I built for a couple of reasons. First, I didn’t have the spare cash to buy what I wanted off the shelf. So I started with a lower then researched the parts I wanted and snagged the rest on sales when I found them. Took about six months but in the end I had a pretty nice AR. Second, I wanted to know how it worked and how to repair it should it ever break. Building it gave me those skills. I enjoyed it so much, years later there are many that I’ve built in different calibers. Sometimes I even rebuild them to make them new and more fun.
@@Theoneguythatdoes You sound like a guy I know. Haven’t been to his house in awhile, but last time I was there he was sitting on 20 stripped lowers. He either buys Aero blems, Adams arms or PSA blems. He isn’t picky on what the brand name is on the lowers and upper receiver. I went with him to the gun shop to pick up receivers once and he takes all his tools and checks each one before he leaves. He sits on them until he stumbles across a sale on something he wants for a build. He might be collecting parts for 4 or 5 rifles at the same time and when he gets everything he puts them together. I lost count how many AR rifles and pistols he has. He might not spend a lot on the stripped upper and receiver, but he doesn’t skimp on much else, damn sure not barrels or BCG’s
Building can be very cost effective if you take your time & use promotional codes/coupons. Fully built guns have an added tax to the overall price. The one issue if you want to build a gun is buying the specialty tools necessary for the build & that will eat into the savings. Cool thing is though, now you have the tools to fix your guns yourself & build more guns in the future. Building guns is always beneficial in the long run because you’ll know how everything works & fits together. Buying affordable in the beginning is smart because you’ll have more money for ammo to train with & over time you can always upgrade parts & buy tools as you go. No shame in buying “cheap” or affordable guns because you’ll train harder with them than the Gucci high end rifles that are for home defense or the apocalypse.
Yup I agree… bought a Geissele lower beginning of the year and slowly buying parts when on sale mainly Geissele parts to build up a super duty rifle… finally got all the parts and installed them some time late June and in July… I saved a bunch of money even compared to a on sale Geissele super duty
I agree as well.. My first rifle is the Ruger AR556 classic style I paid less than $400 for years ago before they went insanely up in price. Still have it and it’s still 💯 ready to go. Although mine has lived a plush life I know some guys that bought 1 or 2 around the same time and they have literally beat the hell out of them as a truck gun and they just keep working. I did pretty much instantly throw the Ruger upgraded trigger in it (something they should have done stock, I’ll admit the trigger was hideous) and magpul furniture. Other than an optic and white light it has lived like that until I recently switched the lower to full ambi.. My rifles are for preparedness, not precision shooting or competition. I’m looking to hit a 10in circle and 10x14in plates not a 1in plate and even my trusty Ruger can do that all day long and twice on Sunday, and do it reliably. I would have ZERO problem falling back on my Ruger if I got separated from my other rifles for whatever reason or hand it to someone in a SHTF situation, I have no doubt it’s 💯 ready and more than capable handling the task. I got into building because it seems all the time companies hold sales on parts I want in a build, I don’t have to replace triggers or replace other controls to my preferred ones. I’m learning there are parts that can be had that just plain work and not at all expensive and I can spend the money on the parts that matter like barrel, bolt carrier. I’ve also found even if I did buy a complete upper I tore it all down to check everything and do all the work that makes a difference that most companies don’t do. Also being my rifles are for preparedness I want several for caches and such, which means they won’t only get painted, but they may get buried.. I’m still struggling with the idea of spray painting my nicer off the shelf rifles and they will be the last to be buried if at all 🤣😂🤣😂🤣… I find I’m much more delicate with them because I don’t want to bang them up. I need work trucks not car show trailer queens. They are for work not for beauty contests.
My reason for building is that there are very specific parts out there that don’t come in a complete rifle. I love the BCM MCMR Handguard and the Hanson Barrel from Ballistic advantage, but they don’t come together in any rifle out there or upper out there. Last AR I bought was in 2014 and it was the only one that had issues cycling and being reliable. However, my brother has a S&W Sport II in with mid-length gas system and it’s reliable as hell for $700ish. Awesome video.
Yes mine was too. Then I was bored with the plastic hand guard. Then my old eyes didn't want the fixed sight post, then the adjustable stock I didn't like because it wobbled a little lol. Just ended up using the upper for the wife's build. Just had her buy her own stripped lower because I used up mine on other builds and have spare parts hanging around for hers.
As someone who also likes building computers it’s definitely more attractive to hand select all of your parts you want as well as gain a better understanding of everything that goes into it!
I don't mind the fact building is more expensive. It's fun and it's mine. The feeling I get when I shoot a new build for the first time is priceless. And I get to decide what parts go in. No 7 lb trigger, no birdcage, no a2 grip.
@thegameroftheyear4751 yes. Building is more expensive if you buy quality. Even more when you buy individual parts. I've probably spent a good ARs worth on shipping alone. You don't have to buy Gucci to have quality though. BCM is a great company with high quality parts for not that much more money than psa. But 50 bucks more here, 50 bucks more there, it will add up. My builds turned out to be around 2k when all said and done. I would rather have something that cost a bit more now than cost more later when i either upgrade or replace.
i bought a fully built one from palmetto state armory nothing fancy their standard set up with magpul furniture. I am now building my own leaving the first one the way it is
My first AR was a SA Saint Victor. Got tired of the hardguard it came with and went to replace it. The hanguard alignment tabs wouldn't stop the entire handguard from rotating slightly. Found out the upper receiver SA uses isn't milspec and was too narrow - hence the rotation. For me, buying a big-box brand is a no-go. All my rifles ultimately end up with ambi charge handles, selectors, decent sights, triggers, yadda, yadda. The stuff that comes off the gun rarely if ever gets used for spares, so you're out the cost of those parts plus whatever you replce them with. Now I just build from lowers. Sometimes I'lll buy a complete upper assembly. Either that or buy in around the $1600 range and up for the whole weapon. That price point seems to be the sweet-spot for ARs, and it's often cheaper in the long run.
My first couple of rifles were off the shelf and were terrible, very sloppy fitment, including Spikes Tactical and Daniel Defense (original DDM4V7). I've since discovered the combination of receivers, triggers, handguards, buffer systems, et cetera that I prefer and don't see myself going with an off the shelf rifle again anytime soon.
As I mentioned from the other post. I’d rather build an AR than buy. I chose the parts I wanted. Sometimes, the complete ones may have a nice barrel , but crappy bcg etc. to offset cost.
I bought a PSA pistol for $500 with the SB pistol brace and Magpul furniture. Several months later and got a Lantac Tin BCG for $274 a Roscoe k9 12.5" barrel $129, a Springco spring and buffer for $60 and CMC trigger on sale for $109 and couldn't be happier for less than $1100. My buddy paid 2k for a SOLGW Sage dynamics and they perform very similar
Randy!!!! 1/2 way through this video, I tell my wife you look like the guy from BRSTV. She agrees. I paused about the 7:24 mark, switch over to my phone, and start looking. I knew you left BRS a couple years ago. Find the Mar 17, 2022 vid announcing you were leaving. Then had to find the March 18 one. Watch is until you announce you were coming here. Rewind the video, go get my wife, show it to her, then I show her THIS video again...I literally paused it 5 seconds before you mention your aquarium build. I vaguely remember watching the BRS vid when it was new, but I wasn't into AR's then. Well, guess what...I'm in the process of building my 1st AR. I'm ready to assemble the lower. Now I need to buy a Left-handed upper. I glad I found you again.
I sourced some of the highest quality parts and my build was under 1500 for the rifle alone. Geissele trigger, handguard and buffer, aero lower, rosco barrel and slr adjustable gasblock with radian talon and charging handle all cost a little over a grand. Add in all the other parts like pins, tube, stock/grip and bcg and it comes out to less than 1500 for a rifle as good as any 2500 noveske
I believe it's Lemmings not Lemurs 😂 I'm looking forward to. My first AR build. I like to know how my stuff works so building my first one at a savings seems like the obviously choice for me. Also, just like you mentioned, it's so great to pick and choose where to spend my money.
Absolutely! Nothing wrong with that approach at all, plus you really get to appreciate any new upgrade...after living under the "MilSpec" parts that typically come on complete rifles.
IMO and from my experience off the shelf for range toy. Building is for personal defense and shtf. Building a rifle is just personal to me it fits my specs
After purchasing my first PSA Rifle 16” rifle and adding some stuff for it I am definitely going to build my next one because I wanna go with a 13.7 or 14.5. Enjoying what I have for now though.
Built all my lowers and bought psa assembled uppers when I first started. Now I'm going through and lapping all the receivers to squeeze out all the accuracy I can from them. Not that they were bad to begin with, but because I can with the tools I now have
Last year I bought an AR15 from a manufacturer rather than trying to build my own. Two main reasons: 1. I knew little about ARs and just wanted something that would work out of the box and 2. I live in California which has weird laws so I wanted something that is California compliant which my manufacturer (Dark Storm Industries) specializes in. I've taken it to the range dozens of times, zero malfunctions. I put on a red dot, magnifier, iron sights, light, that's about it. Gun works fine. I can consistently hit an 8 inch target at 100 yards out which is all I need for home defense.
I bought a Del Ton about a year or so ago and had serious concerns about it, mainly because it was like $500. The main reason why I love the shop I bought my guns from, they tell you the truth. This particular rifle was one of least returned for failures. Mainly, they told me more of the other rifles had been serviced 3-4×'s than the rifle I got. They told me no one ever had a problem with the rifle I chose as opposed to the rifles from $800-1500. I also got a 3 year warranty for the rifle, so out the door with everything it cost me like $610.
Might be worth while to buy a few stripped lower receivers... or built lowers... i plan on buying several before January... if there's a ban the serialized part will be impossible to find but the other parts should still be available for purchase. I have many AR platform firearms and each has its own lower... they are all fully built so in reality I don't NEED any more lowers but I also don't like have uppers just floating around in the safes...
great content & topic: Honestly I wish I could afford to buy or build my next AR, especially with AR prices being down at an all time low, and I still cannot afford to do either, But watch by the time I can afford to do either, AR prices will be back up to a high premium prices.
I bought my first one as a range toy. It helps me to have one in front of me so I know what's all involved vs. just seeing the pieces online. All my other AR's are built for specific purposes.
I builded both of my AR 15 in 5.56 and 300blk. The 300blk is a aero upper and ati milsport lower with laser and flashlight combo and red and green reflex sight and magpul grips with a single point sling and Shockwave gen2 brace and 8.5 barrel
The other reason I love this channel is the fact that you folks respond to our messages and believe it or not, it's a great thing. Knowing someone with more knowledge and experience is willing to respond, if they can, to questions. To me, that's THE BEST customer service experience. Keep up the fantastic work 👏
My 5.56 is a aero upper and ati omni hybrid lower with a 10.5 barrel and red and green reflex sight and magpul grips with a single point sling and Shockwave gen2 brace and laser and flashlight combo
Just picked up your channel & liking it. I personally build all my own rifles. Better to build or buy the parts and have it built. You get what you want on your rig not what they want. Some people will also just prefer to buy off the shelf
IMO, there's no better way to learn how and why an AR works is to build one. This prepares you to check and do common field repairs and basic gun smithing. It also is a useful self-assessment tool to learn what you can do yourself vs. having a professional do it. Having more than one AR is important and makes you less likely to try repairs beyond your skill set because you don't want to be without a weapon. Learning what parts are interchangeable between your weapons is also a good skill to have. Good channel. AT3 Tactical is a great source of parts and info. Love the various BRN-180 charge handles you guys sell - especially the straight version and the slightly curved straight version. They're great for using pic-rail mounted devices that interfere with the original 'dog-leg' charge handles. And they look good as well.
I enjoy building... i slowly bought the tools as i needed them... lately ive been drawing out projects that require milling and will need cerakote... the milling and color jobs will need to be sent out because im not rich by any means. I am a patient person (even if i do get excited) so waiting for certain items to go on sale is a plus and is why i have multiple projects going at the same time. I built out a no budget pistol with sale parts and it saved me over 800 bucks and still cost me 1600... that particular project took 18 months to get together and less than an hour to assemble but im happy with it and over all thats what really counts in the end. I have many ar-15s i built and several that are waiting on some parts. My next set of builds will be on hold for a while because its time to spend saved dollars on more ammunition stock for testing and fun at the range. I try to keep in excess of 1000 rounds for each firearm i own but that becomes difficult when you start building things like 50 beo and 6.5 creedmoor and other more expensive cartridges... so building and setting aside saved money helps keep me on par.
IMO if you’re staring out I would buy a cheaper ar like an Anderson am15, and then build of that basic platform yes a cheap ar isn’t gonna be as fun or effective etc but i definitely lets you learn about guns in a good way
Your basically down to almost 5 calibers or so, 2.23, 5.56, 300, 308, 7.62x 45, build a rifle off the caliber you are comfortable with, and make that your do all. peace.
Do you pay someone to change your oil? At 59 I can recall maybe only once or twice. If my life depended on a rifle I'd buy a HK417! Since it doesn't, I'm fine building, which I can do for half of buying and know what I have is done to my satisfaction, and it's fun!
With the deals I've gotten on uppers, building would have been a lot more expensive. Lowers if you are going to swap all the parts anyway might as well build your own
My first "build" was a complete lower I bought from a friend who was strapped for cash. Then I purchased the manufacturers matching complete upper and put them together for a rifle. I had a rifle but I really didn't consider it a build. Recently, I bought a completely stripped Aero Precision lower and built it out with a stripped upper. It is the nicest, most accurate AR I own and now that I think about it - the most expensive too. But I know how every single part is installed. Now, I have about $200.00 invested in the special tools I needed for the build. There in lies the trap and the manufacturers KNOW it. Similar to eating a Lays potato chip, you can't build just one. Yep...I just bought another lower this week. I think it will be a pistol in 300 blackout this time.
When people say lego an AR-15, I have to laugh..This is not exactly true because the legos are made by different companies with different QC, dimensions, tolerances, etc that will more than not create a poor AR rifle if the knowledge to understand what to look for when building an AR is not there.. Specking out a good BCG, barrel and chamber, fire control group, gas block, etc is what makes a reliable, durable AR rifle. Pin gauges, function gauges, Mitutoyo calipers, gas tube gauge, firing pin protrusion gauge, throat gauges, chamber gauges, etc and the knowledge to use is not understood by most people.. Purchasing a lot of parts hoping they will all go together properly is a crap shoot that I would never bet my life on..At the least, a person should invest in an good armorers class before building any rifle they might be depending on..For a range toy it is no big deal..Even well known manufacturers put out poorly built rifles that don't meet TDP mill spec tolerances.. ..This is why some rifles cost a lot more than others..
I want to echo the pride comment. I have built two ARs - one for a class where I learned how to do it and another completely on my own, custom part selections and burnt bronze of course! There are few things more fun than your first day on the range when that AR functions perfectly and you can take pride in your work. It's a fantastic feeling! Also, from a practical perspective, I have long arms, so I built my second AR with an extended buffer tube to accommodate a better fit for me - it's the most comfortable AR I've shot. I don't know any mass market makers that offer an extended buffer tube off the shelf.
Bought my first ar at 19 and it was just a basic old school Windham Weaponry carry handle ar. It’s super reliable and works every time. Now that I’m a few years older I wanna just build something of my own and start from the bottom. I’m thinking of starting with a larue tactical lower. If anyone has any input I’d greatly appreciate it.
Randy, with BRS tv, I watched you there and told Patrick Donigan about something you said on there, and he said I taught him everything i know about reefing. I said, "You know him?" He said," Yeah, he used to work with me ( I did too part time). I said, "That's crazy. Now I'm watching this video, and thinking isn't that Randy, then you said this is Randy... crazy!
@@At3tactical exactly! Any problems you would know where to begin. And it does make the rifle more personal. Makes it one of a kind. That's the best thing about ar15. It can cannibalize parts of other rifles as well.
@@jayhuff8988 I went from buying off the shelf to building a lower off a stripped lower and complete upper. I only bought one complete upper and ended up tearing it all the way down to check the work and lap the upper and dimple the barrel. Anymore I don’t care what the brand name is on the lower or upper receiver as long as they check out and all the holes are in the right place and the right size. They can be a Adams arms or a Aero cosmetic blem for all I care. Just makes it a little less painful on the parts that really matter. The way the worlds going they are all likely going to be spray painted anyways.. lol
Not a damn thing wrong with that.. I’m a huge proponent of buy what you can afford now and start training with it, especially if the reason for having it is preparedness. If the reason for having it is for preparedness it doesn’t do you a damn bit of good saving for a high end rifle and whatever you are worried might happen happens. That high end rifle isn’t going to do you a damn bit of good sitting in the store rack at that point. The controls on the rifle you bought are pretty much in the same place as a high end rifle (it just won’t be ambi, but you can change that for $90 or less) so you can build muscle memory with the rifle you have and it will transfer over to a high end off the shelf rifle or one you build if you get another. The one you have now can be a backup or handed to a family member at that point.. Seriously tho. If you are thinking you might need or just want another rifle seriously think about building it yourself being you already have one.. Different companies seem to consistently have good components on sale fairly regularly and you can piece them together slowly if need be.. Your most expensive parts that are going to matter are your barrel and bolt carrier group. For instance right now Primary arms has ballistic advantage barrels on sale for $150 or less depending if you go all out and get a Hanson pinned gas block version. That barrel will last a hell of a long time and out shoot most people’s capabilities.. I know guys that run them in Anderson uppers and lowers (can have both for like $80 right now if know where to look) and a PSA nickel boron bolt carrier group (which you can get for like $170 and comes with 10 pmags) and they shoot extremely well. If you are at all mechanically inclined you should really look into piecing together and building your own. Good on you for going ahead and getting what you can afford NOW tho.
Just built both my sons a 300blk pistol. Could have bought them cheaper but when I’m dead and gone they’ll have a gun dad built. Also I feel I have better parts
That's where I am. I think I'm just going to buy for my wife hers off the shelf chambered in 5.56. She's a little late to the party. However, she's finally seeing writings on the wall! I'm trying to get her to go to PSA with me this weekend! 😔 😠
I'm guessing you're looking at the Aero X15 (Bronze) AR-15 lower? We have several colors in stock here if you browse the lowers section of AT3 Tactical. ;)
Bottom line is…… build, don’t buy. You can roughly have a 3,000 dollar ar for 1,500 bucks for example. You can have everything you want without having shit loads of spare parts.
I came here looking to see what the benefits are of building an AR vs buying one and then you had to throw that truck analogy in there and now I'm thinking about whether or not I want to trade in my just paid off 2016 Nissan Rogue for a truck. Damn it! 🤣🤣🤣
Great video.. I'm new to the ar world, that being said I'm over 50 and like work with my hands... I plan on buying a couple of ar's and 30rd mags due to the political situation.. I would like to build one just to learn and show it off and say "yeah, I build it.." been looking at aero and a complete bravo upper, maybe a good trigger. Looks pretty comparable in price to a good mid range ar which it should turn out to be a little better than mid range 😀
Forget that noise, THEY'RE ALL MILLED BY THE SAME COMPANY that slaps or DREMELS A DAM NAME ON IT... SAVE THAT MONEY for something better in your build.
For me, it is *all* about process. Researching what parts are available, obtaining those parts and assembling those parts and eventually making sure the machine functions as designed. Functional reliability is tantamount. What the thing costs in the long run is not an issue. Yes, as cheap as I can get it counts as well. Keeping the mind active, is important too. Retirement tends to stifle an idle mind. Just sayin'.
Doesn’t always cost more. I just got into building and although I’m fortunate to have friends to borrow tools from (started piecing my own together as well) I can buy parts that although they aren’t as pretty they work and spend the money where it really counts.. I learned my lesson after shooting a friend’s builds he built off of Adams arms uppers and lowers and shoot just as well as my high end off the shelf rifle.. Granted his rifles aren’t as pretty, but I’m not entering beauty contests. He beats the hell out of his rifles and they just flat work. He just spends the money where it counts. Besides that I don’t have a problem spray painting something I built, I’m struggling painting my mid tier rifles not to mention my higher end one.. lol
Only difference is you spend 3k over the course of a few years on a customized 1 off piece, whereas the other is you spend 3k on a solid rifle, but looks like everyone else’s that got the same one lmao
Yeah, sorry about that. I can see how that could've come across as arrogant. In reality, the Army paid for my ride...AT3 Tactical let's my family eat...And MT ranching/farming country demonstrated a need for those expensive whips. Appreciate you calling it out. Steel sharpens Steel!
@@At3tactical It could be worse. You could be riding a $51+k Harley.. lol. It’s utterly ridiculous what you have to pay to pull around a horse/cattle trailer. Part of it is they put all the ridiculous BS in them ya don’t need. Fuses and relays worked for decades, but now every damn thing from the radio to the F’n windows have to run through one of the multiple computers that have to talk to each other. It’s f’n ridiculous.
If you're just one of those casual shooters or the second amendment is for hunting just stop right here, you will not understand what I'm about to say. Building will learn a lot more about the most popular rifle that is owned in the United States, and that is absolutely going to be important, especially when you're on the side of a mountain in a rainstorm it's 2:00 a.m. and you need to repair your rifle. The cheap part of your rifle build should be the lower, not what you put inside of it,just the lower,thats the part your taking from the democrat-controlled military,the rest of it is government junk,change out everything but the auto sear.
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I built for a couple of reasons. First, I didn’t have the spare cash to buy what I wanted off the shelf. So I started with a lower then researched the parts I wanted and snagged the rest on sales when I found them. Took about six months but in the end I had a pretty nice AR. Second, I wanted to know how it worked and how to repair it should it ever break. Building it gave me those skills.
I enjoyed it so much, years later there are many that I’ve built in different calibers. Sometimes I even rebuild them to make them new and more fun.
Same here.
I get lowers just to build them out for giggles. I have 2 lowers for each upper I own.
@@Theoneguythatdoesgreat idea
You can build a really nice shooting rifle for not a lot of money if you’re patent and catch sales.
@@Theoneguythatdoes You sound like a guy I know. Haven’t been to his house in awhile, but last time I was there he was sitting on 20 stripped lowers. He either buys Aero blems, Adams arms or PSA blems. He isn’t picky on what the brand name is on the lowers and upper receiver. I went with him to the gun shop to pick up receivers once and he takes all his tools and checks each one before he leaves. He sits on them until he stumbles across a sale on something he wants for a build. He might be collecting parts for 4 or 5 rifles at the same time and when he gets everything he puts them together. I lost count how many AR rifles and pistols he has. He might not spend a lot on the stripped upper and receiver, but he doesn’t skimp on much else, damn sure not barrels or BCG’s
Building can be very cost effective if you take your time & use promotional codes/coupons. Fully built guns have an added tax to the overall price. The one issue if you want to build a gun is buying the specialty tools necessary for the build & that will eat into the savings. Cool thing is though, now you have the tools to fix your guns yourself & build more guns in the future. Building guns is always beneficial in the long run because you’ll know how everything works & fits together. Buying affordable in the beginning is smart because you’ll have more money for ammo to train with & over time you can always upgrade parts & buy tools as you go. No shame in buying “cheap” or affordable guns because you’ll train harder with them than the Gucci high end rifles that are for home defense or the apocalypse.
Yup I agree… bought a Geissele lower beginning of the year and slowly buying parts when on sale mainly Geissele parts to build up a super duty rifle… finally got all the parts and installed them some time late June and in July… I saved a bunch of money even compared to a on sale Geissele super duty
I agree as well.. My first rifle is the Ruger AR556 classic style I paid less than $400 for years ago before they went insanely up in price. Still have it and it’s still 💯 ready to go. Although mine has lived a plush life I know some guys that bought 1 or 2 around the same time and they have literally beat the hell out of them as a truck gun and they just keep working. I did pretty much instantly throw the Ruger upgraded trigger in it (something they should have done stock, I’ll admit the trigger was hideous) and magpul furniture. Other than an optic and white light it has lived like that until I recently switched the lower to full ambi..
My rifles are for preparedness, not precision shooting or competition. I’m looking to hit a 10in circle and 10x14in plates not a 1in plate and even my trusty Ruger can do that all day long and twice on Sunday, and do it reliably. I would have ZERO problem falling back on my Ruger if I got separated from my other rifles for whatever reason or hand it to someone in a SHTF situation, I have no doubt it’s 💯 ready and more than capable handling the task.
I got into building because it seems all the time companies hold sales on parts I want in a build, I don’t have to replace triggers or replace other controls to my preferred ones. I’m learning there are parts that can be had that just plain work and not at all expensive and I can spend the money on the parts that matter like barrel, bolt carrier. I’ve also found even if I did buy a complete upper I tore it all down to check everything and do all the work that makes a difference that most companies don’t do.
Also being my rifles are for preparedness I want several for caches and such, which means they won’t only get painted, but they may get buried.. I’m still struggling with the idea of spray painting my nicer off the shelf rifles and they will be the last to be buried if at all 🤣😂🤣😂🤣… I find I’m much more delicate with them because I don’t want to bang them up. I need work trucks not car show trailer queens. They are for work not for beauty contests.
Boy you hit the nail right on the head with that well said
I had my own version of the PSA Sabre years ago. Same with my Aero and Radical Firearms builds!
Bought mine in pieces and put together roughly for 450 ish. Shoots fanfuckingtastic too
My reason for building is that there are very specific parts out there that don’t come in a complete rifle. I love the BCM MCMR Handguard and the Hanson Barrel from Ballistic advantage, but they don’t come together in any rifle out there or upper out there. Last AR I bought was in 2014 and it was the only one that had issues cycling and being reliable. However, my brother has a S&W Sport II in with mid-length gas system and it’s reliable as hell for $700ish. Awesome video.
Yes mine was too. Then I was bored with the plastic hand guard. Then my old eyes didn't want the fixed sight post, then the adjustable stock I didn't like because it wobbled a little lol. Just ended up using the upper for the wife's build. Just had her buy her own stripped lower because I used up mine on other builds and have spare parts hanging around for hers.
Exactly
As someone who also likes building computers it’s definitely more attractive to hand select all of your parts you want as well as gain a better understanding of everything that goes into it!
EXACTLY!!!!🤙😎
Computer nerd to gun nerd checking in.
I don't mind the fact building is more expensive. It's fun and it's mine. The feeling I get when I shoot a new build for the first time is priceless. And I get to decide what parts go in. No 7 lb trigger, no birdcage, no a2 grip.
I shed a tear when you said "no birdcage" because that's all I buy haha. What's your favorite muzzle device, brother?
@jklop7841 i like the surefire warcomp a lot and the ctn, have a brake on my aero/bcm, but want to get a lantac dragon.
@@2A.Freedomyour builds are more expensive then buying off shelf? Or are you just buying all gucci parts instead of all like milspec psa shit 😂
@thegameroftheyear4751 yes. Building is more expensive if you buy quality. Even more when you buy individual parts. I've probably spent a good ARs worth on shipping alone. You don't have to buy Gucci to have quality though. BCM is a great company with high quality parts for not that much more money than psa. But 50 bucks more here, 50 bucks more there, it will add up. My builds turned out to be around 2k when all said and done. I would rather have something that cost a bit more now than cost more later when i either upgrade or replace.
i bought a fully built one from palmetto state armory nothing fancy their standard set up with magpul furniture. I am now building my own leaving the first one the way it is
My first AR was a SA Saint Victor. Got tired of the hardguard it came with and went to replace it. The hanguard alignment tabs wouldn't stop the entire handguard from rotating slightly. Found out the upper receiver SA uses isn't milspec and was too narrow - hence the rotation. For me, buying a big-box brand is a no-go. All my rifles ultimately end up with ambi charge handles, selectors, decent sights, triggers, yadda, yadda. The stuff that comes off the gun rarely if ever gets used for spares, so you're out the cost of those parts plus whatever you replce them with. Now I just build from lowers. Sometimes I'lll buy a complete upper assembly. Either that or buy in around the $1600 range and up for the whole weapon. That price point seems to be the sweet-spot for ARs, and it's often cheaper in the long run.
My first couple of rifles were off the shelf and were terrible, very sloppy fitment, including Spikes Tactical and Daniel Defense (original DDM4V7). I've since discovered the combination of receivers, triggers, handguards, buffer systems, et cetera that I prefer and don't see myself going with an off the shelf rifle again anytime soon.
FACTS!!!!
Build, it’s the way to go in the People’s Republic of Kalifornia
As I mentioned from the other post. I’d rather build an AR than buy. I chose the parts I wanted. Sometimes, the complete ones may have a nice barrel , but crappy bcg etc. to offset cost.
I bought a PSA pistol for $500 with the SB pistol brace and Magpul furniture. Several months later and got a Lantac Tin BCG for $274 a Roscoe k9 12.5" barrel $129, a Springco spring and buffer for $60 and CMC trigger on sale for $109 and couldn't be happier for less than $1100. My buddy paid 2k for a SOLGW Sage dynamics and they perform very similar
I will always default to “Build”… That way I control the quality of the components and can build “Purpose Built” as opposed to “General Use”…!
Could you break down the differences for me I’m curious
Randy!!!! 1/2 way through this video, I tell my wife you look like the guy from BRSTV. She agrees. I paused about the 7:24 mark, switch over to my phone, and start looking. I knew you left BRS a couple years ago. Find the Mar 17, 2022 vid announcing you were leaving. Then had to find the March 18 one. Watch is until you announce you were coming here. Rewind the video, go get my wife, show it to her, then I show her THIS video again...I literally paused it 5 seconds before you mention your aquarium build. I vaguely remember watching the BRS vid when it was new, but I wasn't into AR's then. Well, guess what...I'm in the process of building my 1st AR. I'm ready to assemble the lower. Now I need to buy a Left-handed upper.
I glad I found you again.
I sourced some of the highest quality parts and my build was under 1500 for the rifle alone. Geissele trigger, handguard and buffer, aero lower, rosco barrel and slr adjustable gasblock with radian talon and charging handle all cost a little over a grand. Add in all the other parts like pins, tube, stock/grip and bcg and it comes out to less than 1500 for a rifle as good as any 2500 noveske
I believe it's Lemmings not Lemurs 😂
I'm looking forward to. My first AR build. I like to know how my stuff works so building my first one at a savings seems like the obviously choice for me. Also, just like you mentioned, it's so great to pick and choose where to spend my money.
😂😂 Good catch on that! Just so fired up about the topic. Keep us posted on that inevitable dive into the deep end. -Randy
@@At3tacticalgot any recommendations for a barrel for my ar15
I say buying and changing the parts cause it allows you to save money and change parts over time that’s what I’m doing
Absolutely! Nothing wrong with that approach at all, plus you really get to appreciate any new upgrade...after living under the "MilSpec" parts that typically come on complete rifles.
@@At3tacticalso true I recently upgraded the a2 grip to a magpul moe grip so I put almost 1000 dollars into it so far
@@At3tacticaland recently bought a new stock bought a b5 sopmod any recommendations for triggers
If you can buy a whole gun it's nice. I usually can only get a upper lower or parts .
@@JamesCzerwinski-zk4quI had the money to buy a new gun off shelf and am now upgrading it trying to find a gunsmith to remove the a2 front sight
IMO and from my experience off the shelf for range toy. Building is for personal defense and shtf. Building a rifle is just personal to me it fits my specs
After purchasing my first PSA Rifle 16” rifle and adding some stuff for it I am definitely going to build my next one because I wanna go with a 13.7 or 14.5. Enjoying what I have for now though.
Built all my lowers and bought psa assembled uppers when I first started. Now I'm going through and lapping all the receivers to squeeze out all the accuracy I can from them. Not that they were bad to begin with, but because I can with the tools I now have
I build because I can get exactly what I want. Trigger, grip, stock, springs, every piece.
Last year I bought an AR15 from a manufacturer rather than trying to build my own. Two main reasons: 1. I knew little about ARs and just wanted something that would work out of the box and 2. I live in California which has weird laws so I wanted something that is California compliant which my manufacturer (Dark Storm Industries) specializes in. I've taken it to the range dozens of times, zero malfunctions. I put on a red dot, magnifier, iron sights, light, that's about it. Gun works fine. I can consistently hit an 8 inch target at 100 yards out which is all I need for home defense.
I bought a Del Ton about a year or so ago and had serious concerns about it, mainly because it was like $500. The main reason why I love the shop I bought my guns from, they tell you the truth. This particular rifle was one of least returned for failures. Mainly, they told me more of the other rifles had been serviced 3-4×'s than the rifle I got. They told me no one ever had a problem with the rifle I chose as opposed to the rifles from $800-1500.
I also got a 3 year warranty for the rifle, so out the door with everything it cost me like $610.
At this point it doesn't really matter just get an AR pronto because time might be running out crazy times are on the horizon.
Might be worth while to buy a few stripped lower receivers... or built lowers... i plan on buying several before January... if there's a ban the serialized part will be impossible to find but the other parts should still be available for purchase. I have many AR platform firearms and each has its own lower... they are all fully built so in reality I don't NEED any more lowers but I also don't like have uppers just floating around in the safes...
Just built my first AR. I enjoyed the process and now have a much better understanding of how the firearm works.
Good to hear!
great content & topic: Honestly I wish I could afford to buy or build my next AR, especially with AR prices being down at an all time low, and I still cannot afford to do either, But watch by the time I can afford to do either, AR prices will be back up to a high premium prices.
I bought my first one as a range toy. It helps me to have one in front of me so I know what's all involved vs. just seeing the pieces online. All my other AR's are built for specific purposes.
I builded both of my AR 15 in 5.56 and 300blk. The 300blk is a aero upper and ati milsport lower with laser and flashlight combo and red and green reflex sight and magpul grips with a single point sling and Shockwave gen2 brace and 8.5 barrel
Nice Setup
The other reason I love this channel is the fact that you folks respond to our messages and believe it or not, it's a great thing. Knowing someone with more knowledge and experience is willing to respond, if they can, to questions. To me, that's THE BEST customer service experience.
Keep up the fantastic work 👏
Our pleasure!
My 5.56 is a aero upper and ati omni hybrid lower with a 10.5 barrel and red and green reflex sight and magpul grips with a single point sling and Shockwave gen2 brace and laser and flashlight combo
Just picked up your channel & liking it. I personally build all my own rifles. Better to build or buy the parts and have it built. You get what you want on your rig not what they want. Some people will also just prefer to buy off the shelf
Awesome, glad you found us! Seems more and more folks are finding building to be the way to go. These days, it's actually pretty easy.
IMO, there's no better way to learn how and why an AR works is to build one. This prepares you to check and do common field repairs and basic gun smithing. It also is a useful self-assessment tool to learn what you can do yourself vs. having a professional do it. Having more than one AR is important and makes you less likely to try repairs beyond your skill set because you don't want to be without a weapon. Learning what parts are interchangeable between your weapons is also a good skill to have.
Good channel. AT3 Tactical is a great source of parts and info. Love the various BRN-180 charge handles you guys sell - especially the straight version and the slightly curved straight version. They're great for using pic-rail mounted devices that interfere with the original 'dog-leg' charge handles. And they look good as well.
Thanks for the feedback.
Exactly!!!!!
I enjoy building... i slowly bought the tools as i needed them... lately ive been drawing out projects that require milling and will need cerakote... the milling and color jobs will need to be sent out because im not rich by any means. I am a patient person (even if i do get excited) so waiting for certain items to go on sale is a plus and is why i have multiple projects going at the same time. I built out a no budget pistol with sale parts and it saved me over 800 bucks and still cost me 1600... that particular project took 18 months to get together and less than an hour to assemble but im happy with it and over all thats what really counts in the end. I have many ar-15s i built and several that are waiting on some parts. My next set of builds will be on hold for a while because its time to spend saved dollars on more ammunition stock for testing and fun at the range. I try to keep in excess of 1000 rounds for each firearm i own but that becomes difficult when you start building things like 50 beo and 6.5 creedmoor and other more expensive cartridges... so building and setting aside saved money helps keep me on par.
This is the way!
IMO if you’re staring out I would buy a cheaper ar like an Anderson am15, and then build of that basic platform yes a cheap ar isn’t gonna be as fun or effective etc but i definitely lets you learn about guns in a good way
I started with a bushmaster,got it for a smoking deal. Started messing with it since I'm in SDI.
NOICE! Good luck at the Institute!
I do a 1/1 buy and build for my weapons. Just keeps things fun
Building one now and most items are on really good sales prices, but will still be a couple hundred more than buying one off the shelf.
Your basically down to almost 5 calibers or so, 2.23, 5.56, 300, 308, 7.62x 45, build a rifle off the caliber you are comfortable with, and make that your do all. peace.
Just built mine. 425$. Anderson lower psa internals Bca 16” upper.thats total cost with ffl transfer
They had KILLER deals these past few weeks! Congrats!
Do you pay someone to change your oil? At 59 I can recall maybe only once or twice. If my life depended on a rifle I'd buy a HK417! Since it doesn't, I'm fine building, which I can do for half of buying and know what I have is done to my satisfaction, and it's fun!
With the deals I've gotten on uppers, building would have been a lot more expensive. Lowers if you are going to swap all the parts anyway might as well build your own
My first "build" was a complete lower I bought from a friend who was strapped for cash. Then I purchased the manufacturers matching complete upper and put them together for a rifle. I had a rifle but I really didn't consider it a build. Recently, I bought a completely stripped Aero Precision lower and built it out with a stripped upper. It is the nicest, most accurate AR I own and now that I think about it - the most expensive too. But I know how every single part is installed. Now, I have about $200.00 invested in the special tools I needed for the build. There in lies the trap and the manufacturers KNOW it. Similar to eating a Lays potato chip, you can't build just one. Yep...I just bought another lower this week. I think it will be a pistol in 300 blackout this time.
This is how most of us got started.
When people say lego an AR-15, I have to laugh..This is not exactly true because the legos are made by different companies with different QC, dimensions, tolerances, etc that will more than not create a poor AR rifle if the knowledge to understand what to look for when building an AR is not there.. Specking out a good BCG, barrel and chamber, fire control group, gas block, etc is what makes a reliable, durable AR rifle. Pin gauges, function gauges, Mitutoyo calipers, gas tube gauge, firing pin protrusion gauge, throat gauges, chamber gauges, etc and the knowledge to use is not understood by most people.. Purchasing a lot of parts hoping they will all go together properly is a crap shoot that I would never bet my life on..At the least, a person should invest in an good armorers class before building any rifle they might be depending on..For a range toy it is no big deal..Even well known manufacturers put out poorly built rifles that don't meet TDP mill spec tolerances..
..This is why some rifles cost a lot more than others..
I want to echo the pride comment. I have built two ARs - one for a class where I learned how to do it and another completely on my own, custom part selections and burnt bronze of course! There are few things more fun than your first day on the range when that AR functions perfectly and you can take pride in your work. It's a fantastic feeling! Also, from a practical perspective, I have long arms, so I built my second AR with an extended buffer tube to accommodate a better fit for me - it's the most comfortable AR I've shot. I don't know any mass market makers that offer an extended buffer tube off the shelf.
You make a great point.
Bought my first ar at 19 and it was just a basic old school Windham Weaponry carry handle ar. It’s super reliable and works every time. Now that I’m a few years older I wanna just build something of my own and start from the bottom. I’m thinking of starting with a larue tactical lower. If anyone has any input I’d greatly appreciate it.
Randy, with BRS tv, I watched you there and told Patrick Donigan about something you said on there, and he said I taught him everything i know about reefing. I said, "You know him?" He said," Yeah, he used to work with me ( I did too part time). I said, "That's crazy. Now I'm watching this video, and thinking isn't that Randy, then you said this is Randy... crazy!
Actually building my lower and not buying the complete firearm will save me $500
Put that $500 towards some decent glass.
I need to try your trigger. I keep looking at it.
I built an ar10 and an ar pistol for significantly less than what they would have costed, had i bought them completed.
100% !
Building a complete lower looks fun. It’s like the Johnny Cash song “One Piece At A Time” and I don’t mind. 👌🏽
Yes, th-cam.com/users/shortsPLxU_orz_ZA
I only build. I don't buy anymore. I like to know it was built right and I can trust my life to it.
Absolutely. AND we know how to better troubleshoot when they start misbehaving!
@@At3tactical exactly! Any problems you would know where to begin. And it does make the rifle more personal. Makes it one of a kind. That's the best thing about ar15. It can cannibalize parts of other rifles as well.
@@jayhuff8988 I went from buying off the shelf to building a lower off a stripped lower and complete upper. I only bought one complete upper and ended up tearing it all the way down to check the work and lap the upper and dimple the barrel.
Anymore I don’t care what the brand name is on the lower or upper receiver as long as they check out and all the holes are in the right place and the right size. They can be a Adams arms or a Aero cosmetic blem for all I care. Just makes it a little less painful on the parts that really matter. The way the worlds going they are all likely going to be spray painted anyways.. lol
My first ever build was a radian after everything including suppression came out to 3900
I'm broke as heck and just wanted a basic AR. Buying made more sense to me at the price points these days.
Not a damn thing wrong with that.. I’m a huge proponent of buy what you can afford now and start training with it, especially if the reason for having it is preparedness. If the reason for having it is for preparedness it doesn’t do you a damn bit of good saving for a high end rifle and whatever you are worried might happen happens. That high end rifle isn’t going to do you a damn bit of good sitting in the store rack at that point. The controls on the rifle you bought are pretty much in the same place as a high end rifle (it just won’t be ambi, but you can change that for $90 or less) so you can build muscle memory with the rifle you have and it will transfer over to a high end off the shelf rifle or one you build if you get another. The one you have now can be a backup or handed to a family member at that point..
Seriously tho. If you are thinking you might need or just want another rifle seriously think about building it yourself being you already have one.. Different companies seem to consistently have good components on sale fairly regularly and you can piece them together slowly if need be.. Your most expensive parts that are going to matter are your barrel and bolt carrier group. For instance right now Primary arms has ballistic advantage barrels on sale for $150 or less depending if you go all out and get a Hanson pinned gas block version. That barrel will last a hell of a long time and out shoot most people’s capabilities.. I know guys that run them in Anderson uppers and lowers (can have both for like $80 right now if know where to look) and a PSA nickel boron bolt carrier group (which you can get for like $170 and comes with 10 pmags) and they shoot extremely well.
If you are at all mechanically inclined you should really look into piecing together and building your own. Good on you for going ahead and getting what you can afford NOW tho.
Just built both my sons a 300blk pistol. Could have bought them cheaper but when I’m dead and gone they’ll have a gun dad built. Also I feel I have better parts
Can't replace that.
I can think of 80 reasons to build
But you can build over course of couple months an to your likes and spread that spending cost out
That is true.
Not a lot of things are as fun as build6ARs or FPV drones. It is a fun hobby
The Ruger was my first 556. After that, I built numerous rifles. Now, I would just get a BCM.
Doesn’t matter if you build or buy one just get one SOON
That's where I am. I think I'm just going to buy for my wife hers off the shelf chambered in 5.56. She's a little late to the party. However, she's finally seeing writings on the wall! I'm trying to get her to go to PSA with me this weekend!
😔 😠
I accidentally bought the Rifle recoil spring and buffer instead of the carbine length, so naturally I now am obligated to build a 24" fixed stock
Hey it’s the BRS guy! Helped me build my tank, now gonna help me with this project as well I guess 😂🙏🏽
What lower did you use for this video?
I'm guessing you're looking at the Aero X15 (Bronze) AR-15 lower? We have several colors in stock here if you browse the lowers section of AT3 Tactical. ;)
Bottom line is…… build, don’t buy. You can roughly have a 3,000 dollar ar for 1,500 bucks for example. You can have everything you want without having shit loads of spare parts.
CA resident here; with the 20% excise tax on AR complete/ lowers . Its cheaper to build...
I came here looking to see what the benefits are of building an AR vs buying one and then you had to throw that truck analogy in there and now I'm thinking about whether or not I want to trade in my just paid off 2016 Nissan Rogue for a truck. Damn it! 🤣🤣🤣
Sorry about that😂
Great video.. I'm new to the ar world, that being said I'm over 50 and like work with my hands... I plan on buying a couple of ar's and 30rd mags due to the political situation.. I would like to build one just to learn and show it off and say "yeah, I build it.." been looking at aero and a complete bravo upper, maybe a good trigger. Looks pretty comparable in price to a good mid range ar which it should turn out to be a little better than mid range 😀
Glad to help, feel free to reach out to our team if you need any help with your AR build. support@at3tactical.com
Bcm upper and a spikes lower
Forget that noise, THEY'RE ALL MILLED BY THE SAME COMPANY that slaps or DREMELS A DAM NAME ON IT... SAVE THAT MONEY for something better in your build.
Randy aren’t you with BRS? Didn’t expect to see you here 😅
You found me😎
Everyone is not an “assembler” you mean… Also what length gas system did you put in the bronze bomber? That thing is recoiling its ass off.
Is this the same randy from bulk reef supply??
HEY HEY! You found me! Yeah, been at this for 1.5yrs now. Too much fun!
Building: It is a wonderfully American thing to do.
Yes 🇺🇸
For me, it is *all* about process.
Researching what parts are available, obtaining those parts and assembling those parts and eventually making sure the machine functions as designed.
Functional reliability is tantamount. What the thing costs in the long run is not an issue. Yes, as cheap as I can get it counts as well.
Keeping the mind active, is important too.
Retirement tends to stifle an idle mind.
Just sayin'.
Well said!
Building cost more, but it's based on that person's personality.
Doesn’t always cost more. I just got into building and although I’m fortunate to have friends to borrow tools from (started piecing my own together as well) I can buy parts that although they aren’t as pretty they work and spend the money where it really counts.. I learned my lesson after shooting a friend’s builds he built off of Adams arms uppers and lowers and shoot just as well as my high end off the shelf rifle.. Granted his rifles aren’t as pretty, but I’m not entering beauty contests. He beats the hell out of his rifles and they just flat work. He just spends the money where it counts. Besides that I don’t have a problem spray painting something I built, I’m struggling painting my mid tier rifles not to mention my higher end one.. lol
Ok so you enjoy the same hobbies I do and had no idea. Reefs and ar’s
Right On!
Only difference is you spend 3k over the course of a few years on a customized 1 off piece, whereas the other is you spend 3k on a solid rifle, but looks like everyone else’s that got the same one lmao
Umm, you can build a better rifle cheaper. End of story.
AGREED 💯
Hey this guy is from BRSTV
You Found Me😎
@@At3tactical we can’t have to many hobbies 😅 we got salt water tanks and guns 😎
You Rich gun tubers blow my mind. $80,000? Your truck cost twice as much as I paid for my 3 bedroom two bath on a wel home.
Yeah, sorry about that. I can see how that could've come across as arrogant. In reality, the Army paid for my ride...AT3 Tactical let's my family eat...And MT ranching/farming country demonstrated a need for those expensive whips. Appreciate you calling it out. Steel sharpens Steel!
@@At3tactical It could be worse. You could be riding a $51+k Harley.. lol. It’s utterly ridiculous what you have to pay to pull around a horse/cattle trailer. Part of it is they put all the ridiculous BS in them ya don’t need. Fuses and relays worked for decades, but now every damn thing from the radio to the F’n windows have to run through one of the multiple computers that have to talk to each other. It’s f’n ridiculous.
Lego??
If you're just one of those casual shooters or the second amendment is for hunting just stop right here, you will not understand what I'm about to say.
Building will learn a lot more about the most popular rifle that is owned in the United States, and that is absolutely going to be important, especially when you're on the side of a mountain in a rainstorm it's 2:00 a.m. and you need to repair your rifle.
The cheap part of your rifle build should be the lower, not what you put inside of it,just the lower,thats the part your taking from the democrat-controlled military,the rest of it is government junk,change out everything but the auto sear.
Yes you will save money building your own weapon! Don't listen to this guy!
What the crap is the brs guy doing here?
You found Me 😁
@@At3tactical long time reef nerd, but just getting into guns. I learned a lot about reeftanks from you. Look forward to doing the same with guns.
Lemurs don’t follow the crowd lemmings do😳
😂😂 Nice catch!