'Anyone here build their AR15 upper? worth it to save money?

[M1Tommy]

I figure that this has been asked a few times already, and has likely been hashed out on AR15.com a few bazillion times, but I'm too busy (or is it just lazy?) to search and read for hours nowadays.

I want an A3 upper ( think... correct me if I'm off base here) , 20" barrel with 1:8 twist, free float 'rifle' hand-guards (that is, look like the A2's hand-guards), and "standard" front sight.

Is it worth it to build my own AR15 upper?
What tools at a MINIMUM would I require? I have a vice, good gunsmith (i.e. hollow ground) screwdrivers, a decent understanding of assembly and ability to read/follow directions, plenty of other basic shop and mech. tools, a Dremel and big anvil too
(last two in jest... well I do have them....).

Cutting edge/benchrest accuracy is not my goal, a decently accurate (can I say that here? ) and reliability are equally important.

Most "reasonably priced" uppers are 16". I've about decided I really prefer the 20" barrel.
By the time the BCG, detachable carry handle and 1:8 barrel is added to the online "options" one is usually up near $600. That's close to White Oak's price for a complete Service Rifle upper.
http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcar...=&bestseller=Y



How think y'all? Advice, opinions or leads are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tommy

[gwp]

For a one time only build use preassembled uppers. The cost of the tools to do it correctly takes a few builds to recover the cost. Overall there is not much saving in doing it yourself.

The tools that are used to build an AR from parts include: receiver block, barrel nut wrench or combo wrench, barrel block, roll pin starters, and other common tools.

I have a White Oak upper and they are a great value and only cost a little more than Rock River.

[M1Tommy]

Thanks for that reply. I can assemble, but am not really a craftsman.
Still, if I broke even and still had tools, I'd be "ahead" in my books.

Tommy

[gwp]

If you are building for entertainment or think you will be changing parts, the tools are the price of the entertainment. The tools would cost $75-$100 depending on the type of tools and vendor.

I just purchased a complete upper from Palmetto State Armory (PSA) but I had to remove/reinstall the flash suppresser and front sight base (FSB) to use an Apex Gator Grip hand guard. PSA offered other free floating hand guards, but I wanted the extended Gator Grip with a FSB not the low pro gas block they offered with the free floating hand guards.

If you have the tools you can change your configuration as you please.

[Jim in Salt Lake]

Building your own gives you exactly what you want. If you're a tool guy you'll get that enjoyment, too. If you're not a tool guy, you can probably order exactly what you want and save the cos of the tools. Single biggest cost item can be the barrel if you want the best (~$500).

[hektor]

One thing about building an AR is that it does not require rocket science compared to an M1a. also, you can buy parts over time and then assemble it yourself. In my opinion, if you stick with White Oak Armament parts, you cannot go wrong.

[BlitzKrieg]

Eventually it had to happen, an adult discussion on building a AR type weapon. Never say Never !

So if you really got the bug to build your own and you got the savvy to do it, that's altogether a personal decision and
time/cost is discounted by the satisfaction of what you achieve at the end state.

If there is doubt on your expertise, then White Oak complete upper will serve you admirably and you can "build" your
lower with minimum cost in tools or expertise as its mostly a parts drop in thing.

Your call. Nice to see a discussion that is not driven by how cheap can I make a AR and how wonderful my pile of
brand unknown parts is.

There are scores of AR home built weapons that shoot but only on the margins: you'd not want to depend on them when chips were down.

[Guamsst]

What about headspacing?

[tmturner45]

I have picked up tools over time, DPMS combo wrench, good punches, etc and finally bought a set of barrel vice jaws which have been great for a number of projects. Small parts are more of a pain, roll pins, peel washers and such. You pay more for shipping that these small parts cost.

What's great about having a tool kit is that loose parts often present themselves on the cheap to build up. I have never had a headspace issue. Machining is usually so good that things fit and function as they should.

[Guamsst]

I always wondered about headspace but never did any research as the uppers I buy are sold as "complete with properly headspaced bolt" But, I have considered building from scratch due to the freedom of parts choice.