Building my First AR-15

[remanifest]

I'm getting started on the slow process of buying parts to assemble two AR-15s. I'll be starting with the lowers, but am planning out the whole project now.

If you're into AR-15s, and you have experience on the difference between the Palmetto State Armory barrels versus Daniel Defense barrels (specifically the ones linked), I'd be very interested your opinion.

I'm leaning toward the Palmetto State Armory barrel based on price alone, but want to make sure I'm not missing some point worth thinking about. I'll be using these rifles for target shooting, but may take them out to the field for several days at a time as well.

Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated!

[The Annoyed Man]

The DD barrel will be of higher quality, but the PSA barrels are fine for most casual applications. It kind of depends on your purpose, since an AR can be anything you want from a pistol to a long range precision rifle, depending on how you configure it. You're going to have to be more specific if you want more specific advice.

[remanifest]

Ideally, I'd like to have this rifle available in a bug out situation, so I'm really looking for reliability, durability, and resilience to extreme conditions, should I ever find myself in a situation where I'd be demanding performance against the elements. Unlikely, but I'd rather be able to count on my rifle than not.

If there are specific questions I could answer to help drive the conversation a bit further, I'm happy to do the research and report back. I respect the opinions of the folks here immensely.

[jb2012]

Ideally, I'd like to have this rifle available in a bug out situation, so I'm really looking for reliability, durability, and resilience to extreme conditions, should I ever find myself in a situation where I'd be demanding performance against the elements. Unlikely, but I'd rather be able to count on my rifle than not.

If there are specific questions I could answer to help drive the conversation a bit further, I'm happy to do the research and report back. I respect the opinions of the folks here immensely.

Like mentioned above the DD will be the better of the two. Since it is your first build you may or may not even notice the difference. In a bugout gun I would be looking for ultimate reliability and maneuverability. I would suggest a NiB bcg and to really study up on your gas system. A free float rail won't necessarily make your build lighter but is definitely the more quality option to go with. In my opinion your main points of failure are your barrel, bcg, and gas system. Use quality parts on your upper and if needed stick to saving money on your lower parts, and upgrade them when you can.

[TreyHouston]

I find it amazing that as soon as Trump is elected president suddenly everyone has AR15 lowers and parts! Simply amazing!!!

[Weg]

I put together several M4 profile AR's using mostly Palmetto parts in the last few months. I went with their chrome lined M4 barrels instead of the freedom barrel line. The M4 barrels they shipped were all made by FN, which I was happy to see. I would say that the Daniel Defense barrel would definitely be better, but the freedom barrel will probably serve you well for what you are wanting to do. The only parts I used that were not Palmetto were the BCM's, I used Fail Zero BCM's on all of them. Of the 4 I put together, only one had a problem in which I had to lap the upper receiver to correct. There is a thread in the rifle section on that. Good luck.

[mrvmax]

I find it amazing that as soon as Trump is elected president suddenly everyone has AR15 lowers and parts! Simply amazing!!!

Many FFLs were stocking up for some time expecting Hillary to win. If she would have we would be well into panic buying right now. I'm surprised that there is not more of a surplus of AR parts. I would think that since 2012 everyone who wanted an AR would have one by now but there continues to be new AR manufacturers starting up and I don't see many shutting down.

[KHickam]

Saw that PSA had an M4 style carbine kit with Magpul parts for $499 all you need is the lower - the PSA Premium line is very good considering the barrels are FN and chrome lined with M4 feed ramps.

[Sidro]

Take a look at this place https://sandersarmoryusa.com/. Super folks to deal with and very good prices.

[twjones]

Couple more options to consider:

I typically use Ballistic Advantage (owned by Aero) for my builds.

My brother likes to use White Oak Armament - he used them for him varmint build.

Just food for thought.

Edit: If you find something you like from Ballistic Advantage, try Granite Ridge Outfitters - they usually have pretty good sales on BA barrels.

[RogueUSMC]

The DD barrel will be of higher quality, but the PSA barrels are fine for most casual applications. It kind of depends on your purpose, since an AR can be anything you want from a pistol to a long range precision rifle, depending on how you configure it. You're going to have to be more specific if you want more specific advice.

Most of PSA's barrels are made by FN. Where PSA has a less than stellar reputation is in their lack of attention to detail when assembling upper receiver assemblies and such. The parts themselves tend to be of acceptable quality for the most part.

[RogueUSMC]

You might look at http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/...i have ordered from them a few times. The first time I almost didn't. I said to myself, "am I REALLY gonna buy something from an outfit that calls themselves 'Joe Bob Outfitters'?!" But their service has been outstanding! I ordered my 9mm carbine barrel and got a confirmation that the order was being picked about two hours later and then next day, I had tracking on it. They made me a return customer...

EDITTED TO ADD:
The above mentioned barrel was discounted because the vendor of that particular barrel got a lot in that had their markings etched as opposed to rolled. They were selling the whole lot for $30 less. I could care less that the logos aren't the way the company wanted them to be. The barrel itself was QC'd just like the regular run. Sometimes Joe Bob has some really, really good deals...

[parabelum]

Remember that when you build it, you will lose some $$$ when or if you try to sell as most people look for factory setups. You'd be better off parting your build out and selling it like that, rather then whole rifle.

Don't ask me how I know

[Scott B.]

There's certainly more comfort for the buyer when it's brand name X versus a piece built by Jim Bob in his basement. Having said that, if Jim Bob knows what he's doing, sometimes that's a great rifle. It's like selling a custom bike or car, if the buyer's taste match yours then great, otherwise ouch.

You can spend outrageous money on AR parts and pieces. If it's worth it to you then go for it.

I've been shooting a lot of carbine matches lately. The expensive guns and the cheap guns all pretty much run the same and break the same. Competition will reveal weaknesses rapidly, especially if it wasn't built right (home built or factory). Magazines and ammo matter a lot for reliability, but ultimately it's the shooter that makes the difference. Good doesn't necessarily mean $$.

[couzin]

As above - the DD is a better barrel imho. When you buy the barrel make sure the receiver and barrel are either standard or m4 style. There is a slight difference. Then get out the dremel and smooth the ramp to eliminate any lip that could be present between the upper receiver and the barrel extension.