AR-15 build or buy

[dandee]

I have primarily been interested in Milsurp but my interests have been expanding recently and would like to get an AR. I'm not terribly familiar yet other than what i read on the forum and see online. Primarily for plinking and really just collecting. I have read mixed opinions for 1st time owners in regards to it being best to buy one factory built or to build your own. I am probably looking for a mid grade gun. Is there anything someone new to this platform should look for or stay away from. Factory build/ build your own? I appreciate the advice.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

If you got a nice Mauser I may trade you a stripped lower.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

To be honest though, all my AR’s have been built besides my DPMS and my ‘factory’ Palmetto. Except I took the Palmetto one and put a 15” free float on it

I think building is just fine as long as you are doing occasional plinking.

 

[Honey Badger]

Build your own! Take some ownership, and get it like you want it the first time.

 

[dandee]

If you got a nice Mauser I may trade you a stripped lower.

Haha! To be honest, i have a hard time letting things go. I do believe this is become a bad habit.

 

[Honey Badger]

Haha! To be honest, i have a hard time letting things go. I do believe this is become a bad habit.

They are a bad habit man! Not as bad as drugs or alcohol though.

 

[adamsredlines]

If you're a tinkerer and have found parts you know you want to use...build one.

If you just want to shoot and find one you like the looks of and dont have to have brand XX barrel, or YY handguard or ZZ trigger, buy a built one.

 

[okierider]

Haha! To be honest, i have a hard time letting things go. I do believe this is become a bad habit.

Watch your language Mister ! Curse words like "bad habit " will not be tolerated on OSA!! I got my I on your Mister!! Sheesh , people these days.
Read about em, watch videos and if your run into issues bring your questions here. Lot of great guys here that know their stuff and will help you get it done!! Having said that , if I can build one.... you have it whooped!! Seriously if you have any mechanical ability and you can follow instructions it is an easy platform to work with!! The myriad choices in parts is more mind boggling than the build!!

 

[JR777]

If you don't have something very specific in mind, buying is better than building. The only time building is cheaper is if you're going to replace a bunch of parts anyways. For example, if you want a race gun for competition shooting, and you don't like the off the shelf option from people like JP, Taran, etc., then building is obviously a necessary evil.

If you're looking for a bombproof AR for general purpose, home defense, SHTF, etc., a Colt LE6920 is what you want, and it's not even debatable.

If it's solely for plinking, there's a certain logic to getting something dirt cheap like Anderson or PSA, but I wouldn't recommend anything in that category if you think you might use it as a house gun at some point.

 

[dlbleak]

I vote one of each. Problem solved, ya see how easy that was?