maddnotez Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 Looking into getting an AR. I know absolutely nothing about them. I have shot a couple, used to own an AK and currently own a handgun. Is it cheaper to build your own vs buying a prebuilt? Also are Radical Firearms any good? After a brief look they seem to be more of the budget friendly option. I do not need anything sophisticated, just something somewhat reliable on a budget. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davinci Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 Palmetto State Armory daily deal: PSA AR-15 they have deals all the time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srjdsmith Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 I’ll second that. My first was a PSA. It’s very good. Building isn’t necessarily cheaper. If you go too ‘budget’ on a build, you might not end up with ‘reliable’. Example: Bear Creek Arsenal has barrels for $100 and uppers for less than $300. But, there’s lots of complaints about quality. I’ve had no trouble with several BCA barrels (never bought an upper from them), but some people complain about BCA quality. Having said that, however, building is a LOT of fun and kind of addictive. For my money, I’d buy your first from someone good (like PSA) and build one later when you can afford to ‘tweek’ and refine to get reliable- if you find that it isn’t working the way you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake46 Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 PSA 223 Wylde and 224 Valkyrie..both have been excellent.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retcop Posted August 11, 2022 Share Posted August 11, 2022 PSA, Smith & Wesson, Savage, Springfield Armory, Rock River Arms, and others all have entry level AR -15 rifles. It has been a while since I have compared prices. PSA will probably be one of the least expensive, need to watch for sales on the others, too. Nothing wrong with PSA, just wanted to let you know there are some other options out there, even if they are a bit more money. Some companies offer lifetime warranties, which is nice. If your rifle arrives from PSA with a problem by some chance, they will make it right. For you first rifle, I would stay away from some of the smaller assemblers who may not have spotty QC or CS. PSA has grown because the buy good parts made from the correct steels on critical parts, like the Bolt Carrier Group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddnotez Posted August 12, 2022 Author Share Posted August 12, 2022 Thanks for the tips, looks like PSA has some of the best prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampy Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 8/10/2022 at 7:53 PM, maddnotez said: Looking into getting an AR. I know absolutely nothing about them. I have shot a couple, used to own an AK and currently own a handgun. Is it cheaper to build your own vs buying a prebuilt? Also are Radical Firearms any good? After a brief look they seem to be more of the budget friendly option. I do not need anything sophisticated, just something somewhat reliable on a budget. Thanks Buy once cry once, buy the best you can afford if it takes longer to buy quality that will last SOLGW is your best bet quality at a fair cost https://sonsoflibertygw.com https://www.bigtexordnance.com/brand/solgw-sons-of-liberty-gun-works/ https://www.bigtexordnance.com/product/solgw-m4-76-match-18″-223-wylde-ar15-5-56-223-qas/ https://www.bigtexordnance.com/product/solgw-m4-76-9-300-blackout-angry-patriot-pistol-with-wedge-lock-rail-sons-of-liberty-gun-works/ https://www.bigtexordnance.com/product/solgw-m4-76-16-pinned-welded-rifle-with-wedge-lock-rail-sons-of-liberty-gun-works/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampy Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 8/12/2022 at 10:41 AM, maddnotez said: Thanks for the tips, looks like PSA has some of the best prices. PSA had a slow & rocky start, they got the cheapest pieces parts & assembled em and they were struggling till they supported a movie called Range 15 & they got insane amounts of positive press from so many of the cast & they supported BRCC and took off like a wildfire…. They made history in making AR’s available and in great quantities at rock bottom prices They had 2?levels of guns last I really looked…Hobby guns for the weekend shooter who wanted a AR to plink with & did not shoot hundreds of rds at a time They had a more expensive line but while better it’s not a “duty grade” one you woul depend on to save your life…. It all depends on a honest personal assessment into what you want & how you will use it…. Oh and Range 15 was a hit & hilarious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flesh Wound Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 If you are looking for a range toy, plinker. fun gun etc. Then PSA and other budget builders will do. If you plan to defend your life and family, something like a "duty rifle", then as Rampy said. Buy once, cry once. I personally have a few AR's in various configs and calibers. But if SHTF comes, my LMT carbine is the grab-n-go rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rampy Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 8/12/2022 at 9:05 PM, Flesh Wound said: If you are looking for a range toy, plinker. fun gun etc. Then PSA and other budget builders will do. If you plan to defend your life and family, something like a "duty rifle", then as Rampy said. Buy once, cry once. I personally have a few AR's in various configs and calibers. But if SHTF comes, my LMT carbine is the grab-n-go rifle. This………. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthTXGunner23 Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 35 minutes ago, Rampy said: This………. I second this, or third... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TackleberryMCS Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Absolutely nothing wrong with the PSA line of ARs. They have come a long way in the past few years. They used to differentiate their lineup by denoting them as Premium and PTAC. That appears to be no longer the case as they have stepped up their game producing only good quality and affordable ARs and a much broader assortment. Personally, I have had a few PSA ARs over the years and had absolutely no problem with them and never doubted their ability as an AR for defensive or SHTF purposes. If you are on a tight budget and want to get the most for your money, PSA is the way to go. For someone who has very little experience with the AR platform, spending a lot of money up front may not be the best course of action. It is best to jump in feet first, not headfirst. Take time to learn the platform with a PSA AR and find out what you like and dislike. Do not pour money into it until you know you are going to like it and it is going to do what you want. If you find yourself liking it and it is performing well, then you could consider upgrading or buying a higher quality and more expensive AR and outfit it as you see fit. First and foremost, you have to decide on the purpose for which the AR will be used before making any upgrades as you want to make sure you spend your money wisely and effectively. Good luck. Shop AR-15 Rifles | Palmetto State Armory 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddnotez Posted August 20, 2022 Author Share Posted August 20, 2022 Still havent gotten anything. Was talking to someone I know and he told me about the new definitions with 80 p and serials coming in the next 4 days. :/ He said he will help me complete it so I may just go that route. I already have the budget friendly item in mind but considering buying something a bit more expensive as well for a 2nd down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srjdsmith Posted August 21, 2022 Share Posted August 21, 2022 Yes. Like that. Plan for more than one… ”Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retcop Posted August 21, 2022 Share Posted August 21, 2022 3 hours ago, srjdsmith said: Yes. Like that. Plan for more than one… ”Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” One is none. Two is one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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