How to get in the AR game

Gucci parts don't make someone a better shooter, or magically turn a 2 MOA gun into a ½ MOA gun.

Shooting and training makes someone a better shooter.






This backwards mentality of "you have to spend a metric #### ton of cash on parts so I can validate my overpriced builds and feel good about myself" is pathetic.
 
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qiu_lijie said:
Although it might not be the fiscally responsible thing to do, I have been eyeing various ARs on EE for a while now. Since I don't plan to get multiple ARs in the near future, how can I get the best AR for the money (not necessarily looking for the cheapest, but the best I can do for any given budget)?

The way I see it, there are three ways to get an AR:
  • Buy a complete rifle from the factory or some else has put together.
  • Buy complete upper and lower then put them together.
  • Buy components and build it from scratch.

From various online post/videos (mostly US-based), some people suggest that building from scratch would get you the most value. Does this apply up here? My other concern with building from scratch is that I don't have many specialized tools like wrenches, vice blocks etc., and it seems like a waste to get them just for one build. Also if I decided to buy an AR in parts, where should I allocate more budget on (upper vs. lower, barrel vs. BCG vs. trigger etc.)? I'm not in a huge rush to get one, so I just need to know what should I be looking for and I'm fine with waiting around for the best deal from vendors or on EE.

So in what's your take for a guy to get his first AR? Any opinion would help. Thanks in advance!


Edit: Thanks for all your comments guys! After reading them I'm not looking to build from scratch for the moment. However, I'm still considering buying upper and lower separately then put them together. From what I understand, although the lower is the registered part, most of the accuracy and relability of the AR is determined by the upper receiver. So I'm thinking maybe I can spend a bit more on the upper and get a slightly cheaper lower to get an overall superior AR. Is there anything I'm missing here?
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The only thing I can think of is that once you have your build finished and shoot it some you will begin to have dizzying thoughts of building a better one. Be warned!! LOL
I am new to AR rifles too and did not think I would ever own a BLACK rifle a few years ago. Now that I have a couple I am a big fan.
I bought the lowly Expanse to start for $1000.00 (which has given me Zero issues) and then my head started to spin and felt I needed an upgrade. $2500.00 or so later (maybe more I am afraid to add up the numbers) I have a fabulous Colt MRR upper sitting on an Aero lower with may super parts inside. I absolutely love this thing.
I am fortunate to have started with my cheap Expanse. For now I haven't felt the urge to build another, thank God. When I do I will have to give serious thought to a NR Black.
Good Luck!!
 
My life is not complicated, i buy a rifle and i shoot it.

If i want some equipments extra, i look at dealers and find the rifle corresponding to my needs and if it's what i want i buy it.

Building stuff is great but ide rather be buying it all dressed.
 
caramel said:
My life is not complicated, i buy a rifle and i shoot it.

If i want some equipments extra, i look at dealers and find the rifle corresponding to my needs and if it's what i want i buy it.

Building stuff is great but ide rather be buying it all dressed.
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Just like cars, some would rather buy a completely built hot rod.
Others may want to build one, and it becomes a personal statement, and a fun hobby.
 
I just went with an M&P 15. Didn't want to mess around with washers, springs, bushings blah blah blah. I'd say this rifle is just fine for 90% of shooters.
 
I bought a stripped Aero lower for $99.
I put in a Lower Parts Kit (about $99) and buffer tube (about $50) and butt stock (about $40).
I bought a complete upper from Arms East for about $450. I put a cheap scope on it and voila.
About $850 +/- and I'm very happy.

If I was to buy a pre-built, I'd get the M&P.
 
I just purchased a S&W sport 2 with upgraded magpul furniture used. This is my first AR and I decided to get into the AR game incase the laws change and I dont have the option down the road. With the S&W it didn't break the bank and is a decent starter AR.
 
I built my AR lower myself. I was an AR newb and do not have access to a workshop or have all the "right" tools but I managed to do it and - after a couple of frustrations and losing one detent pin that pinged across the floor never to be found again - I was more than happy with the result. It's pretty straightforward. Take your time, watch all the YouTube videos you can before you start if that's the way you decide to go.
 
Nbhunt3r said:
The upper/lower the problem or the internals that they put in them?
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They aren't consistent. Sizes vary from receivers, some common parts will fit in milspec/commercial guns but not in NEA receivers and even some NEA stuff won't fit in NEA rifles. These rifles should be 100% interchangeable, NEA couldn't seem to do it. They've had lots of complains in the past about these issues, no idea if they are still the same.
 
Not to jump in here again but little tip keep an eye on nordic marksman and when they get those colt 6920 oems in. That is as good a deal as you are getting for a quality ar. Plus you get to then get the handguard you want along with the stock you want out of the get go and bypass the hassle of trying to move unwanted parts.
 
My first was a Sport 2, and for my needs, I don't think I need much more than that. I kept it stock except for furniture.

I bought two Aero lowers recently as well. Will be building the full lower receivers and then deciding on whether I will bother will building an upper.
 
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