How many of you have contemplated building your own AR platform rifle?

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:51:55 -0400

For those of you who haven't built one yet, something to consider when working up the cost of the build...the tools needed to do it right. Factor those in. You may think to yourself "hey I can buy that XYZ plastic builders wrench." Yes you can, you will end up regretting it later. As my father told me years ago, "buy it once, cry once," still rings true today. That doesn't mean ambush the Snap On truck to get what you need, but quality tools, more so the right tools, can make your build easier, likewise using a cheap wrench and a multi tool may give you hours of headaches. If your not good with tools, then put it towards the rifle you want. Too many guys go cheap, get cheap and are not happy with it later.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 17 at 2020 2:56 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:56:52 -0400

There's "building"... and then there's BUILDING. I assume you mean the latter :) In that case, no... I've not yet done so, and the way things are looking, it might be some time before I could consider it. 80% lowers are a good start, and uppers (at least to me) are pretty much "intuitive" once you understand the basic components... and get past the gas block.

Response by SGT Bradley Dixon made Sep 17 at 2020 2:57 PM

SGT Bradley Dixon — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:57:38 -0400

Magpul Armorers Wrench, Tiptons Vise Block, AR15 master tool kit.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Sep 17 at 2020 3:08 PM

SGT Steve McFarland — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:08:33 -0400

I don't have the right tools, equipment or place to attempt my own AR-15 build, so I bought a Springfield Saint Victor AR-15 pistol, which only needed a sight/optic to be fully functional. I have also installed a couple of other goodies to tailor it to my likes and needs.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 17 at 2020 3:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:26:51 -0400

I did one years ago, just because. Never cared to do it again other than the experience has made for modifying or changing things out a less pucker factor event. Having the right tools is a must. Also, there are many aftermarket components which are better, i.e. take down pins. Comparing my build to a NM AR properly done up by Weapons Station Crane clearly shows my limitations. No way I could do the tweaking the pros can do. I will say my work did deliver "service grade" accuracy with Lake City ammo.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 17 at 2020 5:15 PM

SFC Michael D. — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 17:15:50 -0400

Already done.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 19 at 2020 12:12 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:12:17 -0400

Yep. Falls in my category of “tinkering” once I am retired and have tinker time

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2021 5:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:14:06 -0400

Always had fun in building an AR, did 5 already, and enjoy them at the range.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2022 7:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 May 2022 19:13:21 -0400

Building is the best option in my opinion, you end up with exactly what you want. I like to have additional uppers for different purposes.