How do you choose parts to build an AR-15?

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  • flashgor_99

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    I've looked through a number of videos on AR-15 builds and they are pretty thorough in the how-to. But, how do you choose the different components? Quality vs. price? The only thing I come up with immediately, is that if the part costs more, it must be better quality. That only works if you have a bottomless pit of money. Any general advice from the community?
    Guns International
     

    Dawico

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    It all depends on where you want to end up with the rifle. Obviously budget builds are different than high end builds, and the purpose makes a big difference too. If you want a long range rifle, CQB rifle, or a "do all" rifle the shopping is different. In the end brand preference plays a big part too.
     

    robertc1024

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    For what I'm doing, I chose specific, critical parts for the build (upper, lower, barrel, bolt) and get the other stuff as cheaply as possible - to go into a truck gun. I figure I can upgrade stuff like a charging handle, BCG etc. later if I want.
     
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    After I did the research. AR parts were chosen for the type of metal they were made of. Both alloy and the type of steel used to build the barrel. That was the first qualification.


    The second was the testing that had been done. Such things as magnetic particle inspection, etc.


    Third, was twist rate, barrel length, and how pretty the makers stamp was on the side of the receiver.
     

    Charlie

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    what ever was on sale

    Agree and add to that for ya'. Whatever was on sale as long as it isn't junk. And as said earlier, what you're going to do with it makes a lot of difference; target shooting, hunting, truck gun, etc.

    I'm in the process of building an AR "truck" pistol. I'll get a good bolt & carrier, barrel, and trigger. Other parts won't be that critical to me.
     

    Shady

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    I cant out shoot even a crappy AR :) so no need to waste money on the good stuff.
     

    gundoc

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    Purpose. What is it? Figure that out and a configuration is easier to nail down. I prefer to get receivers and BCG from a single source. That way you have one set of tolerance on the 3 most important parts. Helps with reliability. Stay away from CavArms amd Mako. Their parts suck. If you have any other questions shoot me a message. I'm glad to help.

    Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    d'Armi_beretta and I are wanting to do AR builds together. I think it's important that at least the upper, lower, gas block, and barrel all come from the same place, so I'll probably look and see who has what to offer. From there, it's really just going to be what I think feels good. I'll want a trigger that breaks nice. I'll want a stock that fits nice, and so on.
     

    outdare

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    d'Armi_beretta and I are wanting to do AR builds together. I think it's important that at least the upper, lower, gas block, and barrel all come from the same place, so I'll probably look and see who has what to offer. From there, it's really just going to be what I think feels good. I'll want a trigger that breaks nice. I'll want a stock that fits nice, and so on.

    Curious why all from the same place? I've built a couple of AR'S and would suggest you build a cheap one first to get a idea how to do the build. Second I found that the price for a partially assembled upper is worth the 20 bucks more.
     

    outdare

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    I dunno was just curious. I think that they are built to the same tolerances. So they are modular by design. Some will have more play than others. This only applies to the AR 15 style not the 308 variants.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    The upper/lower on my Windham has more play than my Stag. Functionally, they both operate fine. But that hair of play on my Windham does irritate me a little.
     

    zackmars

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    Don't cheap out (buy poor quality parts) on the barrel, trigger, and BCG

    Just do lots of research.
     

    Shotgun Jeremy

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    I have a theory that the Windham is that way because they outsource a lot of thier parts. I'm not sure if lowers and uppers are made in house.
     

    zackmars

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    I just figured if they're all from the same place, they'll have a better fit. Is this not the case?

    Not really. There is, for lack of a better term, an amount of "wiggle room" in the specs, so a part can be .01" off, and still be in spec.

    A little bit of wiggle won't effect accuracy or function, but if it does bother you, you can get a matched set from various places
     

    flashgor_99

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    Thanks for the advice. I like the idea of a cheap build to learn then going for better quality. Maybe go that way first.
     

    Vaquero

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    Milspec lower.
    Milspec upper reciever.
    Everything else is what Txarguy recommended and GZP packaged for me.

    1:8 stainless, 16".
    One of a handfull free float handguard.

    It shoots better than me.
     

    robertc1024

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    d'Armi_beretta and I are wanting to do AR builds together. I think it's important that at least the upper, lower, gas block, and barrel all come from the same place, so I'll probably look and see who has what to offer. From there, it's really just going to be what I think feels good. I'll want a trigger that breaks nice. I'll want a stock that fits nice, and so on.
    I agree with most of that, but why the gas block? If it poops enough gas to cycle the action who cares? I understand it with a can though.
     
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