I’m trying to decide what parts to get for my AR build. As part of the process I’m doing as much research as possible before putting down scarce funds on a purchase. Which forum would be the best place for me to ask questions on particular parts that I find, or to ask for recommendations?
I do have a good idea of what I want to build (HD/SD/PHTF/informal target/range gun with MAYBE potential hunting use) and the price range ($500+/-). I’m funds limited due to being retired/disabled and living (if you can call it that) on SSDI.
For now use site search a LOT - you’ll learn more reading up front, but take note of where (which subforum) you’re finding good information and good feedback to initial thread posts in - from there it’s pretty straightforward.
I’d start off looking for various budget builds, and then start searching on stuff that comes up in those threads until you start having a clearer idea what exactly you want to do. Since you will likely be money ahead going used, you’ll want to be maximally well versed in things.
You are asking for a lot with a $500 budget. Unless you already own the tools necessary to properly build the rifle you won’t be able to do it for anywhere near $500 even if you use Chi-Com parts. Your best chance for doing it is to buy used. S&W MP15 can be had used for that. I’d also take hunting off of your bucket list unless you can budget $1++ per bullet and are real good with iron sights.
I have to agree with GH41. $500 is just too low. Building anything close to that price will be junk. You’re best bet is to save up for something decent. If you absolutely need an AR right this minute, look for a used M&P.
Are you in CA or TX? Makes a bit of a difference. I know the M&P15 Sport can be had for about $550 new now, but I have no idea about the CA compliant version.
Is the $500 a strict budget for everything (gun, ammo, mags), or does it apply just to the rifle?
Commiefornia, unfortunately. Hoping to be able to move to a more Constitution-friendly state soon-ish. CA-compliant rifles tend to cost a bit more, or more than a bit more depending on the dealer. Sadly we’re a bit shy of gun shops, at least compared to what was available when I still lived in Texas!
As for the $500 that’s just the rifle. I’ve been looking at this Bear Creek Arsenal upper and building a lower, just not sure which one. I’m trying to stick with a budget build at first but do hope to build/buy at least one more quality rifle, more if possible. Being a former competitive marksman I’d love an accurate match rifle, or even one for bench shooting capable of really top-notch accuracy. Right now though I’m just focusing on a basic rifle. I already have an optic, an old Weaver V4.5-II 1.5-4.5x scope that I just need a mount for. That will eventually be replaced by a good red dot or maybe even an Eotech if I can save enough for one. One thing I have already planned is upgrades. That’s why I’m trying to stick with a decent upper and lower receiver at least, so that I can put better parts on over time. Eventually I’ll use the replaced parts to build a second rifle, either as a backup or for my wife if I can get her interested in shooting. I can’t afford top-shelf, but if I can get a decent starting point I’ll be happy.
I haven’t discounted just buying a decent lower-end rifle. I’ve considered the S&W but would rather have the Ruger AR556. The only problem would be coming up with the $700 they go for on sale. Being on a fixed income really sucks at times, darn it! I can get everything from Del-Ton to Daniel Defense and LWRC, the big issue being what I can actually afford. I wish it weren’t so, but cost is a factor. A big one.
“It don’t matter at all where you played before, California is a brand new game”
If you’re in California, I suggest you check out calguns.net. They are the single best source for navigating your way through the labyrinthine laws in the PRK and help you source an AR. Just come back and check with us here to make sure you get a good quality AR, not a crapstick with bunch of useless junkola hanging from it
For accuracy the quality of the lower doesn’t really help. The trigger perhaps but a geisslle or cmc will easily be $125+. Get a basic forged lower and you’ll be good. Spend most of your money on the upper. Palmetto state armory has complete lowers in the $125 range which includes a milspec trigger. I wanna say I’ve seen CA compliant lowers on there before. You could build a complete basic rifle there for around $550 and it’ll be decent. Could be what you need for now and upgrade the barrel, free float handguard, etc over time.
PSA has a CA-compliant lower parts kit with MOE grip in FDE that I’m leaning towards but it’s out of stock right now. Their uppers are the other ones I’m looking at. I like the Bear Creek one because it’s a .223 Wylde chamber. PSA is tempting me badly with their Easter sales though!
Stay away from that Bear Creek Armory stuff, it’s complete trash. I see they omitted their claims of 150,000 round barrel life. If you can’t afford to wait, then stick with a handgun. There is no reason why you cannot purchase a solid upper and then wait a few months and get the lower.
I dont think its possible to get a GOOD brand new AR for $500. I would either wait until you have more funds or scour the EE or marketplaces for some good used parts otherwise you will just end up with a piece of junk that will cost even more money to troubleshoot and fix.
I like the Bear Creek one because it’s a .223 Wylde chamber.
There is no functional difference between a 223 Wylde or 5.56 chamber on a budget barrel. I’ll let someone else answer if there is a difference on higher end guns, as I’ve seen some incredibly accurate 5.56 uppers. I think people latch on to certain features and say, “I have to have that,” even when it does them no actual benefit when all things are considered. Even on a top notch barrel, it’s a moot point talking about the merits of a 223 Wylde chamber if you plan on using a lower powered optic and bulk ammo.
With your budget, PSA is the obvious choice. I don’t know much about CA compliance, but a basic upper with a chrome lined barrel and a BCG/charging handle combo will leave you under your budget.
There’s a gun show coming up on the 11th that I’ll try and get to. probably won’t buy anything - unless I see a great deal on an upper or lower (HAH!) - but it will give me a chance to look and see what I can see. Maybe get hands-on with some different rifles, get a feel for what I like as far as features.
I’d love to get something better but the earliest I can probably even think of that will be at least 6 months away. Who knows what kind of idiotic laws the morons in Sacramento - or DC - will get passed by then. Or what new directives our stellar Attorney General Kamala Harris will have the DOJ and BOF issue to redefine state law, despite not having the power to do so.
I really, really need to get OUT of this state…:help:
You can find some good stuff at PSA, but ya gotta know what to look for. Stay away from anything with “PTAC” or “BLACKHAWK” in the description.
A carbine length gas system will serve you fine, but in my experience the midlength has better utility when choosing a 16 inch barrel. Operating pressures are less and if you can only afford standard handguards, the extra length of the middies will be welcome
For the upper, if the budget is fixed and any $$$ saved helps, get the upper you were looking at. It has a chrome lined barrel, with HPT/MPI for QC. It isn’t made by FN like many of their barrels are, but there are lots of good barrel makers out there.
If money were no object I’d be shopping for LaRue or Daniel Defense. Heck, I’ve even thought about trying to borrow the tools to build an 80% lower to save on costs! Trust me, I know I’m limiting myself by sticking to cheap parts, but it’s what I have to do if I want an AR of any type whatsoever. Later on I may be able to look at something in the $1k range, but that’s a LONG way off.
