AR15 or AR 308/7.62 parts

[The Father]

This just talking about stripped upper and lowers. If you look at the material used it is almost always the same, 7075 T-6 aluminum. So we have the same material machined by a computer programmed setup. I would have to believe the computer programs are very similiar or almost exact for the internal dimensions. If a person where to look at the parts with no company engraving, how many could tell the difference or identify the manufacturer, 90%? 50%? 10%?

Barrels are more or less the same material at all manufactures. The high end barrels receive a more hands on finish than the run of mill barrel. That would be the price difference in most cases I would assume.  BCG probably fall in the same category. 

So if I would do a build and go all out on a barrel and BCG and go cheap on the rest would that be wise?

[98Z5V]

2 hours ago, The Father said:

So if I would do a build and go all out on a barrel and BCG and go cheap on the rest would that be wise?

Depends on "cheap," man.  Most companies that have their own uppers and lowers don't make their own stuff - they buy the forgings, and have someone finish them for them.  There are very few places that actually "make" their own stuff.  Someone else is really "making" it, and branding it as theirs.

Cheap out to the level of buying Blackthorne/Hesse/Vulcan parts?  No way in hell.

Check in first with what you're thinking - bounce it off the people here.  You'll get honest opinions or experience on just about anything out there.

[bubbas4570]

There are even some big name companies that don't make their own BCG's.....there is one with a spider on it that comes to mind IIRC.....engraving is easy.