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Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

G

greydarrah

Private
Minuteman
Jul 2, 2012
52
3
62
GA
Sorry for my ignorance, but I'm seeing a number of threads where guys are showing off rifles they have built. I was (and may still be) looking at a RRA rifle, but now I'm wondering about build something myself. What I'm wanting is a 5.56mm AR that can shoot as close to a .5 MOA as possible. Without optics, can I build that for under $2,000, maybe even under $1,500?

For someone ignorant (remember, we were all new to this at some point) of things like how lower receivers/upper receivers/bolt carrier groups/barrels all mesh together to build something great when your done, where should I go? Are there better places that can help you put together what you want?

Finally, if you're building your own, does that mean that you are ordering separate parts from a company that can be shipped straight to your house, and don't have to deal with a local FFL?

Thanks for the help.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_3/4_Build_It_Yourself.html

The only part you need to get through an FFL is the lower receiver. Everything else can be shipped to your locale, unless your local or state laws say otherwise. </div></div>

Thanks much...I'm off to read. Any further suggestions/supplier recommendations are appreciated!
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

I'd pick up a Noveske upper and be done with it. There are enough decent manufacturers out there these days that really building it yourself is unnecessary unless you're doing it specifically out of the desire to build it yourself.

Also, not to make it sound complicated, because it's really just putting together legos, I wouldn't build a precision rig myself without having built a couple range toys first. You learn a lot about what works and doesn't work, and the best ways to do things by doing it yourself. I wouldn't want to run the risk on something I wanted to be particularly accurate by building it myself the first time, especially using non-standard parts like some rails, barrel nuts, gas blocks, etc.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

My favorite supplier for AR components is Rainier Arms. Great service, prices, and products. Under $1500 for a .5MOA AR is very possible if you don't need all the bells and whistles (billet receivers, super expensive handguards, etc.). If I were to build another AR, it would look something like this:

Lower:
Noveske Matched Upper/Lower Recievers ($275)
JP Lower Parts Kit w/o trigger ($38)
Geissele SSA-E trigger ($210)
Magpul PRS ($242)
Magpul MOE grip ($15)

Upper:
Troy Bravo Rail 13" ($195)
White Oak Armament 18" ($280)
Stag Low Profile gas block ($39)
Midlength Gas Tube ($12)
Rainier Arms Chrome BCG ($140)

Total: $1446


That setup should be pretty close to .5 MOA with handloads if the shooter is up to the task. You can cut the cost a bit with a cheaper trigger and non-chrome BCG. If you don't mind paying a bit more, you could go with a Krieger barrel, billet receivers, or a monolithic upper. Alternatively, Rainier Arms sells complete uppers for $1200 that carry a sub-moa guarantee.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

Where in GA are you? If you are close I can give you a hand. Like others have said it is like putting legos together.

Mike
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

+1 to Rainiers. Also, the Criterion barrels at Fulton Armory shoot very well- good price. If you get a 18" barrel, I would go with a rifle length gas system. Also, any JP parts you can afford are a plus- makes good stuff.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: windermike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Where in GA are you? If you are close I can give you a hand. Like others have said it is like putting legos together.

Mike </div></div>

Cartersville (about 20 miles north of Marietta, up I75). You?
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

Based off of your sig, if you are mil, you can get a decent discount from Noveske.

Also, picking up a C&R will get you dealer prices at quite a few places like Brownells and Grafs.

The only criteria you posted were accuracy and price. If so, you will be able to save quite a bit by going with a plain free floating handguard like YHM but still getting a quality barrel and BCG. What ranges and type of shooting are you going to be doing? That will help drive your barrel length and profile.

Whether you actually end up with a consistant .5 MOA rifle will still depend somewhat on luck even quality parts. Getting a sub-MOA rifle should not be any problem. Reloading, if you don't already, will also help to maximize your accuracy potential.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

The inherent accuracy of an AR-15 is in the barrel and a matched bolt. Period. This is where to put your money. ( Optics were not included in the OP's rifle budget )
Everything else attached to the barrel is to make the gun go bang a little more consistently. Triggers are the next place to invest $$$$.
Just remember spending $400 on the uber-tacticool-of-the week free float quad rail when a $100 free float tube will work better ( slides on sandbags smoothly / consistently during recoil ) is often a wiser descision.
Just remember nothing is permanant on an AR, this is the Mr. Potato Head of the firearms world !!!
Extra parts are just an excuse to build new rifles or pistols.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

Rainier Ultramatch barrel ($365) and Geissele SSA ($170) for starters...
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My favorite supplier for AR components is Rainier Arms. Great service, prices, and products. Under $1500 for a .5MOA AR is very possible if you don't need all the bells and whistles (billet receivers, super expensive handguards, etc.). If I were to build another AR, it would look something like this:

Lower:
Noveske Matched Upper/Lower Recievers ($275)
JP Lower Parts Kit w/o trigger ($38)
Geissele SSA-E trigger ($210)
Magpul PRS ($242)
Magpul MOE grip ($15)

Upper:
Troy Bravo Rail 13" ($195)
White Oak Armament 18" ($280)
Stag Low Profile gas block ($39)
Midlength Gas Tube ($12)
Rainier Arms Chrome BCG ($140)

Total: $1446


That setup should be pretty close to .5 MOA with handloads if the shooter is up to the task. You can cut the cost a bit with a cheaper trigger and non-chrome BCG. If you don't mind paying a bit more, you could go with a Krieger barrel, billet receivers, or a monolithic upper. Alternatively, Rainier Arms sells complete uppers for $1200 that carry a sub-moa guarantee.</div></div>

You found a great setup for under $1500. Far better than I could do.

The only thing I disagree with is the PRS. I'd get a UBR instead. UBR has far more versatile horizontal adjustments; it can get shorter, longer, and has an adjustable "favorite" setting. It has storage.

Sure, the PRS has an elevated cheek rest, but it is located too far back for most people. Proper eye relief with most cantilevered scopes and nose-to-charging handle with irons both put the shooter's cheek forward of the cheek rest such that the front edge of the cheek rest is wedged into the cheek. Besides, you usually don't need an elevated cheek rest on an AR-15 anyway. Certainly not for iron sights or any scope with the crosshairs at the same height. People with really high cheek bones might benefit from an elevated cheek rest, but probably not one so far back.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CaptNemo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Just remember nothing is permanant on an AR, this is the Mr. Potato Head of the firearms world !!! </div></div>

I love that quote!!! I'm going to steal it.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

I am in Winder GA. It is a pretty good hike from cartersville. If you get stuck or need some help I am more than happy to help.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

I would recommend a full to partial build for your first rifle. That way you can learn what you like and dislike to better guide you when building from the ground up on your second rifle...
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hackk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would recommend a full to partial build for your first rifle. That way you can learn what you like and dislike to better guide you when building from the ground up on your second rifle... </div></div>

There.... there's gonna be a second rifle? Oh, oh yeah your right, there is
smile.gif
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hackk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would recommend a full to partial build for your first rifle. That way you can learn what you like and dislike to better guide you when building from the ground up on your second rifle... </div></div>

There.... there's gonna be a second rifle? Oh, oh yeah your right, there is
smile.gif
</div></div>

Wait, did he not know this yet? I figured everyone knew this was the silent rule of shooting firearms just after "#4 know your target and what is beyond it and prepare to own many many guns"
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bedlam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You found a great setup for under $1500. Far better than I could do.

The only thing I disagree with is the PRS. I'd get a UBR instead. UBR has far more versatile horizontal adjustments; it can get shorter, longer, and has an adjustable "favorite" setting. It has storage.

Sure, the PRS has an elevated cheek rest, but it is located too far back for most people. Proper eye relief with most cantilevered scopes and nose-to-charging handle with irons both put the shooter's cheek forward of the cheek rest such that the front edge of the cheek rest is wedged into the cheek. Besides, you usually don't need an elevated cheek rest on an AR-15 anyway. Certainly not for iron sights or any scope with the crosshairs at the same height. People with really high cheek bones might benefit from an elevated cheek rest, but probably not one so far back.</div></div>

I'd agree with you, but I found the PRS rides rear bags better. The angled slope of the UBR is kind of nice for coarse elevation adjustment, but tends to need readjusting on the bags after a couple shots. YMMV.
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

for some reason, i've found that JD machine uppers and STAG lowers fit snugly as if they were a machined match. i've built 3 uppers on JD machine completes and threw them all on my stag lower and its a great feel. just another thing to think about too if you're picky with your AR's like i am. when going with a subminute gun, your freefloat forearm, barrel, and trigger should be the most expensive. if you're going with a solid MATCH rifle that you can shoot with irons, get yourself a rock river NM A4. that's pretty much a smokin deal. it doesnt get any better 1200 for a quality rifle thats been proven (thats what was given to me by the CRANE guys shooting NRA matches) with a 2 stage trigger. then just use the rest of the money on a good slling, optics if you so choose or a buttload of ammo for that rifle. hope that helps
 
Re: Help a new guy understand how to "build" your own?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hackk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hackk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would recommend a full to partial build for your first rifle. That way you can learn what you like and dislike to better guide you when building from the ground up on your second rifle... </div></div>

There.... there's gonna be a second rifle? Oh, oh yeah your right, there is
smile.gif
</div></div>

Wait, did he not know this yet? I figured everyone knew this was the silent rule of shooting firearms just after "#4 know your target and what is beyond it and prepare to own many many guns" </div></div>

AND.... With the parts left over from your first two, and there will be leftovers, you will then start thinking about another build but this time in 300 blackout because hey, most of your leftover parts will already fit. Which is where I'm heading. haha
 
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