Custom Build Vs. Starting From a Base AR + Noob help.

H

Houten

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Alberta
I'm slowly planning for my first AR? Do you guys recommend custom build or starting from a base AR?

My reasoning is that since I have a very specific image in my head what i want, would it be better to just go order an custom build?

Money is not really an issue since I'll be saving up for one.

Is there any sit recommended for reading? I really like to learn more regarding the internal (barrel twist, gas system, trigger assembly etc.) since external is mostly cosmetic to my limited knowledge anyways.
 
For a *first* AR, I would not recommend a build.

Buy a quality decent AR from a good vendor ,shoot the poop out of it until you start to realize your rifle's shortcommings. At that point you will be ready to decide what your ideal AR will look like.
 
Houten, there are some places like Alberta Tacitcal rifle and One shot tactical, that you call them up and tell them what you want to use it for and what your kind of looking at getting and the price and they can help you whip up a gun, you get the customized feel without having the confusion of knowning what each part is, and the differences between the manufactors.
 
I bought my first AR outright, and than built my second one from just a lower receiver. PRO is you can get exactly what you want, CON is that you need someone to build it for you if you don't know how to do your own builds
 
On the other hand, I'm learning alot about the AR-15 by sourcing, researching, and purchasing the individual parts required to build this awesome gun. I have never shot an AR-15, but when I do, I think it will be that much better knowing that I brought it all together. Of course, when it comes to final assembly ATRS will be getting a call :)
 
I'm mid way trough my first ar build and my second ar. I went to dlask the first time and he whipped one together for me and although it was a fine rifle it wasn't what I wanted. So I decided to build my own. It's relatively easy, but there is a ton of research you have to do to make sure your dollars are goin to the right place. I would suggest building one, good learning expierence and you can et the look you want
 
If you know exactly what you want based on prior experience with an AR - BUILD

if you are new to the game and want the deltarangerseals AR - Buy a complete basic rifle (and as mentioned, shoot the hell out of it and determine what you really need)

I've always built, and the first two I've had wore at least four different sets of furniture and a mix of different parts. Spent a lot of money trying to figure out what "I" wanted as opposed to what Chris costa and Travis haley were using.

The last two I built were built for me from the start (no dicking around with swapping around parts). I haven't modded those since...which keeps costs down.

My 0.02c based on experience.
 
I guess the million dollar question is what do you want to do with it?

For most people, a decent base AR like an LMT or Stag is a good starting point. After shooting a few thousand rounds through it, you may decide that you want to go more towards something like a CQB/PDW build, a long range precision tack driver build, etc.

I've recently set up my LMT for CQB, it's a basic 14.5" defender with Magpul CTR stock and an ACOG. That's it. No tacticool rails/lights/lasers/etc. I wanted to keep it simple and light. The only reason I knew I wanted this (a carbine as lightweight as possible) is because I shot CQB for 2 years (including this year) with a Swiss Arms, and although it was doable, the Swiss was heavy and cumbersome (the LMT is almost 4 lbs lighter :eek:).

So really my point is you don't know what you really want until you've used a rifle for that purpose (well, other than looking cool at the range, but I won't mention what that makes someone ;)). Everyone has different requirements, and the only way to determine what yours are is to go out there and try it.
 
My first A.R. was purchased as a built gun and I still love it (PWS MK110). After having it for awhile, I decided I really wanted a PDW AR. With a pretty solid idea of what I was after, ATRS helped me bring everything together beautifully. Still have both, still love both. I think getting a bunch of trigger time on my first, really helped me figure out what I wanted in the second. Rick and Dustin also helped out huge with their input also.
 
Last edited:
Suppose I should get ahead of myself, I been looking at some build 10.5" and 7.5". I really like Vltor CASV-M rails and Magpul STR and been planning CQB build based on this. Also checking out NEA's AR 15 as first purchase to get down the fundamental of AR operation and maintenance.
 
I got norincoM4 and been pretty happy with it. I ended up replacing the furniture with magpul pretty much right away tho. I agree that you should buy one first and than once you use it for a bit and know what you really like try to build it. Chances are you will b be happy with the M4 after a couple basic mood.
 
I say buid it

I went with building from the start, didn't have that much experience other than with the queen's C7. But I've always been a gunnuts, so I pretty much knew what my options were and what I wanted.
Did not have to coins or patience to wait and save for a full rifle than pick a rifle that was not exactly what I wanted than start modding it...
I researched, sourced and bought every part that suited me perfectly one by one taking the time to find the best deal or just to find them somewhere.
Put the whole thing together myself even if I had zero experience doing so, it's not that hard to do... But then again I scratched my lower tapping the bolt stop roll pin ):
Personally I'd still go that route given the choice, I agree that it costed me more than a complete base rifle; but I'm pretty sure it costed me less than a base rifle customized thereafter.
My left over parts is pretty small: A1 pistol grip and trigger guard (from the lpk), receiver end plate (switched for sling adaptor) and magpul standard butt pad (switched for an extended) is pretty much it.

Gotta love being able to say I built it from parts to anyone that drool over it too.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom