Building my own AR???

[atomicjoe23]

Starting a new thread for this because of a change in direction since I posted my first AR thread.

Any suggestions on where to start on building my own AR???

I know a little about these rifles. . .I've started reading all I can on them, but it's pretty much like overload. There are so many different companies making parts for them that I get that glaze-eyed look going on after spending any more than a 1/2 hour doing research.

I'm thinking the 15 platform vs. the 10 platform at this point in time because of the extra weight and price of a 10 vs. a 15.  Plus there are so many new chamberings that are compatible with the 5.56 mag that are suitable for big game that it doesn't seem like I will be giving up any versatility by going with a 15 vs. a 10. . .in fact it seems like I will have more versatility with a 15 over a 10.

Be gentle. . .lets start off with lowers. . .I'm in Kitsap county. . .who can I get/order a lower from? and from what companies? I'm leaning toward DPMS at the moment. . .but I really like the POF stuff, but I think the DPMS is equal quality for less $$$. The POF just has a slightly different gas operating system. . .which may mean that it's less universal than a more traditional gas operating system. This is where I don't know enough to make an informed decision.

I know I want a Magpul PRS buttstock and MIAD grip. . .and I want a fairly versatile rifle. . .I don't want to over-specialize at the moment. . .something that's good for deer, mountain lion, and black bear at the moment. . .then wanting to move to elk later after I get more familiar with the state and the style of hunting here on the West Coast.

Thanks!

[carpsniperg2]

go check out what i just posted on your other thread

[Caseyd]

Have been thinking about doing the same. Yet have held off cause I've seen some decent prices on complete guns, so only upside would be building one that's impossible to buy.

Just looked at the november flyer for Cabelas. They have ARs on sale. Like $150 off select models. Bushmasters and S&W

[atomicjoe23]

Ray. . .wasn't wanting to get the 5.56 chambering. . .only the 15 platform vs. the 10 (.308/7.62 based) platform.

With the 15 platform you can run (I'm sure I will get at least one chambering in here that shouldn't be so feel free to correct me, but for the most part this should be correct) .17 Rem, .204 Ruger, .223/5.56, 6.5mm Creedmore, 6.8mm Rem SPC, .30AR, .300 Whisper, and I've heard the .300 WSSM (Olympic Arms) and .358 WSSM (I'm not familiar with this round yet). . .so I would be thinking of starting with something around the realms of the 6.8mm Rem SPC, .30AR (equivalent of a .30-.30), or .300 WSSM.

The AR-10 platform runs the .308 based stuff: .308 Winchester, .243, .260, 7mm-08, .338 Federal . . .there are a lot more chamberings available for the 15 platform making it overall more versatile as long as the .300 WSSM and .358 WSSM are up to the task of an elk. . .Alaskan game.

Man you guys are on the ball posting!!!

[actionshooter]

Looking at complete guns is a good idea right now. Prices are WAY down and a lot of dealers are selling for cost to re-coup some money.  

 If not your are of to a good start with the parts you are looking at. Start with a good trigger also, it will be cheaper in the long run.

[actionshooter]

For a hunting caliber (medium game) the 6.8 looks interesting

[carpsniperg2]

i agree action the 6.8 should do just fine on mid sized game

[Ray]

I would buy a stainless bolt action rifle.

[carpsniperg2]

lol how about trade ray lol that 7mm is waitin for ya

[Ray]

In all my times hunting there have been only a handful of times where a semi auto would have possibly (i repeat possibly) made any difference in the outcome.

The AR to me is just something neat to have. I was in the army and used them a lot but I am not fascinated with them. Of course much better than an AK..

Go with a fully built rifle. Bushmaster or Rock River.

[atomicjoe23]

Thanks for the link carpsniper! That's a helluva bull!!!

I liked the pic's of the recovered rounds too. . .especially the weights!!!

I'm thinking a Timney trigger. . .

. . .I'm so new to rifle hunting! coming from the mid-west all I could use growing up was a shotgun with slugs for deer and a .22 rimfire for rabbits, squirrels, etc.

So I have a lot to learn!

[callonetta]

Nothing wrong with building a rifle like that, try Brownell's, their catalog is amazing  or go to ar15dotcom and learn from their forums, some help there too.
My go to rifles are a Steyr 300wsm and a Ruger 25-06AI but I always wanted an AR platform so I built a RRA lower with a 7.62X39 upper by J&T.
Will I shoot a bear/elk with it?? NO, but I sure can do yotes and blacktails with the right ammo (I reload my own)
If you like trying new things, go for it.

[demontang]

The timmey is a great trigger I just put one in my AR an love it. U can get lowers for under a hundered if you look around then get a parts kit, stock, and upper u want.

[atomicjoe23]

Yeah. . .that's what I'm talking about. . .build it up a little at a time so it's not a shock to the wallet to bad. . .getting the lower (and 20-30 round magazines) is what's important right now.

[demontang]

Found a list of most cals that have or can be used in an AR

17 Remington
.204 Ruger
.221 Fireball
.22 PPC
.222 Remington
.223 Remington
.223 WSSM
6mm PPC
.243 WSSM
.257 WSSM
6.5 Grendel
6.8 SPC
.300 Whisper
.30 Carbine
7.62x39
.338 Spectre
.450 Bushmaster
.458 SOCOM
.499 LW
.50 AE
.50 Beowulf

.22 LR
9x19
40 S&W
10mm Auto
45 ACP
9x23 Win
7.62x25 Tokarev


Wildcats or rounds for which factory ammo is not available:

Numerous .17's
.20 Vartag
.20 Vartag Turbo
.20 Tactical
5.45x39
.22 Lindahl Chucker
.240 Madame
6mm-222
6x45
6mm TCU
6mm WOA
6mm AR
.25/222 Copperhead
.257 TCU
.265 1*
7mm TCU
7mm Whisper
.30 HRT
.30 PPC
.30 PPC LONG
8mm HRT
.357 Auto
.38 Casull
.40 Super
.40 Extreme
.440 Cor-Bon
.475 Tremor
.500 Phantom
.502 Thunder Sabre