Did anyone else notice the dead trigger at 13:48 ? It was an out of battery issue while using a Lancer magazine. The main malfunction example was shown because I happened to capture it on video and could easily showcase it. But there were a few malfunctions like it throughout my initial time with this rifle. Which I find to be understandable at this price point and seem to be remedied by using a higher quality BCG. Either way, this rifle still brings a lot of value to the table to get someone training, on the range and the capability that an AR-15 brings with it. My statement of not wanting to bet my life on this particular rifle is due to a couple of circumstances. 1: I don't have to as I already own higher quality, more reliable rifles. 2: I hadn't changed anything about the rifle from the way it came so in it's current state without any tuning or parts replacement, it wasn't quite where I would want it to be. Although I do believe that it can be brought up to that standard quite easily. Hopefully this helped anyone who was considering a budget friendly build or complete AR-15 for their first try as well as those who are like myself and just like tinkering and adding more options to the inventory. Let me know in a reply to this comment if you are interested in a future video where I upgrade this exact rifle to enhance reliability while also accessorizing it for field use (sling, light, optic) while maintaining a budget friendly price point. If you want to check out my SubscribeStar page, it's $5 a month but gives access to exclusive content, direct communication and preparedness incentives that are supported by MidwayUSA: www.subscribestar.com/magic-prepper

@frogdude21XXX

7 ай бұрын

Hexmags. ✌️🐸

@bigracer3867

7 ай бұрын

It’s an easy fix. Still a good Enough rifle for most to get started with.

@tsafa

7 ай бұрын

@MagicPrepper I went back and looked again. That's very interesting. That's something I use to see on the 9mm AR sometimes from palmetto.... not AR15. The solution for AR9 was a heavier buffer weight to slow the action down. Budget guns are usually over gassed so that they will run dirty. If you have a heavier buffer weight, throw it in and try again with the lancer. Let us know.

@derekbootle8316

7 ай бұрын

Have you seen Rational Preps take on the AR-15? It's an old video but it has great information on the limitations of your firearm.

@MagicPrepper

7 ай бұрын

@@derekbootle8316 I'll have to check it out

To paraphrase Paul Harrell, "Here's the soda bottle shot with the $500 AR I could afford. And here is the soda bottle not shot with the $2000 AR I didn't have because I couldn't afford. You be the judge."

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

the cannibal scavengers forcing their way in through the front door and windows wont notice the difference between getting shot with a $500. rifle or a $ 2,000.00 rifle

@mcb2757

7 ай бұрын

@@commiesnzombies They will notice when your $500 AR jams like the one in the video.

@DT-ww4gv

7 ай бұрын

​@@commiesnzombiesbut but but😂. So many people buy expensive rifles they can't feed and hardly ever take them out it makes me laugh. I have so many PSA builds, S&W and bushmaster AR's it hard to count them up. The 5.56's all have atleast 1 to 2000 rounds thru all them. The 450 BM and 6.5 grendel maybe 400 rounds each. Not one complaint. Taken dear with the 450bm and the 6.5 grendel is a tack driver. They all have slings, white light, vortex or sig optics and they are all useful.

@zm1786

7 ай бұрын

PSA rifles are g2g and are cheaper. you can build one for $350@@mcb2757

@joecoool100

7 ай бұрын

@@mcb2757all guns can jam, that’s why the teach us in our gun classes, “tap tap rack”.

I've owned a lot of different AR's. The PSA basic nitrided AR is a great carbine and one that I recommend highly. You can get them for $450 or less. I bought a complete upper and complete lower on sale - has MAGPUL furniture and it shoots as good as any AR that've I've owned. It will do the job quite well. 1:7" twist rate and the nitride process is very durable. Mine has everything done right - the staking is all correct and although the exact bolt carriers, etc. can vary as to exact type, they are all basically milspec. You don't need to spend $1500 to get a reliable and effective AR carbine.

@DMF716

7 ай бұрын

And that's a fact. I'll use PSA, KM tactical, or DelTon parts.

@dragonsofthunder

7 ай бұрын

I own DD, PSA, and Windham!!! I will easily grab my PSA to defend myself as easily as I'd grab my DD! I love my PSA, and I'm thinking about getting a PSA Sabre! I love PSA and what they stand on. Smith&Wesson and PSA are my 2 favorite gun manufacturers easily!

@theoriginalOSOK

7 ай бұрын

@@DMF716 My other AR is a del-ton kit built on a proprietary lower (MS Gun Owners group buy) and it's also excellent. I get 1.5 MOA with Privi Partizan SS109 with this and my PSA. And I used to own a Bushmaster XM15-E2S (now Windham)

@paulerickson2974

7 ай бұрын

I started with a s&w patrolman..very reliable. My next 5 have been psa's. Flawless performance on all. Tinkertoys for men..lol

@EdwardSnortin

7 ай бұрын

@@theoriginalOSOK windham is closing up shop

Please keep this in mind the 14.5 CHF budget friendly "Lowest Bidder" Upper has served millions for decades in Combat.

@tommyguns14able

7 ай бұрын

They aren't CHF though

@kevinbrown9831

7 ай бұрын

Many on the market didn't make the cut.

@kanejakejimmy

7 ай бұрын

Yep. My brand spanking new Colt M4 developed a loose barrel after 400 rounds of jamming every 5th round. It made Sadr City extra scary. Milspec don't mean much...

@GBall_Vision

7 ай бұрын

I've shot roughly 1500-2000 rounds through a Ruger AR15, no malfunctions no problems. It's been so great I've put quite a bit of after market accessories on it because it is worth it to do so

@skylarvincent2884

7 ай бұрын

@TazzH-tw7mj HELL YA BORTHER GOBBLES

I’ve got two PSA builds, absolutely love them. No issues what so ever

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

decisions decisions, i can spend 2,500.00 for 1 name brand AR for myself or use that same amount to custom build 4 medium grade mil spec ARs for myself and 3 sons

@JohnLocke1776

6 ай бұрын

The malfunctions he had in this video could even be part of the "break-in" process.

@lintlicker4178

6 ай бұрын

I have PSA and BCA and haven't had any problems at all

@cyotedude

5 ай бұрын

And, with more than one PSA, you'll have spare parts too. Or just keep a couple spare BCG, BS, and TG (stress parts) in your tools ammo can for fast swap.

I've shot a few expensive ($2000-3000) AR's that belong to other people, and they worked exactly like my Diamondback DB-15 that I got used for ~500. I've got well over 2000 rounds through it and haven't had a single issue. It's the perfect varmint rifle for the farm, and I would completely trust it in a SHTF scenario. As some people say, "it just works."

Have to say my cheap 590 dollar AR over time had given me way less issues than my more expensive 1000 plus rifle. Proper maintenance and lube and the cheap one just runs and I ended up using it way more.

@houseoflamarr3674

7 ай бұрын

🧢

@user-ez7ed7kd8e

7 ай бұрын

@@houseoflamarr3674nah it’s true. just look at the pieces of shit that are kimber 1911’s. tighter tolerances just add more issues.

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

tighter tolerances are not always better until they are broken in after about 1k or 2k rounds

@AboveAverageMan97

7 ай бұрын

And you can arm your family for that same 2400 bucks for just one "high end" AR.

I bought a M&P15 in 2007 for about 600 bucks I think. I started upgrading the parts as I went along. I am still using the same lower, but I have changed out pretty much everything but the ejection port cover. I went with a PSA upper, a FN barrel and Geissele handguards and gas block. This gun shoots very well out to 300 yards, and its still running. Now I have extra parts if something breaks. Buy what you can afford now, and upgrade as you go. That is the great thing about this platform, its upgradeable.

@nonyabiz2777

7 ай бұрын

Exactly what I did. The Iraq veteran8888 did a meltdown video with the 1st gen S&W sport. Impressive longevity.

My first AR was under $400 - a DMPS I purchased at WalMart. 15 years later it still runs like a champ with no internal changes (only rails, sights, slings, and grips over time). You will be better served getting a budget gun and tons of ammo today and wear it out on practice and training while you save up for something nice, or, like me, just get a few budget ARs (I've also got Windham, Ruger, etc). If one ever does start to become unreliable for me (hasn't happened so far), I will just cannibalize that one as a parts gun to keep the others rolling. That said, I expect I will be able to hand them all down to grandchildren as-is.

@J-nd9ub

7 ай бұрын

Right on, brought that Panther (DMPS) when I got out of the Army, about 17 years ago. knew zero about what kind of AR to buy ... since it was issued to me. I roll with PSA ... five rifles, 2 AR9's an a AR10. Most of them are blem's. One malfunction with the AR9 ... changed the firing pin with an alloy one. By Grandson's train with them now ...

@MrChickennugget360

7 ай бұрын

My DPMS still runs great got it in 2011 no problems.

@JohnLocke1776

6 ай бұрын

Right. get a PSA, put in a top quality BCG and gastube, you're probably gonna have a more reliable gun that DD etc..

Best bang for the buck is from PSA. Their black Friday sales had much higher quality complete builds for less than what you have in that one, with better options. You can also get a basic one from them for the same price with better components when not on sale. Most of their barrels are also cold forged hammered, and a great gas system, they almost always run forever with proper cleaning.

@FierceMouse

7 ай бұрын

I believe PSA is the best deal for the dollar, but at a cost. They hinder the ma & pa stores, and that will hurt the community as a whole.

@RL-RL

7 ай бұрын

@@FierceMouse Some stores maybe. My closest store is owned by a state congressman. So for me to do a transfer doesn't bother me one bit. Plus they have a two box of ammo limit at check out at higher prices than an online order, and are sometimes pricks when it comes to customer service. Go to the other side of town, and they have zero issues doing a transfer and I spend more money there because they welcome any business, plus I would rather buy more ammo and parts for my collection as they have WAY more inventory and selection.

@FierceMouse

7 ай бұрын

@RL-RL - I didn't explain very well. PSA doesn't cut the MA and PA shops any cuts for selling their products. They undermine the Ma and PA inventory. We enjoy the benefit now, but Ma and Pa/brick and mortar stores keep all around pricing lower. The less brick and mortar, the less competition. I talk to the privately owned lsg in my neighborhood. They don't like PSA for that reason. They have to pay taxes on their inventory. They'd rather move that rather than transfers.

@melissasmess2773

7 ай бұрын

@@FierceMouse The guns they have for sale bring the people into the store but most of their profit is from the other items that they sell, not the firearms.

@FierceMouse

7 ай бұрын

@melissasmess2773 - I'm simply parroting what my LGSs say. I challenge you to talk to non-corporate store and ask for yourself.

Essentially you have 2 routes to take that will both serve a purpose. Option 1, if you go budget, go PSA. Hands down best budget choice out there, no debate. Option 2 , Gucci build. BCM, DD etc

@blueeyeddevil1

7 ай бұрын

Essentially you have 3 routes. You overlooked Option 1.5, the description of which should be self-explanatory.

The first thing to improve your AR, put a better Bolt Group in it and save the other as a spare. Even the lower end ARs are good. Stock up on spare parts, Get a tackle box and fill it up, enough to rebuild your rifle, In SHTF there is no way to order parts, get them now, Hit the gun shows, tons of spare parts, I build my rifles and even have spare barrels. Do it now not later

@davidmcpherson9260

7 ай бұрын

Why a "better bolt group"? What's the difference. I have a Ruger AR556 that is stock. It has about 7000 rounds through it now. No problems so why change the bolt group???

@hughgerhart4011

7 ай бұрын

Ruger does use really good bolt groups, I have a stock ruger as well and never a problem, there are better ones than some of your cheaper ones, better steel and tested, I do have a few cheaper and more expensive spares as well.@@davidmcpherson9260

@lucienlessard7020

7 ай бұрын

Exactly right. I upgraded an ATI TACTICAL 556 rifle with a Sharp's Nickel boron BCG and this rifle has been flawless. The original is a spare.

@johnkorn1810

7 ай бұрын

​@davidmcpherson9260 kinda like having a spare tire. Just incase. Plus pins could break, extractors, whatever you could think. Even gas rings wear out.

@TheREALLibertyOrDeath

7 ай бұрын

@@davidmcpherson9260I’d say a spare bolt would be more important than the carrier

I expect no malfunctions in sub $500 ARs. PSA & DPMS (same owner now) have never failed me. I have a Daniel Defense and LWRC but as for as going bang everytime all seem to work for me. I've never seen a stripped lower out of spec for over a hundred I've buildt mostly PSA and Anderson.

@airborneivan

7 ай бұрын

I've had two outnof spec lowers. One from Anderson and the other was from B King's Firearms.

@michaelschainost4243

7 ай бұрын

@airborneivan I'm sure it can happens. lowers are simple and in this day and age with cnc machines and percision machines it should be rare. I've been lucky I guess all have been good.

@airborneivan

7 ай бұрын

@michaelschainost4243 those were the only two cases I've personally came across and we're talking 5 years between each instance.

@grahamhancock4904

6 ай бұрын

I just got my hands on two Anderson lowers, both were out of spec in the magwell. The over insert lug on magpul mags was riding the wall and not dropping free when trying to release the mag. One was way tighter than the other so I opted for the less tight one and gave a very light sanding my over insertion lugs until each mag dropped free.

@grahamhancock4904

6 ай бұрын

Also had a DB15 with an out of spec buffer retainer pin, simple fix tho just added an offset retainer pin and it's fine

I’ve got 20,000 rounds _this year_ through two $800 rugers and a $400 PSA. No serious failures, no malfunctions really. Only a few failures to feed on the ruger with the adjustable gas block while I was tuning it. Zero malfunctions through the PSA

I got my first cheap AR from Bear Creek Arsenal. I got a 20"" heavy barrel,but it still runs great. Some wear,naturally. still runs the cheap ammo to. ,been running it for almost 4 years now.

@silvercommander

7 ай бұрын

Same

@jimmyofthesea1883

7 ай бұрын

I got a Bear Creek 20" heavy barrel rig too. No complaints, but I did have to up the buffer to an H2 to get it to run when I tuned it. I've had an occasional malfunction. My PSA uppers have been better, but that Bear Creek price point is nice.

THE first upgrade I'd do came as a surprising suggestion to me from my MARSOC friend. I was in the 82nd back in the 80s and all I cared about was did my weapon function efficiently. All the parts and pieces options weren't a part of our concern in the infantry then. Fast forward 30 plus years and my buddy said trigger would be his first thing. It seemed ridiculous at first to spend $250 on a Geiselle SSA 2 stage trigger for a $550 Radical AR, but I did it. I could not believe the difference it made. Night and day difference. I swapped the charging handle to a Radian as I do remember how shitty the stock ones were when I was in. Since then, I changed the muzzle device to a Surefire warcomp (another noticeable difference maker), a mag well expansion and a good quality 2 point sling. Git a Swampfox arrowhead 1x-8x BDC LPVO for longer range optics and an EOTECH EXPS3 for sub 300. Doing sub 100 meter drills with the LPVO sucked for quick reference point changes. The EOTECH made a huge difference. For me ,going budget and then tinkering with the upgrades and learning about the variety of upgrades was a blast, no pun intended. There just so many options to play with from budget to top tier and you have the primary item to play with from the start.

@kanejakejimmy

7 ай бұрын

Hey I won't BS you with the "just as good as" lie. But the Larue MBT is a solid 2/3ds of a Geiselle at 1/3rd the price. I have both. I stopped buying Geiselle... For like $85 bucks you should try one. I do keep a Geiselle SSA in my DMR-y rifle. Everything else has a Larue MBT now. As I believe it to be a more robust, more reliable trigger. Just a thought.

@kanejakejimmy

7 ай бұрын

Whoops! I should have checked the price first. Looks like Larue upped the price on those by a good $30.

@thedude828-ed2nn

7 ай бұрын

@@kanejakejimmy I like larue but I tried out some rise armament triggers and I'm thoroughly impressed especially from the quality to the price.

@ginger_guerrilla

7 ай бұрын

I just want to know where you’re finding any exps for sub 300

@kanejakejimmy

7 ай бұрын

@@ginger_guerrilla I think he means yards. Not dollars.

The answer is easily yes, they are good enough, especially when talking about 5.56. Reliable operating parts and specs for the 5.56 AR rifle have been known for DECADES. The standard carbine setup is very reliable even on so called "entry level" or "budget" AR rifles. I have built many AR rifles and pistols for shooting hogs here in Texas from very budget builds to mostly Wilson Combat builds and all have been reliable in a number of different calibers. If you aren't going to assemble your own, probably the best bang for the buck for an "entry level" or "budget" AR with a good nitride barrel that doesn't weigh a ton, has a nitride BCG and looks good, Palmetto State Armory is certainly a good option and they will stand behind their products.

in 2020 I bought a PSA with Magpul furnature for about $800. I put about 5k rounds through that upper and lower, never had a single issue. I got one of their FN CHF barreled uppers, and swapped out a few lower parts (trigger, safety, buffer) and ran it like that for another couple thousand rounds before my can came in. Had a shop swap tjr p&w for a SOLGW Nox to house my Sandman-S. That's when I got my first unintentional malfunction, Even with an H1 buffer and midlength gas, I was over-gassed. Swappes the BCG for a bootleg and it ran like a sewing machine for several hundred rounds until it didn't. Timiney drop-in trigger got so dirty from shooting suppressed that it wouldnt reset. cleaned it up good and it went back to running like a sewing machine. I have a 6.5 Grendel build with a PSA upper and a stealth lower built out with a Geiessele Super Duty kit. Ive had it out to 600m no problems. I need to change the charging handle because it makes my eyes water even with the adjustable gas tuned down when shooting it with my can. Anyway, thousands of rounds through PSA hardware, learning to do stuff to it myself, no real issues that weren't expected. Money saved went into training, NODs, etc. I'd put mine up against anything else in the configs they're in now. Maybe I got lucky, idk.

@pewpew9193

7 ай бұрын

To be fair, if you can afford nods, you probably don't need to be worried about buying the cheapest rifle you can afford.

@FRMN8R_T4R

7 ай бұрын

So many people fail to realize how overgassed most factory AR's are going to be when you slap a can on them. Especially the 13.7" and shorter barrels that are popular today. Just goes with the territory, and it's why I always recommend folks train extensively with a suppressed gun, especially if you're going to use it for home defense/CQB type role (much less a more enclosed space like a vehicle). Different ballgame. You don't want to find out when you're trying to use your suppressed rifle during a home invasion that you're quickly disoriented by the gas coming back at you after the first round with no eye pro.

@justsomeguyontheinternet5331

7 ай бұрын

@pewpew9193 correct. but the tactical stuff wasn't a priority for me until it was. then I got what I could get and then went from there. I might upgrade at some point but when I'm outscoring dudes with DDs and my Glocks have no malfunctions when I see Stacattos go down hard, I'm not super motivated to spend money on more expensive stuff that doesn't live up to expectations

Definitely going with PSA over the AR stoner stuff for a cheap build. Never seen a bolt carrier look that bad from PSA.

Appreciate your paradigm on the quality & in turn the cost/affordability ratio that the majority of us have to consider when it comes to tools we trust our life with 🤙

People as long as it's a "MILSPEC" rated AR15 you can get a rifle for well under $400.00 - $450.00 and now with free shipping. Anderson, PSA & DPMS is still out there. Don't be fooled, "MILSPEC" works !

I own DD, PSA, and Windham!!! I will easily grab my PSA to defend myself as easily as I'd grab my DD! I love my PSA, and I'm thinking about getting a PSA Sabre! I love PSA and what they stand on. Smith&Wesson and PSA are my 2 favorite gun manufacturers easily!

Hi! Cold War army veteran here. The fact that I'm an older veteran is very pertinent to this comment. When I arrived in Germany on January 4, 1998 at my first military police unit after basic training we carried the old government issue 1911s from Colt, the M16A1, and the M60 machine gun. Every single one of these weapons were all holdovers from the Korean and Vietnam wars. They they had been road hard and hung up wet for years. 99.99% of the parts were OEM and had not been changed out since they rolled off the assembly line. I qualified expert my entire eight years in the army with these weapons and others like them and other units that I was assigned to. I was routinely plinking targets with my M-16 between 300 and 350 meters WITH IRON SIGHTS ONLY!!! These raggedy ass weapons were the exact same weapons we would've gone to war with against the Soviet union had the shit hit the fan. Unless you are a former Navy SEAL or special forces the average… Average being the operative word American citizen should be spending no more than $1200 on an entire battle ready AR15 platform. This includes your sling, your optics, your tactical light and forward grips or whatever other gadget you wanna throw on there. Your Gucci gun is not gonna give you anymore of a tactical advantage over somebody else with a $1200 rig and any kind of military training to go along with it. If you're spending more than $1200 on your rig you are absolutely positively wasting your money.

PSA has some good basic complete AR’s for about $450+. If i were looking for my first i’d prob get one of them

Would love to see a budget upgrade video! Many comments already on reliable budget builds. Excited to see your take Magic Prepper! Thanks!

Also in my experience, most malfunctions are the result of ammo or magazine issues.

My first ar was a radical and it was actually pretty darn good got it for 500 i still have it and shoot it all the time. For a mid length gas system and a good rail you cant go wrong i put a few upgrades on it like a rise armament trigger and some magpul furniture i would highly recommend it for a first rifle. I know radical didn't have a good rep years ago but they seemed to get their QC in line and are putting out quality products now.

@haplindsey5444

7 ай бұрын

Agreed. Got mine in 2021. Thing I noticed and liked was how tight everything was. Usually on budget ARs is how rickety the butt stock is and the connection between upper and lower receiver. There's no bells and whistles, but what is there is very solidly put together and clean.

@thedude828-ed2nn

7 ай бұрын

@@haplindsey5444 yea I was liking mine so much I bought another one lol. I don't have a lot of money to buy really nice guns I do have a bcm upper on a PSA lower and I just bought a PSA sabre but those are my most expensive rifles I like expensive guns but I prefer to have more than less.

@haplindsey5444

7 ай бұрын

@@thedude828-ed2nn The main thing is if you're getting started, is to get started. For most of us, that means the budget route to gain entry and adjust from there. Once in, do your research, add in what works fir you and have some fun doing it. Early on, I was consumed by the toys and accessories. This year has been about application. Train, practice and get your muscle memory down.

@thedude828-ed2nn

7 ай бұрын

@@haplindsey5444 yea for sure being able to train and afford ammo is critical I'm only able to get out and shoot once a week due to work and life unfortunately but it's better than nothing I guess.

@commando68

6 ай бұрын

Bought my radical last year for $399.99! Put a Velocity 3.5lb trigger in it and not had one single problem with about 1k cheap rounds through it from 2A warehouse. Great gun for the price.

smith n wesson mp sport had proven performance live on tv... very affordable and it just works

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

live on tv

I just built a PSA for $350. The quality was a lot better than I expected. I bought it to throw around in drills.

$550 AR-15??? You know this world is upside down when your rifle costs less than a case of ammo for said rifle.

What he said about the front sight post/gas block was something I had not considered. My low priced ARs have those, and now I'm glad they do. Instead of a 60 dollar combined carry handle/rear sight - I got a Romeo 5 for about 100 plus a back up rear, flip up sight (I think that was about 40). Got the PSA kits twice - one was 499 and the other was 299. (waiting for timing makes all the difference)

There are many inexpensive AR-15's that run reliably for thousands of rounds. It's true that QC with cheaper models is lacking compared to most higher end ones, but if you get a good one you're golden. You'll usually know within the first 500 or so rounds if you got a good one or not. I bought a Radical 16" RF-15 almost 3 years ago that's been rock solid. It shoots sub-MOA groups with a few different types of ammo too.

My Smith & Wesson M&P 15 sport II was the same price point and works flawlessly and accurately. I would have no problem depending on it in a SHTF scenario.

@Ray-vq2jc

7 ай бұрын

I have the sport 1 and the sport 2 and the sport 1 is the better rifle and this forward assist crap is a delusional fallacy . When back to the gun shop to buy another Sport 1 and they sold out of them and settled for the Sport 2 as a second backup. In my researching what was the best AR budget rifle the original Smith & Wesson Sport 1 was the best hands down at the time in 2015.

@bower31

7 ай бұрын

@@Ray-vq2jc The Sport 1 is a good rifle, the only bad thing is not having a dust cover. That's really not arguable that it has a major benefit. I'd rather the Sport 2 purely for having a dust cover. Though I can say the price on the Sport 1 back in the day was quite impressive, I got mine on a sale around christmas for around $440.

@filippocorti6760

7 ай бұрын

@@bower31 Important: Can a person have a dust cover installed on the Sport 1?

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

@@filippocorti6760 some companies skimp on the dust cover and forward assist thinking civillians will never fire that many rounds between cleaning or carry them in the sand

@krazykarl

7 ай бұрын

Love my sport 2, got it in 2016 for $500 because too many people complained about the sport 1 not having the fwd assist and dust cover so they introduced it at a lower price!

I have ar's ranging from $400 psa builds to $2600 LWRC's. They've all gone bang when I've needed them to. He mentioned double feed a few times, and they're typically a mag issue. I think alot of individuals get caught up in the tactical elitism that's prevalent in the 2A community. IMHO, you could take just about any off the shelf AR and make it good to go. You just need to go through it with a fine tooth comb and address all the issue (typically assembly related) i.e. barrel nut not torqued properly, screws not torqued properly or no retaining compound, no dimple for the gas block set screws or set screws installed with retaining compound, etc. Lastly, replace the bolt with a BCM C150 bolt. Those things can will make a hige difference.

I use to run an M16- A1, or a XM177 carbine that I would pull from the base armory, an they worked period. Even at nite with a little ambient lite, never had a problem with seeing the sites even at nite. I run a S & W AR budget rifle, an no problem, it just works. Nothing wrong with a budget rifle in this day an age, as its all CNC machined, most will shoot 1.5 in groups at 100 yds, so take this for all its worth from me, but I als run a BCA 7.62x39 AR for a piggin rifle, no problems with that one either, but its scoped an only shoots brass ammo, an can shoot 1in groups, with quality ammo. On a side note, John Lovell is doing a test on a budget ATI POLY, time will tell on that one.Thx for the vid Magic

I have 2 budget AR's. One PSA that cost $560, and an Aero I built out with a complete upper, and an Aero lower with PSA lower build kit for probably only $100 more. Both have worked perfectly fine so far!

really appreciate channels like yours. i'm very new to guns. i see them essentially like any other tool, like a hammer and nails. you can get decades out of a 25 dollar hammer, probably even more out of a 50 dollar hammer. but at some point i'd ask myself 'what am i doing that requires a nearly indestructible hammer', lol! Any cheap AR that passes 'mil-spec' will likely outlive me.. and if it don't, i got 3 other ones.

Great points made, I completely agree. Just get started on a budget and learn, then upgrade.

@MagicPrepper

7 ай бұрын

Definitely a good way to start

I'm a trucker over the road. Could you do a video on carrying over the road and how to get home SHTF. I been thinking about a fold up bike if an EMP or no fuel situation.

@dragonslayer7587

7 ай бұрын

I've got a friend who also drives Nation Wide, and he bought an electric bike, as well as a small solar generator with a folding oll-up {?} panel. He has actually had to use it once when he had an issue and couldn't park near enough to walk to where he wanted to go. He's got a milk crate he can wire to the back, and it will carry his charging stuff and go bag. He keeps the bike battery in a faraday bag, with his solar generator and panel. He's a pretty big guy, and he said he could ride for days on that bike! It's got fat tires, and cost him a little under 2K. I think it's a brilliant idea. Especially for you guys, who COULD be anywhere, and unable to get home... {You would probably want a plate carrier & plates just to be safe}! God Bless my friend! Your Job keeps us all going!

@ravener96

7 ай бұрын

Generally EMP isnt as big a deal as people think. Its only really a concern if youre being nuked, and even then its a bit overhyped.

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

if i owned my own truck with sleeper cab i would put a folding ramp and a motorcycle behind the cab

@melissasmess2773

7 ай бұрын

EMP isn’t a problem unless your device is plugged into 120VAC.

Pay attention to materials in your gun. Almost all receivers are made from 7075 but there are a few still using the weaker 6061. In fact most of the manufacturers get their receivers from the same 5 or 6 companies. Get a nitrided barrel and bcg, wether initially or as an upgrade. Carry spares. Have a complete bolt for quick replacement and a trigger group as well. USE QUALITY MAGS!!! Nothing will tank your gun's reliability (and your confidense) faster than a cheap, out of spec mag. In a mechanically sound AR, the mags are responsible for 99% of malfunctions.

@codegumby

7 ай бұрын

they'll get blanks from similar forges but machining and quality control is still done by the manufacture.

@joshrandall3632

7 ай бұрын

@@codegumby Yep, and they all use the same CNC machines with the same software and the same cutters. Literally no noticable difference. If you cover up the manufacturer's logo they are indistinguishable from each other. Of course the higher end guns have better triggers to help new shooters and they sometimes have more features, but that doesn't make them "better" necessarily.

Great video! Well presented and I learned a few things. Looking forward to the upgrade project.

I was never an AR guy AK-47 for me. But I bought a S&W M&P15 from a friend who never fired it with 9 mags 300 rounds and a green dot scope for 600 bucks!! Couldn't pass it up and now needless to say I'm an AR15 lover it's a great gun never malfunctioned as of yet haven't had it real long but been throwing some rounds through it it's awesome could not be happier! Also the customizability of the platform is unreal not to mention ammunition choices!! great video brother

I have a cast lower and have had it for Years it has been in numerous 3 gun matches and is still in use.

MP, props for showing the stripped gas key screw and everything despite the sponsorship.

My first was a M&P15, I got on sale. Runs great. I’ve still got it.

I built my first 6.5 Grendel with a 16” carbine gas AR stoner barrel on sale for $79. Actually ended up being a very accurate barrel after about 30-40rds. Built on aero receivers and handguard ar stoner lpk and buffer assembly with a rock river 2 stage trigger. 4-14x primary arms acss hud dmr scope that rifle easily shot 1.25 to 1.50 moa groups at 100yds but the magic really happened after 300yds. Idk why but I could regularly shoot 2” to 2.5” groups at 300yds. Ended up going with an 18” faxon barrel later on and for $200 it’s been the best ar15 barrel I’ve ever bought. Shoots factory ammo well under 1 moa and handloads literally go into 1 hold. Sub half moa. Oh yea that original build had an Anderson bcg. I don’t remember and exact price but including the $279 scope magpul ubr stock ms4 sling Amazon bipod and a few mags I had less than $800 in the whole build. The stock and scope cost more than the rest of the build 😂

A retired Army senior NCO I used to shoot with and who was armorer certified and who built his own told me that just about any AR across the price spectrum was generally serviceable or could be made serviceable. I do like the point you made about certain quality parts, especially lower receivers and pins. I had an issued Rock River that after 11K rounds and two mandatory armorer refurbishments started losing the trigger pin and got turned into a “Frankengun”. I think the problem had more to do with the last service than the manufacturer. Anymore, my criteria for a rifle, including an AR is something that is capable of sub MOA groups with decent ammo in addition to being reliable. So that generally raises the price point a little bit. But for someone getting into ARs, starting with something that has a decent lower (Aero also comes to mind) provides the opportunity to upgrade along the way according to budget. On the other hand, I’ve heard great things about PSA’s entry level guns and had once planned to acquire an upper in .224 Val before they sort of fell into obscurity. And as another viewer added in comments, the M16A1s and M4s a lot of us carried were cheapest bid and the metal specifications are over. 50 years old. On the other hand, they are backed up by a well stocked “parts bin.”

Definitely like this. I prefer mid-length in my AR's. Good vid, just subscribed.

An AR-Stoner build was my first rifle a few years ago, and it has gotten through about 500-600 rounds without any issues. Keep it clean and keep it oiled and it will be more than fine for your average gun owner. I did end up changing the BCG to a DD BCG, but I had zero issues with the AR-Stoner one. AR-Stoner stuff is cheap but it will work as a bare minimum!

Great video, very useful detailed analysis.

This topic is usually not touched on that you dont need to get the most goochie rifle from jump street you can just upgrade over time. I still plan to getting a PSA JAKL though.

RELIABILITY! I’ve built the same rifle and many other brands. The following parts make it reliable if it has feeding and or ejection issues. 1. Spikes H2 buffer 2. Tubs flat wire spring 3. BCM Extractor Spring Upgrade Kit If you plan on getting a red dot I’d suggest a flip up rear sight like magpul.

I haven’t seen any of your stuff before but this is a GREAT quality video. Subscribed.

@MagicPrepper

7 ай бұрын

Well I really appreciate that!

@cole4537

7 ай бұрын

Well deserved… do you have Jason Todd hair btw? That’s pretty cool 😂

PSA complete lightweight upper with pencil barrel $250 PSA nikle boron bolt $100 PSA lower parts kit with magpul grip and stock and buffer kit $100 PSA lower $50 Grab a changing handle and a set of iron you total is around $550 My thoughts on the rifle in the video is its expensive for what it is you could have gotten a better build for the price and thats what id recommended to most people not looking to shoot far distance or completive. Build a budget duty rifle. My recommendation is below. It will last for ever most likley but you can upgrade if things wear out its lightweight you can add little mods or personal things like mag releases and what not to customize

@westpsmity

7 ай бұрын

You may as well just save yourself hassel and some money and just buy a PSA complete rifle.

@destroystreets1023

7 ай бұрын

@@westpsmity not sure if they sell that build. but in all honestly do what ever you want

I always say 1: there is a difference between cheap and affordable 2: Delta Force guys went into Mogadishu with a carbines that had carry handles with simple red dots attached to them, flashlights that was partially secured with tape and simple shooters slings… As long as it will work when you need it to and you train with it. Nothing else really matters.

My old DPMS performs just as good compared to something worth twice or 3x as much.

Thank you for the video MP.

Thanks for this breakdown, decent video for helping those not familiar with firearms to understand.

@MagicPrepper

6 ай бұрын

I tried my best anyway. Just being transparent about expectations.

100% agree with the pinned FSP, set screws are a failure waiting to happen. The one thing I find cheep Ars lacking in is the BCG. I would definitely invest in a chrome lined mill spec BCG and leave the all-nitrite mystery meat ones in the parts bin.

If you want an AR that is a step up from the "entry" level stuff, IWI & FN both make really nice rigs for $1k or less.

@NikolaosKorelis

7 ай бұрын

I heard good things about the FN ones

I have had zero problems with CBC Precision uppers. I have thousands of rounds through the first one I bought a few years ago and it runs great. I do think AR Stoner is of lesser quality then CBC for about the same price. PSA also makes soild products at a affordable price. Thanks for the viedo.

Thank you for the run-down on things to look for when inspecting the manufacturing of a budget rifle. I still have my budget rifles and they are all performing great. When the time comes to replace components such as BCG, trigger group, or uppers I will replace with price-point parts. As a former middle-class, now lower-MC (thanks to uncle-grampa joe) I can only afford cheap chit, so I will just roll wid it. Dont know how long I'll last in an armed confrontation, what I have is better than a musket.

Practical info, thanks for sharing.

God I’m obsessed with the car-15 and you just gave me a budget build for it so thanks bro 😂

Big thing ppl overlook are spare parts, gas rings, fire pin, complete spring kit to include ejector, extrator springs and pins. Very important, easy to loose when cleaning.

Having a rifle (even a cheap one) is better than having no gun.

I built my ar for 400 bucks like 5 or so years back, after a buffer change cause for some reason the kit came with a heavy buffer it has run flawlessly, even had the chance to put a transferrable lightning link in it and had zero malfuctions

I just got my first AR15. I went with a PSA Sabre 16in with the FN barrel.

There are so many quality 500-750 builds and kits for ARs these days. My first Armalite in the late 90s was well over 1000 and “budget” options now really are equal in quality.

Good information. It's all about QC. Spend your money on the bolt and barrel. Buy a cheap LPK and if a part is out of spec just replace it. I have had many LPKs with an out of spec part even from highly respected manufacturers. Same goes for stripped uppers and lowers. Buy them cheap and if they are out of spec return them.

I have a DPMS I bought in 2016 for about $550. It's my designated SHTF weapon. Stock configuration, no frills. I don't plan on fighting a war with it, but it seems perfectly adequate for its intended purpose. At the end of the day, a looter or thug isn't going to care whether the .223 round came from a $500 or $2000 AR. I should note, I've had few problems with it over the years.

My first AR was a DPMS Oracle. Over the last 12 years, I upgraded this gun well past the point of doubling my initial $400 price. All that remains is the Upper and Lower Receivers (even the detents and springs have been upgraded). Everything else has been replaced with better parts. It was a good learning experience, and I just finished my 5th build. Even learning to polish the Mil Spec Trigger to improve its function. The reality is though, if I'd have spent a couple hundred more to begin with, I'd have saved some money and time.

I have a cheap Diamondback and have only about 7 or 800 rounds through but no malfunctions at all. I use magpul M3 and duramag magazines.

Even though a lot of people don't like PSA, their premium uppers use FN barrels. Also if you compare the list of components in their premium BCG to BCM, there's not a difference in specs. You can get that A2 sight on a mid gas from them as well.

I have a DSA 18” stainless/ rifle gas that I threw together for about 550. It’s been my best rifle . Accurate and super reliable with a full chrome BCG .

have a full sub 1500, ar, optic, back up sights, a light, 12 mags, and cleaning supplies, you can get lots of things for cheap or from a surplus store, and PSA is your friend. i did get more like ive built a gunsmithing area in my shed, and have plenty of kit to be in the woods for several weeks at a time, but my rifle itself is all smart choices made at the right times of the year and finding deals

One of the great things about Midway is they always seem to be running sales. I’ve seen the Stoner LPK going for $29.99 recently. Could end up saving even more if you’re patient and wait for sales.

I generally begin with a complete rifle by a medium/lower tier manufacturer and gradually upgrade all of the internals over time. I usually go with BCM for my upgrades. Never had a problem. The essential upgrade is the BCG. I then upgrade the buffer, buffer spring and if necessary, the trigger. But, the stock triggers in my current four ARs were just fine. I have three slightly differering Mforgeries and one AR15A4 clone. Detachable carry handles all came from Fulton Armory.

Good video brother. I have a PSA build that i would bet my life on though and I have A Daniel also. Got a blem kit for 320 free shipping. Put it on a Stag lower. 😎

Thanks for the advice,even a budget AR is better than throwing rocks.

The bigger question is: how many rounds do you expect to shoot in defense of you and your family in an SHTF scenario. 200 rounds, maybe?? We aren’t going to war. We might be defending ourselves.

Got my Colt 6920 for $900. She is simple, but I love her so much.

The most prolific and successful Stoner.

my first gun was a built AR15 made from a hodgepodge of different manufacturers parts back during the ar parts shortage of 2020/21. It ran like a champ even considering it had a printed polymer lower. it served well until a reman round caused it to grenade in my hands and rendered it dead. even tho i managed to salvage many parts from it, including the entire fire control group and stock assembly, which i now have in another Frankenstein build. I feel like buying a cheap AR is like buying a new house. you obviously don't just buy a house and leave it unfurnished. You buy furniture and set it up the way you like, same thing with the AR. You can train with it stock, but theres always a way to improve it. switching out the BCG, buffer system and getting an adjustable gas system as well as the ability to add lights and a good sling can turn those cheap ARs into formidable fighting rifles. Training is everything tho. Every one says it and its true, doesn't matter if you have a DD Mk18 with all the bells and whistles. If you haven't trained with it, uncle bubba is gonna smoke you with the .270 bolt action he's hunted and shot with since he was 9.

My budget gun so far hasn't faltered. It's a PSA. In fairness though, it's only had maybe 500 rds through it.

Ive had 2 out of spec aero lowers and 1 crooked handguard from aero. Most brands are fine just change all the springs (sprinco) and bolt with trusted parts.

I was told that BCA makes the AR-Stoner line of parts. Thanks for the share!!

@leerethamel3204

7 ай бұрын

I can confirm, I got a stoner upper, had bear Creek barcode on it... (It shaped like a bear) but it runs great

@commiesnzombies

7 ай бұрын

poor mans freedom stick

I have a 16 in PSA, I changed out to a spikes nickel bcg, spikes crome lined barrel, aero buffer kit, upgraded it

9310 is the standard for a lot of full auto bolts I can see why they went that route because the heat treat process is easier than 158. Either material is a go for me just get it from a reputable source. By no means am I being a smart ace here, as always good vid bro 🤘🏻

Fsb pins are tapered to lock into place so they will be larger on one side. They are also removed and installed in one direction. Hit them with some aluminum black and they'll look a lot better. Cheers.

I built a PSA upper n lower similar to the one in the video for less than $500. 1:7 FN barrel and the whole thing is good to go and purpose built as an extra rifle for any member of the family that needs one. For an complete upper under $200 and a stripped lower for $29. You can’tpass that up.

Update 11.30.23 on storing powder milk for deep preps OK...I had some success vacuum sealing 10 1-quart envelopes / bags of Kroger powdered milk. I cut both corners off the top of the bag at about 45 degrees and left the center portion of the bag intact. (The center portion that was not cut varied from 2 inches to 3 inches in length.) If you are going to do a lot of bags this way, think about making a template to cut the minimum amount of bag that will still get the vacuum job done. I was able to vacuum seal 1 pack, 2 packs and 3 packs of quart powdered milk in a 1-quart vacuum bag. Pint bags were not big enough for even 1 envelope of powdered milk. Even though the powder milk bags are not textured like a vacuum sealing bag, they vacuum out pretty good using my method. Vacuum sealing 3 envelopes of powdered milk in a 1-quart bag is very hard to do unless you have gusseted bags. 2 envelopes of powdered milk seem to be the sweet spot for vacuum sealing in 1-quart vacuum bags. I also tried sealing 1 envelope with the entire top of the envelope cut off instead of the corners. That method didn't seem to work well as the powdered milk would spread more. The center portion of the bag helps the powder milk not spread to foul the seal. As insurance, you can also double seal the bags. It is possible to vacuum seal powder milk loose in the bag, but it is very hard. The powder spreads via static charge and can foul the seal. I can't say how vacuum sealing milk for long term storage will do. As I mentioned previously, powdered milk, stored in sealed envelopes as purchased in the store, tasted very poor 6 years after the BB date. It did not make me sick, but it probably would only be drinkable in an emergency.

A similar question was asked about the WW2 LIBERATOR PISTOL. Yes, plenty good enough to help one aquire a good gun....

If a budget gun saves your life I think that's priceless besides a budget gun gives the opportunity to acquire a better gun through attrition provided your skills and tactics are up to par

I’ve built using a few different companies over the years. My main go to parts build is PSA. I’ve also moved from Nitride barrels to PSA FN premium uppers. Tool Craft and PSA BCG a mil spec charging handle and whatever mil spec lower I can find. I’ve used rails from both Midwest Industries and UTG pro with no issues. My builds range in price $600-$750. I pick and choose the parts and the quality. This video is doing just that but I think it’s a lower tier of a vendor that was picked and not for much less than going to PSA and picking their premium uppers.

The Ruger AR556 with magpul furniture is a solid choice with A similar price to the M&P sport 2 but with more features. Bought mine a few years ago Brand new Added a breek arms warhammer ambi charging handle and a sig romeo and Juliet magnifier Red dot combo. Good to go for anything you might encounter 2000 rounds plus no issues whatsoever. Under 850 for everything. Technically my 1st build but I didn't build it bought it new out the box and upgraded a few things

I know this may be a different topic , but would be a cool vid for you to do an SKS type 56 for SHTF , yes it is definitely an antiquated piece of tech , but would it be viable for the Panamanian paratroopers if the were to drop on your lawn ,always appreciate the Intel 👍🏻

I'll buy once; cry once. Thanks for the insight.

What I was issued during my time starting in 1979, would be considered "austere" but it was what I would've been sent to war with. As the saying goes the rifle is a tool, the man is the weapon.

My old 2010 SW m15 still trucking with 1000’s of rounds and abuse 13 years later. PSA is another along with bear creak I own I would definitely trust my life with! Just my opinion