Building an AR-15 upper gives you the ability to source all of your parts whereas buying a complete upper is quick and gives you all the parts you need without having to put extra thought into each individual part.
So, which one is right for you? Should you get a complete upper or build it yourself?
In this video, we’ll give you the pros and cons of building vs buying a complete upper, and you’ll walk away knowing exactly which one is right for you.
To see the video with accompanying text and extra images, check out:
Shop STNGR Upper Receiver Components:
Shop STNGR Complete Uppers:
Note to readers: Please click the share buttons above or below. Forward this article to your email lists. Crosspost on your blog site, social media, internet forums. etc.
I've built 3 ARs, all of the uppers I put together. Just take your time, do it right, and use reputable parts and you'll be fine. Only issue I ever ran into was a slightly out of spec gas block, but a piece of emery cloth fixed it quick
I would recommend you find a knowledgeable person who has the gauges and skills to test the tolerances of any AR rifle, if it is a rifle someone is going to depend their life with. Range blasters, no problem, a great way to learn the inner workings of the AR rifle..
I build them from scratch. All parts bought individually. I can have a much better build quality cheaper. Buying a good assembled upper costs a lot of money.
I build all mine with individual purchased parts but I have bought a couple of complete ones
Dennis builds his own uppers . . . AR15 A3 . . . NiB BCG w / POF roller key . . . 14.5" barells . . . SJC Titan Muzzle Brake . . . 13.5" STINGR HWK Hand Guard and then I top off the upper with either an EOTECH 512.A65 or Trijicon ACOG 4×32 . . . All my uppers have the Geissle BLK SCH Super Charging Handle . . . After I built my first upper – I was hooked / no regrets / I have all tools / I'm mechanically inclined so building is no problem for me . . . AND . . . I own more than ( 1 ) AR so building my own became a passion for me 👊
I like the idea of being able to just buy a complete upper if you don't have the time to build but in my opinion I would rather build my upper that wat it uses exactly the parts I want for the build. Plus I think you have more of an appreciation and a since of satisfaction for your weapon if you build
I purchased assembled uppers with pinned front sight bases for a few of my rifles, but I built the rest of my uppers from individual components. It's satisfying to put them together, to troubleshoot any issues, and to watch them run at the range.
Done both and I can’t beat my sig upper with the piston but on the other it been fun building my own. Pick the parts is fun as is building it.
I have built 5 15’s out of 80% 223 Wylde, 6.5 Grendel, 45 acp, 7.62×39 and a 224 Valkyrie. I have 2 10’s from 80 a 308 and 243. I buy all individual parts and when I have enough I start my build. I am a 25 year retired 70% disabled veteran a enjoy building.
Good video. As a follow-up, you should show/do the complete Upper build with Stngr Handguard.
Build using STNGR