New to the AR? Need help with your first purchase? READ HERE FIRST!!

**nicholasmm1** · 09-08-10, 14:59

So I'm a complete newbie to all of this. I don't know what all the letters mean or any of that. My knowledge consists of what they taught us in law enforcement on basic shooting. I'm planning on buying (building) an AR that I can use for both patrol and hobby.

My question is more on what pieces do I need? I know an upper and a lower but I'm pretty sure if I just buy any upper and any lower I'm going to be screwed haha. I know I'll need a handgaurd, probably a rear sight, a charging handle? Does anyone have a list of the basics needed to build a good AR on a budget? (I.E. upper, lower, handgaurd, charging handle, rear sight... and so on?)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I understand there are big differences between brands and all of that but I think I need to know what pieces I need before deciding what brand of those pieces.

-Nick

**rob_s** · 09-08-10, 15:02

Colt schematics

Bushmaster schematic

**HumblePie** · 09-16-10, 12:18

Have had good luck with my Bargain Bin CMMG with a 1:9 twist. Reliable with Federal 55. Cost: $599. No complaints so far.

**usmcvet** · 10-03-10, 01:13

I would would buy a complete lower from LMT or BCM then buy a complete upper from either. Add a rear sight and handguards and you have a high quality rifle.