Shooters have two main prospects when it comes to getting a new gun. One is to buy a complete, functioning gun. Another is to build it.
Many in the market for sporting rifles, specifically AR-15 style platforms, prefer to build with a kit. If you’re considering that route rather than buying a complete rifle, here’s what you need to know.
The AR-15 build kit might be the right route. Here’s how to know if it is.
You Want to Make Sure You Have Everything You Need in One Place
One of the biggest selling points of an AR-15 build kit is that it will contain basically everything you need to complete a functioning rifle. If you want to be sure you have all the big things – not just a barrel, handguard, and grip, but also all the small things, like roll and takedown pins and springs, then a build kit might be a good proposition.
Important note: AR-15 build kits almost never come with a complete lower receiver. This is the part that is serialized and regulated by the ATF as the “actual” firearm. Be aware of that because you will need one to pair with the kit.
You Want a Plug and Play (or Shoot) Project
For some people, the fun of putting together a puzzle is just that – assembly. Puzzle fans don’t spend hours and hours creating the artwork and then using a jigsaw to cut it all out. They just like to put the parts in order.
The same goes with an AR-15 build kit. It’s like a puzzle and the pieces are the parts of a gun. All you do is assemble it and you’re ready to go.
You Want to Save Time
You absolutely can buy all the parts of a rifle piecemeal and assemble it that way, but that’s going to take longer and it might ultimately be more expensive than building with a kit. So if your main goal is to do this painlessly and quickly, don’t overlook a kit.
You Want Guaranteed Compatibility
One of the best things about buying a gun build kit (any build kit, not just for an AR) is that with a kit you basically have a guarantee that all of the included parts are compatible. You can make mistakes when you buy piecemeal, but that work is cut out for you if you choose a kit.
This is Your First Home Build or You’re Not Really That Familiar with Firearms
There’s no shame in admitting that you enjoy the shooting sports but your mechanical knowledge of firearms is lacking. Plenty of us drive cars and don’t know the difference between a fuel injector and an intake manifold.
Point is, if you want to learn more about firearm mechanics but don’t know where to start, a build kit can be a great way to get your feet wet. There are lots of helpful videos out there and it’s fairly hard to make a mistake with a build kit.
You’re Just Looking to Skirt the Shortages
If the only reason you want an AR-15 build kit is because you can’t find the AR you want on the shelf at the shop, that’s still a good reason.
Where to Get Your Next AR-15 Build Kit
Interested in getting an AR-15 build kit for your next project? Check out MCS Gearup first. They carry a wide range of build kits as well as parts for AR rifles, with many shooting attachments and accessories in the mix as well. Check out their website and get in touch with them at Sales@MCSGearup.com for more information.
