In case you haven’t noticed, the price of guns and ammo have gone through the roof recently - and by recently, we mean like in the last 4 years. And it happened overnight.
Anyway, this has people that never thought of themselves as builders wondering if they can or should try to build their own AR-style rifles at home instead of buying a stock model off the shelf.
Granted, it’s a lot more convenient to just buy one from Colt, Sig Sauer, or Aero Precision, but it can actually also be more expensive.
Believe it or not, it’s actually possible to build your own AR more affordably than it can be to buy one. Also, if there are no models that appeal to you at your local shop, building also gives you the freedom and flexibility to make what you want instead of settling.
So, with that said, here are a few ways to save on parts, from affordable complete AR15 upper receivers, to a word or two on triggers.
Shop Around for the Lower
There are three main types of AR lower receivers, all made from aluminum: cast, forged, and billet lowers.
The most expensive of these are usually billet lowers, followed by forged, AKA “mil-spec” lowers.
Cast lowers, which are cast from aluminum, tend to be the most affordable, so these are a good option if you want to build an AR on the cheap.
There is also another alternative: polymer lowers, which are made from synthetic materials rather than metal.
There are some complaints that they’re not strong enough - but this hasn’t been seriously validated by testing. Do your own research as it might be a way to save a few bucks on the build if you don’t want to pay for a cast lower receiver.
Get a Lower Parts Kit
The next place to save money is by bundling and purchasing a lower parts kit, which will contain parts like takedown and pivot pins, the safety selector, trigger, hammer, and springs, among other parts.
Usually, by buying an AR lower parts kit you can save a little over buying the parts piecemeal, plus, by buying a kit you’re basically guaranteed to have everything you need to complete the build, less the upper, stock, mag, the lower receiver itself, and maybe pistol grip.
Cheap AR15 Sights
It can be way too easy to spend a lot more on AR15 sights than you need to. These will come with a build - like a complete AR15 upper receiver - but if they don’t, you’re going to need to get them yourself.
Stick with a standard front sight base that’s pinned with taper pins. Not only is this setup affordable, you can pin the sight base down tightly to the barrel to ensure a proper gas seal.
You can also save with the rear sight, too. Fixed rear sights are usually more durable than folding sights, and they’re usually just as reliable, while being more affordable.
A Mil-Spec Trigger
Some AR shooters complain that mil-spec triggers are grittier and don’t offer the same response as high-end match grade triggers.
That may be the case, but they still fire reliably and are resistant to corrosion and wear. They’re also usually substantially more affordable than high-end triggers, and let’s be honest, unless you’re competing at great ranges, do you really need a trigger that precise?
Standard Hand Guards
Hand guards can also be incredibly expensive, especially modern KeyMod and M-LOK rail systems and handguards.
It’s important to ensure you get the proper number and configuration of mounting points you want, but at the same time, if it works, it works. You don’t have to pay more for a fancy handguard.
Free-float handguards may offer the best accuracy, but at the same time, standard hand guards cost a lot less, and at close ranges you won’t notice the difference.
Magpul Industries makes some really affordable and functional standard hand guards that still offer adequate mounting points for lights, slings, and other shooting accessories.
Skip the Muzzle Device
This might sound like unwelcome advice, but think about it. Do you really need a flash hider or a muzzle brake?
Honestly, you only need a flash hider if you need to conceal your location. And who really needs to cut recoil from .223 or 5.56? Those are some of the lightest recoiling centerfire cartridges in history. They look cool, but cool costs money.
If your build didn’t come with it, it’s just an extra expense. Get a thread protector instead.
Mil-Spec BCG
There are some really high-tech bolt carrier groups out there with advanced coatings that are wear-resistant, corrosion resistant, and which offer superior permanent dry lubricity. Some of them also look pretty cool, like DLC and titanium nitride.
Still, these can cost a lot of money, and when a mil-spec, phosphate coated BCG will still fire, eject, and reload the next round, why not just go with that?
Use a Standard A2 Grip
A standard A2 grip isn’t fancy or pretty, but it works, doesn’t it? There are things you can do to it to improve grip, like filing off some of the grooves or applying heat stippling. There are also overmolds you can get for them, but if you don’t need it, just pass and stick with the stock A2.
Start with a Complete AR15 Upper Receiver
Another way you can potentially save a few dollars is by buying a complete upper receiver, also known as an assembled upper. These come with all the parts you need to mate to the lower and can save you some time or money during the build.
In addition to complete AR15 upper receivers, we also sell stripped AR uppers, lower parts kits, and complete build kits which come with most of what you need to complete an AR-style modern sporting rifle, minus the lower receiver itself.
On top of that, we sell other parts piecemeal, including but not limited to stocks, triggers, magazines, grips, handguards, muzzle devices, gas system parts, charging handles, barrels in a bunch of barrel lengths, bolt carrier groups, and a lot more. If you want to build a rifle affordably start here - we have what you need.