is building an upper cost effective?

[fatdan81]

i've just started my first build with the lower all i have is a stripped reciver so far but i'm almost ready for my next order.\
i've been window shopping for uppers and parts. is it cost effective to build the upper? from what i've seen so far i can get a complete upper from $400 on up to $1000ish.
from what i've seen just browsing, the cost of the barrel, reciever, bolt and then the handguards it seems like i'd be spending more than a complete upper. are there any benefits to building or just buy a complete?

[556mp]

Well.

Start off by deciding on what setup you want. Then, ask yourself the following questions.

Can you buy the upper complete?
If no, then are you willing to compromise? If not you will have to build it, or have someone else build it.

If you can buy the upper complete, lets see if you can save money.
What do the parts cost individually?
What will the tools to assemble the upper cost?
What would the total cost be if you built it?
Will you save money?
Do you care about saving money or do you just want to build the upper?
Do you possess the mechanical knowledge to assemble the upper?

Answering these questions will help.

[MookNW]

I built my first upper a few months ago. Saved about $100 over what I could have bought it for from one of our awesome sponsors. I went over the savings with the initial tools purchased though. My next build will be cheaper and better because I now have the necessary tools and feel more comfortable using them.
Now- I don't think I'd do it any other way.

[556mp]

Lets say you wanted to go with this upper.

BCM 16" midlength Hammer Forged Barrel
Troy TRX 11" Handguard
BCM Auto BCG
BCM Upper
Standard Charging handle
A2 Flash Hider

you can buy this from BCM for $864 Plus shipping

Now lets price the build:

Upper Receiver Assembly (w/ Laser T-Markings) - M4 Flat Top (M4 Feedramps) - $94.95
BCM Bolt Carrier Group (MPI) - Auto $139.95
BCM AR15 Charging Handle $22.95
BCM BFH 16" Mid Length Barrel, Stripped $299.00
Flash Hider A2 $8.00
Crush Washer $2.25
Gas Tube - Mid Length $13.00
VTAC TRX Extreme Battle Rail - 13 Inch Model $189.00
YHM Lo-Pro Gas Block $21.50
Gas tube roll pin $0.30
Action Block $35.95
combination wrench $16.95

Totals $843.80
Plus shipping from 3 different suppliers, where as, if you ordered the complete upper you would only pay shipping once. But, after this purchase you will already own the tools to assemble another upper. So you would save an additional ~ $50 if you already had the tools.
Costing you ~ 790 vs 865.

Food for thought.

[fatdan81]

Lets say you wanted to go with this upper.

BCM 16" midlength Hammer Forged Barrel
Troy TRX 11" Handguard
BCM Auto BCG
BCM Upper
Standard Charging handle
A2 Flash Hider

you can buy this from BCM for $864 Plus shipping

Now lets price the build:

Upper Receiver Assembly (w/ Laser T-Markings) - M4 Flat Top (M4 Feedramps) - $94.95
BCM Bolt Carrier Group (MPI) - Auto $139.95
BCM AR15 Charging Handle $22.95
BCM BFH 16" Mid Length Barrel, Stripped $299.00
Flash Hider A2 $8.00
Crush Washer $2.25
Gas Tube - Mid Length $13.00
VTAC TRX Extreme Battle Rail - 13 Inch Model $189.00
YHM Lo-Pro Gas Block $21.50
Gas tube roll pin $0.30
Action Block $35.95
combination wrench $16.95

Totals $843.80
Plus shipping from 3 different suppliers, where as, if you ordered the complete upper you would only pay shipping once. But, after this purchase you will already own the tools to assemble another upper. So you would save an additional ~ $50 if you already had the tools.
Costing you ~ 790 vs 865.

Food for thought.

thanks for this, that's exactly what i was looking for. i've got a friend with all the tools so thats not a problem. i'm thinking i'll build everything on this one

[m249saw]

Ive built 4 rifles now from parts and personally I find it more gratifying.

[LONGBOWAH]

Ive built 4 rifles now from parts and personally I find it more gratifying.

Agreed.

You get to know your weapon and while it appears a bit intimidating at first, it really isn't.

I built my first couple before BCM basically started offering just about every configuration imagineable...glad they didn't at the time and I did.

[Militant83]

By building one yourself you become very familiar with all the working of your rifle and have a better understanding of the rifle you are shooting or any AR style rifle for that matter.

[LMTRocks]

You could save a little more scratch by making your FSB a lo-pro GB with a dremel tool----cutoff wheel and grinding "cone" or grinding disc. I like that the best because it's pinned. I like building my uppers because I like toooools

[usmcvet]

Right now it is cheaper to buy than build.

I have been thinking about building my next gun just to have the experience. You can also take your time with a build and buy parts as you have the money so your checking account does not take a $1,000 hit all at once. If you’re like me you probably have a bunch of spare parts kicking around too, grips, hand guards and stocks are some of the things I have kicking around. You can also build it just the way you want it the first time and not spend money for stuff you don't want/need.

I've had a few issues with one of my lowers recently and sent it off to the manufacture because I did not have the confidence to tear into it. With a build under my belt I think I would have needed some new parts to fix the issue but could have figured it out on my own.