Possible 80% build

[tresguey]

I have been thinking on building an 80% M4 build from 80percentarms. My wife just bought herself a Colt LE6920 from Turners for $1100. The complete kit I was thinking of getting to build would be $850. I like making things myself but my wife says I should just buy a manufactured M4 because it would be much better. I am wondering what everyone else's thoughts are.

[ar15barrels]

If you don't own a complete factory gun as a reference, I would get a complete factory gun first.
Then you can get into making your own so you have the one that's CORRECT to measure and figure out what you did wrong when the one you are making does not work right...

[buellster]

I would buy a 100% lower and go from there if I were you. You could build a nicer AR for the same money with parts you research and source yourself. Or build the same gun as your wife's for $650, just won't say Colt on it.

[dune870demon]

If you have some background in machining or using a drill and router, go for it. Obviously owning a complete first or buying a 100% is a safe way to go. 80%s are not hard and neither is assembly.

[ke6guj]

If you don't own a complete factory gun as a reference, I would get a complete factory gun first.
Then you can get into making your own so you have the one that's CORRECT to measure and figure out what you did wrong when the one you are making does not work right...

a similar question comes up when a newbie to the gun world that has never bought a gun in his life wants to jump in with both feed and wants to mail-order a gun and then do a transfer at an LGS. I normally suggest that you not do that and instead buy that first gun at your LGS. learn the normal process before you add difficulty with an online purchase. learn to walk before you run.

and building guns is the same way, but if the OP already has a Colt available to look at and understand the process..

[golfish]

WELCOME TO CAL GUNS

Do you have all the tools needed to complete an 80% lower?

Did you plan to use the 80% arms easy jig or something else?

[tresguey]

I have extensive background with both drills and routers. I also have acces to 2 CNC's and 5 mills at work. Don't have much knowledge using them however I do have a couple guys with over 70 years experience combined. I also will have acces to that Colt during the build and a good friend of mine made one a few years ago.

[tresguey]

Forgot to mention my brother has an 80% lower not machined he bought years ago, his wife wouldn't let him build. Bet I can get that off him to use as a Guinea pig.

[BDJ]

You should probably do a bit of reading up on the whole process. There are tons of threads here on "how to" but like ar15barrels said if you don't even have a factory gun and little to no gun knowledge you're probably better off buying your first one.

Welcome to Calguns and prepare to be addicted

[nuggethunter]

I say go for it, mine turned out fine. I used a modulus jig and a barreled upper from PSA.

Spent 4 hours total including routering and assembling.

[Dr69er]

I have extensive background with both drills and routers. I also have acces to 2 CNC's and 5 mills at work. Don't have much knowledge using them however I do have a couple guys with over 70 years experience combined. I also will have acces to that Colt during the build and a good friend of mine made one a few years ago.

In that case I say go for it, if you were a complete newbe with a lack of
skills and tools then I would of suggested what R.R. has mentioned earlier.

80%arms makes great stuff and with their jig it does take a whole lot of
skill or tools to get it done...just look at their video tutorials and other
YT videos as a reference before you start you project.

Good luck.

[golfish]

I have extensive background with both drills and routers. I also have acces to 2 CNC's and 5 mills at work. Don't have much knowledge using them however I do have a couple guys with over 70 years experience combined. I also will have acces to that Colt during the build and a good friend of mine made one a few years ago.

One thing to remember is your supposed to use your tool at your shop\home. That's something that gets stressed here a lot. 3+ years ago you could use other peoples tools or even push a start button on a CNC.

Good luck, lots of talent on this forum so all the help you need is right here (not me)

[spyde12]

You can finish the 80% and buy a complete upper. That's what I did.

Big emphasis with using your own tools.

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[MrOrange]

M4?

If we're gonna nag the media to stop calling semi ARs assault rifles, then we shouldn't be calling semi ARs M4s.


I vote go for it. You need basic mechanical/power tool skills more than particular firearms experience.

[guje55]

Quick question. Is an 80% AR built rifle legal? As in I won't get into trouble if I take it to the range for picking?

-newbie


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