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Thread: Why Do You Build?

  1. #31
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    I am choosing to build my first AR for a few reasons...

    1. Easier on the bank account (and to clear the Wife Control Tower) a piece at a time
    2. I wanted the experience of building one from the ground up. A feeling of accomplishment when done, and to build my knowledge of the platform.
    3. My rifle will be more or less "unique". In theory.
    4. I will have only the features that I want and none that I don't.

    EDIT: One more thing, as mentioned by SA80Dan above, I can choose to spend a bit more on certain parts, while spending a bit less on parts I did not feel were as critical. I spent $80 on a Spikes lower, but will spend a bit more money on a quality BCG, for example.
    Last edited by sir_n0thing; 08-15-11 at 21:26.
    You can take the Texan out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the Texan.

  2. #32
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    It's capitalizing on the modularity of the platform, to put it in big words. And the incremental cost is easier to swallow for a lot of us.

    Also, off the rack if for those who can't. I build everything within reason. Machines are my thing.

  3. #33
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    I like building because it is cheaper usually, and I can get EXACTLY what I want.

  4. #34
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    Mostly for convenience. I start with a stripped lower, then plan the build and slowly order the parts I want when they are on sale. So, I get exactly what I want, at less cost (by being patient and waiting for sales), plus the 11% excise savings.
    "The world's a dangerous place – we can help." -www.portlandfirearmtraining.com
    NRA LE Handgun-Shotgun Instructor/Life Member

  5. #35
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    it seemed like a good idea at the time....

    ok in all seriousness, I got a great price on a nice billet lower and it seemed like a fun hobby, the financial concerns of dropping 1200 on a rifle or spending 200 a mo for six moths did play into the decision.

    I'm also one of those tinkerers and never owning a AR before it seemed like a fun way to learn the system; and there's only the one rifle no one has one just like mine (i know because of my crappy spot weld on the pinned flash suppressor, had the damn stick running to hot)

    EDIT: also things like the rainier arms evolution hand guard system (made by sampson), or having a 14.5 light weight mid-length Daniel Defense barrel with a pinned Vortex flash suppressor...

    gotta say I just tested mine today fed 15 flawlessly still waiting on sights but what a great feeling to drop the BCG in and fire off five 3rd sets in the front yard
    Last edited by 20ozjolt; 08-15-11 at 23:38.

  6. #36
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    I build because I like to know how the rifle was put together.

    Trusting someone who builds virtually the same rifle, day-in, day-out for months/years on end has advantages - they become more efficient and learn to spot out of spec parts before assembling them. But anyone who's done assembly work can tell you that no one is perfect 100% of the time. Sooner or later there's a lapse and something makes it through that isn't up to par.

    I don't want that rifle.

    I also am in the camp that no manufacturer offers a complete rifle (at this time) that has all the features and components I want. The closest thing out there (for me) is the Larue PredatAR and the Noveske Thunder Ranch Rifle. However, neither are EXACTLY what I would want and would both require minor changes after purchasing.

    The Laure is a great value IMO and I can't build something like it for the price they're selling it for. However, it's B/O for 12-16 weeks right now and I have a rifle school coming up quickly.

    The Noveske is a LOT of $$$. I'm sure it's a fantastic rifle, but that's a lot of coin.

    Warranty is a non-issue for me as a catastrophic KB would have to occur for me to utilize it. Any small part issue is easier for me to repair/replace (at a minimal cost) and have the rifle back up and running in short order vs. possibly waiting weeks or even months for a warranty claim. Not to mention most AR failures in the higher quality rifles are ammo induced and probably not covered by warranty at all.

    I've built several AR's over the past few years, both for myself, friends, and co-workers. With the information I gleaned from this site and a handful of others, I can tell you that I have yet to have any issues with any of the rifles I've assembled (mine or the others).

    I did build a DPMS based .308 that was not as accurate as I was looking for (the goal was 1MOA with mil-surp 147gr) but that was not because of an error in the assembly but rather an unrealistic expectation from a thin-barreled rifle with that ammo (although it was REALLY light for a .308). Did that discourage me from building another? Not in the least and I learned from it.

    And last but not least, I find it easier to paint them when they're disassembled

  7. #37
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    Quote Originally Posted by C4IGrant View Post
    The main reason is that I build a better gun than some guy making $12 an hour on an assembly line. My "give a shitter" is very high.

    I can also cherry pick the best from each company.


    C4
    He (ETA: I was referring to Grant here) also knows what he's doing, and has the tools to do so.

    I'd say I'm a bit of both in this, My AR started out as a broken magpul MIAD (Which I contacted Magpul and they replaced it) I got in a trade for a Magpul MOE Grip, and I figured since I had the grip... and I mean at that point I had already committed so much... Well now I had to build a rifle.

    But Building constituted buying a Complete BCM Lower, and then buying a Complete BCM Upper, using a BCM M16 BCG, and Troy BUIS with BCM on it, and installing MIAD Grip, I.E., punching two carrier pins and getting essentially a Factory Rifle.

    But I bought it as I could, at the time, that's what was feasible, but I got what I wanted.

    I'm a tinkerer, I enjoy working with mechanical things, but I don't like spending a lot of time fixing broken things, so I mostly buy firearms.

    But I also buy firearms that are really close to what I "envision" them being. Like I changed out the Mag change to a KAC Ambi mag change, and changed out the Selector to an LMT Ambi Selector, I think adding an Aimpoint ML3 (eventually) will complete the gun.

    So I might not mind installing a grip myself, changing a stock, adding a Selector switch.

    But I do mind my gas key coming loose on my carrier because I could buy them cheaper separate and I didn't properly tension it and stake it, or that my castle nut is properly staked so that my buffer tube doesn't come loose on me, etc, etc.
    Last edited by BWT; 08-21-11 at 13:32.

  8. #38
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    Wink

    I build because I liked LEGO's and Meccano as a kid; and it's fun!

    Oh, and what you all said.

  9. #39
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    The AR-style platform is a hobby for me, so it's for the fun/challenge. I don't 'need' anything that doesn't come on the most basic of carbines or rifles, if I even truly 'need' an AR at all.

  10. #40
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    How many of us have piles of extra parts lying around? Stocks, grips, triggers, end plates and so on...... All the parts that you took off of the rifle to put upgrades on were all paid for. Why pay for items you are just going to take of and throw in a box?
    "Perfect Practice Makes Perfect"
    "There are 550 million firearms on this planet. That's one firearm for every 12 people. The question is... How do we arm the other 11?" Lord of War.
    "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." Thomas Jefferson

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