If you already have a few AR-style rifles in the safe, and you’re looking for a new challenge, consider assembling a sporting rifle from an AR build kit. There are tons of good reasons to take on the project, many of which will be considered here.
Why Go with a Build Kit
- It’s the plug and play solution
When you buy an AR build kit, you get effectively guaranteed compatibility that all of the parts you’ll be getting will be compatible with each other. That makes it much more practical for your first build project than getting all of the parts separately.
- It’s as failsafe as it gets
Not only will an AR build kit come with parts that are compatible with each other, but with a complete build kit, you’ll be getting every part – not just the main ones, but also the hardware – that is required to completely assemble a functioning rifle. There’s nothing to accidentally miss.
- There’s less uncertainty
Not sure of the difference between a cam pin, a roll pin, and a takedown pin? For most casual shooters, that hardly matters. For a home builder, it understandably makes quite a consequential difference. Fortunately, a complete build kit will contain them all and they should be clearly marked, making the process a whole lto more accessible.
- You learn a lot about the gun
To put it bluntly, it’s hardly possible to assemble a functioning rifle without learning a thing or two (if not a lot) about how the rifle works. That makes the whole process of home building highly educational – you’ll get a crash course (albeit passively) in firearm mechanics.
- You’ll be able to make repairs down the line
The fact that you won’t be able to help but learn about how all the parts of your AR work together also means that when something goes wrong, you’ll know what to do. Need a bolt carrier group with new gas rings? A new extractor? A new buffer spring? You’ll be better able to identify and rectify the problem.
- You can make swaps fairly cost-effectively as you build
Say you love everything about the build kit but the BCG. With a build kit, you can just buy that one piece separately and then substitute it in.
- It’s not as hard as you think
Not to suggest that assembling a rifle from a build kit is easy, but it’s definitely not rocket science and basically anyone can do it with only basic tools.
- You’ll probably enjoy it
Lastly, the truth is if you enjoy shooting and tinkering with your guns, you’ll probably love the process of building an AR with a kit.
There is one very important thing you need to understand about AR build kits, especially if you’ve never used one before. They do not come with a finished lower receiver, which you will also need to complete the build, so just be aware you will need to buy that separately and since that is the component that is actually considered the “gun” you will need to fill out a 4473 and submit for a NICS check.
Where to Get an AR Build Kit
In the market for an AR build kit but not sure where to get it? That’s understandable since most corner gun shops won’t carry them despite the fact that they might carry parts for sporting rifles.
Visit MCS Gearup and take a look at what they sell. They carry a wide range of build kits but they also sell assembled uppers and all of the parts you would need to complete a build, piecemeal.
