I'm a AR newb...kinda...but I have questions abouy customization.

[GrampasGuns]

I am looking to buy my first AR to mess with and customize. I don't want to start from scratch I just don't have the time. How customizable is a off the shelf Bushmaster or Wyndham or any AR type gun? Mainly just wanting to play with rails,optics/stock etc. Just something to dink around with and maybe shoot a yote or two.

[CAMPMEAT]

The sky is the limit GrampasGuns..................

[JimmyHoffa]

   So many manufacturers of 'stuff' for ARs it could drive you half insane.

[Special T]

I you wont get the best bang for the buck rebuilding a complete rifle, but prices are VERY low right now and its definitely a buyers market. One of those 2 brands in a flat top is the way to go.  I think some of the best upgrades out there are charging handles, ambi safety, Magpul pingpong and the front gas block. you can get a 4 rail gas block CHEEP to hook your flashlight, bipod, lazer etc to.  I think some things quality are important, some dont matter as much.

[lucky7]

I started with a Stag model 3 flat-top. Just remember the more you hang on the front end- the more it loses its ability to naturally point. You might check theirs and others websites to get an idea about add ons. Keep it simple to start, ambedextrious safety, flip up front and rear sights (Troy, ect) Larue tactical out of Texas is were i purchased my Aimpoint and mount. The sights are co-witness with the Aimpoint. Throw on a single point sling mount and your good to go. Mil-spec triggers are ok unless your wanting a comp gun or hunter. Have fun  Stag arms are very well made and had excellent reviews is why I went with them, they make parts for some of the other companies also. No complaints so far. Think I would like to get one in 6.8 or one of the others in 7.62. I would probably go with a SA M1A1 in 7.62 base model and start building it up.

[lucky7]

Take a trip to Lowpriceguns in Bellevue or Rainier Arms in Auburn

[Biggerhammer]

The sky is the limit GrampasGuns..................

 

They are completely modular with a after market pool that knows no depths!

[Jim the Plumber]

Start with a top shelf receiver set. Seekins Precision is a great place to start. Glen's merchandise is the best in the business, and they build all thier parts in house.
http://www.seekinsprecision.com/
With that starting point, figure your budget and work your way into fire control, barrel, bolt carrier group, stock/ hand guard, etc. In that order.

[actionshooter]

Start with a top shelf receiver set. Seekins Precision is a great place to start. Glen's merchandise is the best in the business, and they build all thier parts in house.
http://www.seekinsprecision.com/
With that starting point, figure your budget and work your way into fire control, barrel, bolt carrier group, stock/ hand guard, etc. In that order.

 

[GrampasGuns]

Awesome. I had a feeling but seriously, I'm a double gun, upland lowlife and ARs and semi automatic rifles are foreign to me. Except of course my 10-22. My dad has quite a few AR's but he refuses to alter them in any way, I want one of my own to play with. Hopefully have some pics to start sharing! Also, the link to seekins was crucial. I have seen some of their products on other guys builds but never knew who made them. Stoked!

[Biggerhammer]

Truth of the matter is, billet Vs forged. 250.00 billet lower Vs 60.00 forged lower. It doesn't matter unless your running a long bull barrel. Persenal taste dictates the build when it comes to uppers and lowers but as for performance. The name and price when it comes to printing groups is all in the barrel and the guy slapping the trigger.

I've taken the same barrel installed on a 450.00 billet upper and lower, swaped it onto a 49.00 AIM surplus upper receiver and 60.00 lower and shot 1/2 MOA just the same. I like quality billet stuff when it comes to AR's. Who doesn't? But its not a must. The money a guy starting can save on skipping the billet train, could be sent towards a good trigger. A good barrel and a good trigger , far exceed the billet myth.

[Hornseeker]

Good to know Bigger.... $$$ in barells and triggers! What about bolts and BCGs?

[GrampasGuns]

Guys im literally talking about hand guards and stocks, superficial stuff to fit my needs for hunting. Barrels, Receivers and upper/lower stuff is way over my head. Maybe somewhere down the road I can learn the ropes and build a monster but my Dads stock Wyndham shoots amazingly with a nice optic on it. Hes got a leopold on it and its a kickass gun. I just want to put some options on something for fun and feel

[Special T]

Just make sure you buy the BEST flash supressor on the market! Made right wher you live! BE Meyers Flas supressors eliminate 96% of visable flash! Ive had one shot right next to my head and saw NOTHING at night!
http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/be-meyers-flash-hider-for-5-56mm-weapons-1.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Rpc-cKOvc

[Biggerhammer]

Good to know Bigger.... $$$ in barells and triggers! What about bolts and BCGs?

Right now when it comes to bolts and bolt carriers. This is the smoking deal, I just had my 3rd and 4th carrier groups delivered Saturday.Two I'm using for Grendel's, one for a 25x45 and the other for a 5.56.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XAIMBCGNIBBDG

The NIB coated bolts clean up super well and there is less friction in the upper reciever when firing. I'm going to have the inside of a upper receiver "Micro Slicked" and run one of these NIB carrier groups and see how it does in the long run with no oil or lube.  The two I have run in my Grendel's have run exellent. Now you can go pay 225.00 bucks for a NIB bolt carrier group if you like. But you would be surprised how many are coming from the same place with different names stamped on them.😉