Question about Building an AR-15

[BuRu]

Hello,

With all that's going on with the reported AWB I was looking in to getting an AR-15. Now I am a noob and don't know anything about them. I did talk to a person and they told me that if I currently don't have enough money, just buy the Lower for now and build it as I go on. As you know turners currently is per-ordering Franklin Armory Billet Stripped Lowers for $289.

Do you think that it is a good price or should I rather take my chances and if there is no AWB let everything die down and prices come down? Also how difficult would it be to build an AR-15 starting from a stripped lower? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[SDM44]

Reading & research is your friend. Read up on the many pages in the Centerfire Rifles forum, and even watch Youtube vids online that show building an AR and what's involved. I would also recommend getting a book or guide that shows how to build one step by step if that's what you're wanting to get into.

As for prices, a couple of months ago lowers were around the $100-$150 ish range. Today, they're inflated to at least 2-3 times that price. Will prices ever drop? Who knows. Some will plan on waiting it out, hoping for things to normalize. Some will try to buy up what they can now, in fear that this stuff may not be readily available later on down the road. As of right now, it's completely unknown what the future holds.

That said, getting into the AR game now, whether buying a built one or sourcing out the parts to build one (if you can even find all of the necessary parts needed to build one).... basically, it's not going to be cheap. The AR's you could have purchased a few months ago for $700-$800, are now going for $1500+, and that's the current reality.


This isn't to dissuade you from getting into the game, but just know that it's not going to be cheap anytime soon, if money is your main concern.

[cabinetguy]

The decision of weather or not its a good price rests on your shoulders. Some shops have less of a markup, and if you are willing to drive around or call you might find a lower much cheaper. There is the risk of the supply drying up or increasing in price, but there are similar odds of the opposite. It is unfortunate for you that you are late to the game, so it will cost you if you want one right now.

[stix213]

If you're not in a rush, just wait a few months and pay $150 for the lower then.

[Casual_Shooter]

In my opinion, buy the parts/ pieces while you can. The people who didn't buy ammo during the last "rush", are now wishing they did.

Yes, you'll pay more, but unless you're buying it to resell, be happy with your purchase, shoot and have fun. Properly cared for, the gun will last a long time.

[65falconlover]

I picked up my stripped PSA lower a week or so ago from Turners. I paid $139 and was put on a list for about 2 weeks before they had. I'm in your position exactly. Always wanted one but figured I'd wait until one day when the stars lined up just right I'd get one. Like you, I'm getting a little "concerned" so it's now on my short list. At least I have the lower, next will be some 10 rd mags and maybe ammo before they're both banned! I'm hoping things die down when they realize CA is already doing more than its fair share in gun control so I can start getting the rest of my parts.

John

[Phil3]

In my opinion, wait. If the new AWB passes (doubtful), then it will likely be some time before it even takes effect. No guarantee of course, but if so, prices will likely drop before the law takes effect (if ever).

Building it yourself will teach you a lot. I built mine coming from a place like you. I knew nothing about these, but got the right tools, carefully built it using quality parts, and it performs perfectly. These are not difficult weapons to assemble, but in my opinion, having the right tools makes it a lot easier, with less risk of damaging something, and can eek out the very best performance. I created a budgeting worksheet in Microsoft Excel if you want it. Just let me know. It will help you identify and track all your purchases. I found it useful...

I would suggest you clearly determine what you want to do with the thing before buying any parts, as well as budget. Maybe you want a fancy lower or perhaps invest money in a quality barrel and trigger. Your call.

Read, read some more, keep an eye on the news with regards to what the political climate is and the fate of this bill, where prices are going, sign up for in-stock alerts from vendors, be ready to buy immediately and sign up with the NRA (to help defeat the bill and make parts move available for you at lower cost).

Phil

[dieselpower]

As long as you are prepared to pay possibly about $2,000 total it can be done in under a year. If things calm down maybe a lot less.

The trick will be to constantly search the marketplace here and the EE on AR15.com, snatch up the deals when you see them, print out my builders list and keep it by your computer, put prices high and low next to each items so when you see and ad that says, "delta ring with weld spring and snap ring $5.00" you know if its a good deal or not.

Good luck