Quick Tip: Ways To Save Money on Your AR-15 Build
3,101Rising prices. Inflation. Threat of a recession. Everybody's thinking about economizing and saving their pennies right now. And today @CalebSavant gives us some tips on how to save money on components for your next AR-15 build without compromising the quality of your finished rifle. Save money on the core components, and you can still afford the upgrades covered in our earlier video, "Caleb's Picks: Top 5 Upgrades for Your AR-15".
Upper / Lower Receiver Set: There are a lot of upgraded "designer" receivers out there. But standard forged "mil-spec" AR-15 uppers and lowers will work just as well - as long as you get them from a reputable manufacturer. "Mil-spec" means the receivers are built to specific dimensions from a specific grade of aluminum. Aero Precision offers excellent mil-spec receivers that have some upgrades, yet are still very affordable. Caleb gives us a warning about "billet" receivers.
Barrel: Most AR-15 shooters don't need a fancy match-grade barrel. You can get a good-quality, long-lasting barrel for less than a pair of C-Notes ($200).
Receiver Extension (aka Buffer Tube): A basic mil-spec buffer tube will accept a wide variety of stocks, and as long as it's TRUE mil-spec both in dimensions and quality of materials, it'll outlast you. Cost of a good one: $30-$40 for the tube alone, $60 for the tube plus castle nut, buffer, and buffer spring.
Bolt-Carrier Group: Another area where you don't have to over-spend. You can get a durable, reliable BCG with black Nitride-finished carrier and MPI (magnetic particle inspected to find hidden flaws) bolt for a very reasonable price. A fancy lightweight, Titanium Nitride finished competition bolt-carrier group will require an adjustable gas block and other extra expenses. Aero Precision, Bravo Company, Sons of Liberty Gun Works, and Brownells all offer well-made, pleasantly affordable BCGs.
Lower Parts Kit: Since you're probably going to choose a specific aftermarket trigger, get an LPK with just the other small parts, minus the trigger. Why pay for something you're not going to use? Backup Iron Sights: Not necessary on a range fun / plinking gun. Save some money here. Modern optics are very reliable.
NOTE: Products in this video are to be used only for lawful purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and competitive or recreational shooting. If you purchase any of them, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to the purchase, possession, and use of these products.
Additional Videos
-Top 5 Upgrades for Your AR15- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=numVBPM_8nc
-Forged vs. Billet- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPSsd46S1a4
-Milspec- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMj5GNj_ncQ
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:40 Receiver Sets
3:15 Barrel
4:15 Receiver Extension
5:17 Bolt Carrier Group
7:20 Lower Parts Kit
8:13 Sights
8:50 Outro