Budgeting and planning for a new rifle build can be difficult. Whether you want to buy or build, there are many considerations that go into the decision. When it comes to purchasing an AR-15 upper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, is the price difference between buying and building one? Second is the level of customization that can be done to the weapon. Lastly, what features are included in each type of upper?
To buy or to build?
In terms of price, building an AR-15 upper typically costs more than buying one. This is largely due to the fact that most manufacturers offer a wider variety of customization options when building an upper yourself. Additionally, many builders prefer to use quality parts and materials, which often results in a higher cost. However, if you’re looking for a customizable weapon that you can build to your own specifications, then a custom-built upper may be the better route for you.
When it comes to features, most AR-15 uppers include at least some basic customization options such as rail placement and length. Many AR upper assemblies also include additional features such as optics mounts and flash hiders. Different types of uppers also come with different levels of compatibility – some can only accommodate certain types of optics while others are designed for mounting multiple guns together. It’s important to pay attention to these details so that you get the best possible fit for you.
The parts of AR upper
You’ll need a bolt carrier group, which is the part that actually cycles the ammunition. This can be bought separately or as part of a rifle kit. The average price for a bolt carrier group is around $60.
The next step is to purchase the necessary parts for your build. This will include a barrel, receiver extension, handguard, and rail system. The barrel is likely to be the most expensive component, costing around $300 on average. Receiver extensions and handguards are cheaper options but don’t have as many features available as a barrel does. Rail systems are optional but can provide increased accuracy and stability when shooting ARs. They typically cost around $60-$120. More on AR upper assembly can be found at https://midstatefirearms.com/product-category/ar15-ar10/upper-receivers-parts/upper-assemblies/
What are the pros and cons of buying or building an AR upper?
There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether or not buying or building Midstate firearms is the best option for you. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Pros
- Price-wise, upper receiver assembly can be more affordable than building one. The parts and materials needed to build an upper can be expensive, so it can save money if you buy them preassembled.
- If you’re not familiar with firearms assembly, buying an upper may make it easier for you to put it together yourself. It’s also possible to find complete uppers that have been assembled already.
- If you need to replace or upgrade your riffle soon, buying an upper may be the better option because there are many compatible parts available on the market. Building a new ar15 from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Purchasing an AR upper allows you to customize it to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the caliber, barrel length, sights, and other features that will fit your shooting style best. This level of customization is not possible with most prebuilt riffles.
- If something goes wrong with your AR Upper, having purchased it means that replacement parts are likely available from manufacturers or dealerships rather than having to rebuild it from scratch like with a homemade rifle.
Cons
- Buying an upper one may be more difficult than simply finding a preassembled one on the market. You’ll have to do your research to find the best option for you and make sure that the parts you choose are compatible with each other.
- If you’re not familiar with firearms assembly, building an upper may be more difficult for you. You’ll need to learn how to install the parts, tighten screws, and shoot them properly in order to keep them working smoothly.
- Depending on the type of AR upper you buy, there may be additional costs associated with it, such as extra barrels or sights.
- If something goes wrong with your AR upper, repairs may be more difficult or even impossible than if you had purchased a preassembled one.
- Ar15 uppers are not legal in all states, so be sure to check the laws in your area before making a purchase.
Differences in Purchased Models
There are a number of significant variations in the AR models available for purchase, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of AR is the standard rifle, which uses an off-the-shelf barrel and parts kit. A variety of other options are available, such as specialized rifles designed for hunting or self-defense, fixed-stock ARs, and collapsible-stock ARs.
The main difference between the different types of ARs is their price. The standard rifle is generally cheaper to purchase than one of the specialized models, but it may require more customization and may not be compatible with other accessories. Fixed stock ARs are generally more expensive than collapsible stock ARs but are easier to use and can be configured in a number of ways.
Conclusion
There is no universal answer to this question, as the costs and benefits of either buying or building an AR upper will be different for each person. However, if you are interested in making an AR-capable firearm but do not have the financial resources to do so, buying an upper may be your best option. There are a number of reputable companies that sell complete AR uppers, and many of these companies offer discounts for military veterans and law enforcement officers. If you decide to build your own AR upper, remember to consult with a knowledgeable firearms expert to ensure that your build is safe and effective. Also, remember to buy lower AR receivers from a quality reputable source so that your rifle all around turns out the best that it can.
