Buy or Build?

J

Jeff000

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EE Expired
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Edmonton
Looking at starting to shoot in 3 gun matches, and I have a pistol, SP-01 Shadow, and a shotgun, Urika II, so I figure I need an AR now.

I think 14.5" is a good in between length, but 20" seems like it might be better.

Anyways, I want to build something of quality, and feel I can figure most things out, so don't thinking building would be outside my skill set.

Is it better to buy a lower, then parts kit (which is the trigger right?) and then stock and grip, and then outside calling it an upper I am not sure what is involved in that.

Or should I just buy a complete gun? Is it cheaper? more reliable?
 
I've been watching the EE, but seems most of the ones for sale are tacticooled up and they want way to much money.
Or if they are close to what I want they are asking 50 bucks less then the brand new one.


I like this one
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/USMC/Complete/K16NBT1a.jpg
although it looks a bit short. Just simple, and still a mount for a bipod without having rails all over everything.
 
With my my next AR I'm going to do a kind of hybrid build. I plan on buying a upper/complete lower from ATRS and then building/customizing out from there. This way I have a choice of rails, barrel length, stock, muzzle brake, BUIS, etc to fit my wants and needs.
 
Go here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688703

and here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=690611&page=4

Regards.

Mark
 
Gundoggy said:
14.5 might be more handy for 3 gun.

Get a 14.5" LMT from Questar.
Click to expand...

I assume the cheapest LMT is fine?
Really all I would change out in the hand gaurd, I like the look of the metal one like I linked above, but other then that the stock gun is fine as long as the stock fits me.


How come 14.5? I figured a bit longer would have been better?


broncoo said:
Go 16" if you ever want to shoot in the states
Click to expand...

Not sure I ever will shoot in the states, but I will keep this in mind. Do we get to use un capped mags shooting in the states? I assume we would have to borrow from an American though.
 
Buy rather than build your first AR. It will usually work out cheaper to get a rifle with the same quality/make of parts, and you will save on buying the tools and shipping costs from different sources. You will also get a warranty, and should not experience the issues that may crop up during a build if you are new to the platform. Save the build for your second AR (and there will be a second AR!).

The "cheapest" LMT is the same quality as all the other LMTs. It is just "missing" a couple of things: threaded barrel with A2 flash hider (barrel can be threaded by a competent gunsmith) and a collapsible stock, (something else which can be easily fixed), to comply with US export regulations (ITAR).

14.5" can be used for any distance you will probably use it for. For example, Noveske considers their 12.5" barrel to be their best, and the only reason to go longer in the US doesn't apply in Canada. See this discussion on the use of short barrels for long range shooting:

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=95684

I wouldn't be too concerned with getting a 16" barrel to go shooting in the US, especially if you "fix" the muzzle device and collapsible stock, or buy an AR with those features.

As for the handguard, buy the rifle, and USE IT with the features it comes with, AND AFTER you have run a thousand or so rounds through it, AND preferably also had the opportunity to handle a rifle with alternative handguard, stock, etc. AND discovered that they actually give you some benefit over what you currently run (rather than looks cool, Costa uses it, saw a photo of a deltarangerseal with one, etc.), then buy one.

Regards.

Mark
 
Doing build #4 right now. Cheaper to build one if you don't mind squrreling away parts bit by bit. Fun factor saying "I built it myself". Sucks when you scratch your first spripped lower with a sharp tool
 
I would like to get into the AR game but right now Norc is as far as my funds will take me so I was thinking about buying something better in quality like LMT piece by piece as I can afford to. I know someone with a Norc and I've shot it lots, to me it seems fine the upper and lower are a bit loose but the trigger is nice. I'm torn........ Thoughts
 
If you're looking to start shooting matches soon then I'd say your best bet is to buy, especially since it's your first AR15. Once you get some experience with the platform and see what else is out there then you could build yourself another more to your tastes.

It can be cheaper to build but it can take months to find the deals. If you build it is important to use good quality components. That lower parts kit may only cost you $50 but if it's an out of spec piece of crap it will cost you a lot more to diagnose and fix the issue.

As for barrel length, well, you're going to find lots of opinions. A 14.5" is certainly capable of hitting paper in any 3 gun match. 10.5" will do just fine as well so really it's all about what you want. Personally I like 16" for the extra velocity and in my mind it's the perfect balance of compactness and performance. I'd feel confident using it in anything from CQB to Service Rifle matches out to 500m. Of course others have successfully competed out to 500m with much shorter barrels as well, so again, it's more up to your personal preference.
 
Haters gonna hate, so in that vein, I will recommend NOT buying a Norinco and instead supporting North American industry.

Brands I can recommend for a "newbie" that are decent and will not fail to hold most of their value include:

1) Stag from Armseast (slightly cheaper than LMT, IMHO just as good for Canadian
shooters.
2) LMT. Excellent reputation and retains resale value for the most part. The Stag is a better value though in my opinion.
3) NEA. The NEA AR's don't have the established reputation of the Stag and LMT, but are less expensive, come with a lot of upgrades and are lifetime warrantied in Canada - a good thing since these new to market AR's could have the odd issue if you are unlucky. Those who have had issues seem to be VERY pleased with NEA's customer service.

There are lots of other AR's I would like to recommend, but they are either to new to market or aren't imported with enough regularity to be considered readily available, such as:

- Noveske
- Colt
- Core
- Armalite
- VLTOR

The list goes on...
 
Given the frequency of these type of posts, even in the past week, it is about time we put together a comprehensive sticky that these enquiries can be referred to. I say we, but I don't necessarily mean to include me.

Well referenced, and devoid of unsubstantiated claims, examples of one, etc.

It should reference information about parts, materials, dimensions, options, etc. with a Canadian flavour, ie, not delving into US SBR legalities and highlighting what is actually available here.

I would be happy to contribute some links for references that could be considered for inclusion if someone wants to take this on.

Regards.

Mark
 
Claven2 said:
Haters gonna hate, so in that vein, I will recommend NOT buying a Norinco and instead supporting North American industry.

Brands I can recommend for a "newbie" that are decent and will not fail to hold most of their value include:

1) Stag from Armseast (slightly cheaper than LMT, IMHO just as good for Canadian
shooters.
2) LMT. Excellent reputation and retains resale value for the most part. The Stag is a better value though in my opinion.
3) NEA. The NEA AR's don't have the established reputation of the Stag and LMT, but are less expensive, come with a lot of upgrades and are lifetime warrantied in Canada - a good thing since these new to market AR's could have the odd issue if you are unlucky. Those who have had issues seem to be VERY pleased with NEA's customer service.

There are lots of other AR's I would like to recommend, but they are either to new to market or aren't imported with enough regularity to be considered readily available, such as:

- Noveske
- Colt
- Core
- Armalite
- VLTOR

The list goes on...
Click to expand...

I hate when ppl say buy north American blah blah blah. So if the op can't afford a north American AR then what he should wait until he does? Buy whatever is in your budget and don't worry about where its made. Your buying from a canadian dealer so who cares.
 
bigboss said:
I hate when ppl say buy north American blah blah blah. So if the op can't afford a north American AR then what he should wait until he does? Buy whatever is in your budget and don't worry about where its made. Your buying from a canadian dealer so who cares.
Click to expand...

The NEA looks good, and seems very reasonably priced.

I never posted a budget. I just said I wanted quality.
If it costs me 100 or 3500 to get a quality gun for what I want then that's what it costs.
I don't need the best of the best, but I want a quality gun. I want it to be reliable, and fun to shoot, just smooth and easy, no parts that I have to worry about breaking easy etc.
 
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