Build or off the shelf for $800?
I’m looking at the Ruger 556 in .300 blackout and wondering if I can/should build for roughly the same price.
Posted Jun 15, 2022, 7:11 PM UTC
323
| Parts | Price |
|---|---|
| Aero Gen 2 Forged Lower | $79.99 (sale price) |
| Expo Arms Stripped Upper | $59.99 |
| Ballistic Advantage 16" 300 Blackout Barrel | $171.00 (sale price) |
| Expo Arms Combat Series 15" Handguard (OEM is CMT) | $119.95 |
| Expo Arms 0.750" Low Profile Gas Block | $22.95 |
| Expo Arms Pistol-Length Gas Tube | $8.95 |
| Expo Arms Upper Parts Kit | $19.95 |
| Expo Arms .30-Cal A2 Flash Hider | $8.95 |
| Expo Arms 5/8 x 24 Crush Washer | $5.95 |
| PSA branded Microbest BCG | $99.99 |
| Aero Precision Breach Ambi Charging Handle | $64.99 (sale price) |
| Aero MOE Lower Parts Kit + Pistol Grip + Trigger | $64.99 (sale price) |
| Aero Carbine Buffer Kit | $32.99 (sale price) |
| Magpul MOE Carbine Stock | $37.95 |
| Subtotal | $798.59 |
I'm actually not sure on the buffer weight for this particular setup...You might have to step up to a heavier buffer weight.
2
This is sick! Thanks so much!
1
Disagree with a lot of this list. But I have to point out the 300 blackout barrel being 16”, why?
-1
Well, with an $800 budget, my hands are kinda tied. Not trying to knock people on a budget when I say this, but beggars can't be choosers. As for the 16" 300 blackout barrel, the OP mentioned he was looking at the Ruger AR-556 in 300 Blackout, which has a 16" barrel, so I just tried to put together something similar.
3
I follow your logic, and you seem knowledgeable. So why not explain to OP why having a 16” .300 BO is a bad idea?
-1
Bro why don’t you
5
Mr. Guns N' Gear made a video about this subject a while ago. Long story short, the assertion thrown around on the internet all the time that 300 BO is optimized for a 9" barrel is basically bunk. You still gain some performance with additional barrel length.
3
Do a build, get all the exact parts you want and putting it together is pretty fun
1
That’s the issue, whenever I write out my build parts I’m spending twice as much as a off the shelf Ruger. Is the difference in quality and build experience worth it? If I can find the parts for under $1k I don’t think I’ll mind spending the couple extra hundred
2
depending, Ruger builds nice things, does that AR come with BOTH uppers for 300 and 556?
You can put together a 300blk with a PSA upper lots cheaper, but not if the Ruger comes with two uppers, Just make sure you know which one you are shooting cuz it can go wrong in a hurry.
1
It’s just the one upper. I was considering buying the full rifle in 300blk and building a 5.56 upper myself. That’s a complete PSA upper and lower for way less than $800? Is there a significant difference in quality? I hear either PSA is decent or it’s complete shit.
1
he full rifle in 300blk and building a 5.56 upper myself. That’s a complete PSA upper and lower for way less than $800? Is there a significant difference in quality? I hear either PSA is decent or it’s complete shit.
PSA is fine, its not gucci, I have three and club guys I know total a couple, three dozen more. Ruger aint gucci either, both will be fine. Most people who yap about PSA are just parrots and have no experience. PSA pumps out hundreds (if not a thousand) of fire arm piecey parts and firearms a month, the vast majority of them are zero issue.
Depending upon barrel length, and options, lots to some less money. If you are going with a 556 first, cant beat 223 wylde instead of 556 chamber.
complete 18: wylde upper with stainless barrel, coupled with complete magpul MOE lower ~$600
2
I kinda assumed more people would be in here telling you to stay away from Rugers AR-15s, but I guess not. My first AR was a standard A2 FSB Ruger ar556, the bolt gas key looks like it was staked by a monkey and no castle nut staking, runs fine for $600 pre Covid times, but leaves a lot to be desired. Have only put a couple hundred rounds through it though cuz I got into building them after that and now that one just sits
1
Any thoughts on Springfield Saint MLok?
1
I looked at the Ruger MRPs and they look pretty decent, so I wouldn’t shy away from that if you find it at a good price. Personally I’ve heard bad things about Springfield Saints, but never shot one myself so I can’t say. They seem overpriced though.
1
I think I’m going to end up with the Ruger MRP. Thanks for the advice
1
Do consider though that a 16” .300blk is a bit pointless. .300 blk at subsonic speed out of a short barrel with a suppressor is what it was designed for. If you’re going to have a rifle length barrel 5.56 might be a better choice
1
Neither, save a couple of hundred more and get a better rifle
1
Any specific suggestions
1
Solgw or BCM for a solid rifle that won't break on the first outing...
1
[deleted]
I have the tools required and am fairly handy. Even trying to find a reputable complete upper and a stripped lower and all the required parts is putting me above $800. If there’s a particular set up I’m missing I’d love to see it because I’d rather build but I have to of experience with Ruger and wouldn’t mind buying one. Thanks.