jstolz
Active Member
Just bought a lower from Gym Rats. Any ideas on what to build? This is my first build so easier the better. I was thinking of getting a complete upper.
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engineerbrian
JMB fan club
Scroll through the AR 15 picture thread for ideas, then source your parts and sign up for Chads build class. 
Ammo Jon
Ultimate Member
- Mar 3, 2008
- 20,978
bkuether
Judge not this race .....
I always get looks and comments on my A2s.
So classic.
So classic.
- Jul 29, 2014
- 49,983
The whole point of an AR build is based on the upper. That's where the difference lies. Buying a complete upper, you might as well buy a complete gun. Any schmuck can build a lower.
smokey
2A TEACHER
- Jan 31, 2008
- 31,497
Build the lower with a SBA3 and then toss this on... https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-9-300-BLACKOUT-KeyMod-MCMR-8-p/bcm-urg-300blk-9-mcmr-8.htm
Russ D
Ultimate Member
I just built my 15th AR. My latest is the only one I’d recommend you not build. 7.5” 5.56 pistols/sbr’s are just plain rude to shoot.
Ammo Jon
Ultimate Member
- Mar 3, 2008
- 20,978
Sir, that is a sexy AR pistol you have there...
My favorite part is the Magpul accessories, they are plug and play
As a first AR, I would still recommend buying complete upper. Schmuck or not. Once you move past your first, then you can play around....but who wants to spend $800 on an upper and have to trouble shoot it?
Ranchero50
Ultimate Member
Sliding two pins in and throwing a bunch of junk on it isn't a build, it's a fashion show.
Ask for help. There are plenty of people on this forum willing to show/help a newb assemble their upper. Better yet, take a SOTAR class with Chad and learn how to do it yourself.
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jstolz
Active Member
I plan on taking his class, but I need dont have an AR. Maybe I should buy a budget gun and learn and save the receiver.
You can buy the components you'd like and build that rifle in his class I believe.
WildWeasel
Active Member
Not sure why anyone interested in doing anything related to firearms (aside from banning, seizing, or sawing them in half...) would be a schmuck.
OP basically, you do you. AR builds are great because they're completely personal. There are thousands of parts, multiple lengths, tons of calibers, and even different systems of operation. Plus you'll probably upgrade it in a few years... I made a new rifle from parts, sans lower, that I pulled off of my original. You're wallet may hate you though.
Buy a complete upper or at least a barreled upper for your first go. Feel free to mess around with handguards/muzzle devices/mounting options but I wouldn't mess with trying to figure out how to mount a barrel or a gas tube on my first go. It will be functional to say the least and you avoid worrying about messing up the actual function of the gun. Depending on the purpose you intend to use your AR, I would rather be called a schmuck and have a reliable gun I can trust for HD/SHTF built by reputable companies that do this for a living. You can get a complete BCM upper with BCG for about $500. My 2 cents.
