New to AR - Looking for cheap/cost effective way to get started

[05whitewrangler]

I am looking to buy/build/piece together my first AR. I'm looking for advice or pointers on where to start and the most cost effective way to do so.

I have a feeling that the black gun fever is going to take over. Ive been fighting it for a while, but can't resist anymore.

I appreciate any advice, or parts that you are willing to seperate with at a resonable price!

 

[spar1790]

Build one IMO. Palmetto State Armory.. Youtube, google, any questions and you know where to ask them. I am more than happy to assist in any AR pitfall you may encounter.

 

[clayborncrx]

Unfortunately you are jumping in with a lot of other people right now!

I see on a lot of sites that parts are backordered/out of stock and the price of some of the used stuff is right up there with new.

If you are going to build one, here and the equipment exchange on AR15.com are probably the best places to do it. Buy as much used stuff as you can and you can build one for $550-600 for a bare bones .223/5.56 AR without fancy optics and gee-whiz parts on the rail

 

[jsquared]

Check out Palmetto State Armory for a complete upper, they have basic ones starting at around $375-400 including the bolt carrier group. I went this route for my first build so that I wouldnt have to worry about headspacing the bolt carrier to the barrel extension, although from what I gather it is not too difficult to do.

Once you have the upper you can start searching for deals on a lower and parts to build it out. Building a lower is a cinch, I did my first one Saturday and it was cake, about as hard as changing a doorknob (seriously).

Also, keep on the lookout for deals on lowers, $99 is pretty standard but some places run specials for $50-75. Palmetto comes to mind yet again.

 

[Les638]

Some years ago I built 3 of them,very easy just be very careful who you get parts from..

 

[BHJ]

If you are looking to buy/build/ piece together your FIRST AR I would reccomend just buying a quality piece. This way you don't have to deal with any salesman BS, parts that don't fit/wont work with your application etc.
Just go to Wal Mart and buy a good name brand a couple of mags and some ammo and be done with it.
Once you see what its all about and if it holds your interest then go hog wild.

If it doesnt hold your interest a factory gun will be much easier to resell than a frankengun

 

[spamcastle]

New Frontier Armory complete lower and a SOTA complete upper will have in business for a little under $500.

 

[Lazarus]

That MP15 Sport for sub $600 looks like a great deal. I paid $850 for my Stag Model 1 and its quality.

 

[Hayata]

What Spammy said. Check out sotaarms.com and http://www.riflegear.com/p-1388-new-frontier-lw-15-complete-polymer-lower.aspx Add some mall ninja doo-dads and here's what you can have that is light weight and one of the lowest cost solutions for your plan. Place the upper into the lower, close the pins and you're done. And if you have the lower shipped to Cherokee Gun & Pawn, they'll do the transfer for free. Be sure to load up on mags and ammo while you're there to show your appreciation.

Good luck,

 

[jwhited]

Some Walmarts carry a $587 DPMS.