Depends on what it is. You can get a bushmaster or Olympic for dirt cheap. However I and others consider them crap. It all depends on what you want. What do you want this ar for? Zombies?
[This message has been edited by 87antuzzi (edited 01-20-2012).]
My friend tells me unless you're buying a high end weapon like a Colt, etc., he can't really tell a difference between his and other mainstream brands. It looks much like computers - all the parts are sourced from various places. You get something like a Colt that may have better tolerances or fitting and you get higher quality, but you pay for that.
[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 01-20-2012).]
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12:51 PM
PFF
System Bot
Fierostarvin Member
Posts: 292 From: Hazleton Iowa Registered: Mar 2006
We have built a bunch of them for our group of friends. Even Cheaper Than Dirt parts function. Back in 1989( I think it was ), Bushmaster was nicer than Colt because you had a lot more configuration choices and we liked the finish better. My buddy that was doing most of the work kept the best parts for his as part of his payment. I like the idea of building exactly what you want but, keep in mind that you will have the expense of a couple specialty tools.
Depends on what it is. You can get a bushmaster or Olympic for dirt cheap. However I and others consider them crap. It all depends on what you want. What do you want this ar for? Zombies?
All i can say is i'd choose my bushmaster over a S&Wmp-15, colt ,stag arms or armalite. My bushmasters have never failed.
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ARCHIES JUNK IS FASTER THAN SHAUNNA'S JUNK
12.3 is faster than a 13.2
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02:11 PM
chester Member
Posts: 4063 From: State of insanity...moved in and comfortably numb... Registered: Jun 2001
I was at the same crossroads at one point. Renee has a Bushmaster and I also custom built an AR the way I wanted it. I have to say that you can probably shave a few dollars if you build it yourself but it won't be worth the saveings. It will however make you a close and personal friend of that weapon. You will know it inside and out since your the one that put it together. I feel it's worth it for the experiance but not the savings. Now my custom cost me about $300 more then the bushmaster but I splurged on a trigger group, stock, free float tube and compensator...I actually just bought another lower to build me a custom pistol.. You can always buy a premade AR and upgrade parts as you have the cash..
Custom
Custom
Bushmaster
Meet the Reaper...
[This message has been edited by chester (edited 01-20-2012).]
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02:40 PM
dennis_6 Member
Posts: 7196 From: between here and there Registered: Aug 2001
If you know you won't ever get the itch to customize the thing you'll be just fine with one of the cheaper pre-built ones.
I built my lower and found a matched upper that had the features I wanted and put the two together. Almost all of the parts were purchased at the gun show.
I went this route because I knew if I bought a pre-built I would eventually start swapping out parts to get what I really wanted (really no different than the Fiero). In the long run, this would probably cost a little more and leave me with a box of spare parts that would not be worth the time or effort to try and get rid of. Right now the only extra part I have is the pistol grip that I switched out for a more 'ergonomic' one.
I was also able to spread the parts purchases out over a 6 month period so I didn't have sticker shock as much.
To summarize, if you don't feel in a rush to have a rifle and can allow for a temporary budget to purchase parts slowly, I'd recommend the custom-build route. If can do neither, buy a pre-built and go have fun.
Gary
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07:43 PM
G-Man Member
Posts: 275 From: Indianapolis, IN Registered: Aug 2008
Something else I would recommend is to go spend some time at www.ar15.com
Really active forum with lots of information. You will definitely find out which brands are considered pure crap.
If you decide to go the DIY route take a look at some of the assembly videos on Brownells or Youtube. That will give you an idea of what's involved in building an AR. The lower can be assembled with basic hand tools. The only special tool I bought was the wrench for the buffer tube nut ($8). I substituted a 1/4" drill bit whenever it called for a pin to be inserted into the take-down or pivot pin holes and just used the non-fluted portion.
Aero Precision AR15 Complete Lower Receiver - No Stock $145 http://www.surplusammo.com/...r%252d-No-Stock.html * Aero Precision makes lowers for many other manufactures and the general opinion is they make good lowers.
