buy an LMT for $365?
I don't, but what if I want a Geiselle trigger and BAD-ASS 45* safety, and Tango Down BG17 grip along with Vltor A5?
I don't, but what if I want a Geiselle trigger and BAD-ASS 45* safety, and Tango Down BG17 grip along with Vltor A5?
You are right and those are good points. But, since you say you don't want those, don't you think an LMT lower for $365 is a pretty good deal and maybe not worth building a lower if you don't want the mods you mentioned?
AGENT TIKKI
08-22-11, 17:47
Honestly, the time and effort and straight cash cost for milling/anodizing my 80% lowers were WAY more than just buying a stipped lower and building it up....but with the custome engraving I got on it, and my own personal serial number...there's nothing else like it in the world.
heartbreakridge01
08-23-11, 05:13
Satisfaction:D Gives me a reason to go tinker around my man cave and get away from my wife! Main reason im building a second rifle is I had a spare BCG from my first build and Lauer was selling lowers cheap so I decided to build aanother lol. The AR builds usually are a long slow process for me, ive been dicking around with this current build for about 2 years now. Ive got the Lower pretty much nailed down but I cant decide if I want to make an M16A4 Clone or go with a SBR... I guess I could always build another:D
(I dont really consider it building though because I dont mess with the Upper receiver other than handguards and BCG)
You are right and those are good points. But, since you say you don't want those, don't you think an LMT lower for $365 is a pretty good deal and maybe not worth building a lower if you don't want the mods you mentioned?
I was just trying to make an absurd list, but it's not totally far off. I have parts en route for an upper that will be mated to a lower that I'm still mulling over, but is starting to look like:
CAR stock
Vltor battleax grip
BAD-ASS 45* safety
I *could* buy the LMT and drop those parts in, but then I'm flushing the cost of the stock parts (and BTW, the Ergo is third in line in terms of the crappiest grip with the Hogue and A2 being first and second) down the toilet. I'm hoping to use one of the new Noveske FFL lowers as well but that remains to be seen.
AGENT TIKKI
08-23-11, 13:27
Going back to your original post D, I guess the only thing I am getting at was, I started by seeing if I can build an AR under budget. I made it a hair under budget. It was rewarding. It was reliable. It was fun as hell to shoot. I kinda stopped shooting pistol. Well not fully, but mostly.:sarcastic:
The closest thing I can equate it to is your ride. Are you the type of guy that rides a factory sports car? Will you tinker with it? Change the wheel, put and exhaust on it? Put and aftermarket radio in it?
Will you pull the head and give it a 4 angle port job? Put turbo on it? Drop it with a coilover suspension kit? Put a 18 point roll cage in it?
Gut the interior and souproofing?
Guys ask all the time, why did you drop $40k on your 95 RX7, when you could have just bought a Viper for the same amount. I guess everyones just have a different answer. My answer would be, I really didn't mean to, I just couldn't stop myself.:laugh:
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