After the recent pig hunt I decided I need 2 guns. One for longer range shots and another for quick reaction close up shots

Ill keep the 308 and modify it to fit my long range shots but I need some help on building a 223

Whats on your list for ultimate dream parts? What about on a budget of $1,500?

My main requirements are durability, doesnt mind being dirty, light weight, and accurate 100+ yards

My idea is for you to take that $1500 and buy one of James' recommended AR's for you and me so we both have one for under your budget.

Building a single rifle for many purposes is a futile attempt. However, based on your specific needs, it's pretty simple. You set a BIG budget and I doubt if you really need that much. But, thinking on BIG budgets, this is what I would do.

Option #1
Usually, building an AR from a stripped receiver and bare components is the way to go. You get to choose exactly what parts and accessories you want and it's perfectly designed for your needs. This will cost more than an off-the-shelf AR, but it's what you want. However, this is not for the 1st time builder. Primary reason is that most "don't" know what they need or want. You spend stupid money on a build, then spend more to "fine tune" the build to you actual needs.

Option #2
So, most just buy a standard AR-15, shoot it, figure out what they need, then buy the upgrades. At the end, you will pay about the same, more, or less than option #1.

Personally, I like option #2, especially when you can get a great AR for less than buying it off-the-shelf. This is where DSArms comes into the picture.

DSArms offer a complete AR-15 in the M4 configuration called DZA ZM4 Flat Top Carbine #ZM4CV1RA4 for $775.

- 16" Nitride Treated M4 Barrel
- 1:9 Twist Rate
- Forged Front Sight Base with Bayonet Lug
- 5.56 NATO Chamber
- M4 Handguards with Heat Shield
- A2 Birdcage Flash Hider
- A2 Pistol Grip
- 6 Position Collapsible M4 stock
- 7075T6 Alloy A3 Upper Receiver
- Includes 30 Round Magazine, Owners Manual, Hard Case
- Manufactured by DSA - All Parts U.S. Made!



Also through DSArms, you can buy the Field Stripped Components and save a bunch of money, AND get a complete rifle. Or, get an upgraded rifle for about the same money.


Model ZM4 Complete Lower Receiver With Mil-Spec Stock Assembly (includes buffer and spring) - #ZM4RCAR-A $200.00


ZM4/AR15 Semi Auto, Complete Bolt Group Assembly with NP3 finish - #ZM485018509NP3-A $160.00
Gas Key Installed, Carrier Chrome Plated Internally (this is an upgrade from standard and will be easier to clean)


ZM4/AR15 alloy Charging Handle complete with standard latch - #ZM48517-A $14.00
Made from a 7075T6 Forging.


DSA ZM4 A3 Upper Receiver, 16" Barrel; M4 HG, Parked Chrome Lined - #ZM4CBUM4PARKCL $300.00
- Forged 7075T6 A3 Flattop Upper Receiver
- Forged Front Sight Base with Bayonet Lug
- A2 Flash Hider
-16 Inch 5.56mm NATO Chrome Lined 1:7 Twist ZM-4 Barrel (this is an upgrade. Makes easier cleaning, and allows for heavier bullets)
- M4 Style Handguards
- Aluminum Delta Ring
- M4 Style Feed Ramps
- Manufactured by DSA - All Parts U.S. Made!

Do the math: $200+$160+$14+$300=$674.00

Add your choice of magazine. I like the Magpul Pmag. A 30rnd mag is $15.00. A 20rnd mag is $14.00.
Add your choice of a case. I like soft cases with pockets for magazines. These can be had for $20.00

This brings the total to: $709.00

Need an owner's manual? Hell, download it free from the millions of resources on the world wide web. It doesn't matter which manufacturer's manual you find. An AR-15 is an AR-15. Or, call DSArms and they will send it out for $6.00.

With these several components, you will end up with a BETTER rifle than the DSArms rifle shown above, and save some money.

I've built 6 of these rifles in the past 2 years for myself, friends, and family. Built is a strong word. It's more like I reassembled it. When you field strip an AR for cleaning, you'll end up with these 5 basic components anyways. Complete upper, complete lower, bolt carrier group, charging handle, and magazine. It's the same thing.

Every rifle I "reassembled" will shoot 1" groups @ 100 yards all day long with a quality 16x scope.

That'll leave you just under $800 to upgrade or add sights/optics.

Optics

For a 100yd rapid engagement rifle, I would suggest a low power variable scope and/or something with a "dot". I really like the Nikon

For a electronic dot, I would opt for the Trijicon RMR dual illuminated dot. It has a fiber optic illuminator as well as a tritium insert. No batteries needed... ever. A super fine choice for a 45 degree mount for rapid upclose engagement. Pricy at $550.00, but well worth it at the end. I HATE when I freakin forget to change my battery out because they die FAST in our Arizona heat.



For a variable scope, I REALLY like Nikon M-223 scope in 2-8x power. It's also bullet drop compensated from 100-600 yards, when using a 55gr polymer tip or FMJ bullet. You have your choice of a knob that's marked from 0-600 yards in 50yd increments, or a BDC reticle with 6 circles that are marked for 100-600yards. A steal of a deal for $330.00



Ok, maybe the Trijicon was a bit over the top. It could be easily replaced with the Burris Fastfire III for $250.00.



That'll leave you extra cash for an off-set scope mount and the 45degree mount for the red dot, a nice sling system,and a about 300 rounds of quality ammo.

Anything more than that is just bells & whistles. Feel the need to put more $$$ into it? You can opt for a barrel that has flutes to reduce barrel weight. Not a bad option for a $5.00 bucks more. Yup. $5.00. Also from DSArms. You'll have to sacrifice the chromed lined barrel for a chrome moly barrel. Just clean the barrel a little more often... like once a month. :)

Seriously. You should clean it after every session, regardless of the type of barrel.

Think you want to squeeze EVERY bit of accuracy out of that 16" barrel? No problem. Replace that forend with a YMH skeletonized free-float forend for around $120.00. It'll add 10.6oz to the weight, but you'll be saving weight by buying the fluted barrel.



Hey, if weight was a concern, you could also opt for a carbon fiber forend. Expect to spend $300+ for a decent one. PRI offers them for $320. they're probably the best and weighs in at 8oz. without the rails. Install all 4 rails, then the weight goes up to 18oz.



Alexander Arms makes one, not in carbon fiber, but in G10 composite. Also very light weight and is $165. Accessory rails are $25 each. Weight is good at only 8oz until you add the rails. Then, you're at the same weight as the PRI, but spent less cash.



Clark Custom makes a standard carbon fiber tube. It's only 6oz, which is good. Comes with sling stud pre-installed, which is fantastic. Only $100, which is nice, but...I don't like them. It's pretty much a permanent install. Once on, you can't take it off without breaking the darn thing.


To each his own, my friend. Good luck on your build. Let me know if I can help you along. I have all the tools necessary.

Tons of great info again Jimmy, thanks!


Your post made me wonder, how much could I resell a built AR for? Can I make $300-500 profit on building them?

You can, if you have a FFL.

I have a FFL. I've never built an AR. I really need to do that. Thanks for the info as well.

2ndchance wrote:You can, if you have a FFL.

Why a FFL? You dont need one when selling others out of your collection...

1 or 2 and you can probably get away with it. I wouldn't risk much more than that. BATFE allows guns into Mexico no problem, but they'll sure come after you with everything in the book if you start turning over 10 AR's a month.

what separates the dsarms lowers from others I see from companies like knights armament or lwrc? The others seem to have the same parts but are several hundred dollars more.

fatbob309 wrote:Why a FFL? You dont need one when selling others out of your collection...

If you are selling a private collection, you're good. If you are building to sell for profit, then BATFE considers that 'engaging in the business of selling firearms" then a FFL is req'd. If not, they can pinch you on a felony. A 2nd felony can be handed down for "straw selling".

It's not worth the headache.

offroadaz wrote:what separates the dsarms lowers from others I see from companies like knights armament or lwrc? The others seem to have the same parts but are several hundred dollars more.

Some is with the difference of forged aluminum vs. Stock bar. Some has to do with non-standard enhancements like special coatings, engravings, integrated trigger guard.... Mostly it's paying for a name. mil-spec is mil-spec. Everyone makes accessories based on this mil-spec.

Well, with all the talk with offroadaz about his AR build, I started developing an itch that needed to be scratched. I've built a build-list and been watching the prices and looking out for sales and deals. Last week, the red moon must have made all the dealers out there nuts and dropped some prices. It's like what miles.mc said on one of my other posts. "It's always easier to ask fit forgiveness then for permission." Well, the itch grew and my credit card started to scream. I pulled the trigger (excuse the pun) and bought everything on my list. It all arrived in 3 days.

Chris, sorry bud. The itch was too much. I tried calling you today but you didn't answer. I HAD TO BUILD!!!

The list:

• Adam's Arms piston mid-length upper + charging handle @ $580.00
• DS Arms stripped lower (already had in my inventory) $70
• SightMark Dot scope (already in my inventory) $50
• Magpul MBUS flip up sights in Black (already in my inventory) $50
• Magpul Pmag 30rnd in FDE @ $13.00
• Magpul MOE mid-length forend in FDE @ $29.00
• Advanced Armament 18T flash hider (for suppressor use, already in my inventory) $90
• Tapco horseshoe endplate sling adapter @ $11.00
• KNS anti-rotating pins @ $26.00
• DPMS ambi selector @ $25.00
• 300lumin LED flashlight and rail mount (already in my inventory) $50

3 piece Kit:

• Magpul ACR stock in FDE
• Magpul MOE grip in FDE
• Standard lower build kit and fire group @ $150.00

Shipping Total: $35 from 3 vendors:

• Palmetto State Armory
• Brownells
• MidwayUSA

Total: $869.00.
From my existing inventory came to $330.00. We're looking at a total project build of $1,199.00.

Optional equipment that could be deleted from build:
Flashlight
Upgraded flashhider
Magpul MBUS sights
Dot Scope
Savings: -$240.00

Bringing total down to $959.00

The end Result... Ka Chow!











Total build time was 90 mins. It should have been 45 mins, but I had to spend 15 minutes fitting an oversized magazine release button. The darn thing was over anodized and would not fit in the receiver.

Now, for a piston mid-length AR with a lot of bells and whistles... that's DARN CHEAP!

I took it out and tired in all three piston modes. Full power, reduced power for use of a suppressor (sounded like a 22LR High Velocity bullet, and OFF for single shot use of a suppressor (sounded like a 22 subsonic).

Flawless Victory! The piston system is pretty damn good. The gun was super clean after 100 rounds of a variety of test ammunition. One key note: In the initial break in period, the Adams Arms piston system doesn't like the dirty and underpowered Russian crap ammo. They are under powered and can cause the bolt to short stroke, causing a failure to feed.

Looks really good!

Im stuck on nights so didn't get a chance to answer the phone

That is sexy. I"m really hoping if my new jobs keeps me busy, early next year you and I can have a AR building party.

X2 on sexy

Wow. Great write up Jimmy.