Buy off the Shelf or Build from a Kit for an AR-platform weapon?

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:44:44 -0400

After many years of avoiding any weapon resembling an M4, I find myself looking to acquire one. I'm not looking for a competition level weapon nor a "throw away". The question I have is should I just buy "Off the Shelf" or buy the needed components and build from a "kit"? I have connections with an FFL to ship the lower to so that isn't a concern. Which would be the most cost effective?

All of my weapons to date have been off the shelf purchase. I thought about doing the kit version just for the experience of it. What are some of your experiences good and bad?

Response by Alan K. made Jun 2 at 2016 10:47 AM

Alan K. — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:47:46 -0400

Build your own......make it your own...!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 2 at 2016 10:59 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 10:59:42 -0400

Depends on what you want your own to have insofar as configuration and whether you're building on the cheap or going up a notch on quality. In general, if there is just what you want already manufactured and your FFL won't mark it up a ton, they are good deals. If you want to make your own, you have several options. I've done them both ways and in between. I ultimately tended to do the lower myself and buy a premade upper as I didn't have the proper barrel wrench and torque capability. If you want to go a gas piston route, then premade upper continues to be my preference. Premade upper in 458/50 and perhaps 300 options are likewise my preference. So whatever winds your clock. Do consider getting a drop in trigger group like Timney, CMC, etc. as that will make a big difference from the get go. Bottom line, have fun either way. I had a fun time converting my SM M1A to a tac long range propane cylinder massaging tool. Have fun!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 11:05 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:05:06 -0400

My old XO bought hers in pieces and had it built. She said it was actually cheaper and she could build it the way she wanted it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 11:05 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:05:34 -0400

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P If you are looking for an off the shelf type of weapon and dont plan to add things or customize it. Get one ready made. If however you have an idea of what you want the end product to look like and no one is making one that fits that image, build your own. Then you have exactly what you want in the weapon.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 2 at 2016 11:10 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:10:26 -0400

Question is: how comfortable are you with doing gunsmithing? While an AR is about as close to a "kit gun" as you are going to find, there are still minor fit and finishings that may take some minor gunsmithing skills to make the rifle function properly.

Response by SSgt Trevor Smith made Jun 2 at 2016 11:24 AM

SSgt Trevor Smith — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:24:32 -0400

Being a former Combat Arms Instructor, I've fixed, maintained, replaced parts, and built many AR platform weapons. I prefer to build my own how I want them. As mentioned in a previous response, it is the closest you'll get to a kit weapon. In general they are very easy to put together, and you can find an astronomical amount of information and tutorials online and on YouTube. You said you have a good FFL contact, I'd be willing to bet he knows someone well or even himself could give you the little bit of extra help you may need for the few fit and finish details if need be. If that is indeed the case, I would say build. It gives you the opportunity to make it yours, the way you want, to fit you. And also as mentioned prior, you can build one hell of a good weapon for a decent price versus going with an off the shelf weapon that you may want to change some things on later.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 2 at 2016 11:27 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:27:32 -0400

The short answer is it depends. If you are looking for something basic just go off the shelf. If you are looking for something more specialized building might work better. You could always buy off the shelf and upgrade a little at a time. I have done all three and was happy either way.

Response by SPC Marc Sachs made Jun 7 at 2016 10:55 AM

SPC Marc Sachs — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:55:15 -0400

I would build, unless you buy high end the way you want it.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jun 16 at 2016 2:35 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:35:46 -0400

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P I build them all the time. It is nothing more than a puzzle.

A lot of people build the lowers and then just buy the finished uppers. They get freaked out about the barrel. (Probably from the fact you have to headspace bolt action rifles) It is super easy to build. All of the barrels are already headspaced when the trunion is put on so you don't have to have any gauges. The only thing you need is a armorers wrench. You can pick them up for $20.00. So don't get all worked up if you want to make you own upper.

Much like buying a car one piece at a time, it is usually more expensive than buying it all at once. You do get what you want when doing it a piece at a time, but it you start out with a stock gun you can add parts along the way and still have something to shoot. I build all mine by pieces and parts. I worked for a gun manufacture and I got sample parts given to me all the time that I have squirrelled away.

So on to lowers. Don't get caught up in brands. They just need to be forged "Mil Spec" 7075 Aluminum and anodized. If it is "Mil Spec" it should be all those things. Don't buy any that are cast they are brittle and suck. Top of the line is billet lowers. They typically have bells and whistles like flared mag wells and bigger trigger guards. Most people do not know this, but they are not as strong as forged lowers...not that it matters they are still way stronger than they need to be. My suggestion for a fist time if you are going to build your own is Anderson Arms. They produce all of Colts lowers they just don't demand the price. You are not going to get the resale back out of it like a Colt, but if it is for you it will work just fine.

Here are a few of my favorite places to get stuff cheap. Let me know if you have any questions. I love buildings ARs and would love to help any way I can.

http://centerfiresystems.us11.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=55e21c48ccb6afc5016507b72&id=31a8e712cb&e=a5daf0bbc7

http://www.recoilgunworks.com

http://www.aimsurplus.com

Centerfire Systems, Inc.

Centerfire Systems Inc. in Versailles, KY has a wide variety of Ammo, Firearms, Magazines, and Gun Accessories. We offer new products and military surplus.