How cheap can you build an AR?

[A.J. Holst]

I don't have one, as I don't really "need" one, but I may be selling something to fund one...

 

Thanks to Dolo's reviews, I am looking at the M&P series, a lot of bang for the buck for what appears to be a pretty good quality rifle.

 

So there is the price point and "bench mark" and I not opposed to buying used.

 

I saw recently Ruger introduced their AR 556 in the low $7's

 

Soooo, with the wealth of information, experience and foraging already done by you guys and gals, can I build a quality AR for a substantially lower price than buying a reputable brand name out of the box?

Edited January 30, 2015 by Gotthegoods

[Garufa]

You can build one for $550 or less, depending on what you really want and were/when you buy the parts.

[gregintenn]

You can get down to around $400 if you are patient and watch for sales. $500-550 and you can build one of solid quality.

[gregintenn]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-16-stainless-mid-length-1-7-freedom-carbine.html

This doesn't sound too bad if you'd prefer one already put together. Free shipping too! It'll save you some $$$ by not buying the tools to build one.

 

 

 

 

 

 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/deals/ar-15-sale/ptac-ar15-blackhawk-complete-lower-receiver.html

$129

 

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/ptac-16-mid-length-5-56mm-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

$299

 

There'd be one for $428 without shopping hard.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Edited January 30, 2015 by gregintenn

[JPS]

Building one is a lot more fun than buying one...!

[Tobashadow]

Some built his for 500 even with all magpul upgrades.

My latest was around $640 but it's a bit more different so it's parts were more. Edited January 30, 2015 by Tobashadow

[ProfEngr]

Cherokee pawn down in Canton, GA has (or used to) AR15's in the 5's.

[dawgdoc]

My first (and only) AR came out just slightly less than what I could have bought an M&P Sport for at the LGS, but it was cheaper than if I had bought the stock gun and then switched out the grip and stock for what I used on mine.  So it wasn't really that much cheaper, but I consider it much cheaper than an upgraded version of what I was looking to buy.  

 

Also, there is a certain satisfaction to buying 90% of a gun through the internet with no background check.  It makes Progressive Liberals weep.  I carried around pictures of my new gun to show relatives at Christmas.

[rugerla1]

To me it's cheaper (at a time) to build. Meaning I can't always afford to buy a 7 or 8 hundred dollar rifle. But I can usually afford to buy a part or two at a time until I have them all. Even if it ends up not being the cheapest way, I can afford parts more easily than a complete one most of the time. And as stated above, it's fun and very informative.

[Grand Torino]

I start out trying to keep it around $500 but end up spending $1200-$1300. Does that help much? 

[Handsome Rob]

To me it's cheaper (at a time) to build. Meaning I can't always afford to buy a 7 or 8 hundred dollar rifle. But I can usually afford to buy a part or two at a time until I have them all. Even if it ends up not being the cheapest way, I can afford parts more easily than a complete one most of the time. And as stated above, it's fun and very informative.

Kinda like a Lay-R-away plan....huh, huh? :)

That's actually how I built mine. Bought a part here & there as I found them on sale/used & cheap & got up & running in around 4 months & well under $500

[JPS]

To me it's cheaper (at a time) to build. Meaning I can't always afford to buy a 7 or 8 hundred dollar rifle. But I can usually afford to buy a part or two at a time until I have them all. Even if it ends up not being the cheapest way, I can afford parts more easily than a complete one most of the time. And as stated above, it's fun and very informative.

 

^^^  This is exactly right.  I can afford to pick up a part here and there, but I can't spend the whole amount at once.  (Although I have to admit I usually manage to scrape the $$$ together quicker than I should once I've picked up the lower..)

[Erik88]

Everyone needs an AR in their collection.

[A.J. Holst]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-16-stainless-mid-length-1-7-freedom-carbine.html

This doesn't sound too bad if you'd prefer one already put together. Free shipping too! It'll save you some $$$ by not buying the tools to build one.

 

 

 

 

 

 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/deals/ar-15-sale/ptac-ar15-blackhawk-complete-lower-receiver.html

$129

 

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/barreled-upper-assemblies/ptac-16-mid-length-5-56mm-1-7-upper-with-bcg-and-charging-handle.html

$299

 

There'd be one for $428 without shopping hard.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

I don't really want to buy special tools for one-time-use...

 

That new Ruger has really got my attention.

[itchytriggerfinger]

I recently built one for $430.  When I say built, I just put a few parts together.  Got a stripped lower for dirt cheap, then caught a cheap LPK with BT and stock on sale at PSA.  Then about two months later caught a PSA upper on sale with the BCG and charging handle.  It's cheap, but it still goes bang every time, which is exactly what I wanted.

[c.a.willard]

Where are you located.  at over a 1,000 posts your clearly an established member.  I would be willing to bet there are a couple of members here, myself included, that would loan you the tools if your nearby. 

[Murgatroy]

I don't really want to buy special tools for one-time-use...

 

That new Ruger has really got my attention.

Got a hammer, a punch, a razor blade, a screw driver, painter's tape and a clamp/vise of some sort?

 

The stock wrench/spanner is the only specialty tool, and it is cheap, and nice to have. I think I paid $6 for mine at the gunshow.

 

I have built several now with a c-clamp and the tools mentioned above. Takes less than an hour.

 

If you go with some specialty items, like Magpul trigger guards or KNS pins you will need hex keys too.

[LI0NSFAN]

PSA build kit for $399 and Anderson lower for $39+tax and TICS. $450 after all is bought.

[raildog]

If you really like the Ruger buy it. In about 6 months you will really be wanting to build one that is how it goes with everyone i know who bought before building just my two cents

[gregintenn]

I don't really want to buy special tools for one-time-use...

 

That new Ruger has really got my attention.

It won't be a "one time use". :shake:

[Clod Stomper]

I don't really want to buy special tools for one-time-use...

That new Ruger has really got my attention.

These would not require tools. Complete upper and lower. Just plug and play. And add a rear sight.

However, if you do happen to want to piece it together, I have the tools. I'm pretty particular about loaning tools, but I might make an exception. :) Or better yet, we could get together and assemble it. I've done several and haven't blown myself or anyone else up, yet.

[A.J. Holst]

These would not require tools. Complete upper and lower. Just plug and play. And add a rear sight.

However, if you do happen to want to piece it together, I have the tools. I'm pretty particular about loaning tools, but I might make an exception. :) Or better yet, we could get together and assemble it. I've done several and haven't blown myself or anyone else up, yet.

Thank you to all you guys for the offer of tools and assistance, this is definitely the best place on the 'net!

I'm in the Knoxville area.

Got to sell a pistol before I buy anything or I'll be a well armed homeless man.

[Jamie Jackson]

I must say that GTG is a great guy and someone I am pleased to call a friend.

 

 

I'm with you on the "Got to sell a pistol before I buy anything or I'll be a well armed homeless man"... I have to dodge that bullet myself. :cool:

 

While I've not built an AR, one of my shooting buds has built several. I'd happily "volunteer" him to help LOL. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to, and he's local to us as well. Just let me know.

[A.J. Holst]

Prag, looking forward to see you at the regional training day, PM me if you're doing any shooting and I'll see if I can join. We can definitely shoot out in the valley any time...Give me a shout!

[DaveTN]

The M&P product line has an excellent reputation. I don’t have any experience with the “Sport” but Buds has them new $584. I doubt you could do a quality build for much less than that.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/71969/S%26W+M%26P15+Sport+30%2B1+223REM5.56NATO+16"