looking to buy/build my 1st ever rifle

[roy2mustang]

I've done some shopping, and have something of a plan.

I have a friend who's dad builds at 15's (yes, I know it's not the same). My thinking was that I would want to get the best upper and lower receivers I can find, but use cheap furniture, barrel, and scope while I learn how to shoot, and , in time, as I hit the upper limits of its capability, upgrade those last parts. 1st part of my question, is this a terrible idea? 2nd, do I need to buy anything other than the receivers in good quality to begin with? 3rd suggestions as to the best receivers? My hope is to have the gun (and me) capable of sub moa in time, but now I'm looking for low entry cost.

Edited September 19, 2014 by roy2mustang

[roy2mustang]

Guess I should have mentioned, hobby/ target shooting, not hunting, and I'm a relatively big fellow, so not worried about weight, p.s. any Illinois laws to be aware of?

[Microgunner]

Welcome from Florida Roy.

[edgecrusher]

The biggest flaw I find with your plan, and it's kind of glaring, is cheap barrel. If your barrel sucks, and I mean bad, how are you going to learn how to shoot? If it's a 4 moa barrel, when will you know your improving? Also, a good trigger. Master shooting techniques with a crappy one and yes, you'll be way better with a good one, but it can also help you get better, right off the bat.

My advice, get a complete rifle, I suggest Armalite, they are a great deal. Then decide what you want to change, or just rebuild what you have.

[edgecrusher]

Seriously, you can't beat this price for what you get!

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=DEF10&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=c4bf2a5c-d77d-4f58-8022-95f6afe8e6cf

[Rsquared]

Brings a tear to my eye hearing others pimp Armalite's. <laughs>

 

Welcome aboard Roy. Pretty much, what Edge spelled out to you makes sense. I'd go that route.........................even if you ended up deciding to downgrade to a DPMS......or even worse.....one of those Rock River doo-hickey's. <lmao>

[planeflyer21]

What's a pimp's job description?

 

Takes the money for screwing someone with a third party's product?  <laughs>   <lmao>   <hump>

[Rsquared]

Touche!

[shepp]

Welcome from southern wi, no laws state wide that I know of but last I new AR's were no go or greatly discriminated against in the Chicago land area, unforgiven may now better

[392heminut]

You guys are doing it again!

 

Roy, I hate to say it, but this is what's in your future! :sad3:

 

 

<lmao>

[george_995]

Buy once cry once. 

[edgecrusher]

Hey, I just think that what you get for the price can't be beat. It's going to run like a sewing machine, and you can upgrade down the road. Or buy some other uppers.

[roy2mustang]

So, what I am hearing is buy a complete rifle, and upgrade it over time. its just I was hoping to get something relatively inexpensive to start with, and be able to upgrade it to a relatively high end overall rifle, without replacing every piece. Eventually, I hope for it to be something oogle worthy. and yes, that is shallow of me, but hey.

Edited September 20, 2014 by roy2mustang

[blue109]

as you said....308s are a different animal. it can be cheaper to buy a decent rifle than build a crappy one. skim through here and you will see many home builds have growing pains. even those built with the very best parts. a factory gun can be sent back if need be. you have a long way to go before you "need" to upgrade a factory armalite or LAR. even a low end DPMS will probably outshoot most of it's owners.

with that said....it is alot of fun surfing websites picking out parts for your build.

[edgecrusher]

I just don't think you can build one for under a grand that will function, but you can try to prove me wrong. Don't forget you will be buying tools to do this as well.

And as for ogle worthy, you'll be doubling or tripling the cost.

[Rsquared]

^^^^ Yep. I agree. An even grand is about as cheap as you're gonna get when it comes to complete rifles.

[survivalshop]

  You can spread the cost around , by assembling one your self . Takes time to assemble the right parts anyway.

  Do not skimp on the barrel or matched set of receivers , There are some real good sets out there now a days . You can shoot pretty good with parts kit FCG & then upgrade later.  You would be surprised at how much a good FCG can make you look like a good shot. <thumbsup>  

  Magpul or equivalent stock sets , I think the moe line is inexpensive , along with others.

 

  For the money , a Factory built rifle will cost you less than building one & give you a warranty , if thats the kind of thing that keeps you awake at night .

 

   The thing about building one is , you get it your way !

  

 

 

[washguy]

Hi Roy my take is build it. start with a matched upper/lower Mega Ma10 and go from there...you will know your weapon,have what you want, and have ooogle out the azz. If you can chew gum and walk at the same time you can assemble one . Go for quality.....the tools aint that much....:) Wash

[unforgiven]

Welcomefrom Indiana brother.Cook county seems to be the stumbling block.Call you'r local LEO and ask just to be sure something around you'r location hasn't changed.Might as well ask about mag limits if any.I love my doo-hickey :love4:

Edited September 21, 2014 by unforgiven

[MaDuce]

Get an Armalite complete upper. They're excellent quality and only a little more expensive then junk uppers. I am unaware of any poor quality lower receivers that are Armalite compatible.

 

 The "buy cheap and upgrade over time" plan works, I've done it myself. But it takes allot of knowledge and careful research.

 

 The most important thing you can do is stick around and educate yourself. Hang around these people for a couple months and you'll find yourself confidently understanding what your goals really are and how you realistically plan to accomplish them. Don't worry too much about your budget. The $ to accomplish your goals will come with your persuit.

Edited September 23, 2014 by MaDuce

[Cali_Ed]

Get ready to empty out your bank account hahah

[98Z5V]

Seriously, you can't beat this price for what you get!

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=DEF10&ReturnUrl=Categories.aspx?Category=c4bf2a5c-d77d-4f58-8022-95f6afe8e6cf

Holy hell, that a good price on that rifle! 

[edgecrusher]

That's what I'm saying!

[Sisco]

Everyone pretty well covered it. Just want to put another plug in for Armalite. Hard to build from scratch and stay anywhere near their price and the quality you get for it. It can be done, it just isn't easy. Also agree on the barrel and trigger. Don't go on the cheap with that. Might suggest the Geissele GS2. It isn't a bank breaker, but it is very high quality but not the best they make. The Armalite National Match trigger is very good as well.

[AdamO]

Holy hell, that a good price on that rifle! 

 

X3!!  

 

Damn, if I were just wanting a basic .308 AR.. I'd pop for that sucker and call the dishes done for sure.  No way in hell you're gonna beat that price... well, except for PSA's offerings for a complete upper and complete lower combo, but those are having some SERIOUS teething issues from what I've seen from the couple of guys on here that popped for one.

 

7.9 lbs is pretty damn reasonable on the weight side of things too.  No way you can get burned with that setup... 

Edited September 26, 2014 by AdamO