[Guest]

I am still up in the air about building from parts or buying complete. I have narrowed my search down to what I want......ideally something close or identical to a Rock River Arms Elite CAR A4. Because of where I live (New York State), and the AWB (still in effect:roll: ) there are certain options that are unavailable (collapsable stock, bayonet lug, etc.). I really don't care about most of the options accept the 6 position stock, which I really want. I am now looking into building an AR with Rock River parts the way I want it. My questions are.....how difficult is it to buy and assemble (how technical and tools required)? If I use Rock River parts, is there any reason that the final fit (quality) would be less than that of factory assembled complete AR? Will my final cost be less than buying a complete rifle? Should I consider mix and match from different manufacturers, or would the quality suffer? Thanks for any input, this will be my first AR and I'm pretty excited.

 

[Guest]

Rock River is a good brand and on the cheap side compared to some others. I think you'd be hard pressed to find all Rock River parts and build it for less than just buying what you want from them. Remeber, no one pays MSRP. Ask around, get some prices from different dealers and you'll probably find what you want for less than building from scratch.

That being said, an AR build is easy, especially if you have access to a torque wrench, vise and AR-15 handguard tool. There's no real gunsmithing involved; it's mostly like a LEGO project for adults.

 

[Guest]

AR15Sales.com
Pete's got good prices on RRAs. It's where I got mine. He'll have it built the way you want. It's worth a call.

 

[Guest]

AR15Sales.com
Pete's got good prices on RRAs. It's where I got mine. He'll have it built the way you want. It's worth a call.

+1

I've pretty much decided on a RRA Elite CAR A4 and that was the site I was looking at. I've been crunching some numbers from there and it will just be easier for me to order the complete rifle for him and then get the extra goodies I want (Smith Vortex flash hider, winter trigger guard, etc.) than to build it. In the end (not including shipping or any sales tax) it was only about $10-$15 more buying the complete rifle versus building it from parts.

 

[Guest]

I always find the opposite. There was a thread a couple of weeks ago where it was cheaper to build it your self. You could buy a complete upper and complete lower and snap the 2 halves together and save yourself about 100 dollars. RRA is a good choice and if you search around long enough you can find the deals.

 

[Guest]

I bought my RRA back in 2002 when RRA was still the new recruit in the AR world. I bought mine as separate halves and It was $775 including a detachable carry handle. Fast forward to 2007, and RRA is one of the top-selling manufacturers due to quality, being adopted by the DEA, and competetive price. Price have risen though. My old man just put together his RRA mid-length carbine (late last year) by buying separate halves, and he came out to $875, including an ARMS #40L back up iron sight. That's an out-the-door price, including shipping and background check. Both of these ARs had to be tapped together with a mallet. That is how TIGHT the fit was. They both remain rattle free after a few thousand rounds. I've always said that in the gun world, prices are always going in one direction, and it isn't down! With each new year it seems most companies raise their prices. I have since adopted a "buy now" policy, provided I can work it into my budget.

I would advise buying a complete upper no matter what, as you don't want to be fussing with headspacing the bolt. Most factory asembled uppers are headspaced at the factory. You can esily build a lower, but it won't have a warranty, if that means anything to you. When you buy separate halves, the upper and lower will each be covered by a warranty, even if the complete rifle is not covered, per se. I would advise to buy a complete lower and a complete upper. Even with RRA's price hike, they are still my choice.

Good luck,

B9

 

[Guest]

One question I did have, if I decide to go with the stripped lower and build from there, are these all the things I'll need:
Stripped Lower
Lower Parts Kit
Stock of my choice

 

[Guest]

One question I did have, if I decide to go with the stripped lower and build from there, are these all the things I'll need:
Stripped Lower
Lower Parts Kit
Stock of my choice

Looks about right, aside from a couple punches and perhaps a small plastic or wood mallet.

 

[Guest]

there is pretty detailed instructions on how to put the stuff together at ar15.com....if i ever get my 1st ar....i am probally going to build my second

 

[Guest]

One question I did have, if I decide to go with the stripped lower and build from there, are these all the things I'll need:
Stripped Lower
Lower Parts Kit
Stock of my choice

If you went with a stripped lower from stag and a lower parts kit they will install the parts kit at the factory for free... just a thought. You can easily install your own buffer tube/stock with only a spanner wrench.

 

[Guest]

I got my RRA yesterday and I am telling you it is one nice rifle. I have taken this rifle completly apart and cleaned and lubed everything with my favorite Blue Wonder stuff and every thing fit back nicely. It shot well other than needing sighted in. And the 2 stage trigger is nice.

 

[Guest]

If you went with a stripped lower from stag and a lower parts kit they will install the parts kit at the factory for free... just a thought. You can easily install your own buffer tube/stock with only a spanner wrench.

Any idea on any fit issues between the RRA uppers and Stag lowers (I've heard some reports of brand x uppers not mating well with brand y lowers)?

 

[Guest]

Almost all uppers and lowers fit together, save some early Colts. Tolerances make for a fairly loose between the upper and lower sometimes, but a $2 little rubber plug or o-ring will keep some tension between them and eliminate rattles.

 

[Guest]

One question though: if the 6 position stock is not allowed where you are under the state AWB, how are you going to put together a complete rifle with that feature on?