Need some knowledge on AR

[asianpersuasion]

So my next two rifles I want to get is going to be a M1 and a AR. Since I'm gonna win the raffle I need to start piecing my AR together.

From what I've read most lowers are alike so I was going to find the cheapest one I can get my hands on. Since I don't really have any gun building experience should I get the complete lower instead? How much cheaper would it be if I bought the pieces and put the lower together myself? I was going to get the Rock River from Bill.

For the upper I'm leaning toward CMMG. Any other company should I look at? Is there really a difference between barrel lengths?

Your input please.

Thanks

 

[CavalryJim]

So my next two rifles I want to get is going to be a M1 and a AR. Since I'm gonna win the raffle I need to start piecing my AR together.

From what I've read most lowers are alike so I was going to find the cheapest one I can get my hands on. Since I don't really have any gun building experience should I get the complete lower instead? How much cheaper would it be if I bought the pieces and put the lower together myself? I was going to get the Rock River from Bill.

For the upper I'm leaning toward CMMG. Any other company should I look at? Is there really a difference between barrel lengths?

Your input please.

Thanks

Not all lowers are alike! You should be able to buy with confidence when looking at the top brands (Bushy, RRA, etc.) but when mixing uppers & lowers the fit may not be perfect....not to mention the finish.

Building an AR is relatively easy (you will need a few AR-specific tools) and fun. I prefer building since I can spread the cost over several months and build it exactly as I want it vs. buying a new rifle and then replacing grips, handguards, etc. If you are patient, you can get acquire parts/pieces via group buys and shopping the classifieds to save some $$$.

 

[Request Dust Off]

The lower is easier to assemble as far as tools go.
I would say it is easier to assemble the lower & buy a complete upper in terms of tools, potential problems, help resources, etc.
Not sure on guarantees / warranties.
You might be better off buying a complete rifle in some instances.

 

[topgunz1]

Jim nailed it, the main advantage in building is spreading cost over time. For a basic rifle nad if your buying all at once, I'd just get a complete weapon and build future ones. Thats what I did, except my builds are stalled out at the stripped lower phase

 

[asianpersuasion]

The main reason why I want to build it is price reasons. The Houston area has alot of guys that sell parts and pieces for good prices.

 

[LCPL 4]

Build it from a kit. I did. Very easy to do. I used an Anvil Arms lower. It was $110 plus shipping and came with free engraving. Cheapest I've seen and still a good buy would be an Essential Arms tough coat one made right here in Louisiana. Last time I looked they were about $90.

 

[LouisianaCarry]

I go with Stag because they make ALL their major components (including the dies) in house. Their parent company has been making parts for ARs since before I was born. The benefit here is that you have all the major components that fit together like a glove. No play anywhere. No need for accuwedges or any tricks.