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I have been reading up on ar's and am ready to start gathering parts to build my own. What I need from the group is....
Assuming money were not an obstacle, what would yours have? Brand/type upper & lower, internals, optics, etc.
I am going for dependability and fun. I have read more about others guns, but can't really make heads or tails of half of what they are talking about.
You will be rewarded with pictures when its built. Thanks for your help

What's the intended purpose of this rifle?

What's the intended caliber of this rifle?

One of the best AR builders guides I've seen..

http://forums.officer.com/showthread.ph ... -AR-15-huh" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.!

If money is not an obstacle I'd vote for LaRue.

There are a number of top tier manufacturers all are excellent quality but the budget can go from mild to wild really quick. The intended purpose is very helpful in defining the best bang for your buck or dream rifle.

texanron wrote:If money is not an obstacle I'd vote for LaRue.

Agreed, if money was not an issue... forget building it...I'd probably just get an OBR :P

But touching on the OP's question, I would take "dependable" and "fun" as meaning something you wouldn't hesitate to bring into a fight, and is not a safe queen (how is something you never use fun?)

So without going into great detail because we can discuss brands and options until the cows come home, I would build it to these specs (since I think most lowers/uppers are the same, just different flavors/rollmarks/price/manufacturing process...as long as it goes bang and a bullet exits the chamber at whatever I am targeting, a decent brand at least)

2-stage trigger
Magpul UBR stock
MOE or MIAD grip (not into fancy grips but these are a step above basic M4 pistol grips with the finger groove)
14.5" midlength with pin and welded flash hider and A2 FSP (midlength gas system for a longer sight radius)
Quad rails with detachable sling mounting point
Failzero nickel-boron BCG
BCM Gunfighter Mod4 Medium charging handle
RRA dominator2 eotech mount
Eotech sight (take your pick, personally I'd get one that runs on AA batteries for scavenging situations :P)
VTAC padded sling

Varmint and target, not competition. Doesn't matter the gun, I'm still pulling the trigger and that ain't gonna do it for competition

If you just want to build a low cost beater rifle:
PSA standard lower build kit. Comes with a single stage trigger. You don't need a two-stage trigger if your going for "combat" use. Standard Grip and Stock.
SSA stripped lower reciever.
Get an upper for around $375-$500 with a front sight post.
Add a fixed rear sight.
Total cost $600 to $750.

Not sure a beater rifle is what I want to build. I'm willing to dump some money on good parts to make an excellent rifle. The reason for my post was to find out what good parts to use.i want to build as opposed to buy of the shelf, so I know how it works in and out, plus I think it would be fun to build it exactly as want it

I have a complete LaRue rifle and it is the cats meow for sure. But that thing is heavy and not any fun to do anything but bench or deer stand shooting. Carrying it more than across the field is not fun, sling or not. Mine is a 20" stealth upper, billet lower, PRS stock and 13 or inches of rail space, with a Trijicon Accupoint on top. I'm sure it weighs every bit of 15lbs.

If I'm shooting standing I would much rather have a lite weight 16" carbine. I like the Troy TRX free float system, and a magpul UBR(=heavy) or CTR(=lite) stock and a decent battle trigger, a high quality iron sight set is a must(no plastic magpul sights for me). A two stage is not a necessity for me personally unless its on a bench gun it is nice.

16" Middy from BCM w/ Quad Rail
Spikes BCG
DPMS/CMMG/RRA Stripped Lower
Daniel Defense LPK
MOE Pistol Grip & Stock
Red Dot Sight

RECIT wrote:I have a complete LaRue rifle and it is the cats meow for sure. But that thing is heavy and not any fun to do anything but bench or deer stand shooting. Carrying it more than across the field is not fun, sling or not. Mine is a 20" stealth upper, billet lower, PRS stock and 13 or inches of rail space, with a Trijicon Accupoint on top. I'm sure it weighs every bit of 15lbs.

If I'm shooting standing I would much rather have a lite weight 16" carbine. I like the Troy TRX free float system, and a magpul UBR(=heavy) or CTR(=lite) stock and a decent battle trigger, a high quality iron sight set is a must(no plastic magpul sights for me). A two stage is not a necessity for me personally unless its on a bench gun it is nice.

Going through the forum looking for threads getting information to build my first AR and found this thread. I've been thinking about buying a complete rifle and came across a nice looking RRA, but last night started thinking about building my own. I think price wise this will work out well since I can buy what I need when I can afford it. I might end up with a better rifle for less money doing it this way since everyone says it is cheaper to build your own.

This beast sounds more like the cats roar than meow.

Fire1141 wrote:Not sure a beater rifle is what I want to build. I'm willing to dump some money on good parts to make an excellent rifle. The reason for my post was to find out what good parts to use.i want to build as opposed to buy of the shelf, so I know how it works in and out, plus I think it would be fun to build it exactly as want it

Fire1141, are you out there? Did you get yours built yet? How did it turn out?

My .02,

To get started just grab a pair of recievers( or just a lower if you are buying the upper complete. Which can be a good plan depending.)

Troy TRX is the round free float tube correct? I have the MI SS model and the thing is great... put the rails where you want them. If you don't have accessories to mount you have a very comfortable free float tube. Flexibility.

Varmint barrel can be had in 16" or 18" if you prefer. Wylde chamber seems to be what people use for varmint guns.

Fixed stock, just get a A2. Cheaper than the magpul stuff and it's solid. I'd say fixed for any rifle you are putting a scope on. CTR, UBR... I havent tried these yet but they do get good reviews as far as being solid goes. If you want to drop the cash go for it.

Trigger! Get a nice one. I have a RRA 2 stage. Might be able to find something better out there though. Maybe someone else has experiences with other triggers.


Pick your optic and you are away.


Edit: realize now that this is an old thread. But I typed it up so it's here now.

how many of you ar builders have built your dream gun only to change the stock 2 months later or swap optics the next week , then try a new grip tomorrow .
before you know it you have box of parts needing a receiver .... now you have 2 or 3 ar's
is that just me ?
i read and read and researched products new and old and find that i just cant leave them be

im gonna go out on a limb and say pic your barrel length first , that might narrow your options for what u find necessary for your rifle ....
they make sweet adjustable cheek weld stocks that i cant see you needing on a 1o" sbr and cool flash suppressors like noveske kx3 "pig" that you dont need for a 20" plinker ......so much to choose from .

if i do another one i would personally pick a local company (support your local business ) for my receivers since they are all supposed to be milspec it technically shouldnt matter as far as fit but if you have a problem you can drive on down to the shop and show them and hopefully get it resolved
gonna try these fellas probably (im in houston) http://www.sogarmory.com/Products.aspx?srch=lower" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
as far as the rest i cant say i wouldnt do it the same again . i have 2 frankenguns built from random websites i found the best prices on and my rifles function like champs i will put them against any of my buddies RRA ,Daniel defense ,colt ,bushmaster ,
since you dont sound like you know you HAVE to have any particular parts, here's sights i browse for good prices and successful builds
http://www.dsarms.com/Lowers--Uppers/products/59/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-uppers-and-parts.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.primaryarms.com/AR15_Store_ ... =32&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

i would recommend a wolf heavy extractor spring and spikes buffer and having an spare bolt . and good iron sights ( midwest industries, yhm, troy )
also good magazines ! never had any problems with magpul , they just fit tighter with the bolt closed and i like the metal ones with green followers i find at gunshows for $10

i also run this in 2 guns i love it , just seems to cycle smooth as silk no bounce , never had a stovepipe or cycle issue with ANY ammo since
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598476 ... ght-system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

you could go drop 2-$3000 and have a great rifle , or you could build 3 great rifles for the same price .....its up to you .
ford or chevy or do you need a ferrari ? theres probable some iffy stuff out there but soo much info and reviews on the web , id just find a good price and google it or come back here and ask specifically if anyone has an opinion
oh by the way my favorite rifle i own has a tactical innovations lower ....dont even know who made the upper . a colt bolt and carrier and standard trigger (dpms) . she's a beast id take it to war