New to AR's - Build or buy

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Clocked92

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I realize this question comes across the forum quite regularly. I am completely new to AR's. I have only shot a buddies Diamondback DB15 a few times. Now I'm looking to get my own AR15 but I am the type that really adheres to the "buy once, cry once" mentality so I don't want to cheap out and be looking to upgrade in 6 months.

I've been looking at the Daniel Defense V7 but I think to myself there's probably already a couple upgrades I'd want to make on it which would bring it up to $2500 pretty quick.

Then I get looking at purchasing stripped uppers, lowers and just building a rifle myself with quality parts to approximately the same budget.

I have so many questions about the process of building an AR15. I read often that "race guns" don't run near as effectively as a Mil-spec rifle off the shelf, what designates a "Race gun"?

How do I know that all the parts that I buy will actually work together?

Is it even worth it to build a rifle for the first time if I have zero experience with AR's in the first place?
 
-If there is a SPECIFIC gun you want to have, build it.
-If you see a gun you like and think you might change stuff later, buy it.

Daniel Defense is a great base to start with as a complete gun, and anything you take off you can always sell or toss in a parts bin. If you're buying parts separate, there's a few good charts around to list parts, but just keep calibre in mind and everything else falls in to place (ie, shooting 5.56mm? Everything the bullet touches like the bolt, barrel or flash hider need to be 5.56mm, the stuff that doesn't is more or less universal fit).

If it's your first AR, chances are you'll be tinkering for awhile until you're happy.

And those "race guns" are the shiny, lightweight and minimized AR's you see sometimes with cutout uppers and whatnot.
 
Short but sweet
If you want to build then build however shipping cost will rape you

Race guns are generally set up with light weight handguard,$$$triggers and a really nice 16"+ barrel with a comp
Don't get hung up on milspec it's really just a word unless your taking about buffer tubes

Daniel defense is one of the top dogs in the ar game along with colt canada.

If you don't buy an nea your parts should all work together unless your mixing commercial and milspec after that as long as you have the right gas block size and gas tube is the right length.
 
I hear aero is a great quality/price ratio if you want a stripped upper and lower. The upper is my next purchase to my build
 
Buy your first one and mod it to your preference. Can build after that. I would start with a Smith and Wesson, stag, armalite etc. Dd is way too much $$$ now.
 
DD is just not worth the money, from my research. I ended up going for a Sport 2 and building up. It's a great rifle, the most popular in America for a reason.
 
Kosmonument said:
DD is just not worth the money, from my research. I ended up going for a Sport 2 and building up. It's a great rifle, the most popular in America for a reason.
Click to expand...

No they are worth the money whether or not it's worth spending the money is up too you.
 
I enjoy building more because I enjoy hunting for the parts that I want on my rifle. I want something that is a little more interesting than factory, something that no one else has. The AR platform is ideal for custom builds. Currently I have two builds on the go. 1st one is a budget AR and the 2nd is a race gun. The budget AR, I think I will be able to build for around $600. If I really cheap out I could get it under $500 but even though it is a cheap build I still want it to look nice so I spent a bit more for items such flash hider, better stock, etc. The parts are not the top of the line but they are a good compromise. I started both builds with 2 stripped BCL lower and upper combos from SFRC for $89.95 a set. I am not finish yet but I already can appriciate these rifles more than my DD or Colt.
 
If you're even asking the question whether to build, build if you like tinkering and buying some tools.
If you want something exactly specific, build.
If you want to modify a bunch of parts, it will be cheaper to just buy it rather than "tack" back to what you want.

Otherwise, start with a S&W M&P sport II, can't recommend that gun enough.
 
Figured I'd update this.

I purchased a DD M4 V7 LW today. Can't wait till it arrives. Any tips on first purchases to go with it aside from ammo and mags?
 
Garaldtao said:
I enjoy building more because I enjoy hunting for the parts that I want on my rifle. I want something that is a little more interesting than factory, something that no one else has. The AR platform is ideal for custom builds. Currently I have two builds on the go. 1st one is a budget AR and the 2nd is a race gun. The budget AR, I think I will be able to build for around $600. If I really cheap out I could get it under $500 but even though it is a cheap build I still want it to look nice so I spent a bit more for items such flash hider, better stock, etc. The parts are not the top of the line but they are a good compromise. I started both builds with 2 stripped BCL lower and upper combos from SFRC for $89.95 a set. I am not finish yet but I already can appriciate these rifles more than my DD or Colt.
Click to expand...

I tried to buy a second of those sets; built on the set I do have; my rifle is now complete except for some accessories (rail adapter, bi-pod, folding sights). If I do decide I need another AR, I will most definitely build. My total cost, all in, with shipping is under $700.00. Since I made the video, I have replaced the red-dot with a good 1.75-7 X scope, a UTG quick detach mount and a 1/2" scope riser. I have yet to sight it in, but I found the red dot's adjustment was too coarse; about 1" per click at 100 yards.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1756462-First-AR-Build-underway!
 
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