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 AR-15 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 AR-15".
Upper / Lower Receiver Set: There are a lot of upgraded "designer" receivers out there. But standard forged "mil-spec" AR-15 uppers and lowers will work just as well - as long as you get them from a reputable manufacturer. "Mil-spec" means the receivers are built to specific dimensions from a specific grade of aluminum. Aero Precision offers excellent mil-spec receivers that have some upgrades, yet are still very affordable. Caleb gives us a warning about "billet" receivers.
Barrel: Most AR-15 shooters don't need a fancy match-grade barrel. You can get a good-quality, long-lasting barrel for less than a pair of C-Notes ($200).
Receiver Extension (aka Buffer Tube): A basic mil-spec buffer tube will accept a wide variety of stocks, and as long as it's TRUE mil-spec 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.
Bolt-Carrier Group: Another area where you don't have to over-spend. You can get a durable, reliable BCG with black Nitride-finished carrier and MPI (magnetic particle inspected to find hidden flaws) bolt for a very reasonable price. A fancy lightweight, Titanium Nitride finished competition bolt-carrier group will require an adjustable gas block and other extra expenses. Aero Precision, Bravo Company, Sons of Liberty Gun Works, and Brownells all offer well-made, 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, self-defense, 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 U...
Forged vs. Billet • Smyth Busters: Is Bill...
Milspec • Smyth Busters: Does "M...
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
Check the description for the links to other videos mentioned in this one. Also, don't let the basement dwellers in the Facebook groups sucker you into spending too much on your AR-15, they don't use theirs anyways because mom won't pay for their ammo.
Calling out the mid tier snobs?👀👀😂
If I don't get an Aimpoint with a backup ACOG on a Geissele rail the interwebs will call me a POOR
@AkAllDay Yep, then it's night vision, fast helmets, cans, shot timers, peltors, comms, then your chest rig is too poor, you only spent $5k on a PVS 14 so you gotta upgrade to 31s, you will never be ahead no matter how much you spend. Mfs are crazy
@@Gunthusiest it's the Instagram junkies.
Be careful with this though. You will empower the just as gud poors. They are out here saying the same thing you're saying but recommending some real junk.
I have often run into the problem of having extra parts and deciding to build another rifle. "Oh, look! I found a detent spring. Better build another rifle."
Been there, done that!
Hahahaha...yeah, ummm... I read you're gonna build one, now I've got the itch
Yeah... I have a few muzzle devices and a few buffers... I need to do the same.
That's why I keep a mess of spare parts, it's an excuse to do another one.
I’ve turned a dab of aeroshell into a rifle on more than one occasion..🤷♂️
“Then you have an extra trigger laying around, then you have to build a whole other AR15, because you have extra parts laying around.”😂 Words of wisdom!
I built my first AR recently. Mistakes were made. Buy your parts at once or in large orders to save on shipping. Some stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain price point. Also, it may be cheaper to buy your lower receiver locally rather than get a good deal online but still have to pay your FFL his transfer fee. I've owned an AR for 2 months and have shot over 20 rounds so I'm a professional and I know what I'm talking about. 😋
I'm nearly finished on my first. I bought a stripped lower first and got my TG at the same time as they both came from AP. Later I got my LPK, which ended up being from AP as well. After a few months I got my Buffer, spring, tube and stock from a local store (it ended up being AP as well, except the stock). My biggest regret is that I wasn't looking for deals for these and paid full price. However, over Christmas I saw that ar15discounts had a deal on an AP Thunder Ranch upper, barrel, handguard, flash hider and iron sights all put together. Pricing the parts out individually, even with some on sale, this deal was SO good I grabbed it. Now I just need a charging handle and a BCG and I can go pew pew
@@James_Bee Sling? Magazines? Rifle bag/case? Boolits? It's the little things.
@@ericreyna6261 bullets
@@ericreyna6261 trying to spell bullets?
This is missing alot of key advice... first off set a budget and for all that is holy stick to it. Also do not build a 300blk or any caliber ar that has expensive ammo and most importantly do not buy custom parts like a barrel that costs the same price as a cheap fully built ar... and dont buy a buttstock and pistol grip that cost as much as a cheap ar..... just dont trust me
I appreciate the honesty and non-snobbery. There are levels to it just like everything else. Thanks!
The barrel and the BCG are the heart of the rifle IHO. Caleb is correct that all you need is “good enough” but don’t grab the K-Mart blue light special versions of those parts either.
I suggest just building much higher quality upper receivers with bolt carrier group.
Dude, it's the same story with cars, boats, motorcycles and even mundane stuff like lawnmowers and snow blowers lol. There's always that dude that rips on you for what you bought
Muzzle device is a big one. A2 works great and is super cheap.
Agree with the nitride statement 100%
Muzzle device, grips--a lot of basic designs work incredibly well. Oh, and look for things on sale.
always look for sales. My latest build has been nothing but sale prices or else I would have $2000+ rifle on my hands.
Hands down, one of the most important and useful AR-15 and firearms videos I've seen in the last 5 years. Thanks for everything you guys do. Not everyone has access to better and proper firearms info. Have a great New Year.
Any time you mention Escape from Tarkov, it's a guaranteed like from this cheeky breeky. Cheers!
LOVE this topic, low-key approach with "just the facts ma'am".
I like the casual AT4 in the background
People usually go down an expensive muzzle device rabbit hole. My friend is deep into one at this very moment. Just get a nice flash hider until you can afford a suppressor.
I have noticed with more serious shooters that the fancy guns and parts are more of a range toy thing. The guns they have for SHTF or defensive use tend to be more milspec. Tried and true reliability. And in the SHTF situation, it is a lot easier to find parts for a milspec AR than a superlight comp shooter.
Caleb is my go to guy for ar advice. Humble professional
I built a couple of AR 15 pattern things that go bang, quite a while back. Prices on various parts were subject to price swings. I got incredible deals when prices were low. The idea I was going with, was that most of the stuff out there at the time was manufactured by the same place with different names. All was good. Still is seems like. Price is your choice in a lot of cases. Cheap, will work, cheap will work on and on. Expensive will still work. Just how you want to brag at the gun range.
"Then you have to build a whole other AR-15 because you have extra parts" - Caleb. LOL. I had an extra crush washer. Now I have another AR-15.
I agree with everything, except for the BCG and barrel. Those two components are the heart of the rifle, and you should get the best ones that you can reasonably get.
One of the most overlooked upgrades in the lpk is the trigger springs. You can do this upgrade for less than $20 and it will improve the reset, take up, and break of the trigger.
I have gone to all PSA "Enhanced Trigger Groups", Retail around 80, frequently on sale for 40ish. Smoot, crisp break and no light strikes.
Good point @chris . I found JP spring sets on sale for $8 pre-stupidity and picked up a few. Great stocking stuffers.
Most forged receivers are actually made by a few companies, who most 'brand' builders buy from. Could you do a video about this?
Sure, but keep in mind, companies buy forgings then finish machining, which is why one brand is way better than another even though they technically came from the same forge.
@@CalebSavant I used to believe that all ARs were pretty much the same, but have come to understand that the difference is indeed mostly in the final machining and QC. I can only try to imagine the costs if each maker made all their parts in-house.
@@CalebSavant exactly. You can easily see the difference between Aero and Anderson even if they have the same forge mark.
@@cleetismcdougall5425 sometimes. Sometimes not. Being able to sort through several when you buy is nice. I've seen Anderson stuff that looked like blems, and Anderson stuff that was perfect. Aero is a lot more consistent for sure.
I've built ARs on both Anderson and Aero receivers. They look fine and work flawlessly. The Aero is all Aero parts, mostly bought on sale. The only place I will spend extra on is the trigger group. Geissle and CMC go on sale too.
Could have mentioned the muzzle device. The A2 flash hider works just fine and is cheap. No need for that Gucci muzzle device costing over $100 that is designed to work with a specific silencer if you don’t own the silencer.
I've been watching some videos from SOTAR and that's really helped me find what is good. It's helped me define what "good" is. I was shooting with a friend and his trigger pin kept falling out of the gun (out of spec trigger pin or receiver). Stuff like that where your gun is just dead is the absolute worst feeling. He had all the attachments and FDE grips on his $10 lower parts kit.
Another area you can save a decent amount of money on depending on what you're doing with the rifle is the muzzle device. If it's just a plinking or even a home defense gun, go with just a standard birdcage flash hider. $10 vs probably $70 and on up and it will be just fine for the average person out there.
Excellent info, thanks
Love these videos and am so grateful for all of the information your continually providing! Thank you!
Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for the tips!
Very good info.
No lies detected. I had to build a whole 20” rifle because I had an extra sling loop I took off a FSB
Well done.
Buy everything on sale or clearance. Made a $4k clone for $1.6k.
Thanks, Caleb. You always give sound practical advice. Appreciated! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Great video, thank you for the information!
Great video! Thank you!
Always remember to budget depending on the main purpose of the build.
Fact
still keeping an eye out for an inexpensive chrome lined bcg for my extra upper :)
@@jackshett expo arms
Moving to Canada really saves money on your AR-15 build
I love my aero enhanced lower. Really well made
Refreshing to hear some level headed advice.
awesome content great topic: very useful and valuable information for consumers/builders/anybody to take into consideration...
Great discussion, pretty spot on. Two great money savers are the charging handle and the hand guard. Going with an off brand hand guard can save over $100 compared with the Gucci brands. Love Aero precision receivers, specially when they put their "blems" on sale.
Be patient and wait for sales
Best video I've seen in a long time
Great content. Would love to see some more of this type of content for the AR-10.
AR-10 is a whole different can of worms
I got a Brownell's 10/22 receiver, and it runs flawlessly. Can confirm their receivers are great.
I got an Anderson receiver and upper that weren't even matched an they fit together better than a factory bought rifle. Was very impressed. I think the lower was 70 and the upper was 40. But you can find the receiver for around 40 dollars, if you shop around.
I thought it was a silly idea, but ended up being a great video.
Brownells is the shit! What would we do without y'all...
Aero has great products. I’ve had VERY good experiences with both their lowers and uppers. My local gun store sells a lot of them to PDs, SOs, SWAT, and others who rely on them day in and day out to keep them safe.
Good Video/Info.
What a great video
One of the best ways to save money is buying during the holiday season. I paid $100 combined for a bcg and barrel with free shipping. Be patient.
I used that lightweight BCG in a STAG, with no adjustable gas block. It runs good with no issue and less recoil.
My main guidelines: KAK receiver and barrel with JP internals
Just saw Caleb on the Instagram page wearing a wig w/pony-tail, fake mustache, thigh-high boots, red diaper w/suspenders, and packing a single-action! : )
You can also shave some cost on the handguard. There are a number of good budget handguards, including free float MLOK rails.
I saved money on uppers and lowers plus little parts, but I have an extra trigger/springs and pins and endplate/castle nut so I HAVE TO START ANOTHER BUILD NOW 😂
The cheapo way of doing things is to buy an assembled upper with bolt carrier group from a reputable source. The cheapest assembled uppers that I know of are BCA; the head spacing on some required me and others to buy a new bolt that would allow chambering and in some cases they were overgassed requiring tungsten buffer wts. So going too cheap is not good either with maybe PSA being a better choice. I hear that actually do quality control checks on their products. I finally broke down and purchased some head space gauges. On the upper end what I purchased from Alexander Armsit sures works, but I paid three and half times more for it than a bear creek arsenal upper. But I got a 6.5g stainless fluted barrel and maybe paid more than I should of, but it works and I am good with it. Anyone can assemble the lower. I have had good luck with LaRue after market triggers.
There should be a study of the reproductive adaptations of the AR. I started with one and now I have a bunch. I’ve observed, it sheds a part because of an upgrade. Then, that part develops into another rifle with similar appearance and the cycle begins again. They’re like amoebas.
I just got my first today and was thinking, when I get a new optic, this carry handle will need a new home.. lol can always sell it
I’ve had triggers self destruct, so it’s nice to have a spare
My Brownells complete upper on Anderson lower consistently shoots 2moa with regular 55g ammo. Love Brownells
Aero and their sister ballistic advantage and of course brownells are the places to go for your build, i built my 1st ar from parts from them and its a dam beaudy!!!! Reliables as any of the big wig companies!!
I can say this as fact. My Frankenstein AR is a beast. Parts of unknown origin bought here and their giving to me. Or where going to be thrown into the trash but picked out by me. Yet turned into a rifle that will NOT DIE 😂 with untold numbers of rounds and shooter. I had a few problems with my so called high end rifles but never Frankensteins monster 😂 it’s just the way too go. Happy new year and good shooting everyone 👍
My expensive guns will not do steel and need cleaned often. My cheapies, well I've never cleaned them and shoot steel/brass.
@@US2A The size of the gas port may be in play here. A cheapo gun maker will go with a large gas port size to make up for other short comings in the gun. Also people that buy a cheapo upper is more likely to be shooting steel in it. I assume that more gas pressure on the bolt will likely result in more wear and battering of the upper. But AR parts these days are cheap and I have replacement upper parts to account for breakage.
@@loquat44-40 I have a harder time finding still without ordering online but if I can find it you know I'll use it
Long live all Frankenrifles!!
@@thedeathwobblechannel6539 amen
I love Brownells.
All great points… personally I would go with a set of iron sights before buying the optic. That would save even more money on the initial build. I guess I’m old school. Can’t have AR without iron sights.
Great video as always. I would really like to see the AR you were using broken down into smaller parts so I could actually see what specific parts you were talking about and what they look like. Just a suggestion. Keep up the great work.
Brownell's make great products!!! PSA is a great option too, it runs and runs
Good gun oil can smooth up some rough components too. Go Juice and Rand CLP are both amazing in my experience
Lead star arms receiver sets from PSA are like a hidden gem. You can find them on sale especially if you don't care about the color or are going to paint them anyhow. Lock up is super tight and quality is amazing.
Thanks
Nice video
I saved hundreds of dollars by building my receiver set out of PVC and the barrel is aluminum conduit. The bolt carrier group is made out of wood, with a 16 penny nail for the firing pin. The butt stock is a bovine leg bone from the local slaughter house. Fire control group is a wooden clothes pin. I use an old pair of eyeglasses for the optic.
Lol,....atf says you just made a firearm.
That thing must smell bad after a day at the range!
@@MichaelDodge27, confidentiality, the whole build stinks.
@@5jjt , we don't need no ATF, got the plumbers and carpenters unions to certify it.
A kp15 lower by ke arms has the stock, buffer tube, pistol grip, and lower receiver all together in one product for around $100 for the stripped version
I built around a KE lower and went lightweight. Under 5 lbs, and about $1,500
I have a aero precision lower with a stag arms left Handed upper.. they fit perfect
I am lucky enough to live about 5 miles from Midwest Industries. I have always been happy with any product I have bought from them. I usually buy a Bravo company lower parts kit from them if I am building a lower. Never gritty like a cheap parts kit. Worth the extra few bucks!!!
Caleb is a likeable guy.
My Ruger AR15 is pretty much milspec and it works just fine and I am happy enough with it.
I have built numerous ARs with the only reason being I had spare parts laying around.🤣 the best "why the hell not build" is my 450 bushmaster AR, kicks like a 12 gauge.
Be willing to wait. And be willing to hunt around for good prices and deals
I bought a cheap small parts kit. The bolt catch needed some grinding because hitting on upper. The safety was crap. I bought an ambi safety the difference in fitment is night and day. I feel better about my work on the lower. The trigger wasn't bad. A little polish and is actually a great trigger. Dependable creep and a light break. I bought complete upper. Cheap stock had to put 2 pieces of electric tape on tube and slide stock into place. To prevent small amount of play and noise. I sanded down safety pin to get rid of loud click too. I sanded grip down to fit left hand too. The buffer spring is loud. Wasn't many choices in a 3.5 muzzle device to pin and weld it on. The cheap magazine don't drop out either no surprise. My wife is like that is way too heavy. The heavy barrel is heavy. Glad I didn't get a longer heavy barrel. The cheap red dot co-witnessed with front sight has with stood the short barrel 308. 5rd mags for hunting are over priced.
You left out the hand guard. I recently swapped out mine from a S&W M&P Sport II and was really very surprised at the range of options and prices for these. Also weight! The one I ended up getting was really nice but added a bit more weight to the front end than I had anticipated. Another lesson learned.
As you mentioned Barrel, muzzle devices, A2 birdcage is a good way to get into one, or save your money for the bigger compensators
Buy a real nice 3# drop in trigger assembly. Wow what a shooting difference from a manufacturer trigger. Got mine one a Christmas sale for less than 100 bucks. Made a world of difference.
working on a BRN-180 lower, a Brownells lower receiver kit and trigger with Midwest Industries folder, M16A1 grip, a retro M16 cotton sling, fabricated M16 sling swivel for the pistol grip. might go with HK micro folding BUIS on this 16in. BRN-180
Just about every part of my rifle was bought during a sale and because of that I ended up building a pretty decent rifle that didn’t break the bank.
I built my AR from an M16A1 parts kit, so most of the parts were Colt manufactured. The lower receiver I used was the cheapest I could find (Anderson mfg.). The barrel was the only part I spent extra on. I wanted the pencil profile, and I couldn't find one made for the A1 sight block, so I had to take it to a machinist to fit it. The whole build cost ~$900 and it shoots tighter groups than I can.
I got a Brownells matte chrome BCG for around $150 I think and I will always simp for it. It's pretty.
You can’t go wrong with getting Midwest Industries. And Bravo Company party. Very affordable and top notch!!
The standard used to be phosphate, but Nitride coatings, are hands down more durable. Also, nitride cleans up and resists corrosion better. Nitride treated stainless, is becoming more common in higher end barrels as well.
Dagger Defense makes pretty good, metal, back up irons and they’re between $20-$40 for a set. You won’t have the fancy Magpul or Knights name, but they work great and won’t break the bank.
Really want longer content
"Then you have an extra trigger laying around, then you have to build a whole other AR-15..." This man knows his audience well...
5:50 when it comes to BCG's I understand not cheaping out nor overpaying. I looked into Bexar Arms BCG's on a friend's recommendation and what they nerd out on about BCG's. They even refurb to their spec Aero BCG's. Even at regular price, you're not spending more than $150 and you got a meticulously spec'd BCG.
I would agree with everything except for the barrel and bcg.
Aero M4E1 receiver set & 16" mid-gas .223 wylde nitride cmv barrel; Strike Industries 7-position receiver extension, extended anti-rotation castle nut/endplate combo with integrated sling sockets & extended takedown pins; Sharps Rifle Company XPB bolt carrier group in DLC; Radian talon safety, KE Arms Rekluse trigger; Sig Romeo 8T.
On the parts kit. I always go for the BCM part's kit. Come with grip and a really good trigger. Yea 120 fir the kit. 120 -75(ALG trigger)-19( grip? U pay 25 for a good part kit.
7:53... Yes this is a real problem
Honestly my approach is the opposite but has the same effect. Buy the best thing you possibly can with every single part. You want a specific trigger? Save up and buy THAT trigger. Don’t get something that’ll “do for now” because you’re just going to buy the upgraded thing down the line and then instead of buying one trigger in this example, you bought two or maybe even more if you just kept making incremental upgrades. Just buy once and cry once, and enjoy the masterpiece of an AR you built! Not saying Caleb’s advice here is wrong, but I’m just giving you a different line of thought
On the back-up iron sights, you don't need them IF your optic has unpowered/etched reticles, but for some red dots and holographic/reflex sights its kind of best to have them in case your battery dies (because not everyone is perfect) and replacement is not possible for whatever reason (defensive situation comes to mind), you at least can use flip up/canted sights to still aim. Just my 2 cents
I’ve put thousands of rounds through my Anderson receivers. The barrel and bcg is where good money can be spent.