Black Rifle parts on white backdrop, AR-15 parts, AR-15 Rifle, disassembled

Most gun enthusiasts will agree that no collection is complete without an AR-15. Whether you buy one already complete or build an AR-15 to fit your personal preferences, you have options. Because of the price tag on AR-15 guns, some owners find it a better option to build their own AR-15, bearing the question, is it cheaper to buy an AR-15 or build an AR-15?

Differences in Purchased AR-15 Models

When you purchase an already built AR-15, you have several options to choose from. There are basic models that perform but do not have additional accessories on them. Accessories can be added later, but the gun itself has a foundation to fit the owner's preference.

  • Barrel Length
  • Stock size and type

These base model rifles do come in several sizes, depending on how long or short you prefer the barrel of your AR-15. Stock preferences are also important to gun owners, and AR-15 models come with different stocks for your shooting preference.

When you purchase an AR-15, it is ready to take to the range. However, the longer the barrel and differences in the stock can make the prices vary by hundreds of dollars from one model to the next. Also, these AR-15 models do not come with additional accessories. Those have to be purchased separately, raising the cost. Only stock parts can be found on these models, and any customization to the barrel, firing pins, and other parts of the AR-15 are limited.

Building an AR-15

When you decide to build your own AR-15, you have to consider all of the moving parts in your rifle. A custom-built AR-15 takes a number of small parts and fuses them together to create a custom stock and barrel combination that fits your target needs.

  • Stock Assembly
  • Grip
  • Barrel Nuts
  • Titanium QD Endplate
  • Upper Assembly

These are just a handful of the different parts you need when you are building your own AR-15. You can purchase your stock assembly, grips, and other parts to fit color preferences instead of the stock black color when you purchase an AR-15. Since there are a lot of small parts to purchase, the cost of these parts adds up over time. These parts not only come in different colors but in different sizes.

So Which is Cheaper?

Whether you are buying or building an AR-15, you can expect to spend several hundred to over a thousand dollars on your AR-15. Initially, purchasing an AR-15 in one piece may be cheaper to start with than building one. However, when you build your own AR-15, you can invest in preferred parts that have better durability and quality than those in pre-built AR-15 models. When you add up the cost of replacement parts over time, cheaper may be the better option, especially if you have target preferences and needs that extend beyond the average AR-15.

If you’re looking to make an AR-15 related purchase, we have all of your AR-15 needs at V Seven Weapon Systems. Visit us online today to find a dealer near you.