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Building an AR-15...Advice?
Today | Me

Posted on 03/01/2010 5:19:20 PM PST by Chasaway

I want to build an AR-15 from scratch....

I [obviously] want to make it mine...and as least expensively as possible.

The web is full of info on this, but I've always gotten great advice from this forum..


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Hobbies; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: agentprovacatuer; ar15; chasaway; cncguns; diyrifle; guns; rifle; shooting; stayaway
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So this is what I'm up to and what I'd like to get:

I want to build an AR-15 from the ground up.

I want to get the lower receiver somewhere where the FFL isn't required.

I want the most accurate one I can build...factoring in "value" [meaning least expensive for the results].

I already know I can get stuff cheap and not have a very dependable rifle.

I want to split the difference. I don't need an elite rifle. I don't need it to be the best I can possibly build.

I want a rifle that is dependable and accurate, but built as "cheaply" as I can do it.

Guns is fun! Building one ought to be TONS of fun!

Is there anyone on FreeRepublic that has an opinion about this?

Is there anyone on FreeRepublic that can give me any advice?

[Those last two questions were for my own amusement...:)]

1 posted on 03/01/2010 5:19:20 PM PST by Chasaway
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To: Chasaway

Check out AR15.com


2 posted on 03/01/2010 5:22:54 PM PST by WackySam (To argue with a man who has renounced his reason is like giving medicine to the dead.)
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To: Chasaway
"I want to get the lower receiver somewhere where the FFL isn't required."

This is the only part you need the FFL for, but you do have to ether get it through or have it shipped to one. Otherwise you are violating the law.
3 posted on 03/01/2010 5:24:42 PM PST by JoSixChip (HOPE = Have Obumber Prove Eligibility)
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To: Chasaway
"...I want to get the lower receiver somewhere where the FFL isn't required..."

Ain't gonna happen, pal. That's go to jail stuff.

4 posted on 03/01/2010 5:25:23 PM PST by conservativeharleyguy (Democrats: Over 60 million fooled daily!)
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To: Chasaway

http://buildyourownar15.com/


5 posted on 03/01/2010 5:25:50 PM PST by GSP.FAN (These are the times that try men's souls.)
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To: Chasaway

Be careful of your barrel length and twist ratio with the rifling in the barrel.

Since you are looking to go as least expensive as possible, I’d just buy a ‘whole gun’. There are several great manufacturers out there, and if you get one new, you’ll have a warranty. That means if there’s a problem, you’ll have someone to address your issues other than a mirror.


6 posted on 03/01/2010 5:25:50 PM PST by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist")
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To: Chasaway

If you have never put together an AR15, spend the extra $200 and buy a complete Rock River (or some other good entry brand). It can be dangerous doing a technical build like that without the training. Especially installing the barrel and gas system. Buying the required tools wil cost you near $200 or so anyway.

If you know what you’re doing, go to www.midwayusa.com or www.brownells.com and get your parts from them.

Enjoy.


7 posted on 03/01/2010 5:25:51 PM PST by Pavegunner72
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To: JoSixChip

But can’t you buy one from a private owner without the FFL requirement?

If so, where would be the best place to start looking?


8 posted on 03/01/2010 5:26:13 PM PST by Chasaway (Tonto: "What do you mean "We", White Man?")
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To: JoSixChip

It will also probably be the most expensive part to purchase, for obvious reasons. You probably won’t be buying a super-expensive barrel.


9 posted on 03/01/2010 5:26:27 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: Chasaway; WackySam

Yep as said AR15.com walkthroughs, pictures, options, etc

http://www.ar15.com/content/index.html#guides


10 posted on 03/01/2010 5:26:48 PM PST by Domandred (Fdisk, format, and reinstall the entire .gov system.)
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To: Chasaway

BCM 16 midlength upper group from bravocompanyusa.com, and read AR15.com
Lots of good stores sell stripped lowers.


11 posted on 03/01/2010 5:26:54 PM PST by omega4179 (jdforsenate.com hunt some rinos 2010)
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To: Chasaway
I want to get the lower receiver somewhere where the FFL isn't required.

May one of the cops here will let your surrender to him .

12 posted on 03/01/2010 5:27:19 PM PST by kbennkc (For those who have fought for it , freedom has a flavor the protected will never know F Trp 8th Cav)
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To: conservativeharleyguy
"Ain't gonna happen, pal. That's go to jail stuff."

Unless purchased during a 'private sale'(consult state laws) from a non-FFL.

13 posted on 03/01/2010 5:27:25 PM PST by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist")
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To: Chasaway

I can’t speak for every state, but in Colorado even a private transaction requires a instacheck.


14 posted on 03/01/2010 5:29:38 PM PST by JoSixChip (HOPE = Have Obumber Prove Eligibility)
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To: Chasaway

Buying from a private party is probably going to be more expensive than getting a gun through a store. People pay premium to not have such records existing. Also if there is a problem with it, no warranty, no help getting it fixed.


15 posted on 03/01/2010 5:29:41 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: Chasaway

“I want to get the lower receiver somewhere where the FFL isn’t required.”

Where is it that you think you’ll be doing your time?


16 posted on 03/01/2010 5:29:57 PM PST by Gator113 (Obama is America's First FAILED "light skinned African American [Pres-ent] with no Negro dialect..")
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To: KoRn

That’s what I understood...Isn’t it just like buying a gun from a private seller?

Texas...


17 posted on 03/01/2010 5:30:00 PM PST by Chasaway (Tonto: "What do you mean "We", White Man?")
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To: Chasaway

The only way you’re going to get a lower without a FFL requirement is a private party sale of an existing rifle.

Because the AR-15 lower can be built into a pistol or rifle, the BATF requires new, finished lowers to go through an FFL. The only way around this is to obtain a lower receiver forging that requires machining (ie, it requires more than mere installation of pins, springs, screws, etc - it would need to be finished on a mill, the pin holes drilled out and bushed, etc.)

Lowers that are finished (ie, all the machining has been done) but are lacking the lower parts kits can be had for anywhere from about $80 up to about $130, depending on the quality and various features.

After that, you need to be a tad more specific as to your application and budget for me to give you any more pointers. Completing a lower is a pretty well price-constrained thing - if you get a fully machined lower and put in your own parts kit, you’re probably into it for $150 or thereabouts. Once we start talking of the upper, the barrel, furniture, etc - the options explode and prices start varying widely.


18 posted on 03/01/2010 5:30:10 PM PST by NVDave
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To: WackySam
Check out AR15.com

Excellent advice.

That's where I found the info and direction to build the perfect AR10 for me.

19 posted on 03/01/2010 5:32:06 PM PST by EGPWS (Trust in God, question everyone else)
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To: Secret Agent Man

I paid $85 each plus $10 FFL fee for my lowers last year. Good quality LMT. Now the completed upper cost me over $600.


20 posted on 03/01/2010 5:32:20 PM PST by JoSixChip (HOPE = Have Obumber Prove Eligibility)
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