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Purplehood wrote:Why do folks buy "Uppers" and "Lowers"? Why don't they just go and buy an AR-15?

I am sure that there are valid reasons, and I would be interested in hearing them. Is this for modification purposes?

I'd say for the same reasons some people reload. A little cheaper, you get to customize the options better, and it's part of the hobby.

Economic reasons are a big part. Also some people think if they buy a lower now they're free to build it into any configuration if Obama signs a rifle ban, even though neither the Clinton or Bush rifle bans worked that way.

Purplehood wrote:Why do folks buy "Uppers" and "Lowers"? Why don't they just go and buy an AR-15?

I am sure that there are valid reasons, and I would be interested in hearing them. Is this for modification purposes?

Cheaper, the "I done it!" factor, gaining knowledge of the firearms inner workings, because we can, quality control, every one on AR15.com says that's how you have to do it.

It took me about 30 minutes, a pair of vice grips and a long flat head screwdriver to "build" my AR. I spent more time looking for a roll of electrical tape to wrap the jaws of the vice grips in than it did you put the thing together.

Rex B wrote:There is a federal excise tax of $100 on a finished rifle.

Also, you can save money and/or create a unique configuration by assembling parts from various sources.

Is that true? I haven't heard that before.

Dan wrote:

Rex B wrote:There is a federal excise tax of $100 on a finished rifle.

Also, you can save money and/or create a unique configuration by assembling parts from various sources.

Is that true? I haven't heard that before.

11% tax on complete long rifles and shotguns. Further down it states there is no tax on individual components.

If I were to build anything myself, I'd probably increase my cost 20-30% just trying to pick out the "best" component vs. the best deal, so putting together one piecemeal wouldn't save any money.

The last AR I put together was a Scrounger Special.
I have $420 in a M4 with all new parts.
That was last Fall.

Wow. Nicely done.

rm9792 wrote:Considering how the AR just comes apart in seconds with 2 pins, why build multiple lowers? 1 lower with fixed stock and 1 with adjustable then lots of different uppers. Save a bundle of cash and you can only shoot one at a time.

Because it would be hard to decide which one of my children to leave the lower to.

Bump - for pbwalker and his earlier question about AR lowers....

Purplehood wrote:Why do folks buy "Uppers" and "Lowers"? Why don't they just go and buy an AR-15?

I am sure that there are valid reasons, and I would be interested in hearing them. Is this for modification purposes?

I like that one can order an upper online in exactly the configuration you want and have it shipped to your door, along with a lower parts kit, stock, etc. The only thing you have to go to a dealer for is the lower which many (nominally at least) stock. Also means you are avoiding the excise tax for a complete firearm as mentioned above and also the sales tax on everything but the lower and don't have to pay the transfer fee you would if you ordered a rifle and had it shipped to your ffl. I saved at least a couple hundred dollars doing it this way and putting the lower together was fun.

+1 on it being a lot cheaper. I have assembled several rifles with RRA lowers and various flat top uppers for well under 850. One sold to some knucklehead for 1600 (his offer). You can build a nice high quality AR for less if you can wait and shop for deals and used parts.