Kicking off the new year with my first AR build

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RoofTopHero

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Midland, Ontario
After much research and window shopping I have decided where I want my first build to go.
I originally wanted either DD, Noveske or VLTOR but now Im thinking of starting off with a cheaper build. So that brings me to either NEA or Aero.
Ive studied both manufacturers and read reviews from all around but sill cant make my mind up.

So how do they stack up to my fellow gunnutz?

Im interested in the Aero COP4 monolithic upper that is available and also the NEA-15 CQB 5.56, 10.5" Barrel 9" Rail Upper with BCG.
Clearly the aero will cost more due to me having to shop for a BCG and charging handle and all that but the BCG that NEA has seems to have all the things AR enthusiasts like
- FA BCG
- ARC+

So Im on the fence.. I just don't know enough to make the call and with so many opinions, reviews and rants to read and have read Im about to have an aneurysm.

Thanks for any input guys
 
Go with Aero. NEA lower and uppers are charcoal color not black. Also better fit and finish on Aero. I say anything is better than NEA. Sorry NEA
 
Unless you have all the tools you are not going to save a lot of money with a build, individual parts are priced higher than a whole rifle and multiple shopping charges adds up really fast. With holiday sales dealer tend to mark down complete rifles more vigorously.
 
hbean said:
Unless you have all the tools you are not going to save a lot of money with a build, individual parts are priced higher than a whole rifle and multiple shopping charges adds up really fast. With holiday sales dealer tend to mark down complete rifles more vigorously.
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Yup 2005 cost me about 3000$ to build one. Small parts and shipping here and there added up.
 
True, prices add up really quickly. But if you are a DIY guy and don't mind having tools that you only need/use once than go ahead. I bought a torque wrench for $180 just for a build. I eneded up using it on my car and other projects. The AR wrench I used only once 5 years ago and bla bla bla
 
RoofTopHero said:
so many opinions, reviews and rants to read and have read Im about to have an aneurysm.
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LOL, I started the same thing about 6 months ago... I can't afford to drop $1000 in 1 go for a rifle, and I liked the idea of picking all the parts out and then putting it all together 1 glorious day that I stay home 'sick' from work, sleep in, build and go to the range!

I've been buying 1 part of it off each paycheck or when I find what I want on the EE (not paying any tax and shipping is usually all in) and I think I'm doing really well for a budget build so far, I'll be well under $1000 and end up with a nice rifle.

My 'mostly Canadian build' consists of this..
NEA lower and upper (looks very nice quality to me! NO machine marks as someone else has mentioned and the grey is the coating on it, I like it..)
Daniel Defense trigger & LPK
Dlask 16" barrel, and troy medieval flash hider
RRA gas block and charging handle, buffer tube w/carbine buffer
full magpul furnature set in OD green

I'm under $600 so far and all I need is a BCG, front sight and barrel nut/delta ring assembly and I'm ready to build!
 
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First build was with Noveske/Vltor parts, but my current Mk18 Clone build is using alot of Aero parts i.e; Barrel, Upper & Low Pro Gas Block.

I'd have to say, cost to quality wise Aero is severly under-rated. Going to be ordering more Aero stuff in the near future for another Upper build without hesitation. You'll be well served with the COP Upper and any other parts by Aero.
 
Nestor said:
Most expensive way to own AR15. Best of luck to you.
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Depends what your after, can't beat the deals on colts and DD's that have been coming up I agree, but the higher end stuff is still worth while building. The tools I invested in along time ago and have bought have paid for themselves numerous times over so I'm not considering them in the cost. In the last year I've built three completely noveske genll rifles for about $1000 less then what questar charges for a new one. I'm building a genlll noveske right now and will be in the same ball park. Good deals are out there for complete rifles and parts for a build, you just have to look harder when building.
 
Just remember there are tools and then there are correct and proper tools. It has taken me over 40 years to amass the correct tools for each job I do..Sure a pair of gas pump pliers and a wescott will do it all but your weapon will look like it was built on the battlefield..Rule number one to remember on your first build is you will scratch and destroy stuff. So maybe buy a Norc and take it apart then assemble it to factory spec's...You will learn the weapon system this way..Have fun and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it !!!
Good Luck
Rob
NTC223
 
Thanks for all the input fellas, Ive decided to do a ground up build. It'll give me time to get familiar with the platform and the tools.

Im waiting on my RPAL in the mail so building my upper will give me a hobby to do while Im back in Alberta working on my service rig.
 
RoofTopHero said:
Thanks for all the input fellas, Ive decided to do a ground up build. It'll give me time to get familiar with the platform and the tools.
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NICE! take your time gathering parts, buildings fun! after thinking about my response to your thread I got a little too excited, and said 'Fawk-it' and called in sick like I said I would to build. (my barrel isn't even here yet LOL) My NEA lower and upper fit perfect and the DD LPK slide right in nice and tight! NO issues and NO special tools. Pretty sure I didn't scratch a thing (as someone else mentioned), I put some tape on the side of the receiver when I tapped in the roll pin for the bolt catch, that was about the hardest part, they whole thing was like gun lego...

just for the photo I stuck a carry handle and free float for end on it that I had from an old NEA 10/22 build...
 
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hbean said:
Unless you have all the tools you are not going to save a lot of money with a build, individual parts are priced higher than a whole rifle and multiple shopping charges adds up really fast. With holiday sales dealer tend to mark down complete rifles more vigorously.
Click to expand...

Buying a complete rifle runs the risk of you getting it, and deciding you want to change a bunch of stuff, ending up buying the same components you would have put on a build.....
Conceivably, you could sell the take-off parts. It all depends on whether a ready-made suits your tastes / needs / desires.
 
Aero products are great. Wis I could recommend NEA because they're Canadian, but I can't...

It will certainly cost you more to build, as the prices on great ARs like DD and Colt have bottomed out. There are a lot of little costs you'll not plan for, but you will get exactly what you want.

Good luck.
 
sk8snwmx said:
NICE! take your time gathering parts, buildings fun! after thinking about my response to your thread I got a little too excited, and said 'Fawk-it' and called in sick like I said I would to build. (my barrel isn't even here yet LOL) My NEA lower and upper fit perfect and the DD LPK slide right in nice and tight! NO issues and NO special tools. Pretty sure I didn't scratch a thing (as someone else mentioned), I put some tape on the side of the receiver when I tapped in the roll pin for the bolt catch, that was about the hardest part, they whole thing was like gun lego...

just for the photo I stuck a carry handle and free float for end on it that I had from an old NEA 10/22 build...
Click to expand...

Using the words of Borat "Very Nice"!
 
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