Assembling an AR-15

[sqlbullet]

For reference here are the parts lists in my two current completed builds:

SPR:



Lower
Aero Precision lower
Palmetto State Armory lower build Kit (MOE)
Tactical Intent Mil-Spec receiver extension/buffer kit ($49.95 Amazon)(
Fab Defense Mako Stealth GL mil-spec stock ($105.65 Amazon)

Upper
Palmetto State Armory blem upper
PSA Premium Full Auto BCG
Forward Assist Kit ($21.65 Amazon)
PSA Ejection Port Cover Assembly
Tactical Intent Charging Handle ($25.95 Amazon)
Rainier Arms UltraMatch 223 Wylde 18 SPR
Stainless A2 Style birdcage
DPMS micro .750" gas block ($18.99 Amazon)
Veriforce Tactical rifle gas tube w/roll pin ($13.99 Amazon)
Model 1 Free Float Tube ($35.00 Midway)
UTG AccuShot Picatinny/Weaver Medium Profile 2-piece 1-inch Rings ($10.27 Amazon)
Bushnell Elite 3200 10X40 Mil-Dot ($189.99 Midway)

300 AAC Blackout



Lower
Aero Precision lower
Palmetto State Armory lower build Kit (MOE)
Tactical Intent Mil-Spec receiver extension/buffer kit ($49.95 Amazon)(
OT Supplier T6 six-position buttstock ($30.99 Amazon)

Upper
Palmetto State Armory blem upper
PSA Full Auto BCG
Forward Assist Kit ($21.65 Amazon)
PSA Ejection Port Cover Assembly
Tactical Intent Charging Handle ($25.95 Amazon)
CMMG 16" 300 AAC Blackout carbine length
Rousch Premium Tactical 10/15 A2 Bird Cage .308 ($13.50 Amazon)
SAS products low profile gas block .750" ($9.40 Amazon)
Veriforce Tactical carbine gas tube w/roll pin ($6.99 Amazon)
Leapers UTG PRO 4/15 Super Slim free float handguard ($137.50 Amazon)
GDT Front/Rear 45° BUIS ($19.35 Amazon)
UTG Max Strength LE Grade Quick Detach Picatinny Scope Rings ($22.92 Amazon)
NC Star Long Eye Relief 4X scope

I am quite certain I could build them 10-20% cheaper today, just because parts have come down in price.  For instance, those lowers cost me $59 each, but today I could get a two pack from anderson for $70.  And I would probably be just as happy with a Ballistics Advantage barrel in my SPR build at about half the price.  I was also surprised at how many incidental parts I got on Amazon that have worked just fine.

[10-4]

Now I'm wondering - can you assemble an AK-47 with the optics rail, hand guard, collapsible stock, and all the other goodies?  I see lots of people putting AR's together.  What about AK's?

[sqlbullet]

AK's used to be dirt cheap to build.  You could get a demilled parts kit including a barrel for $100-$150.  All you needed was a receiver flat, a jig and a shop press and you could have a functioning gun.  I got interested right as the cheap parts kits dried up.  And I couldn't see spending $200 on a kit that didn't include a barrel + $150 for a barrel, + $30 for a flat.

I attended a couple of build parties a friend hosted and saw it all done.  I just liked AR's better.

[Ramjet]

My 458 SOCOM.

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[10-4]

Magazines?  I have the old steel AR magazines with the green follower, and the really old (looking) steel AK magazines.  I'd hazard a guess there's been a revolution in magazine design for these two rifles.  Which brand/model gives high reliability?  Thanks!

[Ramjet]

Now I'm wondering - can you assemble an AK-47 with the optics rail, hand guard, collapsible stock, and all the other goodies?  I see lots of people putting AR's together.  What about AK's?

Why build why not buy?

http://www.kalashnikov-usa.com/firearms/modern-carbine-with-collapsible-stock-us132sm

They sell these at Fleet Farm in our area.

http://www.alloutdoor.com/2015/07/27/century-arms-c39v2-ak-47-100-american-perfection/

[Rooster41]

I built my AR. 223.  I got a PSA stripped Lower with a PSA Classic "Mil Spec" lower build kit.  I bought a complete upper from Hardened Arms.  1:7 twist. I enjoyed building it. Everything of mine fit together without any difficulties or problems since then  Im probably around 1000 rounds through mine. My total cost to build this with finding pieces on sale, my upper came from a Gunbroker Auction was $468 plus Mags and sights, Magpul forward grip.

I have purchased a second stripped lower this time from Anderson Arms. I am thinking 300 Blackout or 6.8 SPC II. I will spend a little more money and time on this one.

[will965]

My 458 SOCOM.

Now that is nice.... Only thing stopping me is the cost of brass...

[Ramjet]

You should get close to 10 reloads out of new brass. I have over 500 rounds loaded right now. It is hammer of gun but so incredibly controllable it's almost unbelievable. I just got a mold dropping a 460 grain hammer of a bullet it should run 1500-1600 FPS from my carbine.

[sqlbullet]

Magazines?  I have the old steel AR magazines with the green follower, and the really old (looking) steel AK magazines.  I'd hazard a guess there's been a revolution in magazine design for these two rifles.  Which brand/model gives high reliability?  Thanks!

I shoot mostly Magpul P-Mags.  But good GI mags run good too.