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So I'm considering building an AR bit by bit over the next few months. Start with stripped lower and add to it as time & money allow. Want a precision target build, either in .223/5.56 or perhaps in 6.8mm or some other "new and improved" caliber. Will save the complete upper until last, giving time to mull over caliber decision. The lower, I know what I want and don't want to "waste" money on unneeded parts (thus no complete lower parts "kit". I have estimated some costs below, But am stumped on some of the parts (what I need, and prices) like buffer tube stuff, mag catch, bolt release, selector switch, pins, and other little parts that would normally come in a generic kit.

Does anyone have some good estimates for the $??? stuff below?

AR-15 target build budget

$600 ~  Bull barrel upper complete
$125 stripped lower
$150 Timney trigger (or other light target trigger)
$250 Magpul PRS stock 
$??? buffer tube, spring etc  
$??? Remaining lower receiver parts
$45 Magpul grip
$150 backup front & rear iron sights
  
 
 
   

I'd definitely recommend doing a 6.8...

... Only because I already have a 5.56, and that's what I want to build next.

http://www.m-aparts.com/

I've used M&A for AR parts. I've only gone with the lower kits so you will have to go through and order everything individually but M&A has always had stock even when everyone else had nothing.

The buffer tube, buffer, and buffer spring are all going to run you about $35 plus shipping from PK firearms. The PRS stock needs a rifle length buffer tube if you didn't already know. As far as the rest of the lower parts, I would suggest still buying a LPK and just saving what you don't need after you use the timney trigger group. If the fancy trigger ever fails you will always have a spare. I think other than that your best bet will be to go to a gun show and pick and choose what you need to complete your lower. The back up sights will run you more than $150 for a good pair. I suggest Yankee Hill or Troy irons. They are the most expensive, but they feel the sturdiest and mount the best compared to others I have seen. Good luck...

If you are looking to build a 6.8 you might check out 6.8forums.com, lots of information avail.

The 6.8SPC and 6.5 Grendel both hit harder than a standard .223; their ballistic advantage is hard to argue with.

But before you build one of those, be sure you're aware of the logistics involved; ammo and components are nowhere near as available for the two larger cartridges as they are for .223. And the guys with precision target rifles are doing quite well with the "little" caliber these days.

Wait do you need an FLL for any of the parts?

marksiwel wrote:Wait do you need an FLL for any of the parts?

A lower is the part with the serial number so you have to purchase form an FFL unless you find a private sale.

marksiwel wrote:Wait do you need an FLL for any of the parts?

The lower receiver is the "firearm" and the rest are just parts.

last gun show I went to they had several choices of stripped lowers for really cheap prices. if I remember a basic black one started around 80 or so with choices of color and material going up from there. I think I remember seeing a few on texas gun trader a while back as well.