AR-15 Build or Buy?

I'm still on the fence. As I understand it the only tools you would really need is the AR-15 armorers wrench, a torque wrench, a good vice, and some pliers. I think for me it's going to come down to price and the fact that parts and AR'S are going to start getting more expensive with the Canadian dollar down. I take it from the discussion that manufacturer AR'S are going to be much more reliable? I guess a good warranty wouldn't hurt either, but do warranties on firearms work or exist outside of the U.S.? All the guns I own right now were used except my M&P.
 
If this is your first ar buy a basic one. You wont know what you want until you play around with it. A basic dd rifle offers great value and the ability to customize later.
 
Only other "tools" I can think of are a receiver vice block and go/no-go plug for checking head spacing. Alternatively you can buy a bolt/barrel combo already head spaced or as some do, wing it and hope for the best!!

If you do your research and buy compatible parts then reliability won't be an issue. Certain parts like buffer assemblies and tubes and stocks have to be either "milspec" or "commercial" compatible. Barrel extensions and lower receivers need to be compatible in regards to whether or not they have M4 feed ramps. Basically the only situation there that will get you into trouble is a when a receiver has feed ramps but the barrel extension doesn't.

A guy can cheap out on the lower parts kit, gas block, and gas tube but I'd recommend getting a decent bolt carrier group, barrel and buffer system. That's just my opinion but I think it would ensure the best reliability.


Also, just a tip, save money by buying things together. I probably blew over $200 in shipping because parts were coming from all over the place..
 
One other piece of advice: Get 3 sets of punches: Taper punches, straight punches and rollpin punches. Probably under $20 from PA. Just get the medium-grey ones as they are good quality. Black ones are made of a material resembling the hardness of Bob Dole's phallus.
 
I bought an upper complete, assembled the lower. Was super easy and fun.
I used this guide as I find I'm always scrolling around with videos. ww .thenewrifleman.com/how-to-build-a-lower-receiver/
 
seamus said:
So I'm not really new to the AR-15 platform by any means, however I am looking to purchase my first ever AR-15. The thing I'm struggling with right now is whether to build one myself or to buy one. I'm leaning towards building right now because I think it would be funner to do and I can build and customize is any way I want, and also to learn more about the AR platform in the process. But at the same time I wouldn't want to end up damaging parts or anything along the way, and there are some really nice rifles I could buy just off the shelf (Currently debating Sig Sauer M400 Enhanced or maybe even Sig 516). I guess you could throw a little bit of the Direct Impingement versus Piston debate into the mix as well, because it would definitely be easier just to buy a piston AR. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
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I would buy, most are not set up with the machinery to manufacture all the parts or the knowledge to build their own rifle from nothing.

You could buy parts and assemble your own but I would rather have a working unit from one manufacturer so I am not chasing problems with different manufacturers parts not working with each other 100%
 
Well i finally Bit the bullet and bought an aero precision lower and upper. Its going to be fun choosing all the right parts and slowly acquire everything i need. I found a VZ-58 that caught my eye as well so im glad i saved the money on a complete rifle. Thanks for all your opinions and suggestions! I'll bump this thread when its complete (its gonna take a while) and show everyone the final product.
 
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