Duane Thomas Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I have an assignment from Dillon's Blue Press to do an article on building an AR-15 for a lady. I'm going for a from-the-ground-up build here. When complete, tested and written up, the rifle will be going to a friend of mine as a present. Can anyone recommend, based on their experience, a company that does top quality AR-15 builds? Don't say, "Do it yourself." I know my limitations, and I want this rifle done right, by someone who's been doing it - and doing it well - for years if not decades. I have done several searches and been unable to find a previously existent thread addressing this sort of question. If anyone can link me to an already existent thread, that would great. Otherwise, any answers here would likewise be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kampr Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 That took about a nano second of thought.....call Jim at http://firebirdprecision.com/ He'll even do them in "purdy" colors! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vlad Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Or do it yourself. Some people are dangerous with a screwdriver, a hammer, and some punches. If you can avoid hurting yourself with those basic tools, and are willing to buy/borrow/steal $50-$150 of specialized tools you can build an AR. They REALLY are very simple to build with a handful of tricky spots for which the internet has provided a large list of videos to help you along. Somehow I think putting it together yourself has the makings of a more interesting article then "I picked some parts and dropped them off at the gunsmith", although I would probably read it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rust4brains Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Double Star / JT Distributing does a good job with a pretty wide selection of hardware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpeltier Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 (edited) Tactical Machining in Deland Florida, They are more than just parts assemblers, They manufacture the lowers in house as well as lower parts kits etc. Junior would be the man to contact as he runs the show over there. They are even playing around with a cool camo finish (I cant remember the name of the process)they refer to it as Multicam, that is tough as nails and litterly covers the entire gun. Its not a paint. They can build you anything you wish. http://www.tacticalmachining.com 386-490-4464 I recomend calling junior, leave a message if he's not in as they are preparing to move to a new bigger facility, and he is in and out taking care of preperations for the move. Mark Edited April 2, 2011 by mpeltier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlmiller1 Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I'm gonna second the post to call Jim at firebird. You will be pleased with the service & the rifle. MLM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Anderson Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 What kind of AR are you looking for Duane, a basic M-4 style plinker, a high end competition rifle, something in a pretty color or ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Tischauser Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 That took about a nano second of thought.....call Jim at http://firebirdprecision.com/ He'll even do them in "purdy" colors! This! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkCO Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Jim at Firebird for sure. The Carbon Fiber handguards really lighten up the front making them easier to shoot and hold than anything else out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Sweeney Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Duane, to get the best builder for the task, you'll have to (as mentioned by others) decide just what you want done. A basic M4, no prob. A high-zoot competition gun, that's one crowd. An ultra-light (but not carbon-fiber lower/upper, gack!) Personal defense gun, that's a different crowd. start deciding up uppers, lowers, barrel lengths and weights, and that will narrow it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-Ho Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I'm gonna disagree with Mr Sweeney on this one. I think some builders specialize in certain types of rifles, but the good ones can do it all well. I've seen and handled some of Jim's M-4 type rifles and they were great. Piston driven isn't something you think of coming from a competition gun builder like Firebird, but he does build a great rifle regardless of how you want to dress it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken hebert Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Jim Lambert / Firebird Precision. You're giving it to someone who means something to you, so let a guy build it to whom putting out nothing but the very best in quality means everything to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregoryd Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Another vote for Jim at Firebird. Jim built my rifle, and is currently building a rifle for my 14 year old daughter. He has gone to great lengths to make sure that the rifle she gets will be just for her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmysterious Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Wes at MSTN, they build a really nice rifle. Can't go wrong with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stik Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Jim @ Firebird, Bobby @ Freedom Gunworks, MSTN. I'm sure any of these fellas can build whatever you want to your specs. JP is another one but you may wait longer and it may be pricier. Grant with G & R Tactical can put together a nice one, just have to call him. After building multiple AR's over the years, I have all the tools and know how but if you wanted to pay someone to build one up to your specs, I would say Freedom Gunworks or Firebird, just cause they are vendors here and support the sport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokshwn Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Duane, All of the vendors mentioned are certainly worthy of building an AR correctly. Most mentioned will also be built with the utmost attention to detail. But only one mentioned, Firebird Precision, will build using the components you select and customize the gun according to personal tastes or preferences. I am by nature very attracted to the simple utility of a tool and tend to shun any suggestion of inanimate objects having value based on emotion. After meeting and getting to know Jim and Nanci their commitment to the products they produce is palpable in their work. Regardless of who you choose, give Jim @ Firebird a call. I am sure when you talk with him and explain your project you will get a good sense of the personal pride and commitment Jim puts into each and every piece that goes through his hands. Truly, the kind of work that is worthy of a very important gift. Firebird Precision Contact Info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duane Thomas Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 It looks like Jim @ Firebird Precision is the overwhelming recommendation. As to the type of rifle, I'm looking for something fairly basic that could compete in IDPA's ESG division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye67 Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Bravo Company Manufacturing builds fantastic AR's - complete rifles, uppers and/or lowers, in nearly any configuration you'd like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PacMan Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 (edited) JP Edited April 3, 2011 by PacMan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sudden Death Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 It looks like Jim @ Firebird Precision is the overwhelming recommendation. As to the type of rifle, I'm looking for something fairly basic that could compete in IDPA's ESG division. If you want basic, buy something right off the shelf, for a full custom rifle call JP Enterprises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I normaly dont post on threads where people are asking questions about (who to choose, or what brand to get) I know some of the high end builders, and I have a lot or respect for them, I would feel uncomfortable to recomend myself over others. If per chance I am chosen for this job, I will give my best, but that is what I give on every build I do. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I don't have experience with Firebird but from what I have heard they pass muster as a top AR company. I do have experience with JP and Triangle Shooting Sports AR's and can highly recommend either for a quality AR build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Payne Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Another vote for JP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matrix68 Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 One vote for Eric at Loki Weapons Systems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Anderson Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 For what you're looking for, really any gun monkey can put it together. It's really easy to slap an AR together that will print 1 1/2 to 2 MOA all day long, and cheap. You don't need a custom builder for that, you really just need someone with a pulse. That said, there are some really great AR builders out there. Several have been mentioned. The only one I like that I didn't see was Triangle Shooting Sports. I have rifles from JP and lowers from Firebird. I've also talked a lot with Jim and would have no problem having him build me a rifle. If it was me, for the difference in price between an off the shelf rifle and upgrading a bit in components it's a no brainer. I'd be running better than stock. Have Jim put you together a 16" Lothar Walther barrel, mid length gas system and one of those funny looking carbon fiber forends and you'll have a very quick, easy to use carbine for IDPA that she can use for USPSA and IMGA multi gun as well. Does IDPA allow muzzle breaks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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