AR ideas?

[comp73]

Another option is to buy a complete upper and build your lower.

One thing to keep in mind with 14.5" barrel is that if you want to swap out and put on a low profile gas block and a free float hand guard, then the standard front sight has to be cut off, since the flash hider is pinned and welded on.

[OldCannon]

A-R's advice is good, that CMMG will definitely be a good deal. If you're trying to squeeze every dollar you can though, just remember that buying a rifle in Texas is another 7-8% higher due to sales taxes. The challenge is finding one online that's in stock -- the cheap ones go fast.

Rex and TAM are right, stick with buying, then build. One of the nice things about buying a "cheap" AR is that you can often get back what you paid for it if you decide to resell. They're always in high demand.

Another option is to get an inexpensive New Frontier Armory complete lower and then buy an inexpensive upper from a place like JSE Surplus (http://www.jsesurplus.com/16uppers.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). Technically, you could have a complete AR for under $600 that way (easily).

Remember, if you "Do It Yourself" assemble a lower and upper together, you bypass the mandatory 11% Federal Excise Tax that's built in to all complete rifles.

[cyphur]

Remember, if you "Do It Yourself" assemble a lower and upper together, you bypass the mandatory 11% Federal Excise Tax that's built in to all complete rifles.

I will not say "never", but I will unlikely ever buy a complete AR15 for this reason. I haven't yet.


You can buy a complete AR15 upper, and then a complete AR15 lower, and have a complete rifle. OR, do what most people do - buy a complete upper(which negates most of the more detailed, complicated work - and complicated is relative since it's an AR15), and then buy a lower receiver and a lower parts kit. This way you've still done some of the "building" but nothing you cannot do with common hand tools. Assembling an upper - the right way - typically involves some tools some folks may not have, like a receiver block, receiver nut wrench, a strap wrench(if you're installing a free float upper), etc.

Just food for thought....

[RoyGBiv]

If anyone with experience building AR's would consider putting on a class, or perhaps we could try a group buy on uppers and lowers and have a "put it together" class... I'd be in for the group buy and would be happy to chip in to make it worth someone's time to instruct and provide tools (if necessary)...

I like the idea of buying a separate upper and lower, and have been poking around online to find a good deal... A group buy might allow us to create our own deal...

That said, I know form some experience that doing a group buy is a huge headache for the person who raises their hand to coordinate it... I wish I could take that on, but, no way I can make the time...

Anyhow... just food for thought.. and my indication of interest in a decent DIY build for sub-$600...

[cyphur]

If anyone with experience building AR's would consider putting on a class, or perhaps we could try a group buy on uppers and lowers and have a "put it together" class... I'd be in for the group buy and would be happy to chip in to make it worth someone's time to instruct and provide tools (if necessary)...

I like the idea of buying a separate upper and lower, and have been poking around online to find a good deal... A group buy might allow us to create our own deal...

That said, I know form some experience that doing a group buy is a huge headache for the person who raises their hand to coordinate it... I wish I could take that on, but, no way I can make the time...

Anyhow... just food for thought.. and my indication of interest in a decent DIY build for sub-$600...

Best bet would be creating a list of parts, get a list of 4-8 people together, and when everyone gets their parts, schedule a class.

No vendor has an incentive to do group buys with demand so high right now - they have trouble maintaining stock as it is.

[1s1k52]

A-R's advice is good, that CMMG will definitely be a good deal. If you're trying to squeeze every dollar you can though, just remember that buying a rifle in Texas is another 7-8% higher due to sales taxes. The challenge is finding one online that's in stock -- the cheap ones go fast.

Rex and TAM are right, stick with buying, then build. One of the nice things about buying a "cheap" AR is that you can often get back what you paid for it if you decide to resell. They're always in high demand.

Another option is to get an inexpensive New Frontier Armory complete lower and then buy an inexpensive upper from a place like JSE Surplus (http://www.jsesurplus.com/16uppers.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). Technically, you could have a complete AR for under $600 that way (easily).

Remember, if you "Do It Yourself" assemble a lower and upper together, you bypass the mandatory 11% Federal Excise Tax that's built in to all complete rifles.

So if I find a rifle in Texas I should expect exactly how much taxes? I think what your showing me is the cheapest bet DEPENDING on FFL prices and shipping and taxes. Buddy was at a gun show and got their card 679 for stag lower case and one 30 round mag

[OldCannon]

So if I find a rifle in Texas I should expect exactly how much taxes? I think what your showing me is the cheapest bet DEPENDING on FFL prices and shipping and taxes. Buddy was at a gun show and got their card 679 for stag lower case and one 30 round mag

Tax rates vary, from 6.25% to 9% or a little more, I think, depending on where you live (counties and cities can add taxes). My rate is 7.75%. 1/2 mile down the road from me and it's 8.25%.

[1s1k52]

695.0 tax included A3 local sounds like my fastest cheap bet. Two minutes away from cabelas used rack though. I need to head over there

[1s1k52]

Swatfirearms.com was pretty cool when I called him. Store opens up in Campbell, TX Oct 13. Lifetime warranty on everything and he is close. I know what will happen anyways. I will get one and then see something used thats even better for about 100 more.

[mdoan300]

the 14.5 route is just me trying to get as short of a carbine as possible. So unless I just have something backwards or wrong please let me know.

It's going to be a 1" or less difference in overall length (also factor in buttstock length if you're counting fractions of an inch).

More importantly, a 14.5 bbl and mid-length gas system may be more ammo sensitive with regard to cycling reliably. So if you go the 14.5 route, then make sure it's a carbine-length gas system or use NATO ammo.

[1s1k52]

Yeah there is to much involved in that being my first carbine.

[RPB]

Walmart sale thingy in today's mail has
DPMS Sportical Rifle $597
Sig Sauer M400 SRP WITH Prismatic SCOPE $897
Colt M4 Rifle $1,097

[RoyGBiv]

Walmart sale thingy in today's mail has
DPMS Sportical Rifle $597
Sig Sauer M400 SRP WITH Prismatic SCOPE $897
Colt M4 Rifle $1,097

Good luck finding one of those DPMS's... Been looking since I got the circular over the weekend.
Even went in to Wally and had some employees look on the system for me...

Nothing.

[1s1k52]

I was told to stay away from sporticles but thanks. I didn't even know walmart sold AR's. Anyone live near or around Mckinney like me? there are 3 walmarts in this town and only one sells guns but last I went in they had really "beefed" up their selection. I just got a walmart cc with a 800.00 limit but I am only trying to get credit cards to boost my score. Gotten 3 in the last year and a half brought my score up about 20 points. Hijacked my own thread!

[1s1k52]

Went to Cabelas and went around their used section. They had a lot of Windham AR's that were...ok I guess. I really liked an AR that appearantly I didn't save the name it started with an L but wasnt Larue. I think I can make any AR do this but not sure how. The safety was easily reached and managed while staying on target. All the other AR's I had to lower the muzzel and kind of turn it safety side up. I have small hands but some of the safetys were REALLY stiff. This unusual? I have decided on a 1:7 twist for sure or though I did until I read there is a 1:8 twist? gimmack? or worth a look?