Of the 3 mentioned I suppose I’d prefer the Windham, since I did put it through its paces pretty hard and it responded well. Not that the Stag or Ruger wouldn’t, but I just haven’t tested them in that capacity yet. I know the Windham will perform if needed. That being said, my go to AR rifle is a LWRC which I’ve also ran hard and put away wet. My go to 5.56/.223 however is a Tavor bullpup (for much of the same reason but a few others as well). But I’d stand a wall with the Windham for sure.
Build or Buy first AR15
- Thread starter Topshift5
- Start date
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DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
Where did you come up with 250 for a upper? I can't get a good free floated handguard and barrel for less than 350, then I have to get all the other parts.
$600 as an upper limit is really going to limit you for what you can build or buy.
Also remember, we have the HBAR requirement, so if you want to be legal, whether you build or buy, you'll have to have a compliant barrel in any upper you have.
Regarding lower parts kits, I'd recommend the PSA MOE EPT lower parts kit:
It has everything you'll need to build out a full lower with a decent stock and grip, plus a trigger that isn't garbage - it's a single stage trigger that's pretty smooth. The pull weight on the trigger will be around 7 lbs, but you can easily do a JP springs kit that will take that trigger pull to about 4-4.5 lbs.
The AR platform is a bit of a rabbit hole - even after you have your build completed, you may well find yourself contemplating upgrades - better optic, different trigger, different handguard, better pistol grip, different stock, different muzzle device....
Also remember, we have the HBAR requirement, so if you want to be legal, whether you build or buy, you'll have to have a compliant barrel in any upper you have.
Regarding lower parts kits, I'd recommend the PSA MOE EPT lower parts kit:
It has everything you'll need to build out a full lower with a decent stock and grip, plus a trigger that isn't garbage - it's a single stage trigger that's pretty smooth. The pull weight on the trigger will be around 7 lbs, but you can easily do a JP springs kit that will take that trigger pull to about 4-4.5 lbs.
The AR platform is a bit of a rabbit hole - even after you have your build completed, you may well find yourself contemplating upgrades - better optic, different trigger, different handguard, better pistol grip, different stock, different muzzle device....
First thing that entered my mind, PSA...
Most of these include BCG and charging handle.
DaemonAssassin
Why should we Free BSD?
I thought that too, but the entire build it statement made me wonder where he was sourcing parts for a whole upper.
Most of those aren't MD compliant though - the only way they could be is on a pre-2013 lower, which is absolutely bizarre, but it is what it is. Because Maryland.
Delton has rifle kits, including HBAR, for about 450; everything but the lower.
My first AR was back in the Oblamo chaos:
Deton lower
Delton carbine length upper.
LWRC LPK
The thing has run flawless.
I've also bought another upper from Delton; 11.5" IIRC.
I ordered it without the BCG or charging handle but received them anyhow. I contacted their CS and they told me to enjoy!
Per my review their products are good and company good. My other AR's are LWRC's and PWS, and I am no AR guru.
Good luck OP.
My first AR was back in the Oblamo chaos:
Deton lower
Delton carbine length upper.
LWRC LPK
The thing has run flawless.
I've also bought another upper from Delton; 11.5" IIRC.
I ordered it without the BCG or charging handle but received them anyhow. I contacted their CS and they told me to enjoy!
Per my review their products are good and company good. My other AR's are LWRC's and PWS, and I am no AR guru.
Good luck OP.
I admit not going through each and every lower. I do know PSA does cater to Merryland though.
It was a general search of just one company.
Don't bother trying to build your first. You will need tools and are likely to struggle with sourcing HBAR. Simply buy a $599 AR as mentioned from WW or Ruger , etc. Shoot it, learn how it operates and see if you really like it or if you would prefer some changes such as a different caliber, different barrel length. If so you can always build a second rifle and it will easier because you are familiar with the weapon. Also, if you Buy a MD Legal AR, it won't be difficult to sell if you decide to upgrade. If you build a Franken Rifle, good luck getting rid of it.
- Aug 8, 2021
- 11
Don't build one..... cause you will build another.... and another.... and another..... Ask me how I know! 
Windham Weaponry has models with free-floated hand guards. I am old-school and prefer a sight tower that is staked to the barrel. These three registered short-barreled rifles (11.5", 14.5" and 12.5") are are my favorites. This is the way God intended AR's to be built IMHO. I am in the minority and to each his own.
alucard0822
For great Justice
There are so many options, and so many rifles that specialize in something, or are designed to be versatile, kinda hard to make a recommendation. Building is really the only way to get exactly what you want, provided you know exactly what you want. Buying is simple, comes with a warranty, and not everyone wants to go through the expense of acquiring tools, or take the time to learn how to build. Budget does matter, but not as much as acquiring a firearm that meets your needs. There are a LOT of people that buy a simple rifle, then upgrade part after part until you end up with the build you want, and an expensive box of useless parts. In that case, would have been far less expensive to build what you want from the start, even if it would blow the initial budget. There are also many that are perfectly happy with a simple M4 pattern rifle, and don't really want or need anything more.
ken792
Ultimate Member
As mentioned, one advantage of buying a complete rifle is that you do the 4473 and walk off with it.
An advantage of building is that it avoids the federal 11% tax that manufacturers have to roll into the price of a complete rifle.
You don’t need to literally “build.” You can just buy a complete lower and complete upper. No tools are necessary to put the two together.
Here is an HBAR upper from a good brand that already has the hard parts built out. They’ll even attach a muzzle device for you.
An advantage of building is that it avoids the federal 11% tax that manufacturers have to roll into the price of a complete rifle.
You don’t need to literally “build.” You can just buy a complete lower and complete upper. No tools are necessary to put the two together.
Here is an HBAR upper from a good brand that already has the hard parts built out. They’ll even attach a muzzle device for you.
I built mine because my opinion is that if you build it, you will be intimately familiar with how it works and you'll maintain it properly. Although I carried M16's and M4's in the military regularly, I learned much more about the platform by building one. I also had a 10 year hiatus when I retired so I lost knowledge.
I used Del-Ton parts exclusively, except for the 80% lower and the bolt carrier group. Del-Ton didn't have BCG's or even the parts to assemble one in stock when I was gathering my parts so I bought that piece elsewhere. I selected a mid-length, 1x9 heavy barrel.
The inexpensive trigger kit was a mistake. Inconsistent pull, very heavy and gritty. I replaced it with an ACT single stage trigger. That's the only part I'd do differently. The ACT single stage is very affordable so I dumb to skimp on such an important part.
I used Del-Ton parts exclusively, except for the 80% lower and the bolt carrier group. Del-Ton didn't have BCG's or even the parts to assemble one in stock when I was gathering my parts so I bought that piece elsewhere. I selected a mid-length, 1x9 heavy barrel.
The inexpensive trigger kit was a mistake. Inconsistent pull, very heavy and gritty. I replaced it with an ACT single stage trigger. That's the only part I'd do differently. The ACT single stage is very affordable so I dumb to skimp on such an important part.
The other disadvantage to building vs buying is price - anecdotally it just seems to be a bit more costly to build vs buy.
On the subject of triggers, I've read so many good things about the ALG ACT trigger, but I have yet to get one. I have the "knockoff" EPT in two guns and both of mine are nice triggers - a huge step up from the stock milspec triggers I've had.
With that said, the main reason I got the EPT wasn't because I bought that specifically. I bought the EPT as part of a lower build kit offered by PSA. It's a slight bump in price over the kit with the milspec trigger.
I have a Lantac cartridge trigger in another gun that I don't particularly like - I might have to try the ALG ACT in that one.
On the subject of triggers, I've read so many good things about the ALG ACT trigger, but I have yet to get one. I have the "knockoff" EPT in two guns and both of mine are nice triggers - a huge step up from the stock milspec triggers I've had.
With that said, the main reason I got the EPT wasn't because I bought that specifically. I bought the EPT as part of a lower build kit offered by PSA. It's a slight bump in price over the kit with the milspec trigger.
I have a Lantac cartridge trigger in another gun that I don't particularly like - I might have to try the ALG ACT in that one.
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This. If you can spare an extra hundred or so bucks for the above, you are getting a categorically better rifle than that made by Ruger or Delton.Windham Weaponry:
Windham Weaponry R16A4T Rifle SALE - AtlanticFirearms.com
Windham Weaponry R16A4T AR15 Rifle , Heavy barrel carbine with a ton of great features and backed up by a Lifetime Warranty . M4 Patrol Rifle 848037000019atlanticfirearms.com
Buy once, cry once. Outside of upgrading furniture and a few bells and whistles, you'll not need nor want for more than this Windham can give you based on your needs.
Haha this is an absolutely truthful statement.
Worsley
I apologize for hurting your feelings!
Buy first, build later. The Windham Weaponry is best in class, best value for your budget.
wreckdiver
Ultimate Member
- Nov 13, 2008
- 2,948
Windham will be fine. Like others have said, there will be more. I bought my first couple from the factory. After a while you will decide what you like and what works best for you. Once you start messing with Geiselle triggers and decent optics you wonder how your first AR cost “only” $600. black rifle disease is real.
