Newbie here

[reaper_custom]

First build here. Most of my tools and parts are coming in, and I'm getting excited to start this first build. I have a question I haven't really been able to find an answer to though. What length is standard or recommended for the AR? Seems there is everything from 16-20" barrels. Being this is my first build and I can see I'm going to quickly become addicted, I'm not shooting for high end on this one. Lastly, if you go with let's say a 16" barrel, what hand guard length would you recommend? Is that just preference as to how much barrel is showing at the end? Would 12" be to short?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Iraqgunz]

I suggest you spend some time reading through the various threads, to include the Custom Build Forum.

The most desired and probably common barrel length is the 16". The 14.5" (Permed) is probably right behind it.

Setting the bar low, is a recipe for disaster. I see it all the time.

Most people aren't worried about how much barrel is "showing". The criteria can vary from person to person. Size, weight and even cost can and most likely are factors. That being said, 12-14 inches isn't uncommon. Of course that may also depend on whether you are building a Midlength or carbine gas system.

First build here. Most of my tools and parts are coming in, and I'm getting excited to start this first build. I have a question I haven't really been able to find an answer to though. What length is standard or recommended for the AR? Seems there is everything from 16-20" barrels. Being this is my first build and I can see I'm going to quickly become addicted, I'm not shooting for high end on this one. Lastly, if you go with let's say a 16" barrel, what hand guard length would you recommend? Is that just preference as to how much barrel is showing at the end? Would 12" be to short?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[reaper_custom]

When you say setting the bar low is recipe for disaster are you talking price wise? I'm not going super cheap, just not going to buy a $400-500 barrel for my first build. Thank you for the input


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dirknar]

Do you already have a factory rifle? If not, Buy a Colt 6920 or a Bcm and be done. You will have a much better rifle!

Defined use, should dictate barrel length.

[reaper_custom]

No factory rifle. Building from scratch


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wigbones]

Building from scratch usually leads to changing your mind and swapping/upgrading parts. It's a good learning experience but generally more expensive in the long run.

[Iraqgunz]

I don't know of many barrels that cost 400-500.00 and I don't know many people recommending them.

Setting bar low means exactly what it sounds like. If you are going to build something, do it correctly, research the components and don't cut corners.

When you say setting the bar low is recipe for disaster are you talking price wise? I'm not going super cheap, just not going to buy a $400-500 barrel for my first build. Thank you for the input


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rogue556]

If building it is what your going for then I'd recommend the Colt OEM 1 or Colt OEM 2, or the BCM OEM that Brownells sells.

Personally I've found that just buying a complete BCM lower and then buying the BCM upper of my choice already assembled is much easier. I'd save the money you would be using on the proper tools for the build and instead put that towards mags and ammo. The price difference between an assembled rifle and a pile of parts is miniscule in most cases, honestly. I would rather buy one knowing someone with experience built it, especially if it's your first and possibly only AR, than build it myself and risk assembling it improperly. It also seems like issues are worked out much easier with factory assembled rifles and uppers should you ever have an issue.

Good luck.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[Kdubya]

You state your parts and tools are already coming in, so what exactly do you already have on hand for this build? If all that's really left is the barrel and handguard/rail, knowing what direction you've already gone would help. There are good barrels at a variety of price points; and the same can be said for rails. I think the best advice so far is to take your time and get the assembly right. The last thing you want is to invest a lot of time into something that ends up being unsafe or unreliable. If you get to a point where you're uncertain about something, seek advice before moving forward.

Good luck with the build, and let us know how it turns out.

[Averageman]

One day I mentioned to a co-worker that I was looking for a receiver.
I know the guy, so I should have kept my mouth shut.
That I set the bar low was evident, but not until I was assembling on a slightly out of spec lower and had to find another at Christmas to finish it up.
Research and an understanding that the bar here is set very high for the most part is a good way to look at learning here.