1K AR, build or buy

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DinoS

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With 1K would you build or buy an AR. I don't need a the best but I don't want a piece of c&@p either. I did search "AR builds" but I would like direct input.

I have built 2 long range shooters and have access to a great local machinist who lives down the road. He has done barrel swaps for guys, chambering etc. He's retired and does great work.

Flame away.

Dino
 
The problem with building your own is that after 3hrs when you're all done, you get itchy just wanting to go shoot it, just to see how you did with the build... then like any bad drug, you want to repeat it again.... and again. Building an AR is incredibly addictive.
 
Building is the way to go, I bought my first few and was more then happy with factory LMT's and noveske but lacked personnel attachment. Now in in the middle of three builds, definitely the way to learn the ins and out of your rifle plus I feel more attached. I just finished an afghan, working on a diplomat and 300 blkout builds now. Problem is like mentioned itching to get out and fire these things.
 
I think it would be hard to build for 1k, especially if you have to source parts from multiple retailers (and pay multiple shipping charges) and if you have to pay the local machinist to do some of the work.

I don't know if you have scene this thread http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/832422-Im-Broke-AR-build but it might help you out.

Personally, with approximately 1k budget I would buy a Nork/DPMS and then upgrade the hand guard and stock.
 
with a $1000 id go with an MP15 sport-$700, leaves you with $300 for mods and you still have a great rifle to go shooting with while your mods are in the mail... done.
 
You'll end up spending a couple hundred on tools too if you don't already own a vise, vise blocks, punches, torque wrench, AR wrench (castle-nut, barrel nut) etc.
 
.30/06 FTW said:
The problem with building is that it can be very tempting to go over budget.
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Trinimon said:
You'll end up spending a couple hundred on tools too if you don't already own a vise, vise blocks, punches, torque wrench, AR wrench (castle-nut, barrel nut) etc.
Click to expand...

I can vouch for these notions, BUT...in the end you should have a very special rifle, and if it turns out to be an accurate/comfortable rifle you will be pretty damn happy with yourself!
I'm a gas system, hand guard and muzzle device away from completing an 18" rifle, all parts sourced from the EE (so far) and I am PUMPED to finally get to shoot it. And now I'll have all the tools I need for the next build...because I know it's coming!
 
You don't need to do everything at once either, a part/piece per paycheck would stretch out your build and mitigate in the initial hit on the wallet, if you have patience.
 
For a first AR I'd say buy (like the PSA from IRG). Learn the thing inside/out and decide then if a build is the next step. If you're already familiar then I'd say build (lots of satisfaction but highly addictive).
 
You can buy a Ruger SR-556... which is a piston AR with a full quad rail hand guard for $1000... you can't build a rifle of equal quality with equal features for that much. Ive tried.

If its your first AR, buy one. Take it apart, learn about it and how it works, how it goes back together. Then, spend some time collecting the parts you want for a build, at a certain point you can sell your current factory gun, with that money buy the rest of the parts you need for your custom build and have a gun thats all yours, build exactly how you want it. I would budget quite a bit more than $1000 for a custom build though, unless you want to do it on the super cheap, in which case you get more for your money buying a pre-built.

I %100 agree that building AR's is addictive. I built 6 this winter... and I only bought my first AR in october.
 
Thanks for the reply's one and all.
I like the Diamondback, Colour, forend with lowpro gas block,etc. Couple question I have is the barrel is not chrome lined? It doesn't say if the BCG is light or C4 cut (light or heavy). With the BCG being milspec I assume other parts are, why would they put a commercial buffer? Should this not be matched?
If I purchase this rifle and then do a better trigger, barrel, BCG I am spending money on parts I want and ones I don't need. My understanding is this trinity of parts is where the accuracy comes from. If 1K won't do it I will have to up the budget.
As for tools, my 24x48' workshop is well equipped and I worked in the tool and mold industry for a while. This combined with my co worker who is an certified aircraft mechanic (meaning technically capable) wants to build one as well.
Who takes their AR's to the USA with a form 6NIA. Are there restrictions that I should be aware of, not to NY, Mass, NJ or California. I'm talking Michigan, Ohio, Ky, Tenn. Ark. Texas. I love going for wild boar, been twice. Fun and tasty.

Until I figure this out I'll keep reading and learning. Thanks again for the input.

DinoS
 
DinoS said:
Who takes their AR's to the USA with a form 6NIA. Are there restrictions that I should be aware of, not to NY, Mass, NJ or California. I'm talking Michigan, Ohio, Ky, Tenn. Ark. Texas. I love going for wild boar, been twice. Fun and tasty.

Until I figure this out I'll keep reading and learning. Thanks again for the input.

DinoS
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I believe you will have issues traveling to the US with a barrel under 16" without a tax stamp. I'll let the veteran travelers fill in the rest.
 
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