Can I build an AR-15?

planetsmasher66

planetsmasher66

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Hi to all,

This is my first time on the forums.. and for that matter I am brand new to the community as well. That being said.. if this question has been beaten to death, pardon me.

Is it feasable for a Canadian to aquire all the parts.. upper and lower rec... barrel, etc etc. for a build? From the research I have done it doesn't seem like the actual assembly would be unreasonable, more likely a tough time importing the requisite parts.. is this correct? Moreover.. assuming that it is possible, is this a more cost efficient way to go rather than purchasing a fully assembled rifle? My goal isn't to build a superior quality firearm, but instead to build a decent one and bring it in for 1000$ What say you?
 
Lots of guy "assemble" AR's..

I loath the term "build" in this context. Unless you mill/cast all the parts from raw materials you ain't built #### :D

All we do is assemble pre made bits and pieces into a working firearm.

Assembling a lower.. Adding the guts buffer tube/stock took me 20 minutes and that's never having done it before and without specialized tools.

I slapped a complete upper on it rather than "assemble" one and presto... instant AR :)
 
Welcome to CGN. You most certianly can build your own AR15, and I would encourage anyone to do it at least once. The knowledge you gain will be invaluable. All the parts and info you need can be found here at CGN or with the dealer links at the top of this page. As for doing it for $1000.00. It can be done, but i think once you gain more knowledge and get into your build, the bug will bite and you will be spending a little more than you had planned. It happens to us all. Good luck.
 
Dude, Brownell's is your friend, google them... Keep your orders under $100 and all the small odds and ends are there... All the other major parts can be found in the EE or the site sponsors. In regards to actual assembly, if you can assemble or fix a peddle bike your good to go...

Good luck and have fun (cuz thats what it's all about)
 
You can go with a "stripped receiver" and build from there. Thats the easiest way to start - the lower is registered as receiver only, fully machined, finished, stamped, etc., then build your way up from there. I was going to do that, but decided to spend my time at the range instead.

Beware of U.S. export laws concerning firearm parts. IIRC, a US FFL dealer must apply for a permit to export firearm parts to a firearms import dealer in Canada. The application fees can be expensive. It might be cheaper to source the parts from board sponsors or the CGN equipment exchange.

In either case, you will need a restricted firearms licence (RPAL) as well and possibly a gun club membership, depending on the province you reside in.
 
It is easy to assemble an AR type rifle from parts. All the bits can be purchased from sponsoring dealers.
Or, you can watch the EE for parts or assemblies.
Or, you can import many of the bits, without any hassle from a company like Brownells. Brownells offers an AR specific catalogue, as well as guides on assembling them. Even if you never purchase anything from Brownells, their catalogues are worth having.
Do not assume that you can assemble a rifle from parts for less expense than if you were to buy a complete rifle. There are a lot of parts in an AR. Buy them one at a time at retail, and you won't save any money.
 
tiriaq said:
It is easy to assemble an AR type rifle from parts. All the bits can be purchased from sponsoring dealers.
Or, you can watch the EE for parts or assemblies.
Or, you can import many of the bits, without any hassle from a company like Brownells. Brownells offers an AR specific catalogue, as well as guides on assembling them. Even if you never purchase anything from Brownells, their catalogues are worth having.
Do not assume that you can assemble a rifle from parts for less expense than if you were to buy a complete rifle. There are a lot of parts in an AR. Buy them one at a time at retail, and you won't save any money.
Click to expand...

"assemble".... x3 and not one mention of "build" :)

thanks tiriaq (where's the dabbing a tear from my eye emoticon?)
 
667.. I hear you 100%. I used the word "build" simply because it is part of the common vernacular. I'm not under any illusion that I would actually be 'building' a rifle.

So.. now that we'e cleared that up.. do you suppose I could assemble a rifle of this type from components for 1K?
 
Yup. If you're like me, you have seen your share of bubba rifles and the thought of actually building or assembling a gun is something to give you pause for thought. These turkeys here do it all the time and are a fount of knowledge and experience, and the fellers over at AR15.com are just as good or better.

The trick is to know what you want your rifle to do (the AR truly 'does it all') and picking the right components from the right manufacturers to accomplish the task. It is a shame the retards at the CFC have this fine gun on the restricted list because only an idiot will argue the value of this fine gun to the sportsman.
 
planetsmasher66 said:
So.. now that we'e cleared that up.. do you suppose I could assemble a rifle of this type from components for 1K?
Click to expand...

I think it would be difficult if you wanted to use all new parts.

I put together a 9mm AR recently and all in it cost me $1300, but take into acct. the "extra" parts needed for a 9mm... I mean the average conversion kit which is just a hammer, buffer, spring and mag block goes for $200+

My .22lr came in at $1100

I know one guy who put an all new 5.56/.223 mostly Stag AR together for $1150

Cobbling together a collection of used bits.. Y'may get it done for close to $1k
 
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If you get really lucky with finding parts, it might be possible to assemble a decent budget rifle. I've done it - but my starting point was a Colt SP1 front end which I was given. The upper was a surplus used M16A1, which I refinished, and the lower was a commercial which I bought at dealer cost. Everything else was picked up here and there, when the price was right. My second one used a 1:8 blank that I bought as a blank for $110, and which I machined into a barrel myself. A clamp-on gas block and tubular handguard are less expensive that a complete forend set with front sight.
If you want a tricked out flavour of the month Barbied carbine, its not going to be inexpensive. And then there is the additional cost of the mirror.;)
Actually the interest in the carbines can produce good buys for plain vanilla rifle parts - 20" barrels, fixed stocks, etc. These are surplus when they are swapped out for the kewl bits.
 
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