[PrimePorkchop]

So i've finally got some money saved up and want to buy myself my first AR15. Trouble is, there's so many options.

My first thought was to get a Colt (2-CTAR6721 - Colt AR6721 Tactical Carbine Semi Automatic Rifle .223 Remington 16.1" Barrel 4 Position Collapsible Stock Removable Carry Handle Black Finish)

but upon further inspection, i'm seeing many other brands for hundreds less (some around 750)

I can't seem to find any difference in construction or options, and so the only difference I can find is brand name (Colt v.s. Rock River, for example)

What would you do? And if you don't mind me asking, why would you do it? Is Colt worth the extra money? Why or why not =)

[Jpyle]

Me, and many others here, chose to build rather than buy. Benefits include the ability to hand choose the parts you want rather than settling for what they give you. You also get an education in the workings of the platform, better to help you keep it running. Last but not least is the satisfaction that comes with the first rounds fired from the rifle that you built.

Cost will be just about the same as buying, biggest difference is that you will not have to upgrade the stock parts that come from the builder of an off-the-shelf gun. The AR platform is like an erector set for bigger boys, almost every part can be upgraded, modified or customized and there are hundreds of aftermarket brands and parts available.

[Dillinger]

Like JPyle, I am a HUGE proponent of building at least the lower receiver to anyone who is interested in the platform.

The lower receiver is a piece of cake to assemble, but it will give you a vast knowledge of what parts do what, so repair/maint/care are much easier on you.

It also allows you to make purchase decisions based on the stuff you want on the weapon as opposed to whatever parts fit into some bean counters mythical figure of what the weapon system should sell for.

Take a look around the AR here and read some of the build threads, many have pictures and great detail, and I think you will be money ahead in the long run.

JD