Franken AR

Boom Boom · Aug 19, 2016

Years ago, a hotly-debated topic was the issue of an AR being Franken if it wasn't a factory-complete rifle or nearly so. God forbid if the lower and upper (receivers or complete) were from different sources.

Now that AR platforms have wildly taken off in popularity and aftermarket support, is that argument finally dead and gone?

Just wondering what others think. Out of all my AR rifles, none is factory-complete, not even close. And I like it that way.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
Years ago, a hotly-debated topic was the issue of an AR being Franken if it wasn't a factory-complete rifle or nearly so. God forbid if the lower and upper (receivers or complete) were from different sources.

Now that AR platforms have wildly taken off in popularity and aftermarket support, is that argument finally dead and gone?

Just wondering what others think. Out of all my AR rifles, none is factory-complete, not even close. And I like it that way.

I have one factory, the others I built. I, too, like it that way.

jimbobborg · Aug 19, 2016

Now that you mention it, none of mine are, either. I've never bought a complete AR.

But, I believe some folks count it against the rifle when the owner decides to sell said rifle. I've never sold a complete rifle, either.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

I bought a 6920 before the ban. I only get it out when I take first-timers to the range because all of my franken AR's have very light Geissele triggers in them. I learned that isn't a good idea when my mom bump fired a few bursts. She thought it was pretty awesome, but we got some funny looks from downrange.

Alphabrew · Aug 19, 2016

I wouldn't want to buy a home build unless it was cheap. I'd rather build my own or buy a factory rifle. Just a personal preference.

Bertfish · Aug 19, 2016

Never bought a complete one. All four are Franken ARs and run just fine. I think the argument against them is dead assuming you are using decent quality components in the build. If you use junk parts and cobble it together then best of luck.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

Alphabrew said:
I wouldn't want to buy a home build unless it was cheap. I'd rather build my own or buy a factory rifle. Just a personal preference.

I wouldn't buy a home-built gun. I trust mine, but God knows what other people have done.

Boom Boom · Aug 19, 2016

For the sake of the discussion, let's ignore budget home builds with low-rent parts and questionable workmanship. Assume we're talking quality home builds, probably with top-shelf parts, versus OEM complete rifles. Include mismatched complete uppers and lowers in the discussion, upgraded or not.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
For the sake of the discussion, let's ignore budget home builds with low-rent parts and questionable workmanship. Assume we're talking quality home builds, probably with top-shelf parts, versus OEM complete rifles.

I would guess this is probably why most people build AR's. It's tough to get exactly what you want from a factory rifle. That said, I would never be interested in selling any of my AR's, because they are EXACTLY what I want.

jimbobborg · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
For the sake of the discussion, let's ignore budget home builds with low-rent parts and questionable workmanship. Assume we're talking quality home builds, probably with top-shelf parts, versus OEM complete rifles. Include mismatched complete uppers and lowers in the discussion, upgraded or not.

That's the problem. I could provide receipts, but I can't prove I put a Young's National Match BCG versus some generic BCG in that particular upper.

outrider58 · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
Just wondering what others think. Out of all my AR rifles, none is factory-complete, not even close. And I like it that way.

None of mine are either. :thumbsup:

Alphabrew · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
For the sake of the discussion, let's ignore budget home builds with low-rent parts and questionable workmanship. Assume we're talking quality home builds, probably with top-shelf parts, versus OEM complete rifles. Include mismatched complete uppers and lowers in the discussion, upgraded or not.

That's a hell of an assumption.

clandestine · Aug 19, 2016

I see more home and shop built AR's for problems than factory built models. Lots more.

Unless someone broke out a dremel, most problems can be remedied with some minor fitting or proper re-assembly.

IMO, one of the biggest problems with franken guns AND factory built AR's are Feed Ramps problems, Gas Port sizing, Gas Tube/Barrel Nut alignment, and proper Gas Key installation.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

clandestine said:
I see more home and shop built AR's for problems than factory built models. Lots more.

Unless someone broke out a dremel, most problems can be remedied with some minor fitting or proper re-assembly.

IMO, one of the biggest problems with franken guns AND factory built AR's are Feed Ramps problems, Gas Port sizing, Gas Tube/Barrel Nut alignment, and proper Gas Key installation.

I took a class from some handsome bastard with a great ass which taught me all about that stuff.

Biggfoot44 · Aug 19, 2016

And the middle ground is purchase a complete lower and attach a complete upper.

I look at the term "Franken gun" , the same way I do the term "Bubba'd" . Which is to say not the same as most here do.

To Me , Franken implies low quality parts, poor workmanship,and in an off the wall combination.

But the big question is are you more concerned about lowest possible buy in ? Having a particular combination of parts and features not commonly seen in mass produced guns ? Or resale value? Do you hang on to your rifles forever, or frequently sell , trade, buy somthing else?

clandestine · Aug 19, 2016

Boom Boom said:
For the sake of the discussion, let's ignore budget home builds with low-rent parts and questionable workmanship. Assume we're talking quality home builds, probably with top-shelf parts, versus OEM complete rifles. Include mismatched complete uppers and lowers in the discussion, upgraded or not.

Depends on who you ask. LOTS of consumers just eat up the loads of B.S. from an advertisements.

Ohhhhh! This Gas Piston will make your AR AWESOME! :tdown:

Problem is, some people consider JUNK as top shelf. I consider NiB junk because my experience tells me its junk.

Some people consider Nitrided barrels an improvement. I say most of them are inferior because they are treated after the BBL Extension is installed.

Some people consider 1 piece Gas Rings an improvement. I know they are junk.

Some people think certain Rail Systems are improvement. I think many are far from it.

Some people say that drop in triggers (pack triggers) are an improvement. My experience tells me that Factory FCG's, Geissele, and LaRue are the ones that work the most consistently and safely.

teratos · Aug 19, 2016

I put together a gun with the exact parts I want. From the trigger to the grip to the stock. Usually higher-end parts, but sometimes the parts I want are not always the most expensive. For example, I have a MFT minimalist stock on my 9mm AR. I'm not worried about resale value because I will not be selling any of my guns.

jonnyl · Aug 19, 2016

When I first started to get into the AR world and heard the term FrankenAR my first thought was "That's what I want to build!!!". I don't think either of mine have two major components from the same maker.

Love 'em that way!!!

outrider58 · Aug 19, 2016

teratos said:
I took a class from some handsome bastard with a great ass which taught me all about that stuff.

You sir, have the advantage over us.! :lol2:

clandestine · Aug 19, 2016

teratos said:
I took a class from some handsome bastard with a great ass which taught me all about that stuff.

You taking classes from other guys?

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