AR15 Build Kits Question

fiundagner · Aug 19, 2011

Does anyone know where I can find a complete build kit for an AR15 5.56? I can find complete uppers (or mostly complete, a lot do not come with bolt carrier assemblies or charging handles) and complete lowers (or build kits missing a stripped lower receiver). I am not objecting to buying a complete upper at a reasonable price, but I am basically hoping to put one together myself to save a few dollars if possible. I can put one together a part at a time, but I am afraid shipping costs will eat up any savings I might get.

Dave29461 · Aug 19, 2011

Del-ton makes great build kits with complete uppers. Excellent quality. You usually don't save much, if any, building a basic upper. The savings come in when you buy the superior barrel, trigger group, BCG, that hopefully you find at a lower price than buying it pre-assembled. You can spread the pain over several months so you forget how much you spent on the whole project.

Red Hat · Aug 19, 2011

Here are a few. All you need is a Lower.

http://www.akpartskits.com/cart/

http://www.ar15-kits.com/

http://www.ar15gunkits.com/

http://www.ar15products.net/index.htm

mark_b · Aug 19, 2011

another option is Palmetto State Armory, they are located in Columbia

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/

They offer completed uppers, parts kits and rifle kits. They offer higher end quality at a fair price.

Mark

Dave29461 · Aug 19, 2011

Please don't think my answer is a negative comment about building your own. I've built kits and I've built completely from parts and I'm 2 parts away from putting an AR308 together( I've been gathering the parts for over a year). I love building them. Shooting your own build is soul satisfying. I will build more and maybe I'll save money...or not. If I do......that is just gravy. I say go for it and enjoy the experience. You have a lot of guys on this forum who will help you if you need it, encourage you and go play with the finished project with you.

Enjay · Aug 23, 2011

Kev says thanks for all the links, he's been checking them out.
While I have your ear, can anyone tell me if the PSA AR15 lowers that they have on sale right now http://palmettostatearmory.com/1560.php are metal or polymer? I'd have thought they were polymer because of the price but they say forged on the website and that it's an introductory price.
Thanks

Enjay

mark_b · Aug 23, 2011

Hi

The PSA lowers are definitely forged aluminum not polymer. PSA runs sales from time to time on lowers. During Father's Day they were as low as $50.

Mark

Enjay · Aug 24, 2011

Thanks Mark. That makes a good deal even better. Don't you just love sales?

fordnut · Aug 24, 2011

You might want to check this place out::

http://surplusammo.com

Steve

Dave29461 · Aug 24, 2011

fordnut said:
You might want to check this place out::

http://surplusammo.com

Steve

+1 I have an upper and lower from them I bought stripped and built. The BHW barrels are tack drivers. Their products are excellent and reasonable. I wish they were not on the other coast...Shipping ammo from them is prohibitive.

fiundagner · Aug 25, 2011

Thanks to everyone for all the help and suggestions, I appreciate it a lot

alicesteve · Feb 10, 2012

AR 15 lower receiver is a durable and lightweight weapon and it is one of the first prototypes manufactured at Detroit gun works. I am here looking to buy AR 15 at reasonable rate.

ar15 lower receiver

04ctd · Feb 10, 2012

Not sure if Paul is a site sponsor, delete it if not appropriate, but the Ammo Dump was buying DPMS lowers & Uppers separate, and creating quite a savings by assembling them your self a few months ago.

could the savings be due to DPMS not having to warranty the whole gun if it don't run?

Paul talked like it was over a $100 savings

FWIW/YMMV

thread on this topic:
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=4524

good read before you plop down your stack O'Bens..

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7376

gstewarth · Feb 19, 2012

Hey guys! First post from me right here! I recently purchased a complete DPMS lower and am now in the process of searching for a complete upper (this will be my first AR). I really like the PSA uppers but I cant find anyone Up-State that knows much about them... Amy suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Also, I have been told that you don't have to go through a FFL when you purchase a complete upper, just when you buy the lower (stripped or complete)... Is this true?

Dave29461 · Feb 19, 2012

That is true. The serial numbered receiver is considered a weapon. The upper is merely parts. I haven't heard any bad things about PSA uppers. It would be nice if they would sign on as a sponsor for the Forum but you might talk to one of our sponsors such as Upstate Armory Group. Silent Bob has some great deals. http://www.upstatearmorygroup.com/. One of my favorite pre-built uppers was a Del-Ton http://www.del-ton.com/default.asp

HOLY DIVER · Feb 19, 2012

i like del-ton better now that they hp/mp test there bolts,just with they would do the same to there barrels.i use BCM uppers they are built the right way check out there website BRAVO COMPANY MACHINE

Dave29461 · Feb 19, 2012

I've been using (BHW) Black Hole Weaponry barrels for my builds. I have a .260 Rem. on the way. I'm very happy with the polygonal rifling and the finish on the barrels.