The $1k Build - How would you spend it?

[Dutch110]

This is purely a theoretical discussion. No right or wrong answers. Maybe it give people ideas or alternative suggestions they wouldn't otherwise think of

If you had $1k to spend on a build (purpose TBD by you) what parts would you use (no buying complete uppers or lowers.) Completely roll your own.

Optics are not included because lets face it, we could spend $1k on optics alone.

[Dutch110]

My list (general service rifle)

Redacted (ZEV/Mega) upper and lower - $170 (just bought a set on sale for $100 but I believe $170 is the regular retail price
SOLGW Blaster LPK (no FCG or Grip) - $45
LaRue MBT 2S - $100
Ergo Grip - $25
Buffer Kit (RE, End Plate, Castle, Spring, H2) - $100
Magpul SL Stock - $50
Rosco Bloodline 16 inch barrel, gas tube and block - $150
RCA blem BCG - $140 (add OCKS for an additional 8 bucks or so)
CMT HDM Rail - $150
And with the extra $70 bucks I would splurge on Radian CH

I could beat the crap out of this set up and be pretty darn sure it would hold up. I have used all of these parts at one point or another on other builds.

[simonp67]

I could build most of the upper under that price from white oak, enough left over for a stripped lower and parts kit elsewhere


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[titsonritz]

I don't limit myself to PSA kits or 1K budgets, I build for my needs and don't factor price into it.

[Dutch110]

I don't limit myself to PSA kits or 1K budgets, I build for my needs and don't factor price into it.

Uhm who said anything about PSA kits?

[titsonritz]

Uhm who said anything about PSA kits?

This thread evolved from that thread.

[Dutch110]

This thread evolved from that thread.

Whatever. If you don't want to participate just keep scrolling.

[titsonritz]

Whatever. If you don't want to participate just keep scrolling.

You do you, I'll do me. That clear enough?

[Dutch110]

You do you, I'll do me. That clear enough?

That's exactly what I'm doing but you seem intent on adding your .02 So don't get your panties wadded up when you get a comment in return. Clear enough?

[titsonritz]

That's exactly what I'm doing but you seem intent on adding your .02 So don't get your panties wadded up when you get a comment in return. Clear enough?

Likewise.

[ubet]

This is the type of threads that are actually needed for some of us. I’m interested to see where it goes.


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[HKGuns]

I don't limit myself to 1K budgets, I build for my needs and don't factor price into it.

This is pretty much my answer, as my standard build components cost considerably more than that amount. If limited to that amount I'd buy a Colt.

My standard lower build parts kit totals nearly $600 and a decent upper build parts list runs just over $700 and that doesn't include even iron sights an optic, mount or sling.

[Dutch110]

This is pretty much my answer, as my standard build components cost considerably more than that amount. If limited to that amount I'd buy a Colt.

My standard lower build parts kit totals nearly $600 and a decent upper build parts list runs just over $700 and that doesn't include even iron sights an optic, mount or sling.

I am pretty much the same way when it comes to my SOP for builds. Been there done that and learned the hard way what works for me and what doesn't. And what works for me isn't cheap. But I do think there is a segment of members here that operate within a budget and are faced with making hard decisions concerning where to spend their money. My intent with this thread is to show that building within that same budget can yield much better results. So in your case if you HAD to only spend 1k (sans optics as I stated) how would you spend it?

[26 Inf]

Here's my go at it a 14.5" P&W:

Lower: Battle Arms Development Workhorse (AimSurplus) $125.00
Upper: BCM Blem Upper Receiver $90.00
Upper Completion Kit: (AR15 Discounts $16.00
Rail: LaRue Tac Lok (LAT) Hanfuard 13.2” $162.00
Barrel: GM-M19 14.5” Mid-Length 1:7 (Green Mountain Barrels) $195.00
Flash Hider: BCMA2X $35.00
Gas Block: Geissele Carbon Steel (ALG) $39.00
Gas Tube: Mid Length (Joe Bob’s) $10.00
BCG: ToolCraft C158 (PSA) $80.00
Trigger: LaRue MBTS $99.00
LPK (-): (Joe Bob’s) $30.00
Ambi Safety: (Joe Bob’s) $15.00
Buffer Tube Kit: (Joe Bob’s) $35.00
Stock: B5 Bravo (BCM) $58.00
Pistol Grip: B5 Type 23 (MilSpec Retail) $19.00
Optic: Sig Romeo MSR (amaqzon) $84.00
Charging Handle: (joe Bob's) $15.00
Total: $994 = 15.00 = 1,009.00

I've used all these components - or components built by the same company in previous builds. If you look at it, the barrel, receivers, rail, furniture and trigger are all quality items.

Things I would like to have added/done differently: upgrade optic, KAC ambi mag release coupled with a FCD ABC/R or a Geissele MariTime bolt catch/release, a Vortex flash hider and a Raptor charging handle.

ETA: I went over, just realized I left off a charging handle,

[Dutch110]

Those BCM blem uppers are hard to beat. I think I have 3 of them. They are what got me hooked on thermal fit uppers.

[titsonritz]

Upper Completion Kit: (AR15 Discounts $16.00

ETA: I went over, just realized I left off a charging handle,

A BCM blem upper comes with the upper parts, you just have to install them, so that saves you 16 bucks, but you left off the PW job, too.

[HKGuns]

I am pretty much the same way when it comes to my SOP for builds. Been there done that and learned the hard way what works for me and what doesn't. And what works for me isn't cheap. But I do think there is a segment of members here that operate within a budget and are faced with making hard decisions concerning where to spend their money. My intent with this thread is to show that building within that same budget can yield much better results. So in your case if you HAD to only spend 1k (sans optics as I stated) how would you spend it?

Of course you are correct.

I’d pick up a Fancy Prancer Pony for that money.

(I did just that simply because I didn’t have any Colts in my safe at the time.)

[26 Inf]

A BCM blem upper comes with the upper parts, you just have to install them, so that saves you 16 bucks, but you left off the PW job, too.

Also left of shipping. I could have also bought a GM 16".

[x60183]

It's tough to beat a brand new Colt CR6920 since they're trading for about $1k right now.

[AAMP84]

Tactical Machining has good quality upper and lower receivers for $50-55. The PSA Fathers of Freedom bcg is a Microbest for $100. If you look hard enough, you can save some money without sacrificing much on quality.

[The_War_Wagon]

This is the type of threads that are actually needed for some of us. I’m interested to see where it goes.


We did this very thing in the dark early days of the Obamanation. My >$1k build is in that thread, lemmee see if I can find it.

[ChileRelleno]

I wouldn't even bother to build.

Colt 6920, Magpul, $899.99
https://www.sportsmanfulfillment.com/colt-m4-carbine-mps-cr6920mps-b/?showHidden=true

I'd buy one right now if I had the Mad Money.

[HKGuns]

I wouldn't even bother to build.

Colt 6920, Magpul, $899.99
https://www.sportsmanfulfillment.com/colt-m4-carbine-mps-cr6920mps-b/?showHidden=true

I'd buy one right now if I had the Mad Money.

Never heard of that place, have you purchased from them? Reputable?

[ChileRelleno]

Never heard of that place, have you purchased from them? Reputable?I haven't, but I'd take a chance on them.

ETA: Researched them and they seem to be legit.

[HKGuns]

I haven't, but I'd take a chance on them.

ETA: Researched them and they seem to be legit.

Thank-you.

[georgeib]

I wouldn't even bother to build.

Colt 6920, Magpul, $899.99
https://www.sportsmanfulfillment.com/colt-m4-carbine-mps-cr6920mps-b/?showHidden=true

I'd buy one right now if I had the Mad Money.That's a deal! Makes me wish I needed another 16 incher.

[Black_Sheep]

I put together this list using Primary Arms website to create a budget rifle for recreational shooting.

ALG QMS Trigger $50
Ballistic Advantage Performance Series 5.56 Hanson Mid-Length AR-15 Barrel with Pinned Gas Block - 16" - $218.50
Expo Arms Mid-Length Gas Tube - $8.95
KAK Industry A2 Flash Hider - 1/2x28 - $6.50
Toolcraft 5.56 NATO Complete M16 / AR-15 Bolt Carrier Group - Nitride - $79.99
Bravo Company Manufacturing GUNFIGHTER 5.56 Charging Handle - Mod 4B Medium Latch - $39.99
Aero Precision MOE Lower Parts Kit Minus FCG - $50.99
Bravo Company Manufacturing M4 AR-15 Upper Receiver Assembly - $119.00
Aero Precision M4E1 Stripped AR-15 Lower Receiver - Black $106.00
Bravo Company Manufacturing MIL-SPEC Carbine Stock Hardware Kit - $42.95
MAGPUL MOE SL-K PDW Carbine Stock - Mil Spec- Black - $37.95
Rise Armament Lightweight M-LOK AR-15 Handguard - Black - 15" - $129.99

Total is $890.81 so there's enough left over for some mags and a better trigger

[26 Inf]

I wouldn't even bother to build.

Colt 6920, Magpul, $899.99
https://www.sportsmanfulfillment.com/colt-m4-carbine-mps-cr6920mps-b/?showHidden=true

I'd buy one right now if I had the Mad Money.

I hear you, but there are a lot of us who get satisfaction out of putting it together ourselves.

[ChileRelleno]

I hear you, but there are a lot of us who get satisfaction out of putting it together ourselves.As do I, just put together a nice PDW and am SBR'ing it.
But dang that's deal, and I've always busted a gun budget.

[grizzman]

When I assemble one from components, the total price is basically irrelevant since I'm buying one piece at a time when they become available (or pop up on sale if they're readily available). I'm also using the exact components that I want based on their properties, not their price (though component price is certainly important).

[Dust devil]

An example with ~2018 pricing:

Aero M4E1 blem lower $65
Aero M4E1 enhanced upper $120
Aero Quantum MLok free float handguard 15" $64
Aero partial LPK $30

Tango Down Battle Grip (some type of Noveske overstock) $21
Good carbine buffer tube (can't remember manufacturer) $40
Good carbine buffer and spring $20
Magpul MOE FCS stock $27
Larue MBT2 trigger $85

AR15Performance 18" barrel, nitride coated and spiral fluted $264
AR15Performance NiB super bolt $93
Toolcraft NiB BCG $100
Odinworks tunable gas block $50
Nitride coated gas tube $13
Ebay 2 port stainless muzzle brake with lock nut $30
Strike latchless charging handle $31

Total $1,053 but with a spare Toolcraft bolt.

It's a TAC6 chambering so a wildcat but a legit 1,000 yard+ AR that delivers much more energy on target than 6.5 Grendle or 224 Valkyrie at longer ranges, probably better than 6ARC too.

A lot of those prices are probably impossible now but if you don't spend as much on the barrel and BCG you can still get a really solid rifle for under $1,000.

This list reflects my preference in furniture and ergonomics. It's not too fancy but it works for me and nothing feels cheap.

[trauma]

-Lower
PSA lower.......CMMG LPK......B5 sopmod stock....7075 receiver extension


-Upper
Mueller receiver....BA 11.5".....used URX4 or Geissele MK16/MK14/MK8....PSA microbest BCG.....7075 USGI CH......A2

[everready73]

SOLGW Lower $133
SOLGW builder Kit $40
BCM RE with H buffer $70
BCM PNT $65
Grip $25
Magpul Stock $35

$368

Upper
BCM Blem $90
Expo Arms 16;; Chrome Lined Middy $140 on one of their 12% sales they always run
Expo Arms BCG (Microbest Oem) $123 (same above sale)
Expo Arms COmabt Series 15;; Handuard (CMT OEM) $105 on sale)
Gas tube $15
$40

$513

Total-$881

That is about as low as i would recommend to someone. You could do a Larue MBT and be under 1k. Expo arms is actually a pretty well thought out brand from PA. They use some quality OEMS for SOME of the stuff

[IALoder]

Aero gen 2 upper and lower set $170
Bcm elpk $120
Bcm stock and buffer kit $100
Rosco sauce pack 16" mid length $285
15" MWI combat rail $170
Radian Raptor LT $65
Radian Talon Ambi $55
A2 birdcage $7

Total: $972

Just enough left over to get 50 rds of ammo. I would feel pretty happy about that build.

[ubet]

Aero gen 2 upper and lower set $170
Bcm elpk $120
Bcm stock and buffer kit $100
Rosco sauce pack 16" mid length $285
15" MWI combat rail $170
Radian Raptor LT $65
Radian Talon Ambi $55
A2 birdcage $7

Total: $972

Just enough left over to get 50 rds of ammo. I would feel pretty happy about that build.

I like the sounds of that one.
I might have to save and do that.


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[Dutch110]

Aero gen 2 upper and lower set $170
Bcm elpk $120
Bcm stock and buffer kit $100
Rosco sauce pack 16" mid length $285
15" MWI combat rail $170
Radian Raptor LT $65
Radian Talon Ambi $55
A2 birdcage $7

Total: $972

Just enough left over to get 50 rds of ammo. I would feel pretty happy about that build.

That's a solid build. I'm a big Rosco fan. Hearing they also are making the Expo Arms barrels as well.

[IALoder]

That's a solid build. I'm a big Rosco fan. Hearing they also are making the Expo Arms barrels as well.

Thanks! I'm a fan of Rosco as well, have been very happy with the 2 barrels I have from them. I'm actually mulling over pretty much that exact build only with an 11.5 or 12.5" barrel and sbr-ing it. I might just wait till they release their "K9" 12.5", then build one.

[Dutch110]

Thanks! I'm a fan of Rosco as well, have been very happy with the 2 barrels I have from them. I'm actually mulling over pretty much that exact build only with an 11.5 or 12.5" barrel and sbr-ing it. I might just wait till they release their "K9" 12.5", then build one.

I have a 10.5 SBR with their bloodline barrel. A 16 inch and a 13.7 from them too. All three are great shooters and gassed perfectly. What is the K9?

[IALoder]

I have a 10.5 SBR with their bloodline barrel. A 16 inch and a 13.7 from them too. All three are great shooters and gassed perfectly. What is the K9?
It looks to be a 12.5" with a gas system between carbine and mid length, and a taper similar to the BA Hanson barrels. They've been previewing it on their social media lately.

[IALoder]

Double post

[georgeib]

Aero gen 2 upper and lower set $170
Bcm elpk $120
Bcm stock and buffer kit $100
Rosco sauce pack 16" mid length $285
15" MWI combat rail $170
Radian Raptor LT $65
Radian Talon Ambi $55
A2 birdcage $7

Total: $972

Just enough left over to get 50 rds of ammo. I would feel pretty happy about that build.
Nice build.

[26 Inf]

I have a 10.5 SBR with their bloodline barrel. A 16 inch and a 13.7 from them too. All three are great shooters and gassed perfectly. What is the K9?

I have a 13.7 purebred that I pinned using a JP flash hider. I used it to replace the 16" barrel on my primary range trainer. Nice shooting set up.

[Dutch110]

I have a 13.7 purebred that I pinned using a JP flash hider. I used it to replace the 16" barrel on my primary range trainer. Nice shooting set up.

I have the same but used a NOX to get it to 16. Really nice barrel. Someone said in one of my social media groups that they only thing keeping Rosco from being an upper tier provider is that they don't cost enough. Thought that was funny. I would sure like to try out a chrome lined barrel from them at some point.