AR Build Kits: If you want to customize your AR rifle, you might want to consider buying an AR build kit. An AR build kit is a package of parts containing everything you need to assemble your AR rifle except for the lower receiver.
In this article, we will review some of the benefits of buying an AR build kit, explain what to look for when choosing one, and provide some examples of the best AR build kits on the market today.
Understanding AR Build Kits
An AR build kit is a package that includes all the essential components needed to assemble an AR. It typically consists of a lower receiver, upper receiver, barrel, handguard, bolt carrier group (BCG), stock, and sometimes additional accessories. The kit simplifies the process of building an AR by providing all the necessary parts in one package.
Benefits of Buying an AR Build Kit
There are several advantages to buying an AR build kit instead of a complete rifle or individual parts. Some of the benefits are:
Cost-effectiveness
Buying an AR build kit can save you money compared to buying a complete rifle or individual parts. You can get a quality AR rifle for a fraction of the price of a factory-made one. You can also avoid paying extra shipping, handling, or assembly fees.
Compatibility
Buying an AR build kit ensures all the parts are compatible and fit correctly. You don't have to worry about mismatched or incompatible factors that can cause malfunctions or damage to your rifle. You also don't have to spend time and money finding and buying additional features or tools.
Customization
Buying an AR build kit allows you to customize your AR rifle according to your preferences and needs. You can choose the caliber, barrel length, handguard style, trigger type, stock option, color scheme, and more. You can also add or change accessories later as you wish.
Education
Buying an AR build kit allows you to learn how your rifle works and how to assemble it yourself. You can gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help you maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade your rifle in the future. You can also have fun and satisfaction from building your own rifle.
What to Look for When Choosing an AR Build Kit
When choosing an AR build kit, there are several factors to consider, such as:
Caliber
The caliber of your AR rifle determines the size and power of the ammunition it can fire. The most common caliber for AR rifles is 5.56 NATO, which is also compatible with .223 Remington. However, other calibers, such as .300 Blackout, 7.62x39mm, 9mm, and 6.8 SPC, are available. Each caliber has advantages and disadvantages regarding ballistics, availability, cost, recoil, and compatibility with magazines and other parts.
Barrel Length
The barrel length of your AR rifle affects its accuracy, velocity, maneuverability, and legality. The longer the barrel, the more accurate and faster the bullet, and the heavier and less maneuverable the rifle will be.
The shorter the barrel, the lighter and more maneuverable the rifle, but the less accurate and slower the bullet will be.
A rifle's legal minimum barrel length is 16 inches unless you register it as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) with the ATF and pay a tax stamp fee.
Handguard Style
The handguard of your AR rifle covers the barrel and provides a place to grip and mount accessories. There are two main types of handguards: drop-in and free-float. Drop-in handguards are easy to install and remove but attach to the barrel nut and can affect accuracy.
Free-float handguards are more challenging to install and remove, but they attach to the upper receiver and do not touch the barrel, improving accuracy.
There are also different styles of handguards, such as quad-rail, M-LOK, KeyMod, or smooth.
Trigger Type
The trigger of your AR rifle affects its performance and feel. There are two main types of triggers: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage spurs have a consistent pull weight and break point, but they can be too light or heavy for some shooters.
Two-stage triggers have a light first stage followed by a heavier second stage that breaks crisply, but they can be too complex or lengthy for some shooters.
There are also different qualities of triggers, such as mil-spec, enhanced, or match-grade.
Stock Option
The stock of your AR rifle affects its comfort, stability, adjustability, and legality. There are two main types of stocks: fixed and collapsible.
Fixed stocks are rigid and do not change in length, but they can be more comfortable and stable for some shooters.
Collapsible stocks are adjustable and vary in length, but they can be less comfortable and durable for some shooters.
The legal minimum overall size for a rifle is 26 inches unless you register it as an SBR with the ATF and pay a tax stamp fee.
Color Scheme
The color scheme of your AR rifle affects its appearance and concealment. Different colors and finishes are available for AR parts, such as black, FDE, OD green, titanium blue, burnt bronze, zombie green, pink, purple, and more. You can choose a color scheme that matches your personality, environment, or purpose.
Popular AR Build Kit Manufacturers
Numerous manufacturers are offering AR build kits. Some popular ones include:
- Aero Precision
- Palmetto State Armory
- Brownells
- Anderson Manufacturing
- PSA Custom
Examples of the Best AR Build Kits on the Market
There are many AR build kits available on the market today, but some of the best ones are:
Durkin Tactical AR-15 Build Kits
Durkin Tactical offers a variety of American-made AR-15 build kits that include everything you need to build your own rifle, except for the lower receiver. You can choose from different calibers, barrel lengths, handguard styles, color schemes, and more.
Durkin Tactical also discounts military, firefighters, first responders, and wholesale dealers.
Daytona Tactical AR-15 Rifle Build Kits
Daytona Tactical provides a selection of AR-15 rifle build kits, including everything you need to build your own rifle, except for the lower receiver. You can choose from different calibers, barrel lengths, handguard styles, color schemes, and more.
Daytona Tactical also offers free shipping on orders over $250.
Thunder Tactical AR-15 Rifle Kits
Thunder Tactical sells a range of AR-15 rifle kits, including everything you need to build your own rifle, except for the lower receiver. You can choose from different calibers, barrel lengths, handguard styles, color schemes, and more.
Thunder Tactical also offers free shipping on orders over $300.
Buying an AR build kit is a great way to customize your AR rifle and save money, learn how your rifle works, and choose the features and accessories that suit your preferences and needs. When selecting an AR build kit, you should consider the caliber, barrel length, handguard style, trigger type, stock option, color scheme, and quality of the parts.
You should also compare different AR build kits on the market and find the best one. We hope this article has helped you understand an AR build kit and how to choose and build your own AR rifle.
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