I've built a few AK's off a Russian SKS'. Reliable as hell and a lot more firepower. I've literally run a thousand rounds through on and not one issue. That was 15 years ago when you could buy one for $200.00 still in the packing grease.
I used to say, what ever you start will won’t long be the same... over time, better parts, upgrades, swappable optics, new trigger group, a couple uppers in different chamberings, etc... sort of like our cars in the 60’s.... never finished, always evolving. Until you get that chainsaw attachment. Think you will just spend $200, yeah, sure.
Yes. Black Swamp lower, Palmetto State pistol parts kit and 10.5" upper. I swapped the actual upper for a side-charge.
Yeah, right now my parts list comes to aboutv, $800. I fully expect to upgrade or do a second build later.
I have a Spikes Tactical "Crusader" stripped lower. I've had it a while, but I can't decide if I want to build a rifle or a pistol and in what caliber. I'm thinking 556 for a rifle or 300 blackout for a pistol.
Once its built as a rifle, you can't rebuild it as a pistol. That's a big NO NO. I'd just google photos. Pistol Rifle
I have an AR with both an upper for 556 and an upper for 300 Blackout. I think I would go the other way around - 556 for pistol, 300 Blackout for rifle. The advantages of the 300 Blackout are downrange - accuracy and hitting power, and so I would choose the combination that plays to the strength of the caliber.
For a moment this thread got me very excited. I thought it was going to be discussing building your own Augmented Reality app. Then I realized where I was...
I thought 556 would lose a lot of muzzle velocity from a pistol length barrel. I guess it would still do a lot of damage, even at a lower velocity. I'm thinking about a binary trigger if I build a pistol, but it'd be harder to feed it if I did that. $$$ At least I could actually use the gimicky "full auto" selection on the safety display. Mine is labelled "Peace", "War", and "God Wills It".
I built one with my 14 year old grandson back when Hillary Clinton won the 2016 election but threw it away when democrats told me it was something I should not be allowed to own.
Either will be fine at self-defense ranges. The only rifle length AR I have in in 6.5 Grendel. I have rung steel in competition out to 500 yards with a 12.5" barrel firing 62 gr. 5.56mm. I haven't seen much increase in .300 Blackout velocity with rifle length barrels, and barrel length has little to do with accuracy. Here's a report on barrel length and velocity for various 5.56mm AR rounds. https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/S...-5--11-5--12-5-and-14-5-ALL-DONE-/16-714088/?
I have built 3 AR 15s. What made the most notable change is installing 1.5 lb pull Timney triggers (hair triggers). Very sensitive. Timney is the best, but you may want to go up to 2.5 or adjustable. One a built with a quick load lower (one side of the slot side is cut away. I'm not fond of it.) I also do not like switching a push button release, but greatly like the quick release lever. I have 5.56 and 300 blackout barrels, plus a .22LR conversion setup. and half a dozen barrel assemblies.
Building an "AR", which stands for "Armalite Rifle" can mean different things to different people.These guns have two major sub-assemblies, the "Upper" and "Lower" Receivers. Parts attach to these two main sub-assemblies.You can purchase Upper and Lower receivers in various states of completion. From the basic shape all the way to the finished receiver ready for parts to be assembled into it. Laws exist which apply unconstitutional restrictions upon the upper and lower receivers. Mainly, on the lower receiver, but the upper can be afflicted by these unconstitutional laws as well. We call these restrictive laws "Infringements". If you desire to own one or more of these firearms you should seek out an education on these laws so that you may understand them. Be aware that infringements may be found laws from the most local of sources all the wall up to the Federal. A good place to begin learning, one of many, is this one: https://palmettostatearmory.com/ Some of the larger shooting ranges around the country will rent you guns to shoot with. That is a good way to begin learning. One thing you should discover to be a constant in gun stores and shooting ranges is all about the safe handling and responsible ownership of a firearm. Expect that when you walk into a gun store and begin asking about what to buy and shoot, conversation will soon turn to safety. Expect to be offered a course on gun safety. In fact, expect to ask about such a course for yourself. And do remember to have fun out out there.