Buying first AR

My main question is there's a local builder who makes complete AR besides the trigger and barrel. He wants 1k for his guns. They're stamped with serial numbers.

Or pay 1k for a store bought AR

How do I decide,

I've been looking at AR9's like an MPX, but most places want more than this cash price. https://www.gilbertsguns.com/sig-mpx-9mm-sbr-with-4-5-barrel-mpx-k-9-t-km-sbr.html

The world of ARs is new to me lay the info on me gently

 

First one, just go buy a basic 5.56 rifle. Lots of good manufacturers out there. Shoot for a while and find out what you might want to add to it and go from there. Overtime you will develop your ideal rifle in your head and then seek out or build that rifle. It's hard for anyone to tell you what you want. You need to figure it out for yourself, everyone is different and likes different ergonomic features. Dont get caught up in the fancy boutique rifles. Remember the K.I.S.S methodology.

 

So same as with a pistol. Some love it some hate it, but it's a trial and error testing finding the love gun

 

Exactly. The best thing to do is find a very basic rifle. Find a entry level M4 style rifle (Easy to find in the $700ish price range for a good, quality rifle). Then go shoot. Don't like the way the pistol grip feels? Go to some gun shows and try some different ones out. I like Houge myself. Don't like the handguards? Go find a new set of drop ins, free float or rail handguards. It goes on and on. Then one day you will have decided your ideal rifle would have a 18" barrel, free float handguard, Houge grip, Aimpoint Comp M4, Ace SOCOM stock, ect ect ect. It all depends on you, how you like to setup your rifle, what you will use it for and so forth.

 

https://aeroprecisionusa.com/aero-ac15-complete-rifle.html

Aeroprecision used to make parts for Boeing then started making gun parts then decided "we should just make the whole thing" They make a quality rifle that won't break the bank.

Also - after mass shootings prices tend to rise, be patient if you don't have to have it "NOW"

 

I worked as a builder for several years at a large manufacturer of AR platform rifles and saw it time and time again. Guys order the most kitted out rifles we order and then we get invoices from them a month later ordering all different stuff. It would of been much, much cheaper to have just bought an entry level rifle and bought the parts independently when they identified what they wanted. I preached this over and over when taking tech support calls but most guys buy purely on what looks cool. Don't be that guy.

 

Springfield, ruger, and smith and Wesson make a nice AR for less than $1k. I built one from palmetto state armory the other day for less than $400. It's basic, but seems decent quality and goes bang when you pull the trigger.

 

What makes the ones he is "building" that much better than the rest?

 

My last .02 and then I will shut up. Buy said basic rifle, if you get a flat rop buy a good rear iron site. Then find a QUALIFIED AND RESPECTED firearms instructor in your area that offera a basic carbine class. I don't know your history or experience, you may not need it. But if you are totally new to the platform or tactical rifle ops then I urge you to spend money on GOOD training. Learn the functions and features of the rifle, put some lead threw it. Learn how to clean it and maintain it properly and then get to a class. It will be money well spent.

 

I’ve shot quite a few at FT. Benning. Though of course these were built by the machine shop on post and already best of best Olympic guns or field guns. I didn’t ask questions I just enjoyed the shooting. Not like I could buy everything on the gun anyways as it was a lot of custom stuff.

Eh, my uncle was over the USAMU for a few years before retiring. Everyone on the team was awesome. If I wouldn’t have been in college I would’ve tried and spent more time with the team when I was allowed.

Anyways, now I’ve got the itch to buy and shoot one for myself. I only have handguns atm besides a few hunting rifles.

 

If your leaning more towards a marksmanship rifle start with a 20" barrel instead of a 16", different twist and more accurate. It will also give you some more precision stock options.

 

You can buy two, if not three ARs for $1K. Basic ARs are selling for $350 to $500 bucks. Recently acquired 2 ARs for $330 each (after rebate from Bushmaster) from Adventure Outdoors.

 

You should honestly wait. It is not a good time to buy one, unless money is of no concern.

 

Here's 2 cheap options. Never mind the .308 lower.