To Build, or not to build, that is the question(AR15)

[Cab]

So I did a quick search to see if this question had been asked and I couldn't find a thread so I thought I would ask the question.
To build or not to build an AR15 is a question I have had for a few years now. Let me give you my wants/needs/thoughts and then I would love to hear everyones opinion.

Wants/Needs/Thoughts:
-The rifles job would be for home defense and range toy.
-Price I would like it to be around $700-$800(under $700 would be ideal but might not be realistic)
-Milspec is not important to me at all. I don't need dust covers, forward assist and chrome lined barrels. I want it to be reliable and to shoot when I pull the trigger. If it has a 2MOA I'm fine with that .
-This would be my first AR and I may get more down the road.

I have been looking at the SW M&P Sport as it has good reviews and is a great price but then part of me thinks I should build one so that it's more personal. I know I could buy one and then customize it but then I almost feel like I should just build one.

[jasnt]

Built mine for <$500.  I can shoot moa and often less.   It’s nothing special and not a free float. 

My vote is build and upgrade as needed

[Fl0und3rz]

"I may get more down the road."



Build a lower, buy an upper.  Lower is doable without any or many special tools other than armorer's wrench and a punch set, which you could likely borrow.

[h20hunter]

 

[bullfisher]

Build it!
Once you build what you want, you'll wonder why anyone would buy a completed AR.
It's like Legos for big kids, building is half the fun!

[Magnum_Willys]

If Build 80% Lower or not ?

[hunter399]

I say build it ,not buy.There is a lot of YouTube's for instruction.

"I may get more down the road."



Build a lower, buy an upper.  Lower is doable without any or many special tools other than armorer's wrench and a punch set, which you could likely borrow.

I can build a lower with a pair of channel lock plyers wraped in electrical tape.

[Fl0und3rz]

I hear you. Funnest part is the front takedown pin detent.  I used an index card.

[Cab]

Built mine for <$500.  I can shoot moa and often less.   It’s nothing special and not a free float. 

My vote is build and upgrade as needed

would love to know your build, that's amazing!

[Cab]

from the sound of it I just need to do a little research and I should be able to build my own no problem.

[762Armo]

You can look into PSA. They have built uppers and lowers, with their sales sometimes, you can have a build AR for $400.
I've shot of theirs, and it was a nice rifle, being cheap and all.

[jasnt]

Built mine for <$500.  I can shoot moa and often less.   It’s nothing special and not a free float. 

My vote is build and upgrade as needed

would love to know your build, that's amazing!

its mostly palmetto state armory.  That price dosent include scope.  Also it will only shoot moa with my hand loads, only seams to like the nosler 77gr ncc’s  best factory loads have been 1.5 moa- Norma 77gr hpbt
16” 1:7 in .556
I also polished the sear.  Other than that is rock stock psa parts

[pianoman9701]

Whatever you decide, you'd better get that lower and the mags before November.

[lee]

 

[lamrith]

Build one.  Tough I recommend getting the new long punch set that is available.  Makes the Bolt catch pin a breeze.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742RDT3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
FYI - Using smile.amazon you can make donations to a charity of your choice.  Mine is NRA Foundation, and every purchase I make they get a donation.

Whatever you decide, you'd better get that lower and the mags before November.

Or is it Nov +90?  I thought laws go into effect 90days after signed?  Barring any appeals by NRA.  Nice to see them in the fight up front this time!