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1 | AR-15 Build Pricing Spreadsheet & Guide | Can be used for pricing out similar platform builds and/or mods and upgrades | Alternate build spreadsheet w/ some notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | ORIGINAL SOURCE: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12p-8OGEobySVEMQEWwCVT7OLzOPkXJIYWZ42kC5BHPQ/edit?usp=sharing | Basic Info / History | Legal FYI | Alternative Platforms: | Caliber Note: | Barrel Note: | Build Tutorials: | Build FYIs | AR-15 Guides / Recs | General Maintenance | Tier Rankings | Budget Lists / Considerations | Editorial Section | >>> | Manufacturers To Consider | UPDATED LIST WITH REPLIES HERE AND HERE | |||||||||||||
3 | Total MSRP | $860.95 | Total Sale | $697.45 | Priority MSRP | $841.11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | *Note: this is not a MSF or KE Arms endoresment, just thought I'd default to affordable solid options as an example of somewhat entry level pricing. | Pew Pew Tactical Guide - very comprehensive primer and breaks down build components visually | All builds must follow NFA & ATF regulations and state laws | Alternate Calibers for AR Builds | 5.56x45mm NATO & .223 Remington Differences | 16" is most common and "default" and also minimum to maintain " title 1 firearm" status. Otherwise it's a SBR ($200 stamp) or AR pistol (which must use a brace and <26" total length) 14.5" barrels with A2 or similar flash hider permanently welded and pinned count as 16" | FYI - There are many, def hit up google if you get stuck on specific step | If you buy a complete upper and a complete lower, you can join them with just a hammer and a chopstick. | These are by no means comprehensive but should at least familiarize bewildered first-time builders and new buyers. While there are hundreds of AR component makers there a far fewer companies that forge the uppers and lowers and parts overall, something like a half dozen plants. When it comes to common accessories a quick browsing of youtube reviews, editorial guides, and forums will point to some near universally approved "standards" like Magpul Magazines. | Paul Harrell Cleaning Video | You'll see "tier rankings" often, i.e. AR-15 makers grouped and ranked in terms of pricing, quality, specs, etc. Here are some examples below. FYI these are not endorsements and are totally subjective! If anything they are a preview of the perpetual debate and discussion of AR-15 manufacturers. RE: Polymers, KE Arms KP-15 has essentially replaced GWACs and "Poverty Tier" is really quite solid, except Del-Ton arguably. | The sky's the limit budget wise for this build spreadsheet but part of the appeal of the AR-15's modular flexibility is affordability for the working-class firearms owner. In many way fits the utilitarian "if you could only have one gun" criteria and can be used for defense, rec and sport shooting, and hunting. Always price compare and hit up r/gundeals and gunbroker. Weigh the cost and labor of parts with partial kits or completes. There are plenty of great entry level builds and sweet spot in the lower and mid-tier class of options available that will produce an ideal but budget-minded AR-15. Below are budget recs (albeit pre-COVID19 pricing) and some brands to avoid. Pricey "gucci" stuff is often less and less cost-effective as you get more and more expensive. Some basic parts are needless to spend more on. Likewise cheap components - especially crucial parts - may very well be liabilities in terms of the "you get what you paid for" sense. As of Sept 2020 a AR15 build or new complete <$700 is a hard if not impossible find. Vouch every item you use. | The information in the next column is aimed at informing gun enthusiasts with moral, ethical, and ideological reservations about certain supporting manufacturers. It lists reputable apolitical and professional manufacturers to consider, is then followed by disclaimers about other reputable manufacturers, then concluded with manufacturers to consider avoiding. | Solid Companies in every regard: | Much of this intel gathered from this helpful post on reddit from u/tanksuit and also from this extensive Something Awful Thread. Further info gleaned from a private FB group I will not name. If anyone from there sees this, many thanks. | ||||||||||||||
5 | Still to Buy MSRP | $860.95 | Still to Buy Sale | $697.45 | Priority Sale | $677.61 | The receiver is the "firearm" with a serial # and requires the FFL upon purchase and overall AR-15s and | ^ .300, 6.5, 6.8, .450, 7.62x39, .458, .50, etc. | 7.62x51mm NATO & .308 Winchester Differences | Did not list them all just ones that seemed like good starters. | ^ Very straight-forward and demos effective M16/AR-15 cleaning with CLP, soap and water, 409, and basic pipe cleaners, q-tips, swabs and pads. | ||||||||||||||||||
6 | other platforms are divided in upper and lower receivers in terms of assembly. | Windham Weaponry | Mostly lateral organizing, employees treated as collective owners (to clarify no indication they are literally collectively owned). Broke off from Bushmaster after Freedom Group buyout. Wide arrange of models. Fair pricing, great customer service and high quality (Kudos to tip-off via FB Group) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | Already Bought | $0.00 | School of the American Rifle - informative channel by an AR gunsmith and armorer | Swapping uppers is another alternative that allows you to use multiple calibers. | TLDR: | Tool List | If you buy an incomplete upper ( missing a bolt carrier group (BCG) and/or charging handle) you don't need tools to install those things, as long as the BCG you buy is fully assembled (common). | Sapper Gentleman Cleaning Video | Rocket Armory | Arguably the only overtly liberal AR part manufacturer. Not quite leftist (I'd skip the LGO logo lower - LGO is adverse to leftists) but nonetheless an outspokenly progressive maker is a worth supporting IMO. Lowers and fixed mags only. Current stock shipping in mid-December 2020. | |||||||||||||||||||
8 | *For "Owned" and "Priority" entries of Yes, No, or N/A will color-code | Anything built with a barrel <16" and overall length <26" is a SBR (Short Barrel Rifle) | Armsguide.com How to Build an AR-15: A Beginner’s Guide | ^ Similar to PH vide but more concise, AR-15 cleaned part by part and section by section | https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-ar-15/#toc9 | Full disclaimer: this effort stems from frequent and incessant debates and discussions I've seen among gun owners from centre to far-left and from my own concerns personally as a leftist. That said if you are neither left-wing nor liberal but nonetheless want to support honest and sincere gun manufacturers this information is worth reviewing. This is not aimed at calling out any company with remotely right-wing political affiliation or leadership, that would be not just flippant and needless but absurdly futile. In fact the only ones I recommend to avoid have overtly engaged the following: pandered to destructive and vitriolic identity politics, bootlicked and idolized authoritartian entities and leaders, or in a few cases literally touted fascism and right-wing extremism. I would argue these are not mere red flags to myself or others on the left but more broadly sentiments that sincere conservatives and libertarians would also wholeheartedly condemn. It is my sincere belief that gun ownership rights are a not only universal right and a necessity for the working-class but also a unifying ideological issue that transcends contemporary politics. Fundamental respect for gun safety and willingness to include all who want to be involved in legal and responsible gun ownership is common ground for anyone who believes in basic equality and freedom. Lastly, if you're one of those "better dead than red" edgelord dolts than by all means F.O.A.D. | CMMG | Apolitical, high quality, and unionized. Good selection of various caliber platforms both complete, upper/lower reciever packages, or stripped parts. Known for their 22LR conversion kits for cost effective AR-15 training. | |||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Build List | SBR builds and new complete SBR guns require ATF paperwork and $200 fee OR you can build an AR Pistol | Just be mindful if lower is a AR pistol or SBR when it was registered as explained here. | It's safe to fire .223 in 5.56 rifle, the other way | Extreme range from 5.5" to 24" | Extensive and part tutorial part guide to AR platform overall | https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/ten-top-rated-ar-15-manufacturers/ | JP | Expensive but high quality, anecdotal stories of apolitical / non-CHUD atmosphere from employee that appears to be reflected in their PR | ||||||||||||||||||||
10 | Part Name | Product | Owned? | Priority? | MSRP | Sale Price | Price Paid (+Tax and S/H) | Notes | Retail URL | Best Deal URL | r/AR15 wiki | AR Pistols use braces and other approved foregrips to maintain "pistol" status | around has potential wear & tear risks. | Typical range is 10.5" to 20" | If you buy a partially complete lower (missing the stock and buffer tube, and possibly a grip), then you'll need to add a castle nut wrench to the above tool list, but that's about it (+ a long Allen wrench if you need to install a grip). ~ thanks u/xenoterranos | Pew Pew Tactical Buyer / Rec AR-15 Guides | Pew Pew AR Cleaning & Maintenance Guide | https://gunnersden.com/best-ar-15-manufacturers-list/ | Whiskin Tango Foxtrot (WTF Guns) | Gun building/customization business in Fort Worth, TX in process of acquiring machinery. Veteran owned and liberal friendly. | |||||||||
11 | Lower | Lower Receiver | KE-15 Complete* | No | Yes | $299.95 | $249.95 | KE Arms | AR15.com Guides | More info here here here and here. | AR-9 (9mm) - Examples from PPT here | .223 Wylde barrels are designed to fire both | Anything shorter than 10.5" likely needs suppressor and flash guard mitigation, .300 Blackout is a touted caliber for short barrels and AR Pistol / SBR builds for various reasons. | Combo Build/Buyer Guide | 7 Best AR-15s - includes broad overview of AR-15 build considerations | SRA Tier ranking chart below (subjective and snarky AF but helpful) | Liberal Gun Club Member Business | A list of firearm accessory businesses and not manufactures but nonetheless worth looking at to support liberal gun enthusiasts | |||||||||||
12 | Complete Lower Parts Kit (LPK) | No | N/A | AR-15 mud test | AR-10 (.308) - Examples from PPT here | Relatively Pain-free guide | Best AR-15 Uppers | List of recommended gun cleaning solvents | Discussion context (Early 2020) | Smith & Wesson | Mostly apolitical, huge company but American made and makes solid entry-level AR-15s | ||||||||||||||||||
13 | Pistol Grip | No | N/A | AR-15 platform primer | 80% Lowers (ghost guns) are technically legal for personal build and use ONLY in certain states and municipalities. | 6.5 Grendal and 6.5 Creedmoor are popular newer calibers, same with 300 AAC | It's generally safe to fire 7.62 in .308 rifle, the | Overall guide to new builders includes barrel length and twist info | Best AR-15 Lowers | Cz-USA | US distro/importer of the venerable Czech manufacturer. | ||||||||||||||||||
14 | Safety | Included in kit | No | N/A | AR-15 Considerations | These require jig and other tools to complete. These are legally nebulous in some places so PROCEED WITH CAUTION. | other way has potentially catastrophic risks b/c | 10.5" to 14.5" carbine range is considered by many as a sweet spot, hence why SBRs and AR Pistols are popular | Best AR-15 Pistols | List of general gun tools and supplies (sourced from private forum): |  | Atlantic Firearms | Apolitical and reliable merchant and they are helpful with compliance guns for ban states | ||||||||||||||||
15 | Trigger/Fire Control Group | No | N/A | Why The AR-15 | There are non-AR 80% build options for other platforms including the less daunting polymer80 glock clones. | 22LR kits available for affordable practice, CMMG being one of the best known. | of pressure increases from .308 ammo | Twitter @Tectomancer (Arkady Bogdanov) | Via FB post... | Best Parts Kits | Sticker/decal, morale patch makers >>> | Off Color Decals / Dorner Tactical / Red Stone Creative / John Brown Armory / Cultivated Laser / Outcast Society / Flank Left / Sleep of Reason ~ all on etsy | |||||||||||||||||
16 | Anti-Walk Pins | N/A | No | N/A | Buying Your 1st AR-15 | Many advise against messing with 80% lowers, polymer AR-15 parts, and the can of worms that is 3D printed stuff but with times being increasing tense and prices and availability being increasing issues these are an option. Tread carefully. | 300 BLK is easily confused with .223/5.56 and a very nasty bullet to get jammed. Note and mark accordingly. | Part 1 | AR armorer's wrench. If you get ONE tool for your AR, get this one. It's a combination tool that has a castle nut spanner, a barrel nut spanner, a muzzle-device wrench, and very likely a bottle opener. Important to keep the gunsmith lubricated, as well. | If you're going to work on your guns, you're going to need some tools. Below are recommendations for a general basic gun maintenance toolkit, an AR-building toolkit, and an action-smoothing/tuning toolkit. This won't be a shopping list for specific tools, but a guide for what you need so you can decide what fits your budget and your particular needs. BASIC TOOLS AND SUPPLIES Tech Mat or similar rubber mat. Protects the finish of your gun while you're working on it and protects your table or desk from scratches, gouges, and solvent damage. Allen (hex) key set, SAE and metric. Allen-head screws are used all over. Any set you buy will have the common sizes you need, and you can get sets that are set up like a Swiss Army knife so you can't lose parts. Phillips screwdrivers, sizes 00-2. Hollow-ground flathead screwdriver, 1/4"-5/16" or 6-8mm width. Hollow-ground means the profile of the blade is ground concave instead of straight, which helps it not cam out of the slot and booger screw heads. Cleaning kit with, at a minimum, a cleaning rod/pull cable long enough for the barrel of your gun, a wire brush and jag/patch holder of appropriate caliber, and some patches. Optionally, a Bore Snake is a compact, single-piece option, but it's a bit more expensive and not as good for a thorough deep clean. Brass (NOT steel) pick. Good for getting fouling and crud out of tight corners, as well as wrangling small parts into and out of position. Brass, because a steel pick might scratch things. Sight adjustment tool for your gun, if required. Most pistols can have their sights drifted with a hammer and punch, but rifles sometimes require specific tools. The AR sights can be adjusted with the tip of a bullet, although there is a tool for the front sight that's WAY easier. The AK's front sight needs a tool. They're pretty cheap, or if you have a home shop, you can make one yourself without too much trouble. Hammer or mallet. Brass hammer is a good option, as is a plastic dead-blow hammer, both to avoid marring components with a steel hammer. Needle-nose pliers. HOPPE'S No. 9 CLEANING SOLUTION. It's great. Cleans real good. You'll learn to love the great-tasting smell of Froot Loops in nail polish remover. Oil. You can buy specific gun oil, but most guns are really not that picky. Synthetic 0W40 motor oil is a favourite, as it has the desirable quality of being thin when cold and getting thicker as it heats up, so it stays put on hot parts. Grease. The general rule of thumb is if it spins, oil it, if it slides, grease it. You want something heavier than lithium grease, preferably with molybdenum. Pistol slide rails really like grease more than oil, as do cam surfaces in double-action revolvers. Shop towels. Things get messy. The roll of blue shop towels you can get at auto parts or hardware supply stores are perfect. AR-BUILDING TOOLS: AR armorer's wrench. If you get ONE tool for your AR, get this one. It's a combination tool that has a castle nut spanner, a barrel nut spanner, a muzzle-device wrench, and very likely a bottle opener. Important to keep the gunsmith lubricated, as well. Vise block or reaction block/rod. If you're going to install or remove a barrel, this is essential to prevent bending the upper receiver (remember, it's aluminum). A vise block holds the outside of the receiver in a form-fit recess, a reaction block/rod keys into the locking lugs in the barrel extension. Reaction block/rod is optimal, as it imparts torque only to the barrel and barrel nut, not the receiver. Unfortunately, reacting costs more than vising. If you're only gonna install one or two barrels, it probably makes more sense to get a vise block, which is perfectly adequate. Torque wrench. You Muft have a torque wrench if you're going to install. barrel. Pin punch set, 1/16"-1/4" sizes. These are cheap and everywhere, you can't go wrong. ROLL PIN punch set, 1/16"-1/8" sizes. These are like ordinary pin punches, but have a little bump on the tip that keeps the roll pin centered on the punch. It makes dealing with roll pins muuuch easier. Get a long set if you can, the bolt catch pin needs at least 1 6" punch to avoid marring the finish of the receiver. A delta-ring tool is not essential, theoretically the delta ring can be pushed back by hand, but sometimes they're real stiff. Snap ring pliers. The delta ring is held on by a big snap ring, and trying to do anything with snap rings without actual snap-ring pliers is an exercise in frustration. Get a set with multiple interchangeable tips. ACTION-TUNING KIT A set of honing stones, 400-2000 grit. White ceramic is the ideal option, but a cheap Chinese set for the Edge Pro kinfe sharpener will do you solid for significantly cheaper. If you want to spring for ceramic but don't want to sink the money on the whole set, a 400-600 grit and a 1200-1500 grit stone will get you where you're going. Sandpaper, metal, wet-or-dry, various grits 400-2000. Sometimes you need to shape something that's not flat, which is more challenging with stones. Pillar files, fine-tooth. Pillar files (or safe-edge files) have teeth only on two faces, so you can remove metal from one side of a 90º corner. These can be pricey, but as long as you keep them oiled so they don't rust, they'll last forever. Sanding block. This can be made of pretty much anything flat and hard. If it has a glossy non-porous surface, you can stick wet-or-dry sandpaper to it with some water to make a very flat abrasive surface for making things very flat or very shiny. | Pew Pew Tactical Cheapest Rifle Build Guide | John Brown Prints | Shirts and stickers, though specifically these proceeds go to BLM and bail funds | ||||||||||||||||
17 | Trigger Guard | Built in | No | N/A | Wikipedia article | AKs and milsurp parts kits (Various calibers) | Besides barrel length there are twist rate considerations, lot of guides but this is a good starter | Part 2 | Quick Purchase Guide on reddit | Under $400 YT video from xBeau (impossible now TBH) | Ace High Armory | Small CLP maker, Liberal Gun Owner supporter/affliate | |||||||||||||||||
18 | Bolt Catch | Included in kit | No | N/A | Check you state laws which may include fixed magazine limits, model and make restrictions. | Various other platforms reddit list | Discussion of price range recs | Budget Recs (AR and others) | Others.... | There are far more smaller American AR-15 manufacturers of varying quality and pricing, consider smaller and local options as politics aside they are employing enthusiasts making firearms for fellow enthusiasts. | |||||||||||||||||||
19 | Magazine Catch | Included in kit | No | N/A | Offhand CA and NY are the biggest states with extensive semi-auto rifle compliance requirements and restrictions. | Pew Pew Build Guide | Wikiarms store aggregator and search engine | Regarding quality research forums and comment sections before you buy! | |||||||||||||||||||||
20 | Magazine Release | Included in kit | No | N/A | Pistol Caliber Carbines | ammoseek is a good site to check prices | AR-10s / 7.62x51mm rifles average 20" | Upper https://www.pewpewtactical.com/build-ar-15-upper-receiver/ | Vise block or reaction block/rod. If you're going to install or remove a barrel, this is essential to prevent bending the upper receiver (remember, it's aluminum). A vise block holds the outside of the receiver in a form-fit recess, a reaction block/rod keys into the locking lugs in the barrel extension. Reaction block/rod is optimal, as it imparts torque only to the barrel and barrel nut, not the receiver. Unfortunately, reacting costs more than vising. If you're only gonna install one or two barrels, it probably makes more sense to get a vise block, which is perfectly adequate. | Fascinating and extensive report about the AR-15 market | guncritic.com rating aggregator | ||||||||||||||||||
21 | Takedown Pins | Included in kit | No | N/A | Options for high capacity mag ban states (thanks u/ArielRR): Lanbo's Armory and Magged Supply LLC | ^ i.e. budget home defense options that offer less daunting and/or cheaper options to AR builds but offer capabilities beyond shotguns or handguns. | These often are used to long range builds up to 26" | Lower: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/build-ar-15-lower-receiver/ | Data is from 2013/2014 but an excellent resource to skim, has breakdowns of overall sales per manufacturer, sales and ownership per capita, and a plethora of other stats, graphs, and charts. | gun.deals price/discount aggregator | Some advice and food for thought regarding reconciling ideology with present day gun enthusiasm: | Unionized: | |||||||||||||||||
22 | Spring/Detent Kit | Included in kit | No | N/A | r/longrange provides a lot of info on 20"+ builds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Stock/Brace | No | N/A | Midway USA Build Guide | Off the shelf budget AR-15 rec lists: | If you are a liberal, progress, moderate, etc. who has come into gun ownership more recently, or has been reckoning with shifts in gun laws and gun culture in the U.S. over the last few decades, than you've likely managed to cut through the noise surrounding the debate, discussion, and frequently knee-jerk hysteria that surrounds semi-automatic rifles and the AR-15 platform. Now you're probably navigating the persistent injection of right-wing identity politics via stamped receivers, accessories and apparel with cheap shock value and superficial pandering, tacticool veering into authoritarian fetishism, tribal jingoism, etc. You've pushed aside misguided liberal identity politics that mischaracterizes and attacks gun enthusiasm only to have it's reactionary core shoved in your face. It can easily be reconciled with a concept you've likely seen: “There is no ethical consumption under capitalism.” It's been overused and even widely applied in dubious scenarios but I'd argue it's highly relevant when it comes to buying any new firearm or firearm component. All that aside it's still perfectly reasonable to not inadvertently throw your hard-earned cash at bootlicking goons, so when it comes to manufacturers this list should at least help you navigate and plan your purchases armed with information and awareness. If anything, supporting more apolitical and progressive manufacturers who aim to focus first and foremost on making quality firearms for all should be spurred on, not stymied. | Colt - UAW | The original maker of AR-15s after they bought ArmaLite in 1964 and patent holder on design until 1977. Big law enforcement / military supplier. Good but notably expensive and arguably a redundant consideration now with so many AR-15 options. | |||||||||||||||||||||
24 | Receiver Extension | No | N/A | Midway USA Lower assembly tutorial | https://gundigest.com/rifles/ar-15/budget-ar-15-options-more-bang-for-the-buck | Savage - IAM | Mostly non-AR-15 style rifles like bolt action, hunting semi autos, competition, etc. Good and often affordable consideration for those platforms. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | End Plate | Included | No | N/A | CMMG Lower Parts kit install video for stripped lower | https://gunnewsdaily.com/best-ar-15-for-the-money/ | Unionized Non-AR makers | >>> Browning - IAM, Douglas - IAM, Winchester - IAM, Remington - UMW (Bankruptcy impending and Navajo purchase fell through, post-Freedom Group quality dip after 2007) | |||||||||||||||||||||
26 | Castle Nut | Included | No | N/A | https://www.range365.com/best-budget-ar-15s/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | Buffer Spring | Included | No | N/A | Brownell's YT video tutorial playlist | https://www.usa-gun-shop.com/5-best-ar15s-500-less-cheap-guns-for-sale/ | Solid but with disclaimers/caveats: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | Buffer Weight | Included | No | N/A | Torque wrench. You Must have a torque wrench if you're going to install the barrel. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | Upper | Upper Receiver | Grab Bag / Clearance Ar15 Rifle Upper w/ Free Float Handguard | No | Yes | $448.57 | $347.68 | Mid State Firearms | Lower Reciever Build Playlist | Possible QC issues / iffy feedback >>> See last column | Aero Precision / Ballistic Advantage | Huge selection, affordable, well-touted and potentially the benchmark of non-gucci lower receivers. Not innocent, the tone deaf Rhodesia camo comes to mind, but otherwise less CHUD-y. Excellent "default" manufacturer to use for builds that are budget and mid-tier / entry level oriented. | |||||||||||||||||
30 | Forward Assist | N/A | No | N/A | Other video recs | This is by no means complete nor objective, just listing brands I've seen multiple times, take with grain of salt. | Mid State Firearms | Great PSA alternative, far less knee-jerk and pandering. Offers discounted bundles and kits of cancelled orders, blemished but good parts, and "oddball" assortments. Read multiple testimonies of good customer service in response to any issues. Like Aero they aren't perfectly apolitical as they sell 3%er dust covers. | |||||||||||||||||||||
31 | Ejection Port Cover | No | N/A | Well organized step by step visual guide as example on imgur | ROLL PIN punch set, 1/16"-1/8" sizes. These are like ordinary pin punches, but have a little bump on the tip that keeps the roll pin centered on the punch. It makes dealing with roll pins much easier. Get a long set if you can, the bolt catch pin needs at least 1 6" punch to avoid marring the finish of the receiver. | KE Arms | Mostly solid and somewhat under the radar, competition quality oriented - collaborators with InRangeTV's "What Would Stoner Do?" gun project and InRangeTV is notably inclusive. Allegedly friendly staff but Russell Phagan, aka longtime SomethingAwful poster SinistralRifleman, was banned after relentlessly defending the Kenosha shooter. More FYI than anything, to be seen if it affects the WWSD collab with InRangeTV as he was a core part of that development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Barrel | No | N/A | Radical Arms - affordable option but numerous claims of QC decline | Brownells | Distro for InRangeTV + KE Arms What Would Stoner Do? WWSD AR-15. Again not perfect, they had a cringe-y r/fellowkids level nod to boogaloo shirts in a recent vid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | Gas Block | No | N/A | "10 Mistakes to Avoid" - Decent overview / primer on building an AR-15 | Vulcan/Hesse/Blackthorne - Name changes after perpetual QC complaints | Midway USA | Comparable to Brownells, lot of options, reliable vendor, etc. Some NRA connections but nothing crazy. More info here thanks to u/rocketboy2319 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | Gas Tube | No | N/A | DPMS & Bushmaster (2007-2020) - Post Freedom Group purchase QC decline | Primary Arms | Another distro to consider, mostly because it's been keeping a lot of AR-15 parts in stock despite panic buying | |||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | Barrel Nut | Included | No | N/A | Bear Creek Arsenal - Formerly Moores Machine. Quick google search yields a lot of negative reviews, gamble at best apparently. Decent reviews mention leaning on warranty option. | Bravo Company USA | Bit pricier but another solid and popular choice, had confederate battle flag engraving option. As u/mp8815 pointed out they are a great option for more serious milspec than Aero, PSA, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | Handguard | No | N/A | If you're a leftist of any variety and interested in AR-15s you are likely already past the idea of committing to firearms that seemingly align with your views - AKs, milsurp SKS, Mosins, anything from cold war era socialist or communist states, etc. You've likely realized the last era of true Nazi-eliminator rifles are now 75+ years old. Futile seeking out new firearms and parts from non-capitalist states in 2020 will only reinforce this sincere but arbitrary hill to die on. A more pragmatic approach some make is to focus on buying only used firearms and parts already in circulation but this could still involve the financial patronage to a distributor, store, or individual of bad character. On a personal tangent, I first warmed back up to the idea of owning a semi-automatic that wasn't an AR-15 either by following the same arbitrary classification that deems a used M-14 or old M-1 carbine a better choice, but beyond classic value and aesthetics they are in the same niche. Even though defenders of the AR-15 sometimes veer into obnoxious and flippant ackchyually territory, especially after tragic gun massacres, they are often technically correct. The blunt fact is the AR-15 platform is fundamentally as legal as other semi-automatic rifles. It's popular for that reason and that's why it has so many fans, defenders, and apologists in so many forms. | Little Creek Trading | Distro/online store - lot of expensive / high end stuff but also good deals on lower recievers, parts, accessories, and built ARs. Pleasant website layout so worth browsing for ideas if nothing else. Sell affordable slings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | Muzzle Device | No | N/A | A delta-ring tool is not essential, theoretically the delta ring can be pushed back by hand, but sometimes they're real stiff. | Sig Sauer | 75% +/- US made, reactionary "US anthem" commemorative models but fairly tame jingoism in context | |||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | Bolt-Carrier Group | No | N/A | Ruger | Excellent guns, some have US components and assembly, well-regarded starter AR-15, major NRA donor (interestingly and ironically the late Rugar was outspoken about magazine limitations) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
39 | Bolt | Included | No | N/A | AR15 forum "Tier Rankings" (also subjective and older ~ circa 2013) | Glock | Glock - Universally know and solid handgun maker, USA distro / service is well regarded. Gaston Glock allegedly a right-wing donor in Austria but from his coffer. Note: r/Polymer80 guns are an option for anyone wanting to build their own Glock style handgun. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | Bolt Carrier | Blem / Savage Kit | No | Yes | $92.59 | $79.98 | Mid State Firearms | Snap ring pliers. The delta ring is held on by a big snap ring, and trying to do anything with snap rings without actual snap-ring pliers is an exercise in frustration. Get a set with multiple interchangeable tips. | Tier 1: LWRC= POF = KAC = Larue | Reddit Thread | LaRue Tactical | Expensive but well-regarded and established, their triggers (MBT-2S esp.) are well touted and affordable ($80) upgrades over milspec; FYI they send gimmicky overt right-wing bumper stickers with orders and the owner is cozy with right-wing and GOP leaders. | |||||||||||||||||
41 | Charging Handle | AR15 Standard | No | N/A | $19.84 | $19.84 | Mid State Firearms | Tier 2: BCM = LMT = Sabre = Ranier = Colt = Noveske = Daniel Defense = FN = JP | AR15forum.com thread | Geissele | Makes well regarded triggers and parts but owner and spouse are allegedly tyrannical, work environment is rough and has high turnover. | ||||||||||||||||||
42 | Accessories | Front Iron Sight | No | N/A | Tier 3: RRA = Spikes = YHM = Armalite = Bushmaster (old-Windham,ME) | Springfield Armory / Rock River Arms | Decent but FYI some shady legislative lobbying efforts heads via this post disregard, they've since left IFMA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | Front Sight Post | N/A | No | N/A | S&W = Ruger = Windham Weaponry | Ammo Supply Warehouse | Good selection, pricing and service but FYI their logo on their main page has fucking SS totenkopfs on it. That said the also obliged a customer request to sing the Soviet anthem while packing their order, so perhaps they use the iconography naively and flippantly and not as a dogwhistle. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | Rear Iron Sight | No | N/A | Tier 4: CMMG = DPMS = PSA = Stag = CavArms = Mega = | Daniel Defense | Update: previously reputable and touted brand but according to this previous indication of good worker environment are unfortunately obsolete. QC is allegedly slipping and ownership attitude has become negative and toxic. On the flipside recent buyers report satisfactory quality and originally I had read the work environment was unusually inclusive. Maybe opt for different high end brand? Jury's out TBH. Still likely a solid choice quality wise but keep an eye out for them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | Optic | No | N/A | Bushmaster (new-Ilion,NY) = Adams Arms = Del-ton = Primary Arms | Sons of Liberty Gun Works | Update: Mike has apparently been sober and better adjusted for awhile, earlier issues were more a disclaimer to be aware of. It's otherwise a solid manufacturer akin to other mil-spec AR makers. Tip off here about one of it's owners, Mike Mihalski, being unhinged in the past - assualting his mother and numerous threats against cops that were then brushed off by law enforcement superiors he was friendly with, DUIs and public intoxication at a hotel while armed (albeit he cooperated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | Optic Mount | No | N/A | Tier 5: Oly = Rguns = Model 1 = Eagle | Del-Ton | PSA alternative and alternative to cheap "iffy brands" with more notorious QC issues - def more entry-level and "milspec" but generally good reviews - consider if budget is a major factor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | Optic Throw Lever | Tier 6: New Frontier = Century C-15 = Vulcan | Trijicon | Continues practice of subtle but cringe-y bible verses inscribed on products that spurred a military contract controversy, actually well-regarded optics though arguably getting too expensive compared to alternative options | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | Sling Mount | When it comes to broader ideas of firearm ownership in relation to one's ideology, something I reflect on often is the fact that history has always involved the oppressed using the weapons of their oppressors both past and present. It's a moot point what the firearm is, it is a tool that reflects the individual who wields it. A rifle in the hands of a fascist is a fascist rifle and likewise a rifle in the hands of a socialist is a socialist rifle. To further make the case for the AR-15 many have made in some variation is that it is the present day rifle of the proletariat, the M1 Garand or PPSh-41 of it's time. When it comes to affirming your support for gun ownership, advocate for more widespread gun education, training, and positive and inclusive gun culture. Put lawmakers to task for pushing gun regulations that discourage law-abiding citizens - especially lower income citizens and people of color - from lawful ownership of guns. Support instead substantive reform and funding of mental health resources, de-militarizing law enforcement, and ending gun lobbying that side steps gun owners to only further corruption and complicity. If those who wish to do you harm are armed and will likely always be armed, there's no point in handicapping yourself or your peers. | Faxon | Well regarded barrels, fairly apolitical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | Sling | Note: BCG Options | Toolcraft and Cryptic Coatings offer affordable options and appear fairly apolitical. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | Sling Pouch | Radical (see more below) | Allegedly better but QC issues in the past...(see details below) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | Weapon-Mounted Light (WML) | Palmetto State Armory (see more below) | *Only listed because of historically affordable parts, products, and supplies, though this is arguable. Hit or miss customer service, including customer info leaks and inadvertent doxxing customers. Most notably one of the worst offenders in cranking out right-wing and jingoist bullshit ~ MAGA drooling, ID politics crap, etc. More on this under "Reconsider" List | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | WML Tailcap | Others... | Many, many others out there but like anything else you can easily drop a lot of money seeking out "the best" >>> mediocre rifle in the hands of a qualified shooter is a better than a high-end rifle in the hands of a inexperienced shooter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | WML Pressure Switch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | WML Mount | American Made not yet mentioned: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | WML Pressure Switch Mount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | Vertical /Angled Foregrip | Mossberg | Not sure 100&% if MMR is US made. At least one model is Turkish made (SA20), and the Maverick 88 has Mexican made parts that are assembled in Eagle Pass, TX. IMHO the best pump action shotgun catalog to choose from. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | Bipod | American made brands (non-AR-15) | >>> Thompson/Center, Henry (some expensive MAGA nonsense FYI), Marlin, Ithaca, Kimber, Beretta (some models) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | Bipod Mount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | Rail Covers | Buying or building an AR-15 is an exercise of one's 2nd amendment right. For those outside of the U.S., and to all lawful and well-meaning comrades, arm yourself however you can legally and responsibly. Marx put it more bluntly in 1850 than the 2A's far more nuanced wording and arduous historical establishment: | Reconsider / Possibly Avoid: | To re-emphasize no shame if you own or bought the below and the "line in the sand" is very arguable but these can be easily opted out of in your AR-15 procurements and builds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | Misc | Palmetto State Armory | Mentioned again because easily the most debated manufacturer. Numerous examples of racist and fascist etched lowers aside I agree with the sentiment that their motivation is capitalism above all else and not so much right-wing worship although those pair well together. Case in point - they cancelled their planned Kekistan lower due to backlash, i.e. didn't double-down nor apologize but reaffirmed business first. They also sell some self-deprecating, humorous and more apolitical lower engraved options. Beyond this crap they have also had customer service hiccups including personal info leaks. Your call. Last ditch option for me personally but I wouldn't completely rule them out either. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | Misc | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | Misc | Bushmaster | UPDATE: Bushmaster was aquired by new owners in 2021 and will be potetially returning to pre-2007 quality. Post-Freedom Group (2007) has been criticized by many, Windham broke off to establish better quality gun line and ultimately they closed shop this year. Avoid any you might find out there post-2007. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | Misc | “Under no pretext should arms and ammunition be surrendered; any attempt to disarm the workers must be frustrated, by force if necessary” | Anderson | Popular but notoriously entry level choice (hence the "poverty pony" nickname) but bootlicking MAGA bullshit so honestly it's pointless to tout over Aero Precision, PSA, or MSF. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | Misc | Tennessee Arms | Mixed feedback about their polymer lowers, gloated over Infowars showout/endorsement, dumb (i.e. okbuddyretard level) memes on FB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | Enoch Industries | 10/22 Takedown parts and custom builder, some quintessential Onid/Pagan stuff that could be harmless warrior stuff or a dogwhistle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | Future Upgrades | Upgrade Total | $0.00 | Lastly, above all else, with tensions rising and outright violence being perpetuated by the far right, it is more imperative than ever simply to arm oneself as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible, regardless of the manufacturers, stores, and distros invovled. A well made affordable gun you can aquire ASAP is a lot more imperative than your ideal build/choice. This is a guide not a plea. It's better to be armed with a gun from the "avoid" list today than to wait around for some ideologically preferable firearm weeks or months from now. | Esstac | Solid and affordable pouch and other accessory maker including shotgun cards I rec, that said they came out as Kenosha shooter stans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | Part Type | Product | Price | Owned? | Notes | Retail URL | Classic Firearms | Used auction site/seller. Not politically iffy, just really overpriced and waste of time, use gunbroker.com or even cautiously use armslist instead [edit: to clarify "waste of time" for anyone looking for pragmatic deals to skim, not niche stuff to collect.] | |||||||||||||||||||||
68 | Kel Tec | Very affordable non-AR-15 carbines - same working class price niche as High-Point - but just FYI they've had cozy PR with George Zimmerman in the past | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | AR-15 Lube Points - take with grain of salt, arguably overkill but useful breakdown of parts | H&S Precision | Hired Ruby Ridge FBI participant Lon Horiuchi in the past | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | Gisselle | Well regarded but awful work enviroment cited | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | Cheaperthandirt | Tread carefully even if you see a deal - plethora of complaints about service, pricing, turnaround, etc. Check with other options first. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | Sons of Liberty Gun Works | Tip off here about one of it's owners, Mike Mihalski, being unhinged in the past - assualting his mother and numerous threats against cops that were then brushed off by law enforcement superiors he was friendly with, DUIs and public intoxication at a hotel while armed (albeit he cooperated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | Note on foreign manufacturers (IWI, Canik) | This another debate point that leads to a lot gray area and arbitrary claims whether it's regarding companies based in countries with authoritarian governments, human rights abuses, war profiteering, etc. One could argue that applies to all American makes. When it comes to state made guns most state owned firearms companies of the past either have been privatized (like IWI in Israel) or are not legally importable in the U.S. (Norinco in China, various Russian companies). Ironically while the U.S. bans certain Chinese guns many U.S. manufacturers rely heavily on Chinese plants and parts. The general reality is most non-American and non-Western manufacturers are part of multinational conglomerates or distribution networks, as is the case with many Turkish guns like Canik. History ebbs and flows too, a 60s/70s era Galil is different case than a new Tavor in terms culpability, South African guns now are less arguably problematic than apartheid era stuff. Overall, it's up to you. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | Companies with noted QC issues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Anderson | The poverty pony (see above) - stripped lowers are probably a-ok | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | Radical Arms | Issues in the past but reportedly the QC is improving so could be a potential budget option and arguably the best of the iffy makes. Your call. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | Bear Creek Arsenal | Formerly Moore's Machine. People have touted BCA as an effective and reliable budget rifles but their QC seems risky, others have had major issues. Apparently they have a good warranty option though so there's that as an option. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
80 | Bear Creek Arsenal - Formerly Moores Machine. Quick google search yields a lot of negative reviews, gamble at best apparently. Decent reviews mention leaning on warranty option. | DPMS / Bushmaster | Easy avoid, dead as of Jan 2020 - another post Freedom Group brand that declined after 2007 as mentioned above - mixed reviews but needless consideration considering so many other options in the NOS and used market. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
81 | Vulcan/Hesse/Blackthorne | Easy avoid, multiple name changes and near universal dismissal or negative reviews. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
83 | Avoid if you can in the future: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
84 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
85 | Blackwater Worldwide / Iron Horse | Invested, touted, and overtly marketed by longtime mercenary, grifter, and war criminal and profiteer Erik Prince, the poster child of the present day world military industrial complex. Collaborated with Spike's Tactical (see below). Formerly Iron Horse Guns and original company unchanged product wise but they're-branded as Blackwater Worldwide in exchange for Prince's investment. At least they are honest and transparent about it I guess. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
86 | Spikes Tactical | Hysterical anti-antifa (i.e. fascist? lol) CHUD to the max, many note iffy / overrated products compared to peers - don't sweat it if you have one but ditch this option in the future and spend your money elsewhere | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
87 | Fenix Ammunition | Overt Rhodesia glorifying, not just camo fetishism | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
88 | DS Arms | anti-Antifa hysteria and with a boog angle too boot | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
89 | Griffin Armament | "Front Towards Arabs" engraved suppressors, lazy racist shit compared to the more snarky "infidel" dust covers and decals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
90 | Kahr Arms and Auto-Ordnance | Literally run by major cult (Moonies) i.e. the Unification movement Apparently Kahr is crappy anyway but Auto-Ordnance makes 1911, M1, and Thompson replicas so seek other options for those models (mispelled earlier, meant Kahr, not Khar) - thanks u/Oldskoolguitar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
91 | Smith Enterprises | SS iconography sold, i.e. actual Nazi stuff not the Iron Cross aesthetics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
92 | T-Rex Arms | T-Rex Arms - Quiverfall members (more on that group here) and Lucas has posted cheap homophobic crap. (thanks u/eyetracker [+3]) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
93 | Troy Industries | Apparently tits up but backlash for hiring Dale Monroe - i.e. FBI veteran and Ruby Ridge participant | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
94 | DesertTech | Owner is fringe Mormon sect member with racist views | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
95 | Non-AR makers/businesses to avoid... | (Sourced from Something Awful thread above) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
96 | DE Guns | Neo-Nazi ties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
97 | Glockstore | White Supremacist organization ties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
98 | LGBT Gun Rights (facebook & twitter) | Faux progressive social media run by Neo-Nazi, do not join either as they are aiming to misinform and glean info on progressive and leftist gun owners | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
99 | ^ These are the tip of the iceberg TBH. There are likely problematic owners of stores and companies who will never be outed. Always look out to avoid local gun stores, distros, and individual sellers with bigoted and fascist sentiments and/or FUDDS and scammers - this kind of trash has always been the nasty underbelly of gun culture. Def be subtle and unassuming IRL while shopping - be cautious and tactful in interactions. Alternatives include more apolitical / hunting and hobby oriented stores like Bass Pro/Cabelas, Academy, Dick's, Big 5, etc. Love it or hate some Walmarts often have good deals. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
100 | There are plenty of individuals, stores, and companies that are politically more conservative or libertarian but well-meaning and honest and worth patronage, i.e. you can hold to your ideology without limiting yourself to strict arbitrary choices as a customer. Try to embrace the shared sentiment of gun ownership as a right and launching point to reaffirm that owning firearms is an universal and inclusive right for personal and community self-defense. Opportunity to praxis is likely rare, but it might emerge. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||