UPDATED 2021 - Build an AR-15 for UNDER $500

In a world of constant fluctuating prices, one might be wondering if it is still possible to build an AR-15 for under $500. Maybe you been wanting to expand your arsenal beyond your everyday shooter? Or possibly you are looking to build a truck gun or something for home defense. If you are trying to stay on the budget side of things, then these builds might be for you.

Just remember, these builds are for the complete bare firearm. No accessories such as optics, magazines, lights, etc are included. FFL fees are also not included as these can vary on the individual.

Pistol Build 1: Total $490

Whether you want something for utility, or just something fun to shoot on range days, a pistol or SBR is a great tool to have in your AR-15 lineup. In the past, these have not always been the most economical to build, but luckily nowadays you can build one for under $500!

If you decide to go the route of a SBR, then this build will also be a good starting point for you. If you are unsure of legalities and requirements to SBRs, then head over to our post where we talked about it here. Note that when we are referring to the build price for the SBR, we are not including any costs for the stamp or paperwork needed.

Comparison

Product
Product	PSA 7" NITRIDE 1:7 PISTOL LENGTH 5.56 NATO MARAUDER SL AR-15 UPPER ASSEMBLY, BLACK - NO BCG/CH	PSA AR-15 COMPLETE BLEM MOE MFT BATTLELINK LOWER, BLACK	PSA 5.56 NITRIDE MPI FULL-AUTO BOLT CARRIER GROUP	PSA AR15/M16 7075 T6 FORGED MIL-SPEC CHARGING HANDLE
	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	7" Barrel Length 4150V Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel 5.56 NATO Chamber 1 in 7" Twist Rate Forged Upper Receiver Nitride Barrel Finish PSA patent-pending muzzle device	Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Mil-Spec Grip: Magpul MOE Grip, Black Trigger Guard: Magpul MOE Trigger Guard, Black Buffer Tube: Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Adjustment: 6-Position Pistol Brace: Mission First Tactical Battlelink Pistol Stabilizer, Black	Platform: AR-15 Bolt Finish: Nitride Bolt Steel: 9310 Profile: Full Auto Profile Gas Key: Grade 8 Hardened Fasteners, Staked per MilSpec	Forged T7075 charging handle Manufactured to mil-specs Black finish Made in America Fits AR15/M16 weapons
Cons	None	None	None	None
	$250 at time of writing	$132 at time of writing	$80 at time of writing	$28 at time of writing

Pistol Build 2: Total $433

Comparison

Product
Product	PSA 7.5" PISTOL-LENGTH 5.56 NATO 1/7 NITRIDE 6" LIGHTWEIGHT M-LOK UPPER - WITH BCG & CH	PSA AR-15 COMPLETE BLEM MOE MFT BATTLELINK LOWER, BLACK
	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	DETAILS Barrel Length: 7.5" Barrel Profile: Pistol Gas System: Pistol-length Barrel Steel: 4150V Chrome Moly Vanadium Barrel Finish: Nitride Chrome Lining: No Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28 Chamber: 5.56 NATO Twist Rate: 1:7 Barrel Extension: M4 Diameter at Gas Block: .750 Gas Block Type: Low-profile Muzzle Device: A2 Bird Cage Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6 Receiver Type: M4 Handguard Type: PSA 6" Lightweight M-Lok Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158 Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto Charging Handle Included: Yes	Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum Receiver Finish: Hardcoat Anodized Fire Control Group: Single-Stage, Mil-Spec Grip: Magpul MOE Grip, Black Trigger Guard: Magpul MOE Trigger Guard, Black Buffer Tube: Mil-Spec Buffer Tube Adjustment: 6-Position Pistol Brace: Mission First Tactical Battlelink Pistol Stabilizer, Black
Cons	None	None
	$300 at time of writing	$133 at time of writing