Dirty Bird Brand AR-15 PartsAR Parts and Accesories, AR-15
AR-15 Kit Guide: The Ultimate Solution for Customizing Your Firearm
Feb
Did you know that with the rise of the AR-15 kit, there is a third way to get your hands on a quality AR-15? The debate surrounding AR-15 ownership often boils down to a critical decision: should one buy a factory-built AR-15 or take the journey of building one from the ground up?
This question, central to the AR-15 enthusiast community, highlights the myriad of options available for those looking to own one of the most adaptable rifles in the world. This guide, focusing on the advantages of AR-15 kits, aims to explore the middle ground between purchasing a complete AR-15 and assembling one from scratch, presenting the AR-15 kit as the optimal choice for customization and convenience.
Dirty Bird 16″ 5.56 Midlength M-LOK Rifle Kit w/ Vortex Crossfire Red Dot
$643.95
AR15Discounts.com
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The Case for Buying Pre-Built AR-15s
Choosing a pre-built AR-15 offers the immediate satisfaction of acquiring a fully functional rifle right out of the box. Manufacturers who are known for their quality, such as Evolve Weapon Systems, Dirty Bird Industries, Bravo Company, SOLGW, and Knight’s Armament, ensure their AR-15s come with a solid warranty and have passed rigorous quality control checks.
However, the advantages of pre-built AR-15s, including hassle-free ownership and manufacturer support, come with limitations. High demand can lead to availability issues, and the quality control varies across the industry. Furthermore, purchasing a pre-built AR-15 limits customization, as changing the manufacturer’s chosen configuration often incurs additional costs.
That said, for many shooters who are looking to purchase an AR-15 that “just works,” buying a quality pre-built, factory AR-15 makes a lot of sense. Yes, quality control standards can vary, but for the most part, if you do your research, you should end up with a rifle you can depend on when it counts.
Colt CR6940 Monolithic 5.56 NATO AR-15 Carbine Rifle – 16.1″ – CR6940
$1,599.00
AR15Discounts.com
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The Appeal of Building an AR-15
Building an AR-15 from scratch appeals to those who value a personalized firearm. It offers unparalleled customization, potentially at a lower cost if one is patient and strategic about sourcing parts. This hands-on approach deepens the builder’s understanding of the firearm, although it requires a considerable investment in tools, time, and expertise.
The challenge of assembling an AR-15 is not insignificant, demanding a thorough knowledge of the platform and a willingness to learn from resources like School of the American Rifle. Always remember, that despite what some might say, building an AR-15 is not like playing with adult Legos. If someone tells you that, take everything else they say with giant grains of salt.
There are not many more things satisfying than building your own AR-15, but you need to think about whether it is something you plan on doing more than once. Realize that to do any job the right way, it requires the right tools and know-how. The tools alone could set you back another 500 dollars. That’s not an insignificant investment.
The time spent learning to build the right way also takes time. You also need to make sure you are getting good advice on what a quality build looks like. Are you familiar with websites like ARBuildJunkie.com? That would be a good place to start to learn about what a good build looks like.
AR-15 Kits: The Best of Both Worlds
So, build or buy an AR-15? What if there was another choice? One that splits the different? That option exists with AR-15 kits. These AR-15 kits, which can be found at reputable places like AR15Discounts and Palmetto State Armory, emerge as the ideal solution, blending the advantages of both buying and building.
An AR-15 kit includes all necessary components for assembly, minus the lower receiver, combining the ease of having a complete set with the satisfaction of DIY assembly. These kits are perfect for both beginners and experienced builders, offering high-quality parts and the flexibility to select finishes and features that match personal preferences.
AR-15 kits simplify the building process, allowing enthusiasts to focus on the assembly without worrying about part compatibility or quality. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the firearm’s function, facilitating future upgrades or maintenance. Moreover, AR-15 kits from reputable suppliers guarantee that the components are of high quality, ensuring reliability and performance.
Conclusion: Why Choose an AR-15 Kit
In the ongoing discussion of whether to buy a factory AR-15 or to build one from scratch, AR-15 kits represent a compelling middle path. They offer the quality assurance of pre-selected parts with the personal touch of assembling the rifle yourself. This approach not only demystifies the building process but also empowers owners with a deeper connection to their firearm. Whether you are embarking on your first build or you are an experienced enthusiast, AR-15 kits provide a rewarding pathway to owning a customized, high-performing AR-15, embodying the spirit of customization and personal achievement in the world of firearms. If you don’t know where to start, we’d highly recommend the AR-15 kit configurator located at AR15Discounts.com.
When selecting an AR-15 kit, the choice of a lower receiver to complement your kit is pivotal. The debate between forged versus billet lowers is significant, as each offers distinct advantages. Forged lowers are known for their strength and durability, having been shaped under immense pressure, making them a robust foundation for your AR-15 build. Billet lowers, on the other hand, are machined from a single block of aluminum, offering more customization in terms of aesthetics and slight variations in design.
However, the choice between forged and billet should not merely rest on aesthetics or physical resilience alone. A quality lower matters immensely because it serves as the backbone of your AR-15, ensuring that all components fit securely and function cohesively. A well-made lower, whether forged or billet, ensures a higher degree of reliability and accuracy by maintaining tight tolerances and providing a stable platform for all other parts. As such, investing in a high-quality lower is crucial for those opting for an AR-15 kit, as it sets the stage for a successful build, optimizing performance and ensuring longevity of your custom AR-15.