new AR build--been a while

[wooltie]

So been years since my last AR and am in the market to buy / "build" one.  With all the manufacturers abound, it looks like I'll need to research stuff.

Can anyone point me in the right direction here?  I'm looking for something to suit me needs:

Going 16" bbl.
Probably throw a 1-4 scope on it.  PST?
Intend to plink / sHTF / and possible coyote hunt with it.
I don't need the 4-600 yard accuracy potential.  Rather,
Looking for durability, proper fit, and a solid functional record i.e. always goes boom.

Basically I decided not to buy a brand name NIB rifle (Colt, RRA, FN, etc) and want to buy an assembled lower and assembled upper.  The price difference between that and buying all the parts and assembling yourself seems marginal, so I'm shopping for prebuilt upper / lower.  I could be wrong, however.

Seeing these brands:

SSA
PSA
Anderson
Aero Precision
Spikes
Incendia

should I avoid any of these?

Thanks for any input.

[Biggerhammer]

Might want to take a look at the Ruger AR-556. One of our local shops is selling them for 569.00.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/09/29/ruger-ar-556-modern-sporting-rifle-ruger-ar-15-budget/

[Dan-o]

Might want to take a look at the Ruger AR-556. One of our local shops is selling them for 569.00.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/09/29/ruger-ar-556-modern-sporting-rifle-ruger-ar-15-budget/

Wow, how have the reviews been on these?

(Sorry for the thread jack)

[wooltie]

Think I'll just drive down to SSA, get setup for 6-700.

[CP]

Might want to take a look at the Ruger AR-556. One of our local shops is selling them for 569.00.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/09/29/ruger-ar-556-modern-sporting-rifle-ruger-ar-15-budget/

Which shop?

[Biggerhammer]

Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee. (509)663-0740 Ext-4 they usually sold them quick when they came in. I saw 12 set aside and already sold when I was there last, when some were delivered.

[CP]

Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee. (509)663-0740 Ext-4 they usually sold them quick when they came in. I saw 12 set aside and already sold when I was there last, when some were delivered.

They have a waiting list now.

[Jacque]

I just finished up a build and used an Aero precision enhanced upper M4E1 and was very impressed with it.

[wooltie]

ctd is selling LE6920 complete uppers with troy rails for $550.

Despite the carbon gas system [seems everyone prefers mid length], this is a great deal.  I'm considering that upper or a BCM mid length upper.  the BCM costs an extra $250 though....not sure if mid length is worth an extra $250..

I'll go with anderson, aero, or SAA lowers from SAA.

[mountainman]

ctd is selling LE6920 complete uppers with troy rails for $550.

Despite the carbon gas system [seems everyone prefers mid length], this is a great deal.  I'm considering that upper or a BCM mid length upper.  the BCM costs an extra $250 though....not sure if mid length is worth an extra $250..

I'll go with anderson, aero, or SAA lowers from SAA.

[Special T]

Just remember that Troy Industires supported the shooting of an unarmed woman and little kid at Ruby ridge....

I would check out the Busnell 1x4 iluminated with the bad lever 1st plane optic. On 1x it looks like a red dot with a circle but when you bump it up to 4x (the lever is nice for that) there is the built in 223 drop out to 400 yards or so. Check it out, i think you will like it for a smaller magnification scope...

BTW why get a bull barrel in 16"? It sounds like you are going for a lighter carbine style rifle instead of a longer range shooter? I would think that a bull barrel in 18-20 would be better for those longer shots... But you only want a lower pwer scope...

[wooltie]

Just remember that Troy Industires supported the shooting of an unarmed woman and little kid at Ruby ridge....

I would check out the Busnell 1x4 iluminated with the bad lever 1st plane optic. On 1x it looks like a red dot with a circle but when you bump it up to 4x (the lever is nice for that) there is the built in 223 drop out to 400 yards or so. Check it out, i think you will like it for a smaller magnification scope...

BTW why get a bull barrel in 16"? It sounds like you are going for a lighter carbine style rifle instead of a longer range shooter? I would think that a bull barrel in 18-20 would be better for those longer shots... But you only want a lower pwer scope...

I decided to go with two ARs instead of building one dual purpose rifle.

This build will be a 16" w/rails, BUIS, and an Aimpoint.

The BCM and LE6920 bcg/barrel specs are the same just different gas systems.  BCM just costs a few hundred more.  Not having shot a middy gas system, I'm not sure the extra $ is justified.

What happened with Troy arms?

[Special T]

Thier president flapped his gums  siding with the anti gunners. They should have canned him but didnt. I know several sellers dropped thier line as a result.

[wooltie]

Well that sucks about Troy.

Right now I'm considering:

6920 w/Troy rails and MaTech BUIS...$550 at CTD.

or

BCM 16" middy, w/BCM BUIS and modkey rails for $775.

[Jingles]

I was going to do a build but after checking around for parts hell it was cheaper to purchase a factory build. Had I used a supplier from Wenatchee it would of cost me 325. plus shipping, tax and ffl fees for the lower if I purchased the parts and put it together myself.  I could purchase the lower directly from Stag for 300 plus shipping fees and FFL then purchase the upper for 585.00. or shop around and find an out of state dealer that had a sale on for the same rifle for 795 out the door.
Just can't see where you folks feel it is cheaper to build and can't see purchasing a cheap POS just to say I have an AR.

[CP]

I was going to do a build but after checking around for parts hell it was cheaper to purchase a factory build. Had I used a supplier from Wenatchee it would of cost me 325. plus shipping, tax and ffl fees for the lower if I purchased the parts and put it together myself.  I could purchase the lower directly from Stag for 300 plus shipping fees and FFL then purchase the upper for 585.00. or shop around and find an out of state dealer that had a sale on for the same rifle for 795 out the door.
Just can't see where you folks feel it is cheaper to build and can't see purchasing a cheap POS just to say I have an AR.

Curious, what would you consider to be a POS AR?

[Jingles]

One like they are selling in one of the town near here for 599 that jammed on the first 3 rounds through it

[wooltie]

Well I don't feel the need to have a complete AR from the same manufacturer. 

I work in manufacturing.  So if the parts are certified built to spec and the company has a good quality reputation, then I will buy from that company.  I don't have a romantic loyalty to any brand either.  I value function and reliability / price.

I intend to build or buy a complete lower from SAA for $150-180 sans the taxman.

Colt upper costs $550.  BCM costs $775.

Total cost is  $700-925.

I understand that some bushies and RRA are around 8-900.

[wildweeds]

I've got 850 into a box full of parts that will make a complete rifle that will be a bit higher end than a standard factory jobbie.

[Special T]

I have heard from a buddy that is in the business that China is producing lots of AR parts that are being sold cheep. some of which are being sold as "Mil Spec" I would carefully consider your trigger and bolt parts. IMO some things can be skimped on some cannot. Lower, stock, buffer tube for-end... You can likely get away with second hand or Chinese on that stuff. Things that contain the BANG may be worth the extra.