So you want to build an AR15 for around 1K?

AR/M4 Custom Build Forum
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(Note, I am an AR noob that through the help of this site and a few others was able to finally complete my first build and then move on to the second shortly there after. Im not a professional, just want to help out the newbies like me.)

So you want to build an AR 15, for cheap, but you want it to be quality? Easy.

-First, buy a stripped lower, you should be able to find a Spikes from your FFL for $99.

-Buy the DD/Magpul Lower Build Kit from PSA.
MOE Lower build kit

-Buy the rifle gear lower build kit tool set.
RifleGear - Riflegear Lower Receiver Builders Kit

Now…ASSEMBLE using these videos:
GunTech : How to Build An AR-15 Video - World’s Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

As far as uppers, I reccomend a 16" midlength gas system, gov profile*, in either DD or BCM.

-If you want rails, use this AMAZING deal, select the following:
16" Midlength Gov Profile
9.0 Lite Rail w/fsp
Standard A2 Flash hider
Bolt Carrier Group
Charging Handle
A1.5 Rear sight
SMARTGUNNER LINK REMOVED

-If you DONT want rails, go this route:
BCM 16" Midlength upper w/CHF bbl. Select BCG and charging handle.
BCM BFH 16" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group
Magpul Midlength MOE handguards
Magpul MOE MID Length Handguard
And the DD BUIS:
Daniel Defense A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight

If you follow my advice, you will have a MILSPEC+ rifle for around $1000 and it will outlast you.

For more info follow these links:

-The Chart
M4 CHART

-“So you want to buy an Ar 15?”-JWISE
So you want to buy an AR-15, huh?

*This is what I reccomend after having done my own research. YMMV, my word is not law.

Please feel free to add to this and show us how you made an inexpensive but quality build in the same format that I layed out. Thanks guys.

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Ill do ya one even better. I have this upper and was impressed with it.

JSE Surplus Complete Upper $335.00
http://www.jsesurplus.com/custom16hbarmidlength1x9flattopuppercompletestandard-2.aspx

MOE Lower build kit $149.00
http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/598.php

Includes:
Magpul MOE stock
Magpul MOE trigger guard
Magpul MOE grip
Daniel Defense lower parts kit
Mil-spec buffer tube assembly

Palmetto State stripped lower $69.99
http://palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php

That is a total of $553.99 plus you will need sights and does not include shipping.

Just for clarification the upper I have is from JSE and I upgraded the handguard to the Magpul MOE and the flash hider to the YHM 28A and my total was 380 shipped. Below is the parts list and yes that does include BCG.

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That Palmetto Stripped Lower is a crazy deal! You could have one shipped and transfered for under $100!

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Hey crossed rifles, excellent thread!!!

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Thanks. After being a 2 years lurker I figured I may as well contribute:laugh:

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BAC’s Budget Build

This is the type of build I’ve been pointing people towards for the last few months; thankfully prices have stabilized enough for this to be a fairly reliable build plan.

This upper reciever group plus bolt carrier group ($385 + $135 = $520)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-16-Mid-Length-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw.htm

These handguards ($35) (email or call them to see if it’s in stock)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MOE-MID-Length-Handguard-FLAT-DARK-EARTH-p/mag418%20fde.htm

This rear sight ($55)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Magpul-MBUS-Rear-Back-Up-Iron-Sight-FDE-p/mag246%20fde.htm

Here. Now you have a complete upper half of an AR-15, by arguably the or one of the best manufacturers, with better-than-stock handguards and a lightweight, folding rear sight, for $610 total. You can find normal midlength handguards for $20 if you want to save $15. Now for the lower half.

This lower receiver ($90 + transfer fee) (transfer fee usually $25-$30, any more and you’re overpaying)
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=56222/sku/Stripped_AR_15_Lower_Receiver

This lower parts kit ($65)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-Lower-Parts-Kit-stag-arms-p/stag%20lpk%20-%20semi.htm

This stock kit, specify H-buffer ($72)
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/M4-Stock-Milspec-p/stock%20m4%20milspec%20black.htm

And now you have a complete lower assembly for $227 + transfer fee. That brings the total rifle to $837 plus shipping and transfer fee for a rifle whose important parts are from one of the best manufacturers out there. I would strongly recommend replacing the stock pistol grip with a Magpul MIAD or Stark SE-1 grip, as both of these are excellent upgrades for about $35. Even with that upgrade, you have a solid rifle for under $900, plus transfer fee.

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Thats a very respectable suggestion BAC!

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I can do better…

10% off until Oct 31 at PSA.

DD LPK for 62.99

and

stock kit for 36.99. Add a note in the field form and they’ll upgrade the buffer for a small extra.

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That potential set-up would be very nice for 1k. good job

10

Please don’t get upset when I tell you that I wouldn’t take a garbage upper for like that for free. There is no way that the 1x9 chrome moly barrel from some “unknown” company is going to be better than a DD or BCM barrel.

I’d be willing to eat crow if I am wrong. I can almost guarantee that the BCG is some off the wall trash as well.

However, if you sleep good at night knowing that that carbine will be protecting you then by all means.

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Bcg is rra

Sent from my iPhone killer

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I included the parts list. The bcg is rra

Sent from my iPhone killer

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Right, but take a look at the specs for a JSE surplus rifle, read the links I posted to really understand what those specs mean, and then tell me that youd still be confident in your upper over a BCM or DD.

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Which falls pretty close to off the wall trash compared to BCM, DD, etc.

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This is what I have for a guy at my LGS/R for a build in this price range. BCM blem lower.BCM light weight M4 upper. BCM bolt carrier group MPI auto. BCM Gunfighter.Mod 4. Magpul Moe hand guard .

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Man, I wish my LGS even knew about BCM. I was just glad they have some LMT stuff, once you get past all the Bushies and DPMS stuff in front.

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I’ve been helping friends put together ARs lately, and we are doing them with BCM uppers and BCG, and even when adding in goodies like mags, buttstock pads, BAD levers, BUIS, we are still staying under $1000.

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RRA is also sub par for a fighting gun. Which is what an AR should be for.

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I recently did this to try to convince my siblings we should get my dad an AR-15 for Christmas. Before last year, he hadn’t shot one since he was in the Seabees in Vietnam. He has enjoyed it when we do it and the only semi auto rifles he has are SKSs (of which he bought a couple dozen in the early 90’s and has since given most away).

In the end, I came up with $1017 + shipping. It would be a little bit better than that since I get the better pricing from Brownell’s, but it includes a BCM upper, BCG, and bolt, Spike’s lower, G&R LPK… Everything needed to put together a high quality gun without going overboard on costs. All it would need is a flashlight and RDS and it would be an excellent home defense gun.

I’ve tried to figure out the cheapest I could go before as well (usually for coworkers who want an AR-15 but don’t want to pay anything, basically), and always come up with about $700. For $300, I’ll take a gun I’d enjoy and trust my life to if necessary.

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Or you could head to the EE and pick up a sweet light weight middie :smiley:

but seriously, I would stick with BCM or DD and check out the prices that Grant offers and you can build a great rifle for a great price.