TexasCHLforum.com

I *just* asked myself this same question. I chose to build. I'm starting with an Aero Precision stripped upper and lower. I managed to get them off of Brownells for about $100 before shipping thanks to black Friday nonsense. From there I plan to use Brownell's and MidwayUSA to get most of my other parts. I'm a tinkerer at heart and when I started to look at the process, I couldn't help myself but to build one over buy. I'm even going to buy a stripped bolt carrier and assemble -- it seriously doesn't look too bad.

I'm going to invest in a ton of tools, but I go overboard with all of my hobbies. It's my best and worst trait as a human being (my wife would probably argue for worst )

If you decide to go this direction, I suggest watching the following/reading:
http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/in ... r-15-rifle (Videos are a great resource)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... BBD081C16F
https://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/learn/

I'm probably going to get a 5.56 barrel because of budget on this one - it's going to be a plinkster and a 'cuz I can' gun, so I am not too terribly worried about 300yd accuracy. Maybe on the second build... I might get a Wylde if I can find a quality one at the right price. Mine is going to be a frankengun -- Aero Precision, DPMS, VLTOR, and Yankee Hill will probably all make it into it somehow. And MagPul.

build.

its educational, its more fun, it allows you to select the specific components/configuration you want.

If money was no object? I'd still build, but then I like to build stuff.

Build a lower first. Its pretty easy to do. The biggest issue is making sure the disconnector spring is not upside down :-)

http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firea ... tallation/

"... It’s important to note on the Disconnector Spring, that it gets inserted with the flared side down...."

For roll pins, I recommend a set of 'starter' punches in addition to 'regular' roll punch pins:
http://www.amazon.com/Squirrel-Daddy-Ho ... B00QO2XGRW
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... od781.aspx
AND:
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... 38883.aspx

I am basically just beating a dead horse by commenting at this point, but it's already dead so why not right? I say build every time, unless you find something that you really like for a good price. I really enjoy building things and putting things together. Like stated earlier other than the bottom few rifles, you start paying for the name on the wrapper more than quality. The platform is extremely simple. I put mine together with a razor blade, a set of punches, and a barrel nut/castle nut wrench. Headspacing certainly can be an issue, but if you use quality parts, it really shouldn't be a problem for you to deal with. Which leads me to my next point- parts. I would highly highly suggest a quality barrel and bcg. These to me are your most integral parts to the gun, and also where quality can really be noticed. If you get a chance I would also suggest taking a trip to mckinley to runner runner guns. They specialize in AR 15's and are a great group of guys that will help you out with anything and will also answer any question you have. They also sell some great quality parts from what I have seen and used. Good luck though, once you start it's a hard addiction to kick (not that you should).

Tools (if building) - what type of tools would I need to get? I've got a pretty good mix of standard mechanic tools; not sure what is needed for building an AR.

At a minimum, an AR-15 armorers wrench and either an upper receiver or barrel block:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/491536 ... tml&page=1

I think the receiver vise blocks are more common:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/210021 ... lamp-ar-15

but I use this:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/608967 ... 5-aluminum

proper roll pin punches are a good idea. Once you build 1 AR-15, you'll feel compelled to build another...and.....