Cheaper to assemble AR from parts or buy whole?

[Unregistered]

I see people buying assorted parts, uppers, lowers, etc... for ARs, mentioning good deals, and so on.

I know that you can buy unfinished or unassembled receivers and the like and assemble an AR for less than the purchase cost. I don't have enough experience to assemble an AR that way, though I do know how the basic parts fit together.

Is it still cheaper to buy the completed upper, lower, etc... separately and get less than list price for a complete AR? Or is buying the whole "package" together cheaper?

If buying piece by piece is cheaper, where would you go to get parts? While I've been thinking about a shortie model, right now I'm looking at costing a fullsize 20" model.

 

[skeetgunner]

Buying the whole package together may not be cheaper, but it does get you a working gun with manufactor's warantee. This builds confidence while you learn the AR system and become familiar with how it works.

After your first complete AR, you can then buy parts to build additional uppers and/or lowers. This is the approach that I took, and has worked well for me.

TSE, Wolverine, P&D, even Marstar are all good sources for parts....and of course, the exchange forums here on CGN. There are several "gentlemen" on the board that deal/trade in quality new and used parts.


If you want to know more, PM me and I can recomend some AR "Parts Pimps" or two.

 

[prproulx]

That's the route I went. I am enjoying shooting AND learning the system. It seems like if you buy QUALITY parts to assemble your own gun, it could be more expensive than buying a complete gun. I am already starting to build a new one, but I need more training, see this post,

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/viewtopic.php?t=97397.

If you look in the parts forum, and have lots of time (and luck), I think you could build a great rifle yourself, if you know what you're doing.

 

[ssgp2]

If your not familiar with the AR system, I would think that your are not ready to go the custom way.

Stick with a complete package that reflect your expectation on the gun, and has you learn about the system and your expectation, you can modify your rifle.

This is the big advantage of the AR, it is a do it yourself project with little need of a gunsmith.

 

[sparrow]

I gun built with quality parts assembled by a patiend individual with the proper tools is as good as a factory gun, a gun built with the the best deal parts will end up being more expensive in the long run. Flame away but I've seen them go down in the middle of a match, a sevice conditions championship and a tac course.

 

[ThePunisher]

I bought my first AR as a factory piece and basically fondled it for a few monthes and then sold it
Then, I met some guys at the local club that were really into the AR scene and soon started missing my AR, but I decided to build one. Had I not had help from one of the members here on CGN, I wouldn't have had a clue what I was doing. But luckily, if you can find someone to give you a hand, you can build a sweet gun for a reasonable price...probably not cheaper than a factory gun, but you end up with some real awesome parts. My 14.5" Carbine cost a little over $1200. New Stag Lower, DPMS parts kit, key forge flattop upper, 1/9 14.5" barrel with M203 profile, flashhider, offset swivel and bayo lug. M4 Fatty handguards, and a C7 rear stock (I know, it should be a collapsable one, but this is where I'm at. Oh yeah...Colt bolt carrier group. It was a great learning experience and want to build another one now!

 

[Hitzy]

My first AR was a Nork CQ311. They are decent shooters, very reliable, finish sucks and blows.........but they look pretty good with A1 furniture and sprayed flat black. I bought it used for $600 with the A1 furniture on it. I played with it until I could afford better. I just waited for some deals to surface, Dlask lowered the price on their stripped lowers to $289 so I picked one of those up, then TSE had some complete DPMS M4 kits-less lower for $899, brand new M4 for under $1200 and I was happy. :lol:
Last upper I built was 20 inch flattop with FF tube for around $450. You can build cheaper than buying complete.
I wish TSE would bring more of those kits in......... :wink: