UPDATED 2021 - Build an AR-15 for UNDER $500
Can you build an AR-15 for under $500?
Yes — you can still build a bare AR-15 for under $500. This guide covers two budget pistol builds that came in at $490 and $433 for the complete firearm. Those totals do not include accessories like optics, magazines, or lights, or FFL fees. The same builds also work as a starting point for a registered SBR.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
So there you have it! Your next AR-15 build can be done for under $500. Let me know in the comments if you added a different option to yours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really build an AR-15 for under $500?
Yes. This guide shows two budget pistol builds that came out to $490 and $433 for the complete bare firearm. Those totals do not include accessories like optics, magazines, or lights, or FFL transfer fees, which vary by buyer.
What is included in the under-$500 price?
The prices cover only the complete bare firearm. Accessories such as optics, magazines, and lights are not included, and neither are FFL fees, which vary by individual.
Can a budget build be used as an SBR?
Yes. The budget pistol build is a good starting point for a short-barreled rifle. Note that the build price does not include the $200 tax stamp or the NFA paperwork an SBR requires.
What is a budget AR-15 build good for?
A budget pistol or SBR build works well as a truck gun, a home-defense option, or a fun range gun to add to your AR-15 lineup without spending a lot.
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