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In this video, we discuss a variety of different options for upgrading and changing your AR. If you're a first-time buyer of these types of rifles, this video should be helpful to you. We go from basic to bougie.
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The fact a 30 min video is only scratching the surface of this topic shows how much effort and love is put into this platform.
It really is an excellent platform. It’s like the “Swiss army knife” of rifles.
That’s the great thing about the AR platform. It’s been around so long that they’ve been more than perfected, even from the low budget companies. It’s damn near impossible to choose the wrong one
Everyone is scratching, even you friend. 😂
With PSA selling AR bundles, it is a great time to get into ARs. Shoot almost 10yrs ago you couldn't even make a decked out AR for no less than $1000. PSA changed the game along with their budget handguns its a win win for "We The People".
Lol kid u is tripping hard. Lmao. 10 years ago. Everything was actually cheaper. DPMS panther rifles were going 350-500 a pop. S&W mp15's were like 400-500 and some had scopes and iron sights. Alot of good AR's were like 400-800 bucks and all were 1MOA guns at 100m The only thing that wasnt cheap was usually lights, red dots and scopes tho. Because of companies like sig, vortex and aimpoint. It was possible to get good carbine optics. Back then alot of glass and other optics costed wayy more than the guns they are mounted on. Same with lasers and lights. Nowadays. Good rifles are hovering around 5-600 to 900 dollars. Including PSA starting at 500. Tf u talkin about
A complete rifle from PSA can be had for $350 if you buy the upper and lower separately from PSA. $239 upper w bcg & ch, then a complete lower, or a kit w complete upper, lpk, & buffer for $299, then grab a bare lower.
What I like about the AR system is that you really don’t need multiple lowers. Having multiple uppers with different barrel lengths or different calibers.
The lower is the cheapest part though. You start getting the "well, what's another $100 for an entire gun though" thoughts. 😂
@@iDeagles it is. Like 100 to 300 for a lower. Milspec to precision trigger
@@iDeagles depends on what you mean by cheap. Stock, buffer system and trigger group can get pricey. The lower itself isn’t too expensive but same with uppers without barrels or BCG.
I would invest in a bolt action Upper as well. I have a feeling you will be needing one of those before long.
@@Angl0sax0nknight most expensive stock for ar's in general is gonna be precision types. I think Larue tactical makes DMR stocks for sharpshooters and buffer spring and buffer are not that expensive lmao... only 60-120 bucks. The only that gets real expensive is trigger packs. You can cop one for 100 or go up to 500 for a boutique precision match trigger. Anything lower wise is literally dollars and cents on parts
My first ar was a Smith and wesson sport 2 got it in 2015 for 700$ it hasn't failed me yet great rifle,accurate,reliable and fits my needs
MY FATHER IN LAW JUST PICKED UP A USED ONE FOR $\329
Same, been upgrading it as I go and absolutely love it. Just made more sense to me then spending a ton of money when only need it for home defense.
Not a 1st time owner, but watching these videos brings back a nostalgic moment for me. Keeping traditions & liberties alive & well always gives me hope. Stay the course IRV8888💪🏾💪🏾
A few months ago I purchased my first rifle after months of research. I visited several local gun shops and learned they just want to sell you what they have in stock. I wanted a SBR for target shooting out to 100-yards. I visited the outdoor shooting range and asked several people if I could try shooting their gun. They all looked at me like I was some weirdo. I ended up having to buy a SBR that I never had an opportunity to fire. I decided to get a 9mm Banshee MkGs with five 33-round Glock mags. I can go the range and have a good time blasting through 165 rounds without having to reload magazines. That was the best decision I made. I like to shoot and the 9mm ammo makes it affordable. Just relating my experience in case anyone else is in a similar situation.
I appreciate Eric and the effort he puts into his videos. AR's are tools. Tools vary. Before buying any tool determine what you need, what you can use, what you can care for and what you can afford. I just spent $800 on a snow blower, Not the biggest and fanciest, but not the smallest and simplest. I also use a snow shovel. I've also got a rototiller a spading fork and a pickax for gardening and planting trees and bushes. I'm older with some joint and vision issues. If I were to buy an AR now I'd want a front grip, a variable power scope and because i live in a free state I'd get at least a six pack of 30 round mags. I recently priced out what I want and it ranged from $900 to $1,400 depending on make and model of the rifle, the scope, the other accessories. Also because I am old I already have home defense firearms, a concealed carry firearm, plinkers, clay shooters and I don't need an AR. If SHTF I won't be in a foxhole, I'll be a cook, an errand runner and a litter bearer in the local infirmary.
Thank you for a very in-depth and concise report of the AR 15 just what I was looking for you’ve made my journey much more confusing😂 but I thank you very much for the extra knowledge. Best video I’ve seen yet on AR 15.🙏🙏
I would still say that a 16” mid-length gas system, from just about anyone, will treat you very well. A basic Vortex or Holosun reddot and you can’t go wrong.
adamb2619 Well said. Bottom line that's all you need, all else is to say "I have" "I got" most of what people see now days are expensive trinkets to run with the latest and greatest Super Tubers that gets all their stuff for FREE to keep their QVC cannels bank account maxed out. You are right, maybe a good Stream Light if needed your good to GO as you said.
I've learned so much more by assembling my own and it's just a great hobby!!
Thanks for staying true all these years
Thanks Eric! Never hurts to go through the basics... even for us "advanced noobies". Take care, Sir.
Thanks for that tip about not changing too many things at once. I’m a new builder on my 2nd & 3rd builds simultaneously. Usually that doesn’t apply to me because I never have money like that but I’m doing things a bit differently this time around. I’m trying out obtaining the parts first before any assembly
The detailed discussion on upgrading and customization provided valuable insights for enhancing the performance and aesthetics of the AR-15.
Thank you for taking all the time required to provide this very helpful video. Whatever our knowledge base on the AR platform, your work is appreciated.
I was an AK fan ever since I was 7, and forever will be. Although I love the Ak over the AR, I have to admit that the AR-15 overall is the better rifle in my case.
Thank you for all the work you do man! First time waking up early to be able to message!
With a beat up off the shelf m16A2 I was able to hit at 500 yards with iron sights in the Marines. That to me means the A2 is really accurate despite not having the free floating barrel. I don’t really care for accessories on a rifle I like just a rifle and a sighting system that is it. My ar10 has iron sights for example, I like how iron sights are a lot less expensive and work all the time.
What you score? How much time to you do in the pits?
@@HWG-wm8ld I shot sharp shooter don’t remember the exact score it was over 20 years ago. I forgot about the pits until you mentioned it but I remember it sucked lol, we didn’t have much time to pull the target down find the holes mark them then get them back up.
The basic m16a2 is my choice when I get me one just as get the money for it!
Glad to see your back asking videos. Thanks
PSA armory AR15. Lowers, Uppers, BGP, and Charging Handle can get it all cheap Under $400 all the way to $1500 and very reliable.
I'm a noob with firearms and just trying to educate myself by watching videos. Thank you for the info!
Love this Man’s work. He Posts and I watch it.. That Simple.
I have a complete Aero Precision upper on a KP15 lower, best AR combo I've ever used.
Very well explained, non bias. Thanks for sharing.
Perfect timing I was about to buy a ar15
I find it amazing how you can get a nicely speced AR at the $400 price point nowadays. I remember 10 years ago when I first got mine you couldn’t reasonably find an AR for less than $800 that was decently equipped.
Psa is a great option
@@pat2430PSA is great, although Radical Firearms is another great alternative.
@@pat2430have u ever looked at bkings ? I have a psa but I have a bkings and for the price man u can't beet them. I'm pretty sure they make areo precision parts.
$400? Not even close
For those who are thinking hard about price, I think it is worth the reminder... Mil-spec is mil-spec. If it is actually mil-spec, the military thinks that it is good enough to go to war with. Can you do better than mil-spec? Yes and absolutely, but there is nothing wrong with starting out with a $500 mil-spec and upgrading it later. Every part you upgrade with something nicer means that you have a basic backup part in the drawer in case something breaks. For my part, I don't see the point in having a $3000 AR and not be able to afford spare parts and ammo. Consider this as well. You can build a VERY nice lower for $500, with great custom parts, and then buy or build 2 different uppers of different barrel lengths or calibers, and still only spend half of what you would on the "super" $3000 AR. Also, in my opinion, if you take the time to source the parts and assemble it yourself, you will become competent in the care and repair of your firearm. You will learn a great deal during the process. You will gain a level of knowledge about your firearm that you should aspire to if you are even remotely serious about being good with your chosen firearm.
Don’t build your only gun that is used to defend your life.
@@HWG-wm8ldSo it's better to have someone else build it?
Just put together a 10.5 pistol for $300 total. Buying the lower and upper separate can save some cash.
Thank you for the information. It’s good to know what is available and your options for a first time buyer.
Great video! My first AR was a DMPS well over a decade ago and since then I've had Colt, Daniel Defense, Smith and Wesson, and POF. But at the end of the day, 99-percent of AR-15s out there will meet the needs of 99-percent of the population. Most people aren't operators and most people might throw 1,000 rounds or less down range in any given year, so the idea of wanting the absolute best... I get it, but it's not realistic or practical or even necessary for most people. If you have a gun that you keep clean and it's a $700 Bushmaster or DPMS and you fire 1,000 rounds per year and just want it to have for home defense... who cares. It will go bang 99.99999 percent of the time. I always appreciate Iraqveteran's common sense approach to these topics. Thanks! AClockworkPeon
So much to learn about firearms...love channels like this.
Love your stuff man. Earned yourself a sub.
Thanks Eric! Quite the Master Intro class. Look forward to many more. 👊👍👏 Love the CMMG Dissent and Sig Spear. Prolly need to try an Adult Lego Project to appreciate the AR bells and whistles since the A2.
I have... never mind. Thank you. God Bless and stay safe.
thank you. very helpful.
Watching jealously from Canada. Our government banned the AR-15 platform and 1500 other variants and they wont stop until we have nothing. I really want to move, you guys get all the good stuff.
Those of us in "free" states do.
We still have them guns here in Canada 😂 you must be late to getting them they uave no way of getting them back
Great Britain and Australia are probably the best examples of disarming it's citizens that Canada has to look forward to. Liberal policies are designed to make you rely on the government and, those running the government don't want the people to have a way to fight back.
@@riley739 I am late to the game that’s true. Wish I had been a little earlier with licensing. I pray we get a change in government and they reverse everything they’ve done.
Less be honest..... No one turned their ar in..... Just like new Zealand... 100 000 ar 15s not turned into the 👑.
Well done review E 👊👍👍🇺🇸
I miss these videos, more of this!
I'm in Washington... need a hug😢
Good stuff brother! Appreciate it. 🇺🇸👍
The 9mm Dissent with a HuxWrx Cash 9K flow though is insane! I can verify firsthand that it’s amazing, especially if you SBR it with their folding JMAC stock. I really want them to bring a 10mm DISSENT!
What a great video! I think it will help a lot of people understand the differences
Eric knows his stuff!
I feel like I got incredibly lucky with mine. I got a BCM m4 mod 2, with a sig romeo 5, brunell 3-9 lvpo, surefyre light, vert foregrip, carry case and a couple mags for $700 from a pawnshop. Looked like it had been fired about 5 times when I got it. :D
Doubt that
Bcm makes a nice rifle I run an aero precision now but later looking for another upper different caliber so looking at like bcm
Thanks for this video
The first AR I ever shot a full mag of was a 3D printed lower with a PSA M4 Carbine upper (on my shorts if you wanted to check it out). It's not the most elegant thing, but it's mine and I built it myself. A testament to the AR platform is the fact I was able to build an AR-15 before ever having shot one.
Foxtrot Mike FM15 Gen 2. Sweet piston sbr!
Just the video I needed, just need some money now and I'll be set.
It would be great to make this into a series that dives into the details he mentioned
🍀 Happy Spring ! 🍀
You should really plug your own rifles more. What a fantastic product.
Love you Sir Eric sir❤❤❤❤
Wow I’ve got so much to learn
I got a good bare bones AR and built it up overtime and absolutely love it. This is why I will always stick to the AR plartform, I can have the type of weapon that I feel comfortable with.
Great video!! Thanks!!
I’ve had many high end AR’s over the years. These days I just build my own to my own specs that I prefer. It suits me just fine. I’ll probably get a Daniel defense at some point, but I prefer building them myself.
Great video 👍🏼
Thabk you for this video. Ive been dabbling into getting an AR. Sadly my Dad is learning his own AR so hes not the best teacher meanwhile building an AR looks way complicated to someone who's been used to AKs.
just buy a complete lower it takes 30 seconds to drop the upper shit in the upper
Well done
Try the Geissele SSP (single stage precision) Flat Bow Trigger in your AR. It is a dream
Looking buffed out in that shirt Eric! 💪🇺🇸
I honestly would advise if you're buying a first AR-15 and your in a 2A friendly state that you look into buying receivers and putting them together. Yes it requires some basic assembly but it's significantly cheaper and you can spend that extra cash on training and ammo
Now we need an AR10 video
Thank you
Thanks!
There are many many rabbit holes to jump down in the AR world. I’ve been down many of them.
I only own a few pistols and a shotgun,but my next purchase will most likely be the AR-15. I like the Colt A2 model with the classic look. I’m just a classic guy when it comes to firearms.
ARs, the Swiss Army knife of the gun world.
That moment you realize Kermit the Frog makes a guest appearance on IV8888. Great content. Keep up the great work.
I bought ONE AR (a DPMS from Walmart) when I retired with my first SS Paycheck back in November 2013. I don't think I have a single piece of it left. I built 7 more from 80% lowers and parts kits, most cost about $400 and yes, the barrel was the most expensive, I did not get cheap barrels. Optics and accessories raised the initial price over the basic AR, but they are all scoped. The most expensive was the AR10 (7.62X51/.308 Win) from a 80% lower coming in at $800 with optics.
I have a pair of AR-15s one is a Sig M400 the other is a Palmetto State AR pistol. I'm so badly wanted to purchase an ar-10. It's on my punch list at some point.
I’ve been quite happy with the del-ton basic LPK. Works so good if it ain’t broke why fix it.
I built mine. I'm a lefty (left-handed). My wife has the Betty Boop 516.
I put a Triggertech Diamond in my AR 15 a few yrs ago and ive never been happier. Pricey though.
There is a great video by the GOA with an interview with the PSA CEO. He mentions the cost of AR's.
Just say NO to PSA.... TOO MANY QUALITY ISSUES..... JUST MY OPINION......
Woah!!!! Way too in-depth and esoteric for a first time buyer. So many rabbit holes you went down with all the non-AR15's you showed off there. Sounded more like a CMMG commercial than an AR-q15 buyer's guide.
Build an aero lower, buy bcm upper. Chad bro build FTW
I have a PSA 9mm AR. The wifey loves it. I couldn't figure out the regular AR. Most LGS' around me had the highest priced AR at around a grand or so. I decided not to mess with good but entry level and bought a Daniel Defense. I just didn't know enough to build or upgrade one of these things. Still don't even with videos like this one.
"Pukes in its own house." 😆 I always said the AR shits where it eats. I have a Bushmaster M4 Patrolmans Carbine. I am very happy with that one. No optics, just iron sights, and that Carbine makes me proud.
Creative content
Thank for sharing, what are your thoughts on the Springfield saint victor for a all around use AR ?
I would invest in a bolt action Upper as well. I have a feeling you will be needing one of those before long.
AR(AMERICA'S RIFLE)
M&P sport
Great gun but overpriced and obsolete for the money they want. RADICAL has $400 freefloated ARs now.
M&P SPORT II the glock of the ar-15 world 💯🇺🇸 its in line with colt at a great price lifetime warranty MADE IN USA 🇺🇸
Rise Armament makes some great Drop ins too.
IWI ZION 15 IS AN AMAZING ENTRY LEVEL AR FOR UNDER 1K
I think starting with like a 800 ar like a ruger mpr 18” barrel is a great place to start it has a great barrel and trigger you can upgrade all the small parts like safety’s charging handles stock grip and you have a great rifle I really injoy building the ar you only need a few tools a good punch set a torx bit set you will be able to upgrade 99% of ar parts
The MP15 sport II is good to go, its a damn fine rifle
We have two as loaner guns and they are great.
I have one & agree but the problem is Sport 2 have gone up to $700. For that price get an Aero or a Stag AR 👍
Id like to see you check out the new Hux werx suppressor. It mounts to a proprietary muzzle device but its supposed to mout to standard A2 birdcage aslo.
What you say is true. But what I did with my first one is I got a stripped lower and I acquired the parts over a year. Getting higher end parts one at a time when I could afford them. That way I got a high end gun that didn't break the bank. And at the same time I got a gun I wanted and not a gun that someone in a board room thought I wanted. Also you aquire the skill to put one together.
You should have acquired the skills needed to use it first.
My custom guns worth thousands all started as basic guns. I work hard for my money so I upgrade as I could afford to.
If you are looking to save $ and get your first rifle. If you go big box store then S&W M&P sport 2. If ordering it online then PSA.
JUST SAY NO TO PSA..... TOO MANY QUALITY ISSUES..... JUST MY OPINION....😊😊
Went to a gun store years ago to get my firsr AR and the dealer steered me away from a PSA. I ended up leaving with a Ruger AR556 MPR for sub $600 and it ran great until i tried to shoot some steel case ammo. It would not cycle and was having to mortar it to eject the steel cases. I assemble my own rifles now lol great video as always
Most quality rifles don’t do well with steel. Oversized chambers are usually needed and you lose pressure and accuracy by doing that. Every match barrel I’ve ever had won’t eject steel case.
@@TapRackStovepipe it had a rough chamber. Ended up doing a light honing to polish it up.
@@TapRackStovepipe if it don't eat the steel, it don't deserve the brass. 😂
I also have the Ruger MPR it doesn't shoot steel case but it is super accurate it's turned into a boat 😢
I have a PSA ar15 hex with magpul moa furniture and backup sights. I did a trigger swap with the ELF SE and have a Vortex red dot. What other upgrades would you recommend for longevity and quality?
I bought my Ar as an upper and lower then spend the next two years changing parts. New charging handle bad lever extended takedown pins mag release and trigger guard and Magpul almost everything. A WMD nickel boron bcg strike industries venom CMC 2.5 pound flat trigger and a vortex 1-6 strike Eagle lpvo
You don’t need half that junk…extended take down pins???
@@HWG-wm8ld came with the raptor charging handle and trigger guard. They’re actually very useful
Contrary to popular belief, milspec means ‘functional on a budget’, not the fastest or most accurate or the worst garbage available !
Hey Eric how's it going slow day at the office?
I own a Ruger AR556. Purchased when we all thought Hilldabeast would be president. Rise Armament trigger, Vortex strikefire II and it's no longer black and scary. KRYLON COMMANDO ACTIVATED. MIDWAY USA has 1000 rounds on stripper clips 5.56 green tip for 599$. I stocked up before the PLANDEMIC for less and free shipping. Still.
Eric, I own a bunch of guns but I’m always looking to buy another one. My wife says I have a problem, can’t figure out why she’d think that
I bought a Radical Firearms AR, which they call the RF-15 many, many years ago for less than five hundred American smackers. It’s been a good rifle and fun to target-shoot with. A Daniel Defense, while beautiful, is out of my price range. I could get four to six cheaper ARs for the price of one DD!
Im working on getting one now. Hardest part is finding the right upper. Im thinking that its come down to bcm but still kind of want to do budget.
Aero precision and stag makes a great option top mid tier or the smith and Wesson sport 2 is known to be pretty reliable
PSA 20" BARREL.... STRIPPED .....BUY QUALITY BCG.. IE.... BCM .. COLT ... DD... GOOD TO GOE....