The never ending AR question, What and Why?

[Zforzachariah14]

After reading JBlue's post on what AR he/she should get after shooting on SR556, I'm currently in the same boat. The whole "AR world" is out of my comfort/ knowledge realm as I am a traditional hunter with the old trusty bolt actions, browning automatics etc.. I have never really needed an AR but after years of coyote hunting with my 5 round capacity rifles and having a farmer need my assistance with a hog problem, I want to invest in a quality AR. I want one that I could shoot 300 yards max with and one just to plink and have one incase (heaven forbid) Hillary becomes president.

Now the big question... I would like to build one as many has mentioned in other posts for the sole purpose of 1. you learn everything in and out about the AR and 2. the satisfaction of killing something with a AR I built. But on the other hand, I also think that buying a Ruger or S&W sport would also be a great idea in the fact you can handle an AR first and appreciate it and then build one to your own personal liking.

So the rhetorical and never ending question... ultimately I'd like one I could shoot 200 yards with no problem and I'm under a budget sine I have my first child on the way. What AR should I buy already assembled or should I build one?

Budget 500-700$ depending on factors

 

[CBH13]

After reading JBlue's post on what AR he/she should get after shooting on SR556, I'm currently in the same boat. The whole "AR world" is out of my comfort/ knowledge realm as I am a traditional hunter with the old trusty bolt actions, browning automatics etc.. I have never really needed an AR but after years of coyote hunting with my 5 round capacity rifles and having a farmer need my assistance with a hog problem, I want to invest in a quality AR. I want one that I could shoot 300 yards max with and one just to plink and have one incase (heaven forbid) Hillary becomes president.

Now the big question... I would like to build one as many has mentioned in other posts for the sole purpose of 1. you learn everything in and out about the AR and 2. the satisfaction of killing something with a AR I built. But on the other hand, I also think that buying a Ruger or S&W sport would also be a great idea in the fact you can handle an AR first and appreciate it and then build one to your own personal liking.

So the rhetorical and never ending question... ultimately I'd like one I could shoot 200 yards with no problem and I'm under a budget sine I have my first child on the way. What AR should I buy already assembled or should I build one?

Budget 500-700$ depending on factors

all just depends on what you really want in it, if you just looking to do some fun blasting and only going out to 300 I'd just grab a ruger and be done with it, but any AR should be able to shoot out to 200-300 with very little issue. if you are deadest on building one I'd maybe just grab a barreled upper from palmetto or radical and then build the lower myself as you wont need any special tools for that.

 

[uabeng]

Palmetto state armory rifles/build kits will serve your purpose just fine.

 

[letusbuyyourcar]

It's hard to beat PSA as far as prices on parts and complete rifles. Most of the time they have complete lowers on sale either blemished units at lower prices or non blem with your choice of standard black furniture or upgraded Magpul stuff. Then just pick your complete upper. I'm not a long distance accuracy shooter soim not up to speed on the best brand or length barrels. All I DO know about that is the upper is where you will spend most of your AR budget.

 

[Piglatinhater]

Palmetto state armory rifles/build kits will serve your purpose just fine.

This. You can build a really nice rifle for under $500 using PSA.

 

[Hunng]

Georgia Gun Store in Gainesville has Smith & Wesson Sport II rifles for $539...just sayin'...

 

[RevCov]

My suggestion is go through PSA and get a kit with an upper already complete. That way you build the lower and learn it intimately (alos makes it more personal) but the upper is already done so you don't have to mess with a torque wrench yet. And by going pretty basic you can add/adjust/modify as you see fit and you learn what you really want. There are all sorts of AR parts and accessories that are nice, quality pieces but aren't necessarily necessary. Start basic and add what you want. Whatever you do...after you build it don't read gun magazines for a month or every 2 days you will change your mind on what you want/need. Build it, shoot it and go from there.

 

[Link12]

PSA uppers have went down hill in quality/ fitment in the last year or so. Just my experience/opinion.

 

[Moondog1]

It really is hard to beat PSA for the money. I think you should build your beater rifle first then decide what you like and don't like and start your nice rifle build. Then after that you can start your third one.

 

[Radar363]

First AR? Buy a complete factory rifle and shoot it. If you think it's something you really want to get into then build your second one.
You might not need special tools to put together a lower but you will for an upper. Also, if you ever decide to sell one you might not get much of your money back on a home-built rifle. Any time someone posts a home build on the ODT I always wonder about the parts listed.

My go-to recommendation will almost always be a Colt 6920 OEM1. You can pick them up right around $725 and ODT members have enough spare stocks and handguards lying around to hook you up. Iron sights will get you out to 200 yards (unless you have old eyes like mine).