AR Build Kits ::: Recommendations:

Carlo81

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I want to build an AR from ground up. I am not interested in scouring the internet looking for specific parts. I would prefer buying a kit that has everything in it less the lower receiver.

I would prefer to get something of decent quality.

Any recommendations?

Has anyone had any experience buying the kit (less the lower) in the US and bringing it over?

Carlo
 
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InB4 people who understand ITAR regulations...

You'll probably be told by people more knowledgable than I that bringing AR parts across the border is a recipe for trouble, although the misinformation seems to continually persist that such actions are legal because "I wasn't caught".

It makes relatively little commercial sense for a company to market a complete (sans lower) kit for building an AR, as most builders have very specific specifications that they want to build a rifle to. Depending on what kind of setup you want, you may require very different parts (particularly when choosing handguard parts). Take 30 minutes to put together a list of what you need, and then purchase it. That's half the fun. As previously stated, TNA usually has everything in stock that you'd need for building an AR. A parts diagram is a handy reference for making sure your shopping cart has everything you need.

If I were to put together a list off the top of my head, I'd say you need a:
LPK (lower parts kit, make sure it includes a trigger)
Grip w. mounting hardware
Magazine
Buffer tube
Bufffer spring
Buffer (Probably H1 or H2, but depends on your barrel length)
Castle nut
Stock
BCG (bolt carrier group)
Upper receiver
Barrel (which may or may not have a gas block)
Gas Block
Gas tube
Barrel Nut
Handguard cap (if using A2 front sight barrel)
Handguard set (if using A2 front sight barrel)
Free-floating handguard (if not using an A2 front sight barrel; this may require a specific barrel nut setup and requires research)
Forward assist assembly (may be included with upper)
Dust cover assembly (may be included with upper)
Charging handle
Sights/optics of choice
Grease for buffer tube and barrel threads

I think that's most of them... been a while since I built mine
 
One does not actually have to do much scouring to find the required parts.

The first build can be a bit daunting and is the hardest.

Go to your local shop and tell them what you are doing. You will be set up for a build.

It's probably easier than you think.
 
True North Arms should have complete uppers and lower kits. Also try SFRC, they have complete uppers for sale also. The only other place that comes to mind in Southern Ontario is the infamous Marstar. Personally, I have not had any problems with them.
 
Not many, if any, places in Canada are going to offer complete kits that aren’t going to be junk.
That being said, most online shops are going to have just about everything, if not everything, you need to do a complete build that will still meet the ever important criteria of “decent quality” as you put. Just google the list of required parts, go to your favorite online store of your choice (my tap always goes to red deer shooting center thanks to their vast selection of parts) and start adding parts you like or want to your cart. One stop shop.

That being said, if you’re adamant on having 1 complete kit, just buy a rifle and send it to me in the mail. I’ll strip it down into all the pins, parts and spring and mail you a box of LEGO to reassemble. ;)
 
Brownells for everything but barrels will have you covered. Canadian tactical cowboy has lots and can also try teir one armoury in Edmonton.
 
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