AR Newbie, so many custom parts... how do you even attempt to start?

Brettzky

Brettzky

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I'm not an enthusiast by any means in this area, mainly just because there are so many frankenguns out there. Every piece seems to fit with something else so there's unlimited customization, which is great, but how do you know what to steer clear of? I'm looking at receiving a few custom builds as trade for something but I just don't know how to actually value what I'm getting, and if it will be a P.O.S. that will cause me grief..

Example one:

Blue Line Lower
Magpul Grip
Fab Defense Israel T-Pod Front grip
12" Barrel
Daniel Defense 7" rail
RCA Bolt group(Rubber City Arms)
Magpul ACS Rear stock
YHM FRont folding battle sight
Front YHM folding gas block sight
Flat top Rail
BCM charging handle
Vortex Strike Fire

And his valuation of it is "over $2000". I can't say either way if that's accurate or not? Or if that seemingly completely custom upper is a good mix?


Example two, with less custom work:

"Aero Precision lower with an NEA upper. BCS barrel. Flat top with picitinny rail. MBUS flip up sights. Magpul stock and grip with one mag. It's worth $1700."

Both of the values are for different parts of a trade mix but if anyone has insight and most importantly EXPERIENCE with any of the parts or similar builds for me I'd appreciate it.
 
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What a person values their build at is not necessarily what another person would value it at. Like you said, there are so many parts and parts quality that it is quite hard to say.
A person usually values a gun at how much they spent building it plus whatever they feel labour is worth.

A name brand upper and lower like Colt, Noveske, DD, VLTOR, LMT or KAC. A good BCG like DD, Colt, Spikes. A good charging handle like the Raptor, BCM or even Troy. Magpul furniture also helps. Good optics, if included, like Aimpoint, Eotech ( although some may argue that), Leupold or Trijicon.
Your second example seems overpriced IMO but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
In the AR build arena, it's only worth it if it has what you want in it.
 
Still alive said:
What a person values their build at is not necessarily what another person would value it at. Like you said, there are so many parts and parts quality that it is quite hard to say.
A person usually values a gun at how much they spent building it plus whatever they feel labour is worth.

A name brand upper and lower like Colt, Noveske, DD, VLTOR, LMT or KAC. A good BCG like DD, Colt, Spikes. A good charging handle like the Raptor, BCM or even Troy. Magpul furniture also helps. Good optics, if included, like Aimpoint, Eotech ( although some may argue that), Leupold or Trijicon.
Your second example seems overpriced IMO but beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.
In the AR build arena, it's only worth it if it has what you want in it.
Click to expand...

I would second this, and would emphasize that different people use their guns differently. One guy's setup, however good, won't necessarily work for someone else.

I agree to go with a name brand, reputable manufacturer (and I would add Armalite to the list above) but would recommend starting with a base model and trying that out for a while. Once you get a feel for how you shoot the gun and what you want the gun to do for you, then tack on the fancy doo-dads.

Unfortunately that's sometimes a process of trial and error. Many of us have drawers with parts that seemed like a good idea and we had to try, but which ultimately didn't work. Too bad there's not a place you can rent rails, grips etc before you buy:)

I just think if you buy/trade a fully kitted out gun without wanting that exact configuration, then you'll end up trying to sell a bunch of parts piece by piece.
 
If I were you I'd look at what those components cost to get a rough idea. I think both guns are over-valued for the description you gave.

Between SFRC, one shot tactical, Ctcs, questar you should be able to find just about all of that stuff and price it out...that's the only way to know for sure if the value of their trade adds up.
 
Runningfool said:
If I were you I'd look at what those components cost to get a rough idea. I think both guns are over-valued for the description you gave.

Between SFRC, one shot tactical, Ctcs, questar you should be able to find just about all of that stuff and price it out...that's the only way to know for sure if the value of their trade adds up.
Click to expand...

I'd have to agree with this post based on my own build. It seems like both of those guys are asking full jam, new prices for their guns.
 
Yeah I agree with you guys. our discussion is based on full value, my end of the trade is a slightly used $2400 (value after smithing costs, extra parts etc) Kimber 1911. What I was really looking for was an unmodified DDM4V7 and maybe some cash my way, or a PWS stock gun, and got offered all these custom things .. not in a rush to make a bad deal though so I'll do some reading up.
 
First build probably cost 2000$ to finish. At that point , you may as well hust build your own and can say its brand new
 
Judging by the list of parts, neither example is worth more than 1300, mostly all built with parts on the lower end of the "mid grade" lineup. There are 16" DD rifles on the EE for under 2 grand and DD MK18's for 1700-1800. I'd personally pass on both and look for a quality rifle.
 
If your pistol is the right $$ value it will sell to perhaps someone who simply has the money. The guys who want to trade - tell them to sell their stuff and pay you cash. Others have covered it with you might get a bastardized setup, also who knows how much wear and tear is on the stuff. Then you can go with some of the AR experts on this forum and build a really decent new gun for yourself.
 
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