Rising prices. Inflation. Threat of a recession. Everybody's thinking about economizing and saving their pennies right now. And today @CalebSavant gives us some tips on how to save money on components for your next AR15 build without compromising the quality of your finished rifle. Save money on the core components, and you can still afford the upgrades covered in our earlier video, "Caleb's Picks: Top 5 Upgrades for Your AR15".
Upper / Lower Receiver Set: There are a lot of upgraded "designer" receivers out there. But standard forged "milspec" AR15 uppers and lowers will work just as well as long as you get them from a reputable manufacturer. "Milspec" means the receivers are built to specific dimensions from a specific grade of aluminum. Aero Precision offers excellent milspec receivers that have some upgrades, yet are still very affordable. Caleb gives us a warning about "billet" receivers.
Barrel: Most AR15 shooters don't need a fancy matchgrade barrel. You can get a goodquality, longlasting barrel for less than a pair of CNotes ($200).
Receiver Extension (aka Buffer Tube): A basic milspec buffer tube will accept a wide variety of stocks, and as long as it's TRUE milspec both in dimensions and quality of materials, it'll outlast you. Cost of a good one: $30$40 for the tube alone, $60 for the tube plus castle nut, buffer, and buffer spring.
BoltCarrier Group: Another area where you don't have to overspend. You can get a durable, reliable BCG with black Nitridefinished carrier and MPI (magnetic particle inspected to find hidden flaws) bolt for a very reasonable price. A fancy lightweight, Titanium Nitride finished competition boltcarrier group will require an adjustable gas block and other extra expenses. Aero Precision, Bravo Company, Sons of Liberty Gun Works, and Brownells all offer wellmade, pleasantly affordable BCGs.
Lower Parts Kit: Since you're probably going to choose a specific aftermarket trigger, get an LPK with just the other small parts, minus the trigger. Why pay for something you're not going to use? Backup Iron Sights: Not necessary on a range fun / plinking gun. Save some money here. Modern optics are very reliable.
NOTE: Products in this video are to be used only for lawful purposes, including hunting, selfdefense, and competitive or recreational shooting. If you purchase any of them, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to the purchase, possession, and use of these products.
Additional Videos
Top 5 Upgrades for Your AR15 • Caleb's Picks: Top 5 Upgrades for You...
Forged vs. Billet • Smyth Busters: Is Billet Better Than ...
Milspec • Smyth Busters: Does "MilSpec" Mean "...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:40 Receiver Sets
3:15 Barrel
4:15 Receiver Extension
5:17 Bolt Carrier Group
7:20 Lower Parts Kit
8:13 Sights
8:50 Outro