Build or Buy

A question I am asked a lot from friends, blog readers, and others is "build or buy?"
(Specifically, when it comes to an AR15)

A few moments to clarify your wants / needs...

First - if you are experienced in shooting AR15 rifles, and are looking for a specific kind of rifle, you aren't even asking this question. You are building. That should be a hint for the rest out there. If you are wanting a specific type, other than the standard "M4" then you will be best suited by building.

Be Honest
Are you going to shoot this a couple of times, then just keep it in the safe or sell it?
If there is a better than average chance of this, then just buy an M4 type at Wal-Mart and be done. They are currently running under $850 locally, and though you could certainly build it cheaper, just save everyone some time and effort.

Buy



Military
Were you in the military, and now you want one like what you carried? Want one like what another unit carried? Want to make it better in some areas (better trigger, etc.), but still look like a milspec gun?

Never in the military, but have your eye on a specific military build?

If you answered yes to any or all of these, then build... unless you simply want the generic M4.
M16A2? - Build right now for less than $800.
M16A4? - Build right now to spec for less than $1000, not including ACOG.
SDMR / Recce? - Build right now for $1400, not including optic.

Build



Special Purpose
Do you want an AR for a specific purpose? Varmint hunting? Big game hunting?
Special target shooting? High Power or other match shooting?
No special purpose - just want a type of barrel, stock, or trigger group that is atypical?
Want a barrel that is 18" or 20" or 24"? Want a fixed length stock?
Want a free-floated barrel?

Build.


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