Posted on Jun 2, 2016
Buy off the Shelf or Build from a Kit for an AR-platform weapon?
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After many years of avoiding any weapon resembling an M4, I find myself looking to acquire one. I'm not looking for a competition level weapon nor a "throw away". The question I have is should I just buy "Off the Shelf" or buy the needed components and build from a "kit"? I have connections with an FFL to ship the lower to so that isn't a concern. Which would be the most cost effective?
All of my weapons to date have been off the shelf purchase. I thought about doing the kit version just for the experience of it. What are some of your experiences good and bad?
All of my weapons to date have been off the shelf purchase. I thought about doing the kit version just for the experience of it. What are some of your experiences good and bad?
Posted in these groups: 
Firearms and Guns
Firearms and Guns
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 9
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Being a former Combat Arms Instructor, I've fixed, maintained, replaced parts, and built many AR platform weapons. I prefer to build my own how I want them. As mentioned in a previous response, it is the closest you'll get to a kit weapon. In general they are very easy to put together, and you can find an astronomical amount of information and tutorials online and on YouTube. You said you have a good FFL contact, I'd be willing to bet he knows someone well or even himself could give you the little bit of extra help you may need for the few fit and finish details if need be. If that is indeed the case, I would say build. It gives you the opportunity to make it yours, the way you want, to fit you. And also as mentioned prior, you can build one hell of a good weapon for a decent price versus going with an off the shelf weapon that you may want to change some things on later.
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
Trevor, my FFL specializes in modifying Glock triggers (he has his own business when he's not playing Paramedic on an ambulance). He knows SOME things about long guns bud doesn't have the specialized tools necessary for tuning barrels to receivers. Buying premade uppers would solve that easy enough though.
Here's another dumb question for you.... How hard is it to mount an optics (think "ACOG" type) sight on a rifle that has the permanently fixed front battle sight? The last M4 I fired with an ACOG did not have the fixed front sight.
Here's another dumb question for you.... How hard is it to mount an optics (think "ACOG" type) sight on a rifle that has the permanently fixed front battle sight? The last M4 I fired with an ACOG did not have the fixed front sight.
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SSgt Trevor Smith
Gotcha. Yeah buying a finished upper would solve that problem, and there are some really good one's out there for great pries you can choose from. Aside from barrel and gas system, everything else is pretty easy, so you'd be good there.
As far as mounting an ACOG on an AR with an A-frame front sight. As long as the upper is a flat top with the 1913 picatinny rail, mounting an ACOG is no different than mounting on an AR with a flip up front sight or no front sight. At the base I just retired from, all 0f the Security Forced M4s were equipped with ACOGs. And they are all standard milspec issue Colt and FN M4s. Sighting is exactly the same, and should feel exactly the same, with the exception of having the A-frame front sight in your field of view. If you go that route I can give you a few tips on looking past the A-frame and sighting. I have ACOGs on all my ARs, standard A-frame configuration, and flip up sight configuration. I prefer the ACOG over other optics for my weapons.
As far as mounting an ACOG on an AR with an A-frame front sight. As long as the upper is a flat top with the 1913 picatinny rail, mounting an ACOG is no different than mounting on an AR with a flip up front sight or no front sight. At the base I just retired from, all 0f the Security Forced M4s were equipped with ACOGs. And they are all standard milspec issue Colt and FN M4s. Sighting is exactly the same, and should feel exactly the same, with the exception of having the A-frame front sight in your field of view. If you go that route I can give you a few tips on looking past the A-frame and sighting. I have ACOGs on all my ARs, standard A-frame configuration, and flip up sight configuration. I prefer the ACOG over other optics for my weapons.
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Depends on what you want your own to have insofar as configuration and whether you're building on the cheap or going up a notch on quality. In general, if there is just what you want already manufactured and your FFL won't mark it up a ton, they are good deals. If you want to make your own, you have several options. I've done them both ways and in between. I ultimately tended to do the lower myself and buy a premade upper as I didn't have the proper barrel wrench and torque capability. If you want to go a gas piston route, then premade upper continues to be my preference. Premade upper in 458/50 and perhaps 300 options are likewise my preference. So whatever winds your clock. Do consider getting a drop in trigger group like Timney, CMC, etc. as that will make a big difference from the get go. Bottom line, have fun either way. I had a fun time converting my SM M1A to a tac long range propane cylinder massaging tool. Have fun!
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
Thanks for the input! My FFL happens to be a close friend so I can get things shipped in for just what it costs for the item itself. I think the premade upper will be the better choice as he specializes in handguns more so than long guns.
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My old XO bought hers in pieces and had it built. She said it was actually cheaper and she could build it the way she wanted it.
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