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Thread: To build or to buy?

  1. #1
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    To build or to buy?

    I have recently gotten interested in guns, and I'm am considering getting an AR. It will really just be something to play with. It's use will consist of target shooting, varmint hunting, etc. I doubt I will shoot it a whole lot due to being in school. Would it be best to just buy something pre-built, or is it worth is to build something that isn't going to get heavy use. I feel that I'm very mechanically inclined and love building/working on stuff, so I don't feel like difficulty will be an issue.

    My budget is going to be around $1000 without any optics. Either way, if I end up getting sucked into this hobby like I do most hobbies, I will end up building something more high end later down the road when time and finances allow.

  2. #2
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    Building your own AR is invaluable for learning the intricacies of the gun and it is very simple for anyone with average mechanical ability.

  3. #3
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    keep in mind, if you haven't thought about it already, you'll need to get, depending on what you have already, $100-$150 in tools to do the job right.

    bare minimum-

    good bench vise
    barrel wrench for the handguard you'll use
    stock wrench
    receiver block, preferably barrel blocks too
    you can get by with standard punch set, but a roll pin set is definitely beneficial
    torque wrench is always advisable
    hammer
    spring-loaded punch

    if you know somebody with all these, use theirs! all my AR/m4 friends come mooch off me.

  4. #4
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    But if you plan on being hands on and involved with the AR-style rifle family in the future, those tool with definitely be worth the investment and will come in good use.

    Either way I still go with build one. As previously stated, it's actually very easy, there's plenty of online resources to help you along the way, and it is the best way to learn the weapon, how it functions, what the parts actually do, where they go, etc.

    Lastly, keep in mind you'll never find that perfect, complete rifle for you...you will always want a new/different something. I bought my first rifle complete, and regretted it, because I ended up spending twice as much replacing the original parts with much better ones and/or ones that fit my personal preference.

  5. #5
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    Everyone who is into ARs should at least build a lower at least once. But don't do a build to save money, do it to learn the platform, and have the parts you want.

  6. #6
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    if you go with a build be prepared to go over budget. the nice thing about one that is done already is that you know how much you're going to spend since there is a set price on the rifle. by building, the options and upgrades will not end.

    being that it is your first one i can see arguments for both. build it so you can make it your own and know how everything goes together. or buy it and upgrade it as you go along and learn about it that way.

    bottom line imo, is if you have the funds, build it... be prepared to go over $1000 though.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by pacrimguru View Post
    if you go with a build be prepared to go over budget.
    Ain't that the truth, I started out with a plan to build a model one kit but as I did more and more research my build time and budget went up substantially but I ended up with a very nice rifle that's been 100% reliable and is a pleasure to shoot.

  8. #8
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    There is a 3rd option.

    Assemble.

    You can get quality uppers and lowers from DD, BCM, etc.

    Anymore this is how I go. Pivot pin and go …

    The Private Citizen
    Liberty — Independence — Responsibility — Resolve

  9. #9
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    Yeah, I have been leaning towards building one the whole time. The only downside to building one, IMO, is having to research more parts, but if I get hooked, I will end up learning it anyways. Buying and upper and lower for now sounds good. I still have a month or two before I'm ready to buy, so I have some time to think. Besides, I guess taking more time to pick parts will give me more time to raise money...
    Last edited by squea12; 04-26-10 at 16:59.

  10. #10
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    I just purchased my first AR and I went with a factory built Daniel Defense M4v3. I hope to do a full build in the future, but I wanted my first to be a complete. As others have said, look into getting a complete upper and lower and slapping them together. You may save a few bucks or at least get the parts you want instead of what comes on a factory gun.

    Good luck, and enjoy researching your first AR!

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