Newbie AR build

First I'm going to apologize for my ignorance. Keep in mind, I'm a mechanic and do have the ability build an AR (before the hazing starts, questioning my abilities)
I'm looking to build my first AR. I have been told by someone on an AR group that I should just buy a fully assembled rifle and learn on that before I dig in on a build. That might be sound advice but that doesn't really sit well with me. As far as my build parts list goes, i think i want an Aero lower but unsure of a decent lower build parts kit i should be looking at. I'm also pretty sure im leaning towards a 223 wylde upper. I guess the real question I have is, what companies should I be looking at for my parts if im trying to keep it a decent budget build? Should i just buy an assembled lower, assembled upper? Give me your suggestions and manufacturer's of where I should be looking to get affordable (not cheap) components. I know there are a ton of options to choose from and this is a huge stretch of a request, but I recently moved to SC and don't have any local connections for solid advice. Thank you in advance.

Welcome to the forum! Glad you could find your way here. As far as Lower Parts Kits (LPKs) go I would suggest sticking with Aero for the Aero lower. They have very solid budget minded receivers. When I say budget minded I mean that they after an affordable product with great quality control and no frills. I would also stick with an Aero upper to match and standard parts kit for that.
The only thing I would say you should invest more into would be your barrel, BCG, and trigger. Plenty of affordable barrels from great companies like Faxon, Balistic Advantage, BCM. I would very much recommend a BCM, Sionics, or SOLGW for a BCG. Larue MBT is a very popular trigger and very well priced for a two stage.

I use Primary Arms for the majority of my AR parts. Palmetto State Armory comes in second among a bunch of other sites I get daily emails from. As far as parts go it mostly depends on your budget. I've used lowers that other people said were "crap" because they didn't cost $150+. As far as assembly goes there's a bunch of great videos on YouTube.

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Welcome aboard, glad to have you here! Unfortunately I am not too much of an AR guy, but if you ever do bolt action stuff, I have plenty to say on those.

Ill keep that in mind.

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Originally Posted by CodySPowell

I use Primary Arms for the majority of my AR parts. Palmetto State Armory comes in second among a bunch of other sites I get daily emails from. As far as parts go it mostly depends on your budget. I've used lowers that other people said were "crap" because they didn't cost $150+. As far as assembly goes there's a bunch of great videos on YouTube.

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I have Primary Arms and PSA saved in my phone. Primary seems to have a good selection and seems to be where i find myself constantly looking at parts.

I've built 6+ AR platforms using a lot of their parts. Never had any issues. Delta Team Tactical has lots of very budget friendly stuff as well.

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As far as areo lowers go I can speak very highly for the M4E1. It makes life so easy with the integrated trigger guard and a threaded bolt catch. One of the nicest inexpensive LPK I bought was from Tom's tactical which opted for their 2 stage nickel trigger group for short money.

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I am also a mechanic and was in your shoes 3 years ago when I wanted my first AR. I ended up purchasing my first completely built and do not regret it one bit.

If you are looking to go with a traditional look, pick your favorite manufacturer they probably make one. There are so many manufacturers its tough to hold one out above the rest. If your looking for a full custom free floated scoped rifle with every bell and whistle, this is where building really comes into play in my opinion because you won't be buying a base rifle only to upgrade it anyway.

You really can't go wrong either way but for me it eased my mind buying my first so I could fondle it and really get a feel for how it works. I have since built 4 others to suit other purposes and calibers. The AR platform is really simple once you learn it but that first time can me intimidating no matter how many build videos you watch on YouTube.

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One question I have is if your build is purpose built or just something for a range toy. Because that can change some things in my opinion.

If you’re wanting to build a tough, quality rifle that you could trust your life with fighting tyranny, some parts will be better suited. You may pay more up front but in the end the durability and reliability win over having to replace anything in a worst case scenario.

If it’s just a simple hunting rig you wouldn’t need to go all out besides a decent barrel and trigger.

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Originally Posted by Kingrich09

I am also a mechanic and was in your shoes 3 years ago when I wanted my first AR. I ended up purchasing my first completely built and do not regret it one bit.

If you are looking to go with a traditional look, pick your favorite manufacturer they probably make one. There are so many manufacturers its tough to hold one out above the rest. If your looking for a full custom free floated scoped rifle with every bell and whistle, this is where building really comes into play in my opinion because you won't be buying a base rifle only to upgrade it anyway.

You really can't go wrong either way but for me it eased my mind buying my first so I could fondle it and really get a feel for how it works. I have since built 4 others to suit other purposes and calibers. The AR platform is really simple once you learn it but that first time can me intimidating no matter how many build videos you watch on YouTube.

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I've been checking out BCAs fully assembled rifles. I haven't got much feedback on how their guns are. I've also contemplated just buying one of their uppers and match it to an Aero lower. To many options out there, i guess i just really need to get what i can afford. Build and learn from what i have i guess.

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Originally Posted by Holland

One question I have is if your build is purpose built or just something for a range toy. Because that can change some things in my opinion.

If you’re wanting to build a tough, quality rifle that you could trust your life with fighting tyranny, some parts will be better suited. You may pay more up front but in the end the durability and reliability win over having to replace anything in a worst case scenario.

If it’s just a simple hunting rig you wouldn’t need to go all out besides a decent barrel and trigger.

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I'm kind of looking for dual purpose 50/50 hunting and defense if needed. I don't plan to build an AR pistol, but then again, who knows what the future holds.

Is BCA Bear Creek Arsenal? If so, Ive heard over and over that their quality control is spotty. Seems like you get a 50/50 chance of getting a good barrel. Some people swear by them others will never buy from them again. This is not from personal experience, but just what I’ve read on other groups and forums.


JTD

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Originally Posted by JeffreyDeGraff

Is BCA Bear Creek Arsenal? If so, Ive heard over and over that their quality control is spotty. Seems like you get a 50/50 chance of getting a good barrel. Some people swear by them others will never buy from them again. This is not from personal experience, but just what I’ve read on other groups and forums.


JTD

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BCA is bear creek arsenal. I have read that their stuff is spotty as with anything in that price range in my opinion. With some brands you get what you pay for and others you pay for the name. I focus on the middle ground mainly

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Originally Posted by Holland

BCA is bear creek arsenal. I have read that their stuff is spotty as with anything in that price range in my opinion. With some brands you get what you pay for and others you pay for the name. I focus on the middle ground mainly

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That is very much the way I do things too.


JTD

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Originally Posted by JeffreyDeGraff

That is very much the way I do things too.


JTD

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I splurged for a nice rifle recently. My go-to ride or die. It’ll be a Triarc Centrifuge with a 13.9” barrel

What price range are you looking at for this rifle? That will change the recomendations.

I know you said budget. If you are looking for accuracy you have to up your game to a White Oak Armament upper or similar. I've built a few with the basic uppers, Palmetto State and similar, and accuracy is usually just a hair over 1MOA. If you want 4 out of 5 at 1/2" at 200yds your are going to need a better barrel. Also, triggers do make a difference. If you want to go budget on a trigger then get the nickel one from Palmetto and then an after market spring kit from Kaw Valley or some other brand and you can get a pretty good trigger at a good cost at 4.5lbs, and sometimes a bit lower. I have a couple of those and they work fine with the inexpensive uppers. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Im expecting to spend about 600 but know i will most likely go over that by adding more custom options that i want done to it. That price I know is low but thats an expectation to start.

What is everyone's thoughts on just running this and customizing as I go? https://www.primaryarms.com/radical-...m-lok-mhr-rail

As with anything I would research the hell out of the brand. Watch reviews. Read comments. Search for problems with said rifle to see if there is anything to be aware of. I don’t know much about Radical. I almost got excited because I read it as Radian first and that is a HUGE step up in price [emoji23]

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Originally Posted by Holland

As with anything I would research the hell out of the brand. Watch reviews. Read comments. Search for problems with said rifle to see if there is anything to be aware of. I don’t know much about Radical. I almost got excited because I read it as Radian first and that is a HUGE step up in price [emoji23]

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I have seen numerous people rave about Radical as an decent rifle to start with. I mean, I would love to drop 3k for one if I had it, but sadly bills and taking care of family come first for me. Toys get worked into the equation as we go lol.

Lol I know what you mean. If it’s gtg I would love to follow this thread and your experience with it

There is nothing wrong with buying one already built. You do want to match the twist rate with the bullet grain weight you are planning on shooting and the grain weight also effects velocity as that is a 1:7 for mainly a heavy grain bullet. If you want to build, build it, they are not that hard if you buy a complete upper and just buy the other parts and build a lower. Some uppers come with bolt carrier and charging handle and some do not so pay attention. And you will need to match optics with what you are trying to accomplish too.

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Originally Posted by TRUTank4Life

What is everyone's thoughts on just running this and customizing as I go? https://www.primaryarms.com/radical-...m-lok-mhr-rail

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Would be a good starting point.

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As others have said, not a problem starting with a base gun and then modifying as money starts showing. After optics and mounts for optics I'd be looking after an upgraded trigger and then bolt carrier group like a nickel/boron.

Mine started as a 600.00 gun and ended up about 1700 after modifying but that did not happen overnight. Only thing left is the DPMS lower and a couple other parts. But the other DPMS parts went to other guns that I'm very happy with.

Ok. I’m uncertain if the op is new to building an at or new to the ar15 platform.
Since you wanted a parts list, this is what I would suggest to anyone not looking for Gucci, but wanting a great product. I use all these parts on rifles although not all on the same rifle.

upper:
Aero precision
Any mil-spec upper parts kit
Faxon 16” match gunner profile barrel mid length
Vg6 gamma compensator
15” Midwest industries slim m-lok Handguard
Steel low profile gas block
Mid length gas tube /w roll pin

Lower:
Aero ar15 lower
Cmmg lower parts kit
Milspec buffer tube kit (tube, spring, buffer, endplate)
Mil-spec Magpul moe grip and stock.
P-mags.


Whatever sights you want. There are literally tons of options here.
Iron sights = magpul pro flip up iron set
Red dot= aimpoint and trijicon if you don’t mind spending a little money
Lpvo= strike eagle, primary arms
Scope= Leupold.

I would stick with reputable companies like Primary arms, palmetto state armory, joebob outfitters just to name a few.
Of course, all of this is just my opinion. Good luck with your adventure

I like that list for a good basic rifle that will last a while. Only thing I would change would be the grip, I like a rubberized one from Hogue with beavertail, better price and a better feel. And for a red dot I would add the Holosun 503GU for a basic one with shake awake which I have and really like and if I was to upgrade I'd think about their green dot HE503CU or the military grade red dot HS515CM model. Read reviews on red dots before you buy.

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Originally Posted by 72Camaro

I like that list for a good basic rifle that will last a while. Only thing I would change would be the grip, I like a rubberized one from Hogue with beavertail, better price and a better feel. And for a red dot I would add the Holosun 503GU for a basic one with shake awake which I have and really like and if I was to upgrade I'd think about their green dot HE503CU or the military grade red dot HS515CM model. Read reviews on red dots before you buy.

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I have hogue grips and more recently got a dd I really am digging. Grips and stocks are really about personal preference and most people go through a few to find what suits their needs and the rifles objective. Which is why recommending parts is difficult. The op didn’t mention the purpose of this rifle. If it’s meant for hunting, precision shooting, high speed- low drag, punching holes in paper, etc. Different features have different uses. I just recommended parts I have experience with, that are reasonably priced, good quality, and kind of generic in its use. It’ll do many things well. Just not any one thing great.

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Originally Posted by Iron369

I have hogue grips and more recently got a dd I really am digging. Grips and stocks are really about personal preference and most people go through a few to find what suits their needs and the rifles objective. Which is why recommending parts is difficult. The op didn’t mention the purpose of this rifle. If it’s meant for hunting, precision shooting, high speed- low drag, punching holes in paper, etc. Different features have different uses. I just recommended parts I have experience with, that are reasonably priced, good quality, and kind of generic in its use. It’ll do many things well. Just not any one thing great.

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I appreciate the list. It will help out huge with direction for me. Yes, I failed to mention the purpose. I'm looking to build for multipurpose. I plan to hunt but also have it for defense. I may even choose to run 2 different uppers for said purposes until i decide to build a second rifle down the road. I am aware of the "no go" for switching rifle to SBR so i won't be doing that. I do like the "pistol" ARs but that will become a build when i have the spare money to play around with a custom build for it. Thanks again for the parts list. It will steer me in the right direction with all of the choices out there.

Lowers are very easy to assemble. Uppers take a little more patience, and homework.

I buy a lot of parts from companies listed above, however, I also buy a lot of the little parts from KMTactical.net