New here and am beginning research on starting my first build. Where should I look to find basic information to get started?
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Member
New here and am beginning research on starting my first build. Where should I look to find basic information to get started?
Senior Member
I'd start by reading every sticky on this site in AR General Discussion and AR Technical discussion.
If I were just starting, however, I definitely wouldn't start by trying to build my own rifle. I'd buy an entry level AR15 from BCM, Spikes, or Daniel Defense and shoot it, learn it. Maybe not an issue if you've been shooting the platform awhile.
Last edited by Hmac; 01-30-11 at 21:39.
Member
A big plus one on what he^^ said.
My method was as follows:
1) Buy an AR, any configuration, any make that's remotely quality.
2) Run at least 500 rounds through it, or better yet, take a class with it.
3) Make a list of everything you're not totally happy with about your rifle.
4) Plan out exactly what you want your rifle to be capable of, where you're willing to make compromises, budget, etc. High-speed carbine? Long-range coyote rifle? Milspec forgery? Fun plinker?
5) Research:
- Hold (and if possible) shoot as many different ARs with as many different doodads, different barrel profiles and lengths, different stocks, different optics, different grips, different sling types and configurations, etc. to physically figure out what fits you the best. We're all made different; the market knows this, and there is a configuration that fits you like a glove--you just gotta find it. Write down the various bits and pieces that you like for the next step.
- Search online for as many different reviews (either ratings found on retailer sites, or in-depth articles) on each piece of equipment, to see if there are any issues that you might not have considered. Also find out who has a good price on what you want during this step. 94% of the time, everything will be compatible, but there's still that 6% where two pieces you really like simply will not work together. Ask questions as needed, but search first to avoid annoying the experts.
- Realize that to get the most out of your particular rifle, you can't have it all. At least, not all on one rifle. A coyote gun sucks for room-clearing, and a 10.5" suppressed short-barreled rifle is not well suited for 500m matches.
6) Build it, piece by piece. Since you already have an AR (thanks to Step 1), you can take your time on this, buying only high-quality parts, allowing your bank account to recover comfortably and avoiding buying redundant, lower-quality parts. One of my builds left me with two spare charging handles, three pistol grips, and a flip-up rear sight that are just sitting in a box wondering what it was they did to deserve such... neglect.
7) Take pictures of it, and post them here in the appropriate areas.
8) Return to Step 2.
Member
Either way whether you are buying a complete setup or building. Just make sure to do all your research first. Most questions you may have more than likely have already been asked. so use the search function of the site to find the answers to your questions. IF you cant fins the answer then feel free to ask. Also if your not sure what direction to go just browse the custom build forum and take a look at other peoples builds and read their reviews, you can learn alot from other peoples experiences. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site if you just look around. Youtube also has some good vids on everything from people doing reviews on their rifles to tutorials on how to assemble parts or a complete build.
Member
Thanks for all of the input. Great information here. I have been shooting for awhile but this will be my first personal AR purchase. Think I am going to buy a complete unit.
Looks like I will go with the Daniel Defense Mid length M4V3.
Member
Good advice above and I will again emphasize "research". I wanted to say that many of us like to build up a stripped lower and control almost every part that goes into their AR. If you think you'd like to "engineer" your AR you can do a fine job even with a first build.
Whichever way you go, take all the time you want - every extra hour that goes in to proper research almost guarantees that you will be happier with your first AR weeks or months longer. But the day does come when you want to change things, for me it was the quality midlength LW barrels that were introduced last year. Anyway, don't worry about that, just build or buy the best AR you can and realize that change is the name of the game in this platform. What you want to do is avoid blunders and that's where reading the stickies and getting up to speed is all about.
Member
Just missed your post while I was typing up mine.Originally Posted by GunAttic
Excellent choice! Man you do good research fast!
ETA: are you going with the LW or gov't profile? 14.5 or 16" barrel?
Last edited by Quentin; 01-31-11 at 14:52.
Member
Going with the 16". Easier to come by.Just missed your post while I was typing up mine.
Excellent choice! Man you do good research fast!
ETA: are you going with the LW or gov't profile? 14.5 or 16" barrel?
Senior Member
I think those are good choices. That is an excellent rifle.
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