Buying parts to build an AR.

[Lil' Dog]

I just bought an AR about a month ago. My friend did the same. We don't even have 200 rounds through them yet. He has decided to build one. Three long questions: Where does everybody buy their components from? Is it mostly from the internet, or are there a bunch of local places?

#2 Where is the cost savings when you build your own? He is going cheap, then cheaper. I think he trying to build a turd. From what I have found you can build a lower pretty cheap, but if you want to buy an upper of decent quality, you are still going to be paying for it. He is in the $550.00 dollar range. That is total. I am finding that I would be at least $800.00 after I bought a decent upper and a good trigger.

#3 If you buy a name brand upper, and build your own lower, is it going to be a better gun than if you just bought it complete? Let fun begin.

[2in2out]

My cousin Vito knows a guy whose brother in law sells AR parts out of an unmarked warehouse down by the river.....

Seriously, I find most large sporting goods stores to be disappointing; either their prices aren't competitive, or they don't have what I'm looking for. MidwayUSA and Brownell's generally get my order for things like you're describing.

Brick and mortar stores in the western-ish metro that I'd go to would be Southwest Arms, Arnzen Arms and Atomic Tactical. Great people.

[BC98]

I usually buy online. My usual retailers are Bravo Company, Rainier Arms, Brownells and a few others.

With respect to building an upper, there's no excuse to cheap out when there's good low cost options on the market right now.
Example:
BCM blem upper (complete): $75
PSA Premium BCG: $100
Ballistic Advantage 16" midlength barrel (w/ gas block & tube): $220
ALG Defense 13" EMR V3 rail: $155

Total: $550

Just add muzzle device of choice (A2 flash hiders are cheap) and sights and/or optic and you're ready to go with good parts.

[saizou]

Everywhere online. Parts are stupid vast and everyone is getting in on selling them but they're always sold out.

I recently tossed my ruger AR and started buying parts for a new build, I expect it in the $800 range. But the best part is I get everything I want in an AR.

SAA stripped lower - $120
Toms Tactical Magpul complete lower kit - $180
CBC 16" Hera Upper - $300
Magpul BUS - $70
Aim NiB BCG - $100
Raptor charging handle - $70
Last and most critical piece, laser engraved biohazard dust cover - $20.

Don't forget get the tools too. Get a AR wrench and punch set. I also opted for a vise holder.

[photogpat]

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com

Watch the "Daily Deal" for parts. Their prices are generally the lowest for decent quality items.

[Ghost]

Get Palmetto state armory blem or anderson upper and lower.
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-stripped-lower-receiver-prod75094.aspx $49.99
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Anderson_Manufacturing_AR15_Stripped_Upper_Receive_p/ander-upper.htm $49.95

Buy a lower build kit
http://palmettostatearmory.com/moe-lower-build-kit-black.html $129.99

Buy a upper build kit
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/parts-kits/upper-parts-kits/ar-15-upper-parts-kit-sku100019269-84515-179871.aspx $17.99

Buy a BCG
http://www.wcarmory.com/toolcraft-inc/toolcraft-bcg-223-5-56-bolt-carrier-group-black-c-158-mpi-complete.htm $90.23

So $338.15 before barrel and hand handguard.

Buy a good quality barrel in whatever length you like
Buy whatever hand guard you like
Buy a gas block and gas tube, if you think about suppression then buy an adjustable gas block
Buy a flash hider or suppressor mount that you like, if barrel is threaded for it

Assemble

In my opinion the barrel and the trigger are the most important parts of the build so buy reputable and expect to pay more.

Eventually order yourself a LaRue trigger for $125 Note: you won't be charged until it ships and they are 3 months behind on orders now.
http://www.larue.com/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger

[Bearcatrp]

https://www.kakindustry.com/
Kurt is a great guy to do business with. One of the best customer service in the industry as far as I am concerned. I purchased a complete upper from them. When I saw a longer barrel on sale, I paid for the barrel, kurt installed it for free. Prices are good too. If you have a question on something your not quite sure when doing your build, call kurt, he will help. Fantastic company.

[UnaStamus]

http://www.rainierarms.com
Otherwise I buy direct from BCM, LMT, Noveske or DD's websites.