Central Florida AR Build Class

[SCatalyst]

I just found this yesterday, and thought I'd share.

Well, there's a gentleman by the name of Marco (NRA Instructor) at Family Firearms in Brandon, FL who is hosting an AR build class using a variety of manufactuers including Spikes Tactical parts! This is the first class that he'll be hosting on 18JUN2011. The class starts at 1000 and lasts 6 hours.

According to the site, you will learn how to completely assemble a Military Spec AR15 from a pile of parts. You will assemble everything from the barrel and gas tube to the entire trigger assembly on a stripped lower. They also have several items you can upgrade to outfit your rifle within the class.

I know there's a lot of experianced builders out there (don't beat on the new guys (me) too much, we got to start somewhere). But for the guys who were always interested in starting their first build and want to build it right the first time, I think this would be for you.



It's $850 for the class, but at the end of the day, you'll have a M4 Carbine, carrying case, all the tools you need (punches, light hammer, armorer's blocks, etc.) to build another one. But the best part is that you'll have the knowledge of how to build it the right way and things to avoid during the build.

I don't know, I found this looking for parts, thought this was cool and wanted to share it with you guys.

Check it out

http://www.familyfirearms.net/build-n-ar-course/

What do you guys think?

I'm going, but I'm going to install a quality lower parts kit versus the standard.

[tbaytusmc]

SCatalyst,

Is this a new company? I live in Brandon, but I've not heard of them before... of course I've not been home for over a year, and maybe a month over the course of the past 2 and a half years >.<

This sounds like a pretty sweet deal, and I think you could only benefit from taking this course.

..Though I'd rather see something other than Spike's parts... I went to a gun show down at the Sun n Fun airfield last year, I picked up a Spike's rifle, and embarrassed them when i announced that the bolt catch wouldn't work on one of their display guns... Idk what was wrong with it cause he promptly took the rifle from me, said something along the lines of "Oh shit" and hid it.

Anyway, Have you been to this store? Do they have reasonable prices on ammo/accessories? I've been pretty disappointed with Patriot Arms on I think Lumsden? and Shoot Straight is okay, but some prices could be better... Just been looking for a new place to shop

[5pins]

If Spikes infamous maybe we should send the three amigos.

[JSantoro]

Moved.

I'm gonna say this in advance:

Let's make a journeyman's attempt to keep discussion focused on the class and not the parts vendor.

[SCatalyst]

I pretty sure they're new. (Family Firarms)

I made plans to see Spikes store front on my break from school because the representative was nice enough to offer a tour of their facility. I was going to bring my camera, my son, and make a field trip day out of it...but I had to read a few books before the next quarter began(lame).

But if the lady was willing to give me a tour of their facility and armory at the drop of a hat, I'm sure it's pretty organized and clean.

Shoot strait is kind of the neiman marcus of firearms stores as far as their prices are concerned. I don't particularly like shopping there considering they don't have LEO or Military pricing.

I'm going to check out Family Firearms this week to see the storefront. But I think they concentrate on training and education rather than a 'shooters store'. I think their classes will be some place else considering the amount of space you need for a build.

Yeah, I think the class is a great deal! I think he might keep the class to a limited number since it is the first class he's hosting.

[SCatalyst]

Moved.

I'm gonna say this in advance:

Let's make a journeyman's attempt to keep discussion focused on the class and not the parts vendor.

Oh, yeah most definitely.

I'm looking forward to the class, learn about what some of the common mistakes are and ensure a great first time build.

And not banging up the receiver during pin installs.

[Suwannee Tim]

....Let's make a journeyman's attempt to keep discussion focused on the class and not the parts vendor.

[markm]

Interesing idea.... although it strikes me that there's at least $250-$300 in tools needed to build an AR right... so $850 seems low even with the selected brand of AR.

[SCatalyst]

Interesing idea.... although it strikes me that there's at least $250-$300 in tools needed to build an AR right... so $850 seems low even with the selected brand of AR.

Funny you mention that, cause I just called and told him that I have punches, ar wrench, and other tools already. I asked if the price could change and he said that he'd have to get back to me on that cause there's others asking him the same thing about other parts.

Has anyone ever attended a class like this before? (That's not an armorer)

[Dutchy556]

Interesing idea.... although it strikes me that there's at least $250-$300 in tools needed to build an AR right... so $850 seems low even with the selected brand of AR.

This is my thinking as well.

From my reading of it, the lower could be Spikes or another "equivalent". As for the other parts - I would have some questions given the overall cost. 1/9 HBAR with no mention of chrome lining would be a no-go for me. No mention of what kind of BCG, RE, etc makes me wonder as well...

I can certainly understand the appeal of this course to someone who is hesitant to build their first AR on their own. That said, the first time I built a complete AR several years back I did it pretty much by following instructions on (wait for it...) TOS (blargh, I know...). I am not one who would really be described as mechanically inclined, and I had no problems whatsoever throughout the process.

Given the costs and the questionable nature of some of the parts provided, I would be inclined to choose an alternate route in learning to build an AR. Even if uncomfortable following an online walk through, perhaps a local forum member with experience could guide you through the process using parts of your choosing (and known quality).