Bargain AR

I've never read that Olympic Arms were 'worse' than other brands, just that other brands were 'better.' Olympic makes mil-spec stuff just like everyone else, but their finish may not be as pretty (not as yummy-smooth and seams may still be visible).

The only negative that I have read about Oly is that one guy had a Plinker Plus, ($595 MSRP, complete), dropped it, and the barrel snapped off. He wasn't happy, and I wouldn't be either. That was it. I've read a lot of good reports on the Plinker Plus, as well as other OA models. There is an OA-specific forum out there, too, if you really want to dig into Oly stuff.

I'd recommend checking at local gun shops. Not big box stores like Gander or what not, but actual real-life gun shops. There are a few guys in my area that do AR business out of their home shops. I found them on Google Maps. Anyhoo, local shops can usually do better than the MSRP. Online prices may be attractive, but keep in mind that the lower receiver will need to be shipped to a FFL dealer. The shop I frequent charges $45 to do a transfer (it may be $35 for a LR).

Be advised that the best deals aren't necessarily at gun shows. Although deals can still be found there.

Finally, a co-worker of mine built a flat-top M4 for about $650, minus the optic. I believe he acquired a complete Bushmaster lower and an upper from Model1Sales.

FWIW

Our local Gander Mtn. sells new DPMS M-4s for 799 bucks. Thats not that bad for a big box store. Most of our smaller gunstores think any AR is golden and I see questionable used ARs selliing in the 900 dollar range at many of our smaller stores. Anything with Colt or Bushmaster on it at our smaller local stores begins in the 850-950 dollar range and most are well over 1000 bucks.

I have also been weighing out buying a stripped receiver and building vs. just buying a complete rifle. The cost versus the time/hassle is pretty slim if you ask me.

I just worry about putting all of it together. WILL the lower kit work just fine? What if things don't line up right? Then, theres the cost of taking your cobbled together problem child to a smith and paying him to make it fly right. That could cost even more than buying the completed rifle...right?

I have a feeling that if you ARE going to biuld your own AR, you probably need to buy the more quality parts from the bigger, more reputable makers (Bushmaster, DPMS, etc.) than chance it with some off brand cheapo parts kits. That has NEVER panned out for me with my 1911s.

OR...I can buy the already assembled DPMS M4 and shoot right away without any hassles.

Its tempting to just buy the DPMS rifle rather than chance these budget receivers and parts kits made by small companies.

- brickboy240