Why an AR-15?

[hoax]

I'm thinking about picking up an AR-15 series lower while I'm still able. From what I understand it's going to cost me approx 1k to build a complete rifle. I'm wondering if it's worth it. For the money do you guys consider the AR-15 series rifle a good buy? Or do people get them just because they look like what our military uses?

[NRAhighpowershooter]

$1K?? To build a standard A2 you might tip the scales at $800

[Escalado]

If you have such basic questions maybe building an AR is not for you. I an not trying to be an ***, but dont get a lower just because evreyone eles is doing it. Get one and build one because you will enjoy having it.

[hoax]

$1K?? To build a standard A2 you might tip the scales at $800

Ok, I got the $1000 number from my local gunstore. But he was being general, not trying to sell me the parts right then and there.

[xrMike]

Ok, I got the $1000 number from my local gunstore. But he was being general, not trying to sell me the parts right then and there.

$1K is not unreasonable... Depends on whether you pay top dollar for the lower (some of us payed close to $300 w/fees for ours; no complaints here; that's what it took to play), whether you want a 2-stage trigger, whether you want a premium upper. Toss in a decent scope and you're easily over a grand...

Don't let the money deter you! You will kick yourself forever if this turns out to be a brief window of opportunity in the AWB continuum.

[HEUER]

It will depend on your budget. If you can only afford one rifle, I would not purchase a rifle with a pinned mag or an AR series w/o a pistol grip.

Buy a stripped lower and leave it bare until we see the eventual outcome of the CA DOJ memo.

In the meantime:

Mini 14 / 30
Kel Tec SU 16 CA
M14 / M1A
SKS

You have to remember. Most of the people that bough stipped lowers have plenty of other rifles in case of SHTF.

[DrjonesUSA]

I'm thinking about picking up an AR-15 series lower while I'm still able. From what I understand it's going to cost me approx 1k to build a complete rifle. I'm wondering if it's worth it. For the money do you guys consider the AR-15 series rifle a good buy? Or do people get them just because they look like what our military uses?

I'd definitely get at least a couple lowers. At about $99 each plus fees, you'd only be out maybe $250 or so.

You can build them up at any time or never at all, but at least you'll have the option.

Trust me, before I found out about the current lower situation, I was kicking myself for not buying a couple lowers before the 2000 ban.

Buy a couple lowers and think about it some more if you want to spend the money to build them up or not.

I agree that your $1K figure is several hundred too high.

The AR is a damned fine weapon system.

While there is much debate about the effectiveness of the .223 cartridge, the AR platform itself has been proven in combat and is definitely the most popular carbine in the world, perhaps second to the AK.

The really cool thing about the AR platform is how modular & versatile it is.

You can essentially own one lower and turn it into an endless variety of guns; you can put a bull barrelled, floated, scoped upper & full stock on it & make a target/varmint gun, you can put a 20" A1 or A2-style upper on it, or make it into a very compact and formidable close-quarters weapon by putting a 16" upper and collapsible stock on it.

I think the AR is a hell of a weapon.

If you don't currently have "the bug" for an AR (or three ) you probably will someday and then you'll kick yourself for not getting at least a couple lowers.

[magmaster]

I just built a 16" flat top carbine for $600 with gettng ripped off on my lower ($245) and I got great condition used parts. It depends on what you want to build it to do then your price will very. $800 is a good number to assemble a "new" rifle. The best part about the AR is the interchangeablilty of parts. Convert calibers or barrel lengths failry easily. If you are not into them then why buy one? I would say go shoot one first and see if you like it first then consider a build.

[Satex]

I built my STAG rifle and it came very close to $1k. If you think you will enjoy the rifle - it's worth it. If its not your kind of shooting, don't spend a dime on it.

[hoax]

Ok, you guys convinced me.

Whats a good place to get the lowers from? I'm not looking to build the rifle right away, maybe when I get bored with my SKS (7 days left before I can pick it up).

[DrjonesUSA]

Ok, you guys convinced me.

Whats a good place to get the lowers from? I'm not looking to build the rifle right away, maybe when I get bored with my SKS (7 days left before I can pick it up).

Good.

And that's exactly the point: you can get the lowers now, which is the part that is actually considered the "gun", and you can build it up (or not, if you so decide) at any point in time later.

[24thMED]

It can be done cheaper than $1k. It just depends on what you want.

I've built 2 basic rifles.

One flat top upper and an A2 upper, both 16" barrel. No fancy rails, grips, tripods, or optics.

The flat top upper was a kit from RRA. All that was needed was the stripped lower. Total cost with lower, $750.

The A2 was a kit from DPMS, al that was needed was the stripped lower. Total cost with lower, $620.00.

[brando]

How about the simple fact that it is a well proven, reliable weapons platform. I have risked my life with that weapon system and would still chose it over every other I have carried as a member of the Army.

[vonsmith]

I couldn't tell you if an AR is a good value or not. I bought my first two lowers recently because the DOJ didn't want me too. Oh yeah, I'm also doing it 'cause everyone else is.


=vonsmith=

P.S. - I promise to build up at least one of the lowers pending the outcome of the "memo".

[DSA_FAL]

Where a good place to get them would depend on where you are. Since you don't say where you are, I can't point to a good place for you.