Expect dozens of different answers coming from various experts. I don't think there's an absolute best answer regarding components and specifications. Even relatively "simple" questions like best barrel length or twist rate will result in heated discussion. I'll leave that to others, but I'll give you a couple of tips.

First off, go with well-known components and an experienced builder. I did my research and went with Ben at Bison for my entire upper. (Excellent customer service and advice.) His shop has a good variety of uppers, barrels, BCGs, rails, muzzle devices, etc. If he thinks some combination is incompatible, or he can't get it in stock, he'll let you know.

For the most part ARs can be considered "modular". If you really don't like something you can change it later.

There are some good deals out there on components if you shop around a little. Consider "blemished" parts if you can find them. (Spikes, PSA, and others are good sources.) Who cares about a minor scratch?

Kind of hard to define, but sometimes things just feel right. I put together a 6.8 rifle that's configured similarly to the M-4 I carried on multiple combat tours with the Army. Not the most expensive components, but it is set up to operate the way that I operate. (I'll never be a professional target shooter, but I'd like to be fast on target and have something comfortable to carry and point.)

Just my 2 cents.

 

I had a very specific need (storage and multi-caliber) and I build to that need. I am a very technical person so I was able to retain what I read about options and filter down information when making a purchasing decision. There is a large difference between Marketing and Value, and I try to purchase to Value.

What is interesting is when you read people's opinions on things (hopefully their experience) you can try to map their use to yours. For example, when reading about BCGs I derived that the function of the coating was in ease of cleaning, visually. That is something I do not value, so parkerized works for me. I need a low profile gas block, and I do not want to dink around with what buffer for what load, so I will likely buy an adjustable gas block.

I am not on a budget in that I have a fixed amount a month to spend, but I have unlimited time, so I can and do wait for things. Sometimes I end up with a spare (bolt, in my case) because of the current market environment.

I would venture to guess if you went 'budget' or 'value' every time, and assembled things well, you would be good to go.

 

I had basically the same question but it applied to the whole rifle. I've been reading / researching since December and have ordered the upper and lower from different vendors. I like the idea that if I get down the road and don't like something, I can pull it off, sell it, and replace it with something that will fit my needs better. I imagine that my rifle will never be "finished" but will rather be a work in progress -- that is until I start on the next build.

Good luck!

 

For me the barrel, trigger, and optic are the only 3 items where I spend the most of my cash. Since that is where the bulk of the accuracy is at. The rest of the stuff is just for function and comfort.

I usually tell new builders to focus on these three items first then with the remainder of the cash you get the rest.

 

For me the barrel, trigger, and optic are the only 3 items where I spend the most of my cash. Since that is where the bulk of the accuracy is at. The rest of the stuff is just for function and comfort.

I usually tell new builders to focus on these three items first then with the remainder of the cash you get the rest.

+ 1 spend the rest of your cash on ammo.

 

Thanks to all that posted something about tailoring a rifle that suites me for my comfort and shooting style. I understand I should involve an experienced builder and was not going to put his thing together on my own no matter how easy it may be. I guess I was looking for more and may not have asked the question right. But I am going to take the advise and file it away about the barrel, trigger and optics. I will find an experience builder, esp bison because I was looking at the 11.5 barrel and have heard nothing bad from ya'll about his products.

Thank you again for posting...