Whether you’re thinking about adding your first or your fifth AR-style rifle to the safe, you have basically two broad options, one of which can be further subdivided.
You can either buy a functioning, assembled rifle, or build your own. If you build your own, you can build from an AR-15 kit, or buy all the AR-15 parts separately and assemble the rifle that way. Given the latter two options, you will also need to buy a compatible lower receiver.
Here’s what you need to know about your options.
Building from an AR-15 Kit
The first option we’re going to explore here is the option to build a functioning rifle from an AR-15 kit.
Generally speaking, a complete AR-15 kit will come with everything you need to complete a functioning rifle, minus the lower receiver.
Therefore, an AR-15 kit should contain a stripped upper, plus all upper parts, a buffer system, the lower parts and hardware, and a grip. Some may even contain a magazine.
The AR-15 kit generally does not include the stripped lower because that is the part that is serialized and regulated by the ATF as an actual firearm, so you will have to buy that separately.
If you’re thinking about building from a kit, the main argument is convenience. Since a kit has basically everything you need, you don’t really have to think too much about compatibility. With a kit, you’re basically assembling parts you know will fit and work together. You just have to do it right.
Building from an AR-15 kit will take more time than buying a complete, assembled rifle, but it will take less time than if you decided to build a rifle from parts you sourced yourself.
At the same time, assembling a rifle from an AR-15 kit can still be highly educational, and you won’t be able to help but learn about the function of the rifle’s parts as you complete the project.
Purchasing an AR-15 kit that’s ready to go will also potentially save you money over buying either an assembled rifle or all the parts individually, making it one of the more affordable options here.
One drawback over buying all the parts yourself is that you won’t be able to make customizations to the rifle as you assemble without ending up with superfluous spare parts.
All in all, this covers the arguments for and against building from an AR-15 kit, however.
Building from Parts You Choose Yourself
You also have the option of building a completely customized AR-15 rifle from parts you sourced yourself.
This method will arguably take the longest and is likely to be the most expensive since you won’t get any bundled discounts. It might save you over the alternative of buying an assembled rifle, though.
There is also more room for error here, since you need to be absolutely sure that all of the parts you buy will fit and operate together properly and as intended.
Additionally, this method will take more time, as you will have to individually purchase each part and then assemble the rifle.
However, there are some advantages associated with this method that should be covered, too. One is the potential for cost savings over an assembled rifle.
This is also the best method to take if you want to make personalizations or customizations as you build the rifle. You will have total control over the parts you select, giving you the ability to fully customize the rifle, from the ground up.
Also, despite the challenge, this method will probably be the most educational, as you won’t be able to assemble the rifle unless you are completely familiar with what each part operates, as well as how to install it properly.
Buying an Assembled Rifle
This is by far the simplest, most straightforward option here. You go to a gun shop, select an AR off the rack, fill out a 4473, pay for and wait for a NICS check to come back, and go home with your rifle, that’s ready to hit the range.
Despite the convenience, buying an assembled rifle can be an expensive option. With that said, it saves time and guarantees that you’ll have a rifle that functions as you desire. With this option, you may also have the possibility of warranty coverage from the rifle manufacturer.
On the downside, you may not be able to get the features and functionality you want from a rifle “off the rack,” and on top of that, you may be limited by what’s available in your local gun shop.
However, this is the easiest and most accessible option, especially if you’re not familiar with firearm mechanics.
Which Is Right for You?
Unfortunately you need to be the one to answer this question. Whether or not building from an AR-15 kit, building from piecemeal parts, or buying a rifle is best for you depends on how comfortable you are with the project and what your end goal is. Any of these options could be a good one, depending on what you want to get out of it.
Shop AR-15 Kits, Assembled Uppers, and AR-15 Parts Here
Whether you’re here for AR-15 kits, assembled uppers or other AR parts, we can help you out. We carry a wide range of AR parts here. Shop our collection and get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions.