Your next AR15: build it or buy it?
With the consistent attack on our rights as Americans, having a gun is more important than ever. The most popular weapon platform in America is the AR-15. The AR-15 has become the Scary Black Rifle Boogeyman of both the gun grabbers and freedom-hating politicians. The AR-15 is also a remarkable platform that can be built and customized with ease by any civilian with just a few handy tools that can be purchased at your local hardware store. So should we buy or build an AR-15? Let’s have a look at some thoughts on both options.
Pros to Buying Your Own AR15
Buying an AR-15 is obviously the easiest, most convenient and immediate way to get your hands on America’s Rifle. If we consider that an AR-15 and all the variants can be found at just about every gun and most sporting goods stores then this is a great option! Tons of fantastic off-the-wall rifles are available from reputable companies (but they can make your wallet lighter); such as Aero Precision, Daniel Defense (politics aside), Sons of Liberty Gunworks, Zev etc.
Cons to Buying Your Own AR15
One of the most obvious cons of simply buying an off-the-shelf AR-15 is that we’ll likely get a gun that might not be perfectly set up for us as a shooter. Maybe we dislike the trigger or handguard of the AR-15 - among other things. Oftentimes buying a budget off-the-shelf AR-15 will result in getting exactly what we pay for and will need another $1000 sunk into it to get the rifle to the point where it is a good consistent shooter.
The more you shoot and train with your rifle the higher the chance of finding features a budget or even a higher-end rifle might not have that you decide are necessary. With the availability of AR parts and build kits online currently it might make more sense to just build exactly what you’ll want or need.
Pros to Building Your Own AR15
For the more discerning shooter that needs a gun specifically for them, building an AR-15 might be the better choice. Need a rifle for duty or competition? An off-the-shelf rifle might not have everything you’d personally need for the task at hand.
While building your own AR-15 might seem like a daunting task with sourcing uppers, lowers, barrels etc, it can be not only a great hobby but a rewarding experience as well. It will also result in the exact rifle that the shooter wants. From the beginning of the build to its final form, thinking every part out and considering how to go about making the perfect rifle for you is what we are here to support you in doing. Heck, you can even buy and build a pink AR-15 build kit for the special lady in your life if that’s what it takes.
Tools Needed to Build an AR15
Believe it or not, you will not need a whole lot to build your own AR-15! Many of these tools can be purchased at your local gun or sporting goods store. Some of the tools you will need to build an AR-15 include:
- Allen Key Set
- AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench
- Gunsmith Punch and Hammer Set
- Vise and Vise block
Is it Expensive to Build an AR15?
It can be expensive to build an AR-15 but if you are a smart shopper then you will be able to save some money. Build kits are also another great option. Our build kits save time and money by putting everything you need in one easy-to-assemble package! Build kits are a great way to save the headache of missing a part or forgetting to purchase one. Parts may be swamped out at any time to make building your AR-15 even more customizable to the shooter!
Is it Legal?
Building an AR-15 is absolutely legal! Something to keep in mind though - make sure you follow all state and federal regulations. Every state, and some cities even, have different laws and different levels of regulations for these products. If you’re not careful about your barrel length and or certain accessories you could go from being a law-abiding citizen into an unassuming felon very quickly! So just make sure to check all federal, state and local ordinances before building your AR-15!
So should you build it or buy it?
In the end what is the correct answer? YEP. Whether you build or buy an AR-15, the decision to own one is a great one. Not only is America’s rifle a useful tool, it can also be the catalyst to a wonderful time making memories on the range spent with loved ones - then it comes home and offers the ability to protect said loved ones.
Exercising your 2nd Amendment right is something we all should do as Americans. Build or buy we are simply glad that you choose to do either. If you should choose to build an AR-15, AR-9 or AR-10 check out our build kits and parts here at 5D Tactical! At the end of the day, we are here to help! Thanks for spending a bit of your day with us! Until next time!
