TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
There are always variables.You may not, but if someone takes your comment at face value it sounds very different. OP may not be as well versed. A little clarification doesnt hurt.
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
I heard him use a m4 reference too what he was shooting as a 16" barrel. He needs too be more clear on bullet weight and velocities when he said the 300 has more energy.
justahop
Alpha
Thank you for your input ... That video is rather long so I will have to watch it later when I am not working. I am looking to build a home defense/range rifle for my first build. As far as budget..... i mean what's a budget when you are building over time. I have 2K wrapped up in the one my local shop build for me but I would like to keep this build under 1K. What I am looking for here is to find out what sites you guys buy your stiff from.... what company's are reputable and make good reliable parts.... what manufacturers that you would never buy from and why...^ This, +eleventybillion.
Mission drives the train, @justahop .
There's a difference if you're putting together a gun for defensive/duty, or serious competitive use - versus just hobby "fun day at the range" kind of stuff. Similarly, a serious training beater will lead a very different life from a safe queen. Each of these "missions" will skew your gear selection, even with budget in-mind.
Parts are not just parts, and this is the absolute truth with everything from the barrel and bolt-carrier group (BCG) all the way to the smallest springs, detents, and pins, and even to the "chassis," the upper and lower receivers.
If anyone ever tells you that parts are just parts, refer to this video:
^ I explain what this video has to do with your question, in my reply to adam sr in this post - https://www.thearmorylife.com/forum/threads/lets-see-your-ar-setups.258/page-5#post-4715 in that "AR setups" thread.
It's not about where you shop from, necessarily, but what you get.
So before we go down the path, let's decide why you want the gun: what do you want it to do, for you.
And then let's set a budget, so we don't get too carried away and stay within the realm of the real.
I appreciate all of the input so far and will look forward to all future input.
Thanks.
No, you misunderstand completely - the statement of "mission drives the train" doesn't have anything to do with institutional inertia or closed-mindedness.
It simply means that the purpose of the project should dictate how it is attacked.
As a concrete example, someone looking to by a small, economical commuter vehicle most likely wouldn't cross-shop a large luxury SUV - and again the same for someone looking to blow a few hundred grand on a track-toy.
Mission drives the train simply means that we should look at the final goal, first, and work up ways to get to that goal.
Translated to what justahop is looking for, this means that he should first clarify what he wants out of the gun - and then look to fulfill those requirements.
And towards this end:
You're good-to-go in today's market with that kind of budget.
I'd go all-out, given the home-defense part of your equation. Don't do sub-par parts.
I'd shop at G&R Tactical, Big Tex Outdoors, Rainier Arms, SKD Tactical, Primary Arms, Operational Detachment Source (ODS), and Weapon Outfitters - all of these retailers stock components from vendors which are considered to be duty/defensive-grade .
Sionics Weapons Systems, Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), and Bravo Company (BCM) all maintain their own websites, so their parts can also be procured directly.
And sometimes, when the smallest parts aren't available via the smaller vendors, I'd go to Midway USA and Brownells. Both offer excellent search engines that can help you pin down even the smallest component. This was actually how I built my small stash of spare components such as extractors, springs, etc.
You honestly should be able to put together a premium defensive weapon for that price, using nothing but the best, if you don't go crazy on Gucci stuff or really specialized items (i.e. a Hodge Wedge Lock rail so that you can mount your MAWL
).It took me 4 days to work though - but it's listenable as there are no visuals, so if you have a long commute, that would be the way to go (it'll be like sitting in on a conference call).
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
I do this, because I know you can't help yourself. You're just that way! Never wrong right!!!No, you misunderstand completely - the statement of "mission drives the train" doesn't have anything to do with institutional inertia or closed-mindedness.
It simply means that the purpose of the project should dictate how it is attacked.
As a concrete example, someone looking to by a small, economical commuter vehicle most likely wouldn't cross-shop a large luxury SUV - and again the same for someone looking to blow a few hundred grand on a track-toy.
Mission drives the train simply means that we should look at the final goal, first, and work up ways to get to that goal.
Translated to what justahop is looking for, this means that he should first clarify what he wants out of the gun - and then look to fulfill those requirements.
And towards this end:
You're good-to-go in today's market with that kind of budget.
I'd go all-out, given the home-defense part of your equation. Don't do sub-par parts.
I'd shop at G&R Tactical, Big Tex Outdoors, Rainier Arms, SKD Tactical, Primary Arms, Operational Detachment Source (ODS), and Weapon Outfitters - all of these retailers stock components from vendors which are considered to be duty/defensive-grade .
Sionics Weapons Systems, Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), and Bravo Company (BCM) all maintain their own websites, so their parts can also be procured directly.
And sometimes, when the smallest parts aren't available via the smaller vendors, I'd go to Midway USA and Brownells. Both offer excellent search engines that can help you pin down even the smallest component. This was actually how I built my small stash of spare components such as extractors, springs, etc.
You honestly should be able to put together a premium defensive weapon for that price, using nothing but the best, if you don't go crazy on Gucci stuff or really specialized items (i.e. a Hodge Wedge Lock rail so that you can mount your MAWL
It took me 4 days to work though - but it's listenable as there are no visuals, so if you have a long commute, that would be the way to go (it'll be like sitting in on a conference call).
Ginge
Elite
Brownells, midwest Industries, midwest gun works, sons of liberty gunworks all have great products. Brownells and midwwest industries have the best tool selection.
For barrel nuts and muzzle devices go with the midwest upper receiver rod. I have the Geissele reaction rod, but the midwest is better and cheaper. The magpul armorers tool is a good item too.
For barrel nuts and muzzle devices go with the midwest upper receiver rod. I have the Geissele reaction rod, but the midwest is better and cheaper. The magpul armorers tool is a good item too.
jfmorris
Master Class
So, while we are talking about AR builds, does anyone think its worth it to do the 80% lower builds? I'm debating whether its worth it to get the jigs to do these, when I can walk out of the local shop with an Anderson complete lower for $56. Doing the 80% lower costs me 2-3x as much, with the only benefit being no wait on a background check or dealing with an FFL...
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BET7
Ronin
I’d think it’s more the enjoyment on building something almost from scratch than on saving money. At least that’s how I would look at it if I was to attempt it. That said, I got two strip lowers for free with firearm(s) purchase from a gun show. Bought the parts from PSA, and have yet to start it, so a 80% would probably be a “ project” sitting on the table like many of my other “projects”.
jfmorris
Master Class
I’d think it’s more the enjoyment on building something almost from scratch than on saving money. At least that’s how I would look at it if I was to attempt it. That said, I got two strip lowers for free with firearm(s) purchase from a gun show. Bought the parts from PSA, and have yet to start it, so a 80% would probably be a “ project” sitting on the table like many of my other “projects”.
Yeah... that is my concern. I am thinking of picking up the Anderson lower locally, then ordering the rest of what I need from PSA. Cost is probably comparable to a Ruger AR-556 though, so still on the fence about it.
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
Most 80% ARs are unfinished, so now more cost! I haven't found enough price difference too do it, unless you are doing it on a large scale! 1st buying the jig = 200+$ and goes from there. Depends if you want big brother watching you!
^ This, +1.
There's the "Big Brother" tinfoil hat concern, of-course (not saying that I don't think that way, too...sometimes) - so you pay for it with cash at a Gun Show or the like.....
But in all honesty, given today's market, I'd do the 80% for the fun of it, just like BET7 wrote.
There's so much on the market now that you can easily go either with a premium-build or bargain-basement, jfmorris, with plenty of availability and great prices either way.
There's the "Big Brother" tinfoil hat concern, of-course (not saying that I don't think that way, too...sometimes
) - so you pay for it with cash at a Gun Show or the like.....But in all honesty, given today's market, I'd do the 80% for the fun of it, just like BET7 wrote.
There's so much on the market now that you can easily go either with a premium-build or bargain-basement, jfmorris, with plenty of availability and great prices either way.
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
I haven't done my homework on the 80% handguns, but I'm all about diy! Always more thought and pride in it! As far as ARs go I have only bought 3 complete rifles and the other 50 I built! Most of it usually comes down to twist rate, chamber, barrel length, handguards and weight. I do have some topped out that weigh as much as 15#.^ This, +1.
There's the "Big Brother" tinfoil hat concern, of-course (not saying that I don't think that way, too...sometimes
But in all honesty, given today's market, I'd do the 80% for the fun of it, just like BET7 wrote.
There's so much on the market now that you can easily go either with a premium-build or bargain-basement, jfmorris, with plenty of availability and great prices either way.
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
I have a 4# 2oz 556 that I built that keeps good groupings after high volume of fire.I'd need to do me some "gun ups" to be able to run with that one!!!!!
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
The 15#'r is a heavy barrel 243win ar10 and I know it rhymes, but not trying too do so!I'd need to do me some "gun ups" to be able to run with that one!!!!!
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
No optics, just mbus!^ That's more my weight-class.
Northbound
Operator
Check out Firearms Unknown
TEXASforLIFE
SAINT
Kentucky Gun has pmags 10 for $87.