Building the cheapest "good" AR15

Great thread! you showed in nitty gritty details to the answer of the question of what is cheaper? build you own AR versus buying one, the best part I like about your post is you kept the cost down.

The biggest problem with first time built is sourcing out parts, it is that extra $5 here and $10 there for one brand compare to the other brand that kills a budget, it is easy to over spend when buy parts in piecemeal.
 
lejarretnoir said:
This is what I want to see. A comparison of a stock Norc and a totally custom build like yours. Same loads and 5 shot group testing.

I could build a gun like yours because I do have the ability/tools and shop to do it in. In fact, I'd rather make my own custom match barrel in stainless to really put some accuracy in it. I've owned several AR's in the past that shot really well without mods.

Hey, not knocking down what you built, I like it and you'll have other guys that will want to do the same. Not everyone likes the Chinese clones. Hope you don't sell it on the EE in a few months.
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I dont intend to sell this one - I built it or personal enjoyment :)

In terms of comparisson to the Chinese version, this would be a fair comparisson as both would have 14.5" chrome lined barrels. The Stag might not compare directly though as it has a 16" chromed barrel, nevertheless, I'd be willing the floated barrel will shoot a little better.

Between a stag and the Chinese M4, I'd be willing to bet both could shoot as well as the man behind the trigger, but the stag should prove more reliable over time due to the better fit and finish of the parts.
 
hbean said:
Great thread! you showed in nitty gritty details to the answer of the question of what is cheaper? build you own AR versus buying one, the best part I like about your post is you kept the cost down.

The biggest problem with first time built is sourcing out parts, it is that extra $5 here and $10 there for one brand compare to the other brand that kills a budget, it is easy to over spend when buy parts in piecemeal.
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Unlike MANY AR15 owners, I'm only willing to spend extra on the parts that actually make a difference in how the AR runs and its reliability. For example, I WILL pay more for a well made bolt group in F/A configuration because it will run more reliably and is less likely to fail. I'll also pay a premium for a nice trigger or hammer, but not for the rest of the LPK - I just buy whatever's affordable.

Lots of guys will buy a part because it has Noveske or Daniel Defense or Colt or whatever engraved on it. This does not necessarily mean the part is more durable or more likely to make an accurate AR15. It depends on the part. Lots of guys clean up at the DCRA matches with DPMS Panther 20" AR's that cost a small fraction of what a KAC costs. AR's of all flavors are an inherently accurate design.

For example - as long as a lower receiver is in spec and made to 7075 aluminum, brand makes NO DIFFERENCE. None. So why pay 3X the price for a marking unless you're going for looks? If it's reliability and shooting you care about, just get a good lower at the best price you can find.

Same for the barrel. If you are going with a GI profile and chrome lined barrel, just buy something with the twist you want and stop worrying after that. Chromed barrels are not the be all, end all of accuracy anyhow. They are milspec "rack grade" barrels designed for longevity. If you pay tons more, it should be for a stainless match barrel or something, not just the word COLT stamped into the top.

Anyhow, many others will disagree - but this is how I see things.
 
hey all! when it comes to no military issued ar gear and parts aswell as manufaqcturers i am at a loss, and very green indeed. what sort of paperwork do you need, if any when bringing weapon parts accross the border? ive been in the canadian military for severa years and would lik to undertake this project. i think i would buy a po box and import in person over the line. thanks all!
 
Everything used in this build was either ordered from Brownells and shipped directly to me in Canada (they provide the export paperwork) or ordered from a retailed in Canada (e.g. Armseast, ATRS, etc.)
 
what parts are registered ones which makeup the 'registered' part ofthe rifle? also coul you save money by shipping to, and picking up from the staes?

ps got your pm reply ty.
 
ty:

Only the lower receiver is registered.

Personally, I would not try to walk any gun parts across the border without export paperwork. The Shipping charges are a pittance compared to jail time or confiscation of your parts.
 
Claven2 said:
The gun I built WILL outshoot any stock Norinco and any stock Stag M4 copy, for that matter.
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I very much doubt that! In fact I'd put money on it.;)

Claven2 said:
The free-float rail is an accuracy improvement that takes the pressure points off the barrel and in virtually every case will shrink groups to one degree or another.
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On your short barreled carbine, that is very unlikely unless the gun without the FF barrel is slung up with inconsistant tension from shot to shot.
 
beltfed said:
I very much doubt that! In fact I'd put money on it.;)



On your short barreled carbine, that is very unlikely unless the gun without the FF barrel is slung up with inconsistant tension from shot to shot.
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Are you in the Ottawa area? I'd put money on it. The theory has been tested, and in this gun's case, is true.
 
Wish I could be in the butts at Connaught during this challenge cup! :dancingbanana:

Flipping through the manual of my combination plate M4gery with one hand, drinking Tims coffee with the other, and occasionally marking tiny, tiny bullet holes made by someone back at the 300 range with A2 sights. Damn, I'd even throw in a 100rd bulk pack of Garbage AE tactical 55s to compare both. :D
 
FWIW, I made a small change. I added an Elcan Spectre OS 3.4X (this one isn't a milsurp C79 - it's a civilian sales Elcan and the Tritium still lights up) and a Diemaco BUIS.

I think I'm going to call this one "done".

DSCN2729.jpg
 
Thanks Ron. Though I'm not really into AR15s, following this thread might have changed my mind. Good on you for this service to the CGN community.
 
FWIW, I had a chance to shoot it again today and it's putting 5 rds into a quarter at 100m when shooting form a bipod (Harris 1A on an ADM DQ adaptor on the quad rail).
 
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