Newbie AR build

[Guest NotDylan]

So I am seriously considering my very first AR build and would like some advice. There is so much info and so many options out there that it's kind of hard to get it all sorted out, considering I don't know much about the rifle. I have fired one once, today for the first time actually, and have a basic understanding of what an upper and lower is.

I am looking to put together a basic M4 style rifle and keep the cost down around, say $700? I am a lefty and have heard that there are left handed uppers, Stag arms is the only manufacturer of them that I have found so far. Looking at their website they don't seem to be the cheapest ones around. I would prefer a left handed rifle but if it is more cost effective I could make do with just an ambi saftey I imagine.

I would like for it to be a solid rifle and I have no intentions of doing any competition shooting or anything serious so I don't need all the bells and whistles. I would like a collapsible stock and am fine with iron sights but would prefer to have no carrying handle or a detachible one for adding optics in the future if I desire. A foregrip attachment would be nice as well unless it requires an exspensive picatinny rail.

What do you guys recommend? Thanks for the help.

[Guest NormShaver]

you might want to check this guys review of a DPMS Panther Lite they are right at 700 not sure about the left hand however.

[Guest abailey362]

I've never built one, so I can't give any advice there, but having owned a few I will say that before you start a build, I would recommend handling a few diffferent configurations so if there are things you like, you can get it right the first time. That way you don't go with the cheapest/most basic setup and then decide you do want something added. Then you"ve spent $$$ on the basic part and the upgrade.

[TripleDigitRide]

I'm also in the same boat. If I ever sell this XD(M), I'm building/buying me an AR of some sort. Like you, I have little idea where to start. So many options to choose from. I'm not looking to spend huge money either. I'd say about $800 is tops for me.

[Guest ordonnanzgewehr]

Well, I just got done building my AR Carbine a few months back. It was quite fun and much easyer than I had imagined. Got about $575 in it. Bought a lower receiver at the gun show for $140. Ordered a flat top carbine kit from Garrison Manufacturing for $425 (+$10 for shipping).

http://www.garrisonmfginc.com/556k.php

Visited the "build your own" section at AR15 dot com, they have a step by step video on how to assemble the lower receiver. The upper is already assembled and pins onto the lower. Your DONE!

Edited June 22, 2008 by ordonnanzgewehr

[Guest price g]

ARs are fun and easy to build. The hardest part is deciding the configuration. The lowers are pretty basic. Find one on sale and get a lower parts kit. The money is in the upper. Do like Adam said and try out as many as you can. Go to a rifle match and see what people are shooting. With November approaching, I would not procrastinate.

[TripleDigitRide]

All I know is, I want something fairly basic. I have no need nor desire for lights, lasers, cameras, toasters or microwaves attached to my rifle. I nice scope of some sort is about it.

Edited June 22, 2008 by TripleDigitRide

[Guest price g]

What type of distances will you be shooting?

[Guest NotDylan]

Well I am not familiar with the ranges near me but I dont see myself getting out much further than 100 yards. More than likely, 50 yards or so.

[Guest c_o_jones]

An M4 kit from Del-Ton should be within your budget if you are wanting to build one...

Just add a stripped lower and you'll be GTG.

Last time I ordered from them, I had my stuff three days later...

http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt100.htm

[Guest price g]

For 200yrds or less, a 16 inch upper will do what you want. Both DPMS and Stag offer a 16 inch flat top complete upper under $500.

[Guest NotDylan]

Yes, I am looking at this here: http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?cPath=14_23&products_id=222

I think that might be the ticket to getting me started. That would probably crack $800 or more but no big deal!

Edited June 22, 2008 by NotDylan

[Guest price g]

Can't go wrong with that.

[TripleDigitRide]

All I know is, I want a buttstock like this

And a upper that looks similar to this

I want everything to look clean, smooth, and fairly plain.

Edited June 22, 2008 by TripleDigitRide

[bteague2]

Get the one you can afford now, if you later decide you'd rather have a left handed upper you can easily switch just the upper. That being said if you are thinking lefty go lefty. But beware left handed ARs look weird.

[Guest NotDylan]

But beware left handed ARs look weird.

Not to me I am going to have to think about it though, being right eye dominant and left handed is a curse I tell you.

[JimmyJoe69]

I was going to build one... then I handled one of these at Guns and Leather..... OH BABY!!

Edited June 23, 2008 by JimmyJoe69

[TripleDigitRide]

I was going to build one... then I handled one of these at Guns and Leather..... OH BABY!!

You handled a box with a red X inside? Sweet!

[strob2000]

Great advice all, not my thread but I was wondering the same thing.

[crashbro744]

Thanks for the advise. I am also looking at an AR. I am looking into a flat top that I will use for hunting/plinking.

[davej48]

I ordered my last kit from this outfit and have been very happy with it.http://www.model1sales.com/

Where ever you shop for an upper be sure that the bolt carrier and bolt are included or you will end up spending another 125.00 to finish your rifle.