Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Building an AR- source for info?

Getting the itch to put together an AR but I haven't handled a black rifle since I did my stint for Uncle Sam back when the M16 was still a new rifle.
I've read a bit about the build kits, but I can't seem to wrap my head around what fits what lower, upper, etc... and what it might cost to do all this- or would I be better off just buying a complete rifle for the same money?
Where is a good place or internet link to learn about building an AR and what to watch out for?

Thanks,
Bob

Right now ou can buy a complete rifle for less than you can build one.

I don't think you can buy one cheaper now, last week you could.
The panic's on as well as the annual Christmas buying.
Unless you want a bone stock carbine it it still probably cheaper to build it. Get a lower receiver ASAP, prices are rising now.
See thread on Obongo fixing to sign gun control orders.

Bob, the lowers are pretty easy to put together, just buy a lower parts kit, a buffer tube, buffer, spring, and stock and your ready to go there with a few punches. The uppers to me are more of a challenge but if you buy a BCM rail or a Geiselle rail they are a lot easier to do.

Palmetto State Armory has everything you need.
There are special prices on different parts every day.

The stripped lower has to go to an FFL.
Everything else can come right to your door.

If I can put one together, anyone can. Lots of
helpful videos on youtube walk you thru step by step.

Get them while you can.

There was a guy on my local facebook auction site had a DPMS with some extras, a Leupy 3-9 and Burris mount for 1150. OBO. Didn't think that was too bad, especially if you could get it for a grand.

$380 rifle kit
$50 lower
$10 magazine

Go shoot

Where are you finding these? I'm a newb to this AR game.

PSA has a rifle kit right now for $380. Lower for $50, will have to ship to FFL so you can add whatever the charge is there. PMags can be had for $10 or less all around the Internet. So after shipping and paying your FFL you're about $500.

Can you buy one already assembled cheaper... It would be close.

Who/where is PSA?

Palmettostatearmory.com

Whats the difference between 5.56 and .223 and what should a first time AR owner buy? Will they interchange?

5.56 and .223 are chambers essentially

5.56 has a longer throat or Freeborn to allow bullet jump with higher pressure ammo

The Wylde chamber is a great compromise

5.56 will suffice 99.999% of everyone's needs

you can shoot a hotter load in the 5.56 chamber, I steer away from 223 chambers. Wylde I have one in an uninstalled barrel but don't know what if any advantages it has.

Okay thanks guys. Looking at PSA's phosphate rifle kit for 379.00. Is there an advantage for the melonite coated barrel? Those kits are 399 I think and the barrel is from what I've read a bit heavier which I really dont need.

Melonite is supposed to extend the life of your barrel. For $20 I'd go with Melonite barrel.