Buy a "starter" rifle -> put budget red dot, sling and light on it -> buy extra mags and ammo. Shoot it until something breaks -> replace what's broken -> keep shooting -> take a class, buy chest rig or plate carrier -> take a medical class -> upgrade your red dot and light -> Upgrade to a better rifle. By about 8-10k rounds you have extracted most of the value out of your starter rifle. Sell it, rebuild it, or keep it for a range toy. I rebuilt mine to be a buddy rifle with loaner kit. I replaced the barrel, bcg, gas block and tube, handguard, spring and buffer. Budget red dot, light and sling are all still on it. Some shooters won't shoot 10k rounds in a lifetime, for others that is 6 to 9 months. Your needs, budget, and willingness to train are going to decide what you will do. I would trust a shooter with a budget rifle and a bunch of training more that some one with a HK MR556 that leaves the safe once a year.
Very well said Ac Avila. Allow me to add because I'm one of those who won't be shooting that much or taking a heap of classes. Additionally, just because I don't have $4k, or even $2K invested into a name brand carbine with Gucci accoutrements, doesn't mean I suck. My wife is very gracious about my hobby spending, but we also have 2 children, one of whom we're helping with rent/college and the other just starting out in a new marriage and home repairs. As a result, my funding gets to be spread around. I've been on a number of forums (esp one in particular) where the prevailing mindset seems to be this: If you don't have name brand this, or God forbiD, that BRAND part, your stuff is sub-par. Additionally, they wouldn't be caught dead with _____ brand because it simply would NOT survive a "serious" conflict. WTH? EXCEPT for those who serve, or have served and done war, when's the last time any average range jockey or class monkey been in an actual armed conflict? (spoiler alert: NONE) This sucks because instead of being INCLUSIVE, the conversation seems to start, then quickly end, with someone's kit. I've lived through this idiocy as a cyclist and it sucks!! Instead of snobbery, how about we focus on helping them to become better cyclists or shooters (or cyclists that shoot lol) with what they have- NCStar Red dot on a totally non-name brand rifle with their funky chest rig... WHO CARES? Welcome them! Let's shoot and get good together. Eventually, as people get more involved and learn, they'll upgrade because they learn stuff they weren't aware of because they were honestly ignorant at the beginning. We've ALL been there, and I'm still learning. Until then, why make shooters with "low budget" kit feel like 2nd class? THAT is what sucks! Want better shooters? Be better people.
Perfect comment. Im actually suprised this isn't the advised route, I bought a PSA while in college and have replaced BCG, gas block, and I'm getting ready to replace the barrel. I understand ppl want you to spend 1200+ on a rifle but you for sure can get started on a budget and eventually upgrade parts especially if you get into gunsmithing a bit
@@Peytonwitt it should be advised but as I said in my comment, there's this sometimes less than subtle condescension about "low budget" equipment or kit. I think this can be a deterrent for some new shooters because they don't feel they're part of the "club."
@@tcarr1 yawn....shit kit is shit kit. Your ncstar will fail you if things ever get tough. Yes we all have budget constraints, save longer and buy better. Wanna be a better shooter? Buy gear that is reliable and practice more.
You gave some very true remarks about changing the culture around firearms. People need to know why we really need the 2nd amendment and why we need rifles like the AR15. At the end of the day I own an Ar15 for my own protection, not for sport.
@@anonymous-go1tq I have shot handguns and ARs, I enjoy both, but definitely enjoy shooting ARs a little bit more because of how easy it is to managed recoil, plus you can push the distances out to longer ranges.
I really wanna know his point of view for things like concealed carry insurance, and his view on ammo selection for carry. If it’s worth going budget or Gucci with hollow points. What be carries and things like that. We’re not far off before almost everyone feels compelled to have some sort of coverage with all these new laws coming out and they might outlaw hollow points in the future
Absolutely. And there was a time when I found myself playing it down because I felt people were "scared" of the AR. For instance the "it's not an assault rifle" speech. But then at a certain point I realized people didn't understand that it IS virtually the same thing the military uses aside from auto/burst. But even THAT idea makes people uncomfortable. The 2A's importance is centered around that: The govt should not have a monopoly on force because we are a free society. Without the same means we are peasants, and there is no longer any reason to be accountable to us. Even with the 2nd they are HARDLY accountable to us, and if our ancestors saw the relationship we have with the govt they would weep at the loss we have allowed to transpire. Especially this year and the last...
@@drownthepoor Your words are very true good sir. Generally speaking, people outside of the 2A community are afraid of the AR15 and just want to see it gone. Probably due to the abhorrent media coverage of the rifle. The media wouldn't have near the power over the 2A narrative if people were just more educated bought guns. Also, I agree with you on out current relationship with the government being terrible. Hardly anyone has faith in our own institutions and the political elite have managed to hold a monopoly on power and have separated themselves from the common American people. It's so obvious they work only to enrich and empower themselves. People on the left and the right should be outraged at any expansion of power the government tries to legislate or enforce under the guides of promising safety. There're only a few politicians I genuinely believe represent the voice of the people who elected them.
Palmetto State Armory is a great company and the reason why I got into guns because I could actually afford it. If it brings more people to the gun community then it’s doing something right.
Ad much as the people behind the NRA are corrupt. The organization does do alot for funding shoots for kids and young adults growing up trying to get into shooting sports. Being one of those kids that has seen thousands of dollars sponsored for our local 4-H over my years in 4-H shooting sports. They make sure kids have the ammo to shoot and the guns to be able to shoot if they don't have one. I'm not saying the FPC is worthless, but they are focusing on legal things as far as I know. Yes they are smaller so they can't put money towards as many things. I get your point, but the NRA is more than the people who run it. Just like this country is.
@@benjaminpierce911 like the govt, they dole out just enough to keep people coming back. They’re carrot danglers. But I don’t think time is best spent being pro or anti NRA. They’re the Catholic Church of firearms. They aren’t going anywhere and they’re the go-to when an uninitiated person or media group comes to a gun group even though they don’t represent the grand majority of us. It could be argued that’s by design, but then we get into a slippery slope of conspiracies.
The militia act of 1792 basically said that everyone is in the militia and you not only had to supply your own weapons and ammunition but also support equipment.
@@juansimon5802 No they weren't given to the Taliban. They were given to the Afghanistan military, which was completely taken from them (also their country) by force from the Taliban. Whether you think that was us basically giving it to the Taliban is up to you, but at that point it's just semantics.
I build a mk18 off my Springfield saint platform. Replaced practically everything inside and out with Daniel Defense except the receivers, and the community still told me it was trash because it wasn’t a real DD MK18. But after I saw a video Lucas did, I realized he build his off Aero receivers. And that just made me feel better about life.
I am glad to see Lucas make these past two videos. People listen when he talks and this topic needed to be discussed by someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight.
Unfortunately he points his rifle at his students when he teaches classes too. Then defends it in instagram comments saying safety on the range isn't important. This kid doesn't know shit.
The coke can to competitive shooter was exactly how it went for me. I shoot for psa now… 🤣 hope I run into you again at memorial 3 gun. For anyone wondering Lucas is taller in person than on camera. Thanks for pushing the gun community back into the right direction.
Good stream. Much needed. We need more level headed, non emotional discussions like this. Its fine to have a budget set up. Know where your at in the process and enjoy upgrading here and there.
To me any set up that isn’t* using titanium or carbon fiber is “budget”. Just because the company charges $4000 for a rifle doesn’t mean it’s worth more than 800 bucks in real value. To be a Palmetto State is 99% as good as a Daniel Defense, they’re both “budget” using the same exact materials. 😂
@Windows Pinball For the same price, I can get all of the quality control and everything all in one, including titanium and carbon fiber. Buying a Daniel defense is like buying a gaming PC made by Alienware, you would be much better served by buying the pieces yourself from the top manufacturers for every category instead of having it built for you by a company that charges you for that service. People who buy these expensive sticks that are set up by these companies are buying it for the convenience of having it, not because they want the absolute best of the best. If you want the best of the best you’re going to have to put it together yourself and it’s always like that for every industry other than maybe cell phones.
@Windows Pinball Have you ever heard of hyperbole? Ok, maybe not 99% is good let’s say 92% as good, better? My entire argument is that they are over priced and not worth the money. You actually tried to change the topic, not me. My original statement stands and your reply to it has nothing to do with my original statement anyways. The only thing you’ll get realistically different is a better barrel, everything else is 99% the same including quality control, tolerances, fit and finish, etc. Regardless of what you want to say with your 0 research. What “expanded features” do they have, I would love to hear this. Like I said, they are overpriced for what they are and I see no reason to buy them other than convenience. Watch the recent TFB episode with the Daniel Defense where he dropped it a couple times and it already started coming apart, please miss me with that “tolerances” argument. It’s literally a Palmetto State with slightly better looking furniture, a mediocre upgraded charging handle and a slightly better barrel, for 3x-4x more noty. And I say that as I’m wearing $1300 headphones right now, if it’s worth it, I will pay the price, in this scenario it is not worth it at all/total ripoff.
I actually think the budget rifle video was one of your best videos on explaining your train of thought and making u come off way less elitist. Lol I was not aware that there was a surefire light at a reasonable price. So I liked the video
Psa’s company mission statement is the best and why I would support them. Also they have really good receiver sets. I’m not a fan of the rails they sell but receiver sets are as good as any other I’ve seen. Can even get into the premium uppers which I got and had the geissele mk14 rail a F&N chf barrel and a geissele super gas block. Pretty sick.
Training and ammo. Build up your rifle/kit as you outgrow the gear. Always get the the point where your gear is a limiter and not your skill, then upgrade to meet the needs. Always good points Lucas.
Me too. People consider them budget but I really don't think so. I think the reason they're cheaper is bc the company comes from the Aerospace industry. They've been machining parts for years and can do it efficiently. They also started out supplying uppers to high end companies who def aren't budget. They just decided to get in the game themselves at one point.
Thank you, Lucas! What you are saying about our 2A rights and how we talk about it, need to be understood by all American Gun Owners. We need to push back against the anti's and we need to fight to preserve our rights, because ... repeal the NFA!
I'm actually glad to see you opening up to these budget builds/ brands... Lets see how good they actually are-- because I've found them to be pretty bomb proof once you get them up and running. 10 vs 10 ... psa vs m&p sounds awesome... There are plenty of other brands on that level though too: Bear Creek Arsenal, DiamondBack, Delton, ect.
I have a 24 inch bull barrel dpms precision ar that is awesome. My first ar before I built my more tactical one. I also have a dpms lr308 that is awesome. Dpms may have been more budget but they made great stuff before the freedom group ruined them.
Nice! I'm still running my DPMS build from 09. It's definitely not the same rifle now, but it still runs awesome. Multiple training classes and lots of rounds.
I really appreciate you spearheading a "no compromise" approach to gun ownership. We absolutely should be able to own machine guns, and any other "Military style" weapon, precisely because, as you said, we own guns to defend, and to defend means to kill more often than not. These weapons exist to combat evil, not just to hunt a deer or enjoy a day on the range, as important and relevant as those things are.
I started out with a palmetto 16” that I paid around $600 for. Bought ammo and shot a few thousand rds and got better with the platform all while saving money for a better set up. I recently got a DD Mk18 but I still plan to keep the palmetto. Cheap ARs have a place and I understand why people want them. All that matters is to actually get out there and shoot the thing.
My Ruger AR 556 was 800 and with that price I’ve been able to get accessories for it and ammo and training and it’s come out to over a thousand, and I’m very happy with it
I just bought a SA Saint Victor for $800. Glad I could get it at that price to have some wiggle room for "accessories". Especially considering the price of ammo.
I also have the Ruger AR 556 I’ve put 7000+ rounds through including cheap wolf/ Tula steel case ammo. Not a single issue once so ever. I’ve upgraded the butt stock, pistol grip 12.5 inch handguard and vortex red dot on mine just over $1000. It is my go to rifle for everything
The rugar ar556 free float version is definitely a tier above the standard budget PSA and SW rifles. No need to upgrade to a new rifle, only thing that would benefit it is a new trigger.
Took me 9 months to put my AR together. When you got a family of 5 to take care of. It’s the only way to get my expensive toys. I made a decision early on that I would rather just find exactly what I wanted instead of an already built budget option
Really like my Diamond Back DB15. For 500, it sure has taken a beating. 1000 rounds, truck gun/coyote wacker, never really cleaned just oiled sometimes. 1 malfunction using steel ammo. Pretty good for me.
I got a budget build. A Aero Precision lower and a PSA upper and fired 5k+ steel case with it and no malfunction so far. Using a Monstrum tactical marksman prism scope and it very accurate.
Budget constrained iterations is what I did. PSA build kit with a sig romeo 5 optic, a streamlight protac in a magpul universal mount, and a knock-off magpul sling. It functioned and held zero, no complaints. Then I built the upper I wanted and kept the budget accessories. Then built the lower I wanted and had a whole new rifle with the accessories carrying over. Then I started replacing the accessories first was replacing the romeo with an aimpoint, then the protac with a surefire scout, and the sling with a bfg vickers. Now I have two rifles. My gtw rifle, and my PSA range buddy I originally started out with. Feels good.
Dude I used to be one of your haters just because I had this mentality that you were a know it all, cocky kid, etc. Just want to say that was dumb and I really appreciate your content, your brand, and what you are doing for the 2A community. Keep on keeping on. Edit: Viva la Dual Wield Sidecar
@@ukaszmaj4366 and I think that's what got me. You can earn the swagger. The Trex team has and it really isn't a reason to look at them or anyone else disparagingly.
@@nedsdead1639 Everyone makes mistakes in judging other people from time to time, so it is important to be able to admit when you made a mistake, and not everyone has big enough balls to do it.
@@nedsdead1639 he has some good points do I take everything he says as the holy grail no lol, some will say he has an cocky/elitist attitude but like they say if it don’t apply let it fly. ✊🏾
I don't disagree with your initial opinion but I don't hate on him for it either. I can be a real hot-tempered, arrogant, micro managing asshole myself. We all have faults. I'm sure some really like that aspect of his personality but all that really matters to me is if you can own it. The worst is someone who acts like that and thinks they're perfect.
I'm a huge PSA fan. You have to be careful what you grab from them. I'd do a little research but if you're looking for a cheap gun that will function well and that will compete well outside of it's weight class, then I'd grab a PSA. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed.
The Mantis X system would work for an indoor range shot timer and can also give you other information from their sensors onboard. Also works for Dry fire.
You have told the truth in so many ways. If we don't have an honest and intelligent conversation with law makers about firearms, then people who don't know the issues will make the laws. This 2A or else...no conversation attitude will get our rights trampled on.
@@johnrosswilhite9532 Didn’t you know, unless you spent $4000 on a Daniel defense rifle you’re a scrub/normie/non hipster? You can only get like 43 rounds in a PSA before it completely collapses into dust.
A slept on budget rifle is the Savage MSR recon, it really is a great value for the money, a lot of features that you don't typicall find in less expensive rifles.
Thanks for making all these videos, people like you are completely necessary. Soft times make soft men, but it wont always be like that. I cant think of anything more important to be prepared for.
My first AR was a colt 6920 with front post sight and a removable carry Handle sight. It works well and I still own it. I have an FN 20” A4 and a DDM4 V11 and a BCM 16” ELW. All of the M4’s now have Aimpoint T2 sights and the 20” has a leupold 1x6. I also have a PSA premium which handles and seems to run as well as the Colt . The difference is the PSA seems to be gassed much heavier than the is the colt. Whenever I jump in the pick up I throw the colt behind the seat which is what I actually bought the PSA for, but in the end , I just trust the colt more.
First rifle after EAS was a 6920. Regret selling it a few years back, but kids will do that. I myself run a DDM4V7 now with an ACOG ACSS. I do covet those FN 15’s, I’ve been trying to snag one for awhile. Those 20” rifles can send it.
My first ar15 was a Daniel Defense, love it! Bought a BCM upper to see what they’re about and was very impressed. Now I’m testing out a $600 PSA which so far has exceeded my expectations (which were very low). I tried the “buy once, cry once” but curiosity got me, now I have 3 rifles 😬
@@cmchale79 completely agree with you even though I did it backwards. I was nervous I’d end spending too much upgrading a budget rifle that would end up costing the same as the DDM4. I really started to appreciate the DDM4 after getting a PSA but after a thousand rounds through it I know I can trust it 100%.
I was the same way. Graduated college and used the money I got in gifts and saving up to get myself a DD4 RIII outfitted with a Vortex Razor HD Gen 2 E. There are days where I wonder if I made the right decision in this being my first rifle and what if I had gone with a PSA since I don't know what I gained by going more expensive but I believe in buy once cry once.
Last summer I bought a budget AR and put budget accessories. Just ordered a geissele super duty, and have an eotech to put on ot. Excited to see the difference in quality.
Yes sir, I agree.. Variety is the spice of life! I have multiple ARs from 10.3 to 13.9 5.56 and 300blk that have everything from Ballistic Advantage, Roscoe, to FN CHF barrels with a mix of Aimpoint T2 red dots to Steiner and SIG Tango6T LPVOs. It's taken me a while to get to this point....so, you are absolutely right. It's a progression and it should be if you want to upgrade your gear to be the best you can make it. 👍 I appreciate what you do man.
This might be the best video you’ve produced. Very informative and explanatory to those who are getting into shooting with these types of firearms. Buy once, cry once. Don’t waste money and time on cheap ass kit. Do your research, start with the basics, train and scale from there. Good stuff.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment but you mentioned seeing AR15’s in Walmart. I worked in a Walmart back in 1976 in the automotive/Sporting Good dept. There was a coworker that was also in the National Guard and there was 2 Colt SP1 AR15’s we had for sale for $225! He convinced me how good they were so I purchased 1. That FOREVER ruined me to buy rifles like you’re talking about! My short story! Great videos with good info! Thank you!
32:07 nice to have my plan validated. I have the budget carbine (diamondback) with furniture, optic, sling, and light. Just got the stripped lower to start my dream carbine
Lucas is right about how he described people getting into kit and better quality firearms and training I say that 90% of people out there go thru this transition of learning but it's a fun ride getting to where u want to be
I think BCM is such a good benchmark. I wish there were 2 of 3 more competitors of their caliber. Their upper receiver, handguard (kmr/mcmr), and bcg are exceptionally good. You can skimp on most other parts and the $800-$900 rifle seems to be my favorite price range. The IPSC shot timer app works every time, 60% of the time.
I've started with a local builder called SGI, then bought an Anderson Lower (the real poverty pony), then I got a Spikes tactical, then Aero so I have a pretty good familiarization with several different manufactures and I can tell you there are differences. They may be more or less important but knowing the manual of arms for your weapon and being skilled with it is more important than what manufacturer you have. I can outshoot anybody using a BCM, Knights, Radeon, etc with my Anderson if they never get out there and shoot.
Maybe you're already aware, but School of the American Rifle makes some great content about the very specific manufacturing differences that in his rather vast experience leads to higher reliability. I thought I knew a bit about manufacturing coming from a manufacturing engineering and machining background and then I found SOTAR's channel. In any case I think his content and results are interesting context in the "how do you empirically measure the difference between budget vs. gucci guns?"
I have a M&P Sport 2 lower, Daniel Defense M4 V7 upper, RISE armament drop-in trigger, magpul stock, Holosun 507C-GR X2, 3x magnifier. The upper is where the explosions happen. I feel I have solid rifle.
My experience with PSA was QC was all over the place. My experience with S&W was their budget stuff is solid if lacking performance its reliable for the price.
PSA always makes it right from what I’ve experienced. It should be right the first time, but they do stand by their stuff. I use their lowers all the time and have never had issues.
I built my rifle 6 years ago. Anderson lower, aero upper, faxon 14.5 barrel, aero lower parts, full bcg from palmeto but with upgraded internals, dd irons and a primary arms with etched acss reticle, vg6 gamma comp with a flash car
Colt OEMs are $750 and complete BCMs are under $1300 and those are likely the way to go. The expense of the rifle will be forgotten by the 2nd case of ammo.
I'm glad to see someone finally talking about budget options. I feel like people shame anything that isn't BCM, DD, geiselle, etc. but the truth is there are decent options for less that can be reliable, but it's too hard to find what is and isn't good because nobody talks about the budget options My currently rifle is a PSA lower with a aero/BA upper. I'm still planning to upgrade to a BCM rifle in the future.
I got my Geissele 14.5 Super Duty upper for $840 on black Friday. Was actually cheaper then a BCM upper lol. U can get the real Gucci shit for a lot less than you think if you are patient and watch sales.
I thought i did my first build very strategically. Got an assembled PSA lower with the magpul polys and (slightly) upgraded trigger. Then, I purchased an upper-mid-end upper build kit with NiB bcg and a decent gas/barrel setup on sale for a very attractive price. Saved my money for nice Optics and a timney trigger, and once the accessories really outpaced the platform, i began acquiring pieces as my budget allowed to finally swap the upper and kit to a muy picante 300bo. Purchased a stripped lower, and now my original rifle is my cheap-to-fire guest gun and testing platform. Took about a year and a half, but now i have one bad boi and a second reliable yet budget friendly rifle
My original M&P has approx 7.5K thru it with no malfunctions. The rifle with a three prong muzzle device, upgraded spring and buffer, and Geissele trigger shoots way above its price range like a whole new gun
My first rifle was built out of an ATI lower, a upper assembly by Head Down Arms. I was a broke cook in college and a guy I work with connected me with his brother who is an FFL. He sold it to me for $450 new in 2010, which was pretty unheard of in 2010. I put 3000 rds of steel case through it and fair amount of brass before I started building my own rifles. I own several AR that cost 2-3 times as much to build, but I still enjoy shooting my ATI junk rifle. Everyone should own a rifle they don't mind running hard.
450 is crazy cheap for back then. I built mine in college too but i spent a year peicing it together waiting for sales. I used my tax return money and what I was able to save working retail. I ended with a set of aero recievers, BCM ion bonded bolt, aero handgaurd, 16 inch faxon barrel, rise armament HTP trigger, a vortex strike eagle on an aero mount and an offset holosun 407k, BCM gunfighter stock, pistol grip, and vfg for around 1300$ I've never been able to justify upgrading anything and it still runs great so I'm pretty happy with it.
The ChiCom rigs Trex arms used to plan out the Ready Rig is actually a useful piece of kit providing you can’t afford to get a newer set of gear. The type 56 chest rig can carry 6 AR magazines. If you put medical or foam in the base of the pouches they won’t swallow the mags so you can access the mags.
My first center fire rifle was a Mosin, after a while I upgraded to a Tavor with a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 with a green triangle, the glass on that scope is really amazing, and a ADM mount. The whole setup wasn't cheap, but it's been more than 10 years since I bought it and no regrets, and it's still all good. Buy once cry once. Shortly after I got into 3 gun, I learned a lot and I'm still learning. I have a shot timer too and it is definitely useful, what I found useful too is to have someone record me as I go through each stage so I can view it later to see what I did right or wrong and see what I can change to improve. I'm fairly crafty at sewing so I've been making my own gear, plate carrier, battle belt, pouches, a lot of stuff. The ability to make your own stuff is a great way to save money, you can then take that saved money and spend it on ammo for more training.
It is a progression. Buy the best you can get as you can afford it. Everyone who shoots has gear they bought that they never use or just didnt like. Buyers regret lol. You get what you pay for absolutely and you appreciate the craftsmanship when you hold it and use it. This is why it's good to have buddies who also shoot so you can try different things.
@@anonymous-go1tq I think he just wanted to say that Lukas also mentioned eotech, but if you ask me, I will say that probably only the battery life could be better.
In 2007 I put together a 11.5" DoubleStar because so many people said it was a crap gun. YHM free float forearm and YHM phantom can. CMMG 2-stage trigger but the rest of the LPK was from DoubleStar. DS BCG, barrel, mil receiver tube, buffer. I put over 10,000 through it with out a hickup. Mostly 55g PMC Bronze. I oil it, but rarely clean it. It still shoots under 4" at 200 yards.
Guns in poor areas of the world are cleaned with diesel and a rag and oiled with used motor oil. They almost never break because they’re constantly oiled.
On all the facebook groups, I always see the same posts -- "I just bought (insert cheap budget rifle) and I plan on upgrading xyz." And my response is usually "why buy something cheap if you know you're going to replace half the parts with something better? Why not just buy something that's already better?"
704 tactical took an psa through one hell of a torture test. Haven't seen one super high end rifle torture tested to that level. Looked all over for reviews
Main reason I stand behind mine. It's not pretty but it's reliable enough for me and I shoot more than most people. I put my money towards training and ammunition. I've shot DDM4s and can't tell the difference.
No 556 has been tested more than Colt M4 . In 2006 I bought my first 6920 . I did not buy any other manufacturer until 2012 when I bought BCM EAG Tactical Carbine . In 2013 I bought LMT MRP. LMT , Centurion , BCM and TDP Colts / Colt Canada are my absolute favorites. Also I bought 2 Colt M4A1 Roll Mark Carbinea from Walmart right before they stopped selling them . Paid 650 for each one . Hell of a deal .. I still think BCM Upper with Aero lower is gold standard for most people .
@@TREXARMS Thats the second thing i learned. Everyone is an expert. all are super operators with Sport 2's making hits at 1000 yards with NCstar red dots.
@@spacecaesar7619 arg is full of furrys and degenerates who don’t actually shoot they just take pictures and post on the inter webs. Usually the same pics recycled over and over
There’s something to be said about affordable rifles like this. That being said most people can afford high end expensive rifles, they just need to be willing to take a few extra months to save up for them. Lots of people say they can’t afford a Daniel, POF, LWRC, or something along those lines but then you see them buying a new $500- $800 rifle (pre-COVID) every other month🤷🏻♂️ But hey, this is America where you can do what you want. Excellent points made in this video.
"Politics is downstream of culture." Andrew Breitbart For too many generations the gun community has let too many outside voices speak for what the actual purpose of owning these types of firearms is, that is the defense of one's home, community, and country.
ALG is Gieselle's sister company. The 3 letters are his wife's initials. It's a budget, SSA basically according to Bill. If I recall correctly it's thr same metal but the lack of fine polishing and a few other things is what makes ALG cheaper. Just for anyone that doesn't know.
I think its been impossible to defend the NRA post Charlton Hesston. "From my cold dead hands" was powerful and really enumerated the function of the what the NRA should aspire for even if it wasn't.
First AR was a Delton. Was a quote budget rifle. Thing is an absolute beast. Still runs like a sewing machine and will eat whatever crappy ammo you throw at it.
@@robertdole5391 do you even know what makes one rifle "inferior" or "superior" to another? by what metrics are you judging if one is better? the price? the brand?
My first purchase of a firearm was a CZ 75 BD 9MM. My second firearm purchase was a SOLGW (Sons of Liberty Gun Works) 16" MILSPEC furniture FSB LFT Loyal 9. So far I have purchased Magpul R44 hard case, MS-1 padded sling, poly bipod, MOE MLOK handguard, and AFG. I got ammo for both guns. I am looking for light and optic for the rifle in the near future. I appreciate your videos immensely as a new shooter. Not really completely new but I have not really messed with firearms a whole lot since I got out of the Army back in 1999. I shot competitively in high school in JROTC and was expert marksman while on active duty. I love to shoot. I live in NE Georgia and am looking to become a part of the local shooting community if there is one. Have not discovered it as of yet.
Genuine question, if you have a more tricked out M&P or Aero and it has run great over thousands of rounds, what would the purpose be of looking to “upgrade” be? If it has everything you need (Eotech, surefire, etc), why does the base rifle need to be upgraded if it works?
a quick story that hits this point... I enjoy shooting 3D archery and there's a guy who shoots regularly with a pawn shop bow and hand me downs gear. He constantly finishes top 5 and has won multiple matches because he trains daily. He consistently beats Gucci guys with 10k setups with total investment of $550... He's a very humble guy and absolutely enjoys competition. He volunteered to help maintain the grounds and set up basic targets to pay for his membership and some entry fees. Training trumps dollars
@@joeybravo6172 haha if you mean Bill Geissele, yes I do..or rather I would. I've got a BCM addiction tbo, and my spouse hates me. Lol. Been wanting to drop some Geissele triggers in there for a minute, but man..they expensive. I bought some of those braided spring and buffer combos I found on sale, but I've yet to try them out.
Yeah your right about PSA. My budget build is a kit from PSA. Carbine length 16” FN CHF fixed sight barrel, magpul m-lock hand guard, PSA premium nickel BCG, Midwest low pro flip up sight with the trusty Aimpoint Pro. Pretty much setup like your M&P sport 2. Luckily I bought it all before COVID so it was cheaper to put together than it is now. I was in car sells until COVID. Had to quit and am now back in school. Unfortunately I had to sell a lot of my guns. But kept the PSA kit AR, and a few others. Of course a main pistol being one, a glock 19. I believe there is a point where budget and quality overlap. It may not be the absolute best, but I think you can have budget and quality if you can spend just a little bit more cash.
I bought first gun last fall. A Glock 19. I recently traded it for a Teurus G2c and a bear river arsenal (I think that's the name) 7.5" barrel rifle. It was small and cute. But very powerful, fits me good. It shoots 7.62 something and has a 1-6x scope. Was this good deal? I shoot 140 yard at steel plate and hit it every time yesterday. I was very proud. 🥳🎉😱
@@ped200014 you might have gotten a good one but Taurus is regarded as trash. Poor machining must of the ones friends have had jam like crazy. Parts can be hard to find.
@@ped200014 from the ones I've seen. I wouldnt buy one. But milage may very and if you got a good one more power to you. For a little more you could get a Springfield XD or a palmetto state dagger.
Most reputable "budget" rifles will be fine for 99% of people out there. If you want to spend thousands of dollars on a rifle to shoot at paper targets more power to you. Most people who buy AR's will never shoot enough to wear out the barrel anyway. At the distances most people will use their AR for defensive purposes a "budget" AR will be plenty accurate. I'm not saying a "budget" rifle is as good as a "rich" rifle. I'm just saying these "budget" rifles will do fine for almost anyone.
I agree. all I take away from what he's saying is I can't actually afford to actually be "prepared" with a rifle and gear to his standards..... if you say what I have is junk, well I can't afford any more so I guess I'm just not ready that's kinda the end of it. I drive cars that cost less then even that budget rifle, when they have problems I fix them myself and save money, why should guns be any different?
@@FingerstoFight because when a car breaks down you have the ability to pull over, call for help or fix it yourself, etc (barring a catastrophic malfunction). In a gunfight not so much
@@joshuakang4507 and yet gun fights often involve our cars. Infact I would only engage in a gun fight IF I couldn't just get in my car and drive away from the situation. And still, just saying my psa is junk doesn't mean I have more money to spend on this stuff, for a lot of people it's just like okay I can't afford to be prepared.....
@@FingerstoFight For me it has nothing to do with afford. I can afford a "rich" rifle. I just choose to buy a budget rifle. My Del-Ton is a tack driver out to 100 yards. I've never tested it past that and probably will never need to. It's gone bang every time I've pulled the trigger and guarantee it will if I need it in an emergency. I'm not going onto the battlefield with it just like 99.9% of people who own AR's won't either. Just because something is more expensive doesn't make it bomb proof. I guarantee there are plenty of people on here with their BCM ,Daniel Defense, Wilson Combat, etc. who have had issues with their rifles. It's like people who think more expensive bourbon tastes better, it doesn't.
I went half way, my first AR is a Springfield Saint Victor. I've been slowly up grading, but I started with iron sights that came pre installed. After I was satisfied, I installed my Trijicon MRO but I was not happy without magnification. Thought about my options and decided on LPVO from AT3 1-4x. I am happy with it. I love the bullet drop reticle. I'm using my Olight warrior with a pressure switch. But the best money spent was on 1,000 rounds of green tips... and hearing protection.😂 Much like motorcycle racing, somethings work and others don't... for me. Thanks brotha Begin edit: I grew not so happy with my 1-4x so I now use a 1-6x. I'm 2x more happy than I ever was B4 😂👍
@@TREXARMS so as far as barrels on say a fnh carbine vs sport 2 obviously fnh has a premium barrel but if your heating the gun up shooting back to back is their weaknesses in the sport 2?
watching every single video from most recent to now. although your channel did not “get me into guns” it defiantly motivated me to improve more and more everyday through either dry fire training or live range training. i’d love to have a convo with someone on your side to maybe stream cod while sponsoring your company.
I’ve heard Townhall Media discuss a similar sentiment towards ‘sporting’ nomenclature… I like where this is heading for us. Don’t hide. Be what you are. Yes, the NRA is done. They quit supporting the 2nd a long time ago. “Negotiating Rights Away”
Buy a "starter" rifle -> put budget red dot, sling and light on it -> buy extra mags and ammo. Shoot it until something breaks -> replace what's broken -> keep shooting -> take a class, buy chest rig or plate carrier -> take a medical class -> upgrade your red dot and light -> Upgrade to a better rifle.
By about 8-10k rounds you have extracted most of the value out of your starter rifle. Sell it, rebuild it, or keep it for a range toy. I rebuilt mine to be a buddy rifle with loaner kit. I replaced the barrel, bcg, gas block and tube, handguard, spring and buffer. Budget red dot, light and sling are all still on it.
Some shooters won't shoot 10k rounds in a lifetime, for others that is 6 to 9 months. Your needs, budget, and willingness to train are going to decide what you will do. I would trust a shooter with a budget rifle and a bunch of training more that some one with a HK MR556 that leaves the safe once a year.
Very well said Ac Avila.
Allow me to add because I'm one of those who won't be shooting that much or taking a heap of classes.
Additionally, just because I don't have $4k, or even $2K invested into a name brand carbine with Gucci accoutrements, doesn't mean I suck. My wife is very gracious about my hobby spending, but we also have 2 children, one of whom we're helping with rent/college and the other just starting out in a new marriage and home repairs. As a result, my funding gets to be spread around. I've been on a number of forums (esp one in particular) where the prevailing mindset seems to be this: If you don't have name brand this, or God forbiD, that BRAND part, your stuff is sub-par. Additionally, they wouldn't be caught dead with _____ brand because it simply would NOT survive a "serious" conflict.
WTH? EXCEPT for those who serve, or have served and done war, when's the last time any average range jockey or class monkey been in an actual armed conflict? (spoiler alert: NONE)
This sucks because instead of being INCLUSIVE, the conversation seems to start, then quickly end, with someone's kit. I've lived through this idiocy as a cyclist and it sucks!! Instead of snobbery, how about we focus on helping them to become better cyclists or shooters (or cyclists that shoot lol) with what they have- NCStar Red dot on a totally non-name brand rifle with their funky chest rig... WHO CARES? Welcome them! Let's shoot and get good together. Eventually, as people get more involved and learn, they'll upgrade because they learn stuff they weren't aware of because they were honestly ignorant at the beginning. We've ALL been there, and I'm still learning. Until then, why make shooters with "low budget" kit feel like 2nd class? THAT is what sucks!
Want better shooters? Be better people.
underrated comment.
Perfect comment. Im actually suprised this isn't the advised route, I bought a PSA while in college and have replaced BCG, gas block, and I'm getting ready to replace the barrel.
I understand ppl want you to spend 1200+ on a rifle but you for sure can get started on a budget and eventually upgrade parts especially if you get into gunsmithing a bit
@@Peytonwitt it should be advised but as I said in my comment, there's this sometimes less than subtle condescension about "low budget" equipment or kit. I think this can be a deterrent for some new shooters because they don't feel they're part of the "club."
@@tcarr1 yawn....shit kit is shit kit. Your ncstar will fail you if things ever get tough. Yes we all have budget constraints, save longer and buy better. Wanna be a better shooter? Buy gear that is reliable and practice more.
You gave some very true remarks about changing the culture around firearms. People need to know why we really need the 2nd amendment and why we need rifles like the AR15. At the end of the day I own an Ar15 for my own protection, not for sport.
@@anonymous-go1tq I have shot handguns and ARs, I enjoy both, but definitely enjoy shooting ARs a little bit more because of how easy it is to managed recoil, plus you can push the distances out to longer ranges.
I agree but add my thought - I own weapons for home/family protection & I love to shoot for sport/fun 👍👍
I really wanna know his point of view for things like concealed carry insurance, and his view on ammo selection for carry. If it’s worth going budget or Gucci with hollow points. What be carries and things like that. We’re not far off before almost everyone feels compelled to have some sort of coverage with all these new laws coming out and they might outlaw hollow points in the future
Absolutely. And there was a time when I found myself playing it down because I felt people were "scared" of the AR. For instance the "it's not an assault rifle" speech. But then at a certain point I realized people didn't understand that it IS virtually the same thing the military uses aside from auto/burst. But even THAT idea makes people uncomfortable.
The 2A's importance is centered around that: The govt should not have a monopoly on force because we are a free society. Without the same means we are peasants, and there is no longer any reason to be accountable to us. Even with the 2nd they are HARDLY accountable to us, and if our ancestors saw the relationship we have with the govt they would weep at the loss we have allowed to transpire. Especially this year and the last...
@@drownthepoor Your words are very true good sir. Generally speaking, people outside of the 2A community are afraid of the AR15 and just want to see it gone. Probably due to the abhorrent media coverage of the rifle. The media wouldn't have near the power over the 2A narrative if people were just more educated bought guns. Also, I agree with you on out current relationship with the government being terrible. Hardly anyone has faith in our own institutions and the political elite have managed to hold a monopoly on power and have separated themselves from the common American people. It's so obvious they work only to enrich and empower themselves. People on the left and the right should be outraged at any expansion of power the government tries to legislate or enforce under the guides of promising safety. There're only a few politicians I genuinely believe represent the voice of the people who elected them.
Palmetto State Armory is a great company and the reason why I got into guns because I could actually afford it. If it brings more people to the gun community then it’s doing something right.
The day when FPC becomes larger then the NRA will be a great day for Patriots.
Than*
Ad much as the people behind the NRA are corrupt. The organization does do alot for funding shoots for kids and young adults growing up trying to get into shooting sports. Being one of those kids that has seen thousands of dollars sponsored for our local 4-H over my years in 4-H shooting sports. They make sure kids have the ammo to shoot and the guns to be able to shoot if they don't have one.
I'm not saying the FPC is worthless, but they are focusing on legal things as far as I know. Yes they are smaller so they can't put money towards as many things. I get your point, but the NRA is more than the people who run it. Just like this country is.
@@benjaminpierce911 qqoo
@@benjaminpierce911 like the govt, they dole out just enough to keep people coming back. They’re carrot danglers. But I don’t think time is best spent being pro or anti NRA. They’re the Catholic Church of firearms. They aren’t going anywhere and they’re the go-to when an uninitiated person or media group comes to a gun group even though they don’t represent the grand majority of us. It could be argued that’s by design, but then we get into a slippery slope of conspiracies.
@@benjaminpierce911 Very well said! 👍
The militia act of 1792 basically said that everyone is in the militia and you not only had to supply your own weapons and ammunition but also support equipment.
Our government just supplied a foreign country with support weapons, why not us lol
@@zachconant7031 No, they supplied a terrorist regime with weapons, armor packages ,ordnance and top of the line recon tech. at tax payers expense.
Its a realy hard piece to read thats what it is... fuck that paper, common sence should be enough to lock and load
@@juansimon5802 No they weren't given to the Taliban. They were given to the Afghanistan military, which was completely taken from them (also their country) by force from the Taliban. Whether you think that was us basically giving it to the Taliban is up to you, but at that point it's just semantics.
@@e6tragic no we left it at Bagram and didn't tell the ana we were leaving giving them the time to get it!!
I build a mk18 off my Springfield saint platform. Replaced practically everything inside and out with Daniel Defense except the receivers, and the community still told me it was trash because it wasn’t a real DD MK18. But after I saw a video Lucas did,
I realized he build his off Aero receivers. And that just made me feel better about life.
any of those saint parts for sale?
Don't feel bad man. I built one out off of a PSA upper and Anderson lower. Like you, I replaced damn near everything and still get shit about it haha
Well a DD “mk18” isn’t even a real mk18 🤷🏻♂️
I built my mk18 with a Aero upper DD 10.3 barrel and a M&M lower lol
I used a colt barrel on mine that I turned down to 11.5 and re threaded. That's the only "custom" thing tho
“ if you don’t like our product we don’t care” I love it! Stay true to who you guys are.
I am glad to see Lucas make these past two videos. People listen when he talks and this topic needed to be discussed by someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight.
He has a dog in the fight. He makes and markets products.
Unfortunately he points his rifle at his students when he teaches classes too. Then defends it in instagram comments saying safety on the range isn't important. This kid doesn't know shit.
@@joeaardvark9214 then you make a video doing it better otherwise stfu at least he’s trying
@@Swishersweetcigarilo he markets products but nothing in this video is about marketing. This is just knowledge from experience.
@@southernviking3113 He has no real life tactical experience whatsoever.
The coke can to competitive shooter was exactly how it went for me. I shoot for psa now… 🤣 hope I run into you again at memorial 3 gun. For anyone wondering Lucas is taller in person than on camera. Thanks for pushing the gun community back into the right direction.
Is he more girthy than he looks in person?
How tall is he?
@Alex Snipz With a 3 inches tall Adam's apple.
Wait..
So did Lucas completely dominate you on the range? 😌
@Alex Snipz I can only one day wish to be as talented and remarkable as Lucas.
Good stream. Much needed. We need more level headed, non emotional discussions like this. Its fine to have a budget set up. Know where your at in the process and enjoy upgrading here and there.
To me any set up that isn’t* using titanium or carbon fiber is “budget”. Just because the company charges $4000 for a rifle doesn’t mean it’s worth more than 800 bucks in real value. To be a Palmetto State is 99% as good as a Daniel Defense, they’re both “budget” using the same exact materials. 😂
@Windows Pinball For the same price, I can get all of the quality control and everything all in one, including titanium and carbon fiber. Buying a Daniel defense is like buying a gaming PC made by Alienware, you would be much better served by buying the pieces yourself from the top manufacturers for every category instead of having it built for you by a company that charges you for that service.
People who buy these expensive sticks that are set up by these companies are buying it for the convenience of having it, not because they want the absolute best of the best. If you want the best of the best you’re going to have to put it together yourself and it’s always like that for every industry other than maybe cell phones.
@Windows Pinball Have you ever heard of hyperbole? Ok, maybe not 99% is good let’s say 92% as good, better? My entire argument is that they are over priced and not worth the money. You actually tried to change the topic, not me.
My original statement stands and your reply to it has nothing to do with my original statement anyways. The only thing you’ll get realistically different is a better barrel, everything else is 99% the same including quality control, tolerances, fit and finish, etc. Regardless of what you want to say with your 0 research. What “expanded features” do they have, I would love to hear this.
Like I said, they are overpriced for what they are and I see no reason to buy them other than convenience. Watch the recent TFB episode with the Daniel Defense where he dropped it a couple times and it already started coming apart, please miss me with that “tolerances” argument.
It’s literally a Palmetto State with slightly better looking furniture, a mediocre upgraded charging handle and a slightly better barrel, for 3x-4x more noty. And I say that as I’m wearing $1300 headphones right now, if it’s worth it, I will pay the price, in this scenario it is not worth it at all/total ripoff.
@@MobileAura not really but not that bad
WTF thought was a very different video Rick VS Poor AR 15
God bless T.Rex Arms for everything they do for our great country!
I actually think the budget rifle video was one of your best videos on explaining your train of thought and making u come off way less elitist. Lol I was not aware that there was a surefire light at a reasonable price. So I liked the video
Lucas is full of good tips, so I wouldn’t take his tone as “ego” or label him an “elitist”. He’s just to the point
Psa’s company mission statement is the best and why I would support them. Also they have really good receiver sets. I’m not a fan of the rails they sell but receiver sets are as good as any other I’ve seen. Can even get into the premium uppers which I got and had the geissele mk14 rail a F&N chf barrel and a geissele super gas block. Pretty sick.
Man I wish you would bring these back. They’re so informative and just amazing
Training and ammo. Build up your rifle/kit as you outgrow the gear. Always get the the point where your gear is a limiter and not your skill, then upgrade to meet the needs. Always good points Lucas.
Well said
The difference in cost between a PSA and a SR-15 is only around 4-5000 rounds currently.
I love my Aero Precision M4E1 build so far. I think they're a solid company to go with.
Im getting one as soon as i can, have been waiting for them to come back in stock for a bit.
@@Extremekhan24 keep checking here in there. Several times a day. Between 8-4. They restock here n there. Gotta be quick though.
Me too. People consider them budget but I really don't think so. I think the reason they're cheaper is bc the company comes from the Aerospace industry. They've been machining parts for years and can do it efficiently. They also started out supplying uppers to high end companies who def aren't budget. They just decided to get in the game themselves at one point.
@@Extremekhan24 complete upper and complete lowers sold separately is the only way to go.
@@drewb8345 then you have to add bcg and chsrging handle so its the same price and you cant buy it until 21
Thank you, Lucas! What you are saying about our 2A rights and how we talk about it, need to be understood by all American Gun Owners. We need to push back against the anti's and we need to fight to preserve our rights, because ... repeal the NFA!
I'm actually glad to see you opening up to these budget builds/ brands... Lets see how good they actually are-- because I've found them to be pretty bomb proof once you get them up and running. 10 vs 10 ... psa vs m&p sounds awesome... There are plenty of other brands on that level though too: Bear Creek Arsenal, DiamondBack, Delton, ect.
My first Ar was a DPMS. I learned so much with that rifle.
"Hello, my name is Eric."
Group: "hi eric!"
"I also owned a DPMS"
Group: (applauds)
Same! St Cloud, Minnesota! I still have the lower, because it works, and I've since upgraded everything else.
I have a 24 inch bull barrel dpms precision ar that is awesome. My first ar before I built my more tactical one. I also have a dpms lr308 that is awesome.
Dpms may have been more budget but they made great stuff before the freedom group ruined them.
Nice! I'm still running my DPMS build from 09. It's definitely not the same rifle now, but it still runs awesome. Multiple training classes and lots of rounds.
I really appreciate you spearheading a "no compromise" approach to gun ownership. We absolutely should be able to own machine guns, and any other "Military style" weapon, precisely because, as you said, we own guns to defend, and to defend means to kill more often than not. These weapons exist to combat evil, not just to hunt a deer or enjoy a day on the range, as important and relevant as those things are.
I started out with a palmetto 16” that I paid around $600 for. Bought ammo and shot a few thousand rds and got better with the platform all while saving money for a better set up. I recently got a DD Mk18 but I still plan to keep the palmetto. Cheap ARs have a place and I understand why people want them. All that matters is to actually get out there and shoot the thing.
100%
My Ruger AR 556 was 800 and with that price I’ve been able to get accessories for it and ammo and training and it’s come out to over a thousand, and I’m very happy with it
I just bought a SA Saint Victor for $800. Glad I could get it at that price to have some wiggle room for "accessories". Especially considering the price of ammo.
I also have the Ruger AR 556 I’ve put 7000+ rounds through including cheap wolf/ Tula steel case ammo. Not a single issue once so ever. I’ve upgraded the butt stock, pistol grip 12.5 inch handguard and vortex red dot on mine just over $1000. It is my go to rifle for everything
The rugar ar556 free float version is definitely a tier above the standard budget PSA and SW rifles. No need to upgrade to a new rifle, only thing that would benefit it is a new trigger.
I have learned more from this young man than I could have ever imagined.
NRA, budget builds, branding... I'm sure I've failed to mention a few.
Same
Took me 9 months to put my AR together. When you got a family of 5 to take care of. It’s the only way to get my expensive toys. I made a decision early on that I would rather just find exactly what I wanted instead of an already built budget option
Have* a family of 5
Good job protecting your family
Really like my Diamond Back DB15. For 500, it sure has taken a beating. 1000 rounds, truck gun/coyote wacker, never really cleaned just oiled sometimes. 1 malfunction using steel ammo. Pretty good for me.
I got a budget build. A Aero Precision lower and a PSA upper and fired 5k+ steel case with it and no malfunction so far. Using a Monstrum tactical marksman prism scope and it very accurate.
Budget constrained iterations is what I did.
PSA build kit with a sig romeo 5 optic, a streamlight protac in a magpul universal mount, and a knock-off magpul sling. It functioned and held zero, no complaints.
Then I built the upper I wanted and kept the budget accessories.
Then built the lower I wanted and had a whole new rifle with the accessories carrying over.
Then I started replacing the accessories first was replacing the romeo with an aimpoint, then the protac with a surefire scout, and the sling with a bfg vickers.
Now I have two rifles. My gtw rifle, and my PSA range buddy I originally started out with. Feels good.
Dude I used to be one of your haters just because I had this mentality that you were a know it all, cocky kid, etc. Just want to say that was dumb and I really appreciate your content, your brand, and what you are doing for the 2A community. Keep on keeping on. Edit: Viva la Dual Wield Sidecar
Because he is cocky, and he knows a lot, that's why I like him.
@@ukaszmaj4366 and I think that's what got me. You can earn the swagger. The Trex team has and it really isn't a reason to look at them or anyone else disparagingly.
@@nedsdead1639 Everyone makes mistakes in judging other people from time to time, so it is important to be able to admit when you made a mistake, and not everyone has big enough balls to do it.
@@nedsdead1639 he has some good points do I take everything he says as the holy grail no lol, some will say he has an cocky/elitist attitude but like they say if it don’t apply let it fly. ✊🏾
I don't disagree with your initial opinion but I don't hate on him for it either. I can be a real hot-tempered, arrogant, micro managing asshole myself. We all have faults. I'm sure some really like that aspect of his personality but all that really matters to me is if you can own it. The worst is someone who acts like that and thinks they're perfect.
I'm a huge PSA fan. You have to be careful what you grab from them. I'd do a little research but if you're looking for a cheap gun that will function well and that will compete well outside of it's weight class, then I'd grab a PSA. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed.
They are excellent guns in my experience. (Ar-15 and Dagger compact)
The Mantis X system would work for an indoor range shot timer and can also give you other information from their sensors onboard. Also works for Dry fire.
You have told the truth in so many ways. If we don't have an honest and intelligent conversation with law makers about firearms, then people who don't know the issues will make the laws. This 2A or else...no conversation attitude will get our rights trampled on.
Lucas, I have a PSA that has over 9000 rounds on it. I live close to you, I’d be glad you let you use/test it in your budget build video.
Everyone always has some rifle they claim has some spectacular round count
@@ViktoriousDead what’s the point of this comment? 9000 is a good bit but I wouldn’t say spectacular, any budget AR could make 9k easy
@@johnrosswilhite9532 Didn’t you know, unless you spent $4000 on a Daniel defense rifle you’re a scrub/normie/non hipster? You can only get like 43 rounds in a PSA before it completely collapses into dust.
@@johnrosswilhite9532 Not necessarily true.
The lighting on these videos is awesome.
A slept on budget rifle is the Savage MSR recon, it really is a great value for the money, a lot of features that you don't typicall find in less expensive rifles.
Thanks for making all these videos, people like you are completely necessary. Soft times make soft men, but it wont always be like that. I cant think of anything more important to be prepared for.
SOTAR would be a good partnership for that. Learned a ton from that channel.
My first AR was a colt 6920 with front post sight and a removable carry Handle sight. It works well and I still own it. I have an FN 20” A4 and a DDM4 V11 and a BCM 16” ELW. All of the M4’s now have Aimpoint T2 sights and the 20” has a leupold 1x6. I also have a PSA premium which handles and seems to run as well as the Colt . The difference is the PSA seems to be gassed much heavier than the is the colt. Whenever I jump in the pick up I throw the colt behind the seat which is what I actually bought the PSA for, but in the end , I just trust the colt more.
First rifle after EAS was a 6920. Regret selling it a few years back, but kids will do that. I myself run a DDM4V7 now with an ACOG ACSS. I do covet those FN 15’s, I’ve been trying to snag one for awhile. Those 20” rifles can send it.
My first ar15 was a Daniel Defense, love it! Bought a BCM upper to see what they’re about and was very impressed.
Now I’m testing out a $600 PSA which so far has exceeded my expectations (which were very low). I tried the “buy once, cry once” but curiosity got me, now I have 3 rifles 😬
Its fine to buy PSA budget rifles, after you already have a GOOD rifle lol
I'd rather be armed with a PSA then unarmed while saving up for a GOOD rifle
@@cmchale79 completely agree with you even though I did it backwards. I was nervous I’d end spending too much upgrading a budget rifle that would end up costing the same as the DDM4.
I really started to appreciate the DDM4 after getting a PSA but after a thousand rounds through it I know I can trust it 100%.
I was the same way. Graduated college and used the money I got in gifts and saving up to get myself a DD4 RIII outfitted with a Vortex Razor HD Gen 2 E. There are days where I wonder if I made the right decision in this being my first rifle and what if I had gone with a PSA since I don't know what I gained by going more expensive but I believe in buy once cry once.
Bro I was in love with Chris Costa's LaRue for years. That thing was a work of art
Last summer I bought a budget AR and put budget accessories. Just ordered a geissele super duty, and have an eotech to put on ot. Excited to see the difference in quality.
Yes sir, I agree.. Variety is the spice of life! I have multiple ARs from 10.3 to 13.9 5.56 and 300blk that have everything from Ballistic Advantage, Roscoe, to FN CHF barrels with a mix of Aimpoint T2 red dots to Steiner and SIG Tango6T LPVOs. It's taken me a while to get to this point....so, you are absolutely right. It's a progression and it should be if you want to upgrade your gear to be the best you can make it. 👍 I appreciate what you do man.
This might be the best video you’ve produced. Very informative and explanatory to those who are getting into shooting with these types of firearms.
Buy once, cry once. Don’t waste money and time on cheap ass kit. Do your research, start with the basics, train and scale from there.
Good stuff.
I used to not buy into that and now I'm left with a safe full of junk that I have no desire to use. Harsh words, but good advice.
I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment but you mentioned seeing AR15’s in Walmart. I worked in a Walmart back in 1976 in the automotive/Sporting Good dept. There was a coworker that was also in the National Guard and there was 2 Colt SP1 AR15’s we had for sale for $225! He convinced me how good they were so I purchased 1. That FOREVER ruined me to buy rifles like you’re talking about!
My short story! Great videos with good info!
Thank you!
32:07 nice to have my plan validated. I have the budget carbine (diamondback) with furniture, optic, sling, and light. Just got the stripped lower to start my dream carbine
Lucas is right about how he described people getting into kit and better quality firearms and training I say that 90% of people out there go thru this transition of learning but it's a fun ride getting to where u want to be
I think BCM is such a good benchmark. I wish there were 2 of 3 more competitors of their caliber. Their upper receiver, handguard (kmr/mcmr), and bcg are exceptionally good. You can skimp on most other parts and the $800-$900 rifle seems to be my favorite price range.
The IPSC shot timer app works every time, 60% of the time.
I've started with a local builder called SGI, then bought an Anderson Lower (the real poverty pony), then I got a Spikes tactical, then Aero so I have a pretty good familiarization with several different manufactures and I can tell you there are differences. They may be more or less important but knowing the manual of arms for your weapon and being skilled with it is more important than what manufacturer you have. I can outshoot anybody using a BCM, Knights, Radeon, etc with my Anderson if they never get out there and shoot.
Maybe you're already aware, but School of the American Rifle makes some great content about the very specific manufacturing differences that in his rather vast experience leads to higher reliability. I thought I knew a bit about manufacturing coming from a manufacturing engineering and machining background and then I found SOTAR's channel. In any case I think his content and results are interesting context in the "how do you empirically measure the difference between budget vs. gucci guns?"
SOTAR is the way.
I have a M&P Sport 2 lower, Daniel Defense M4 V7 upper, RISE armament drop-in trigger, magpul stock, Holosun 507C-GR X2, 3x magnifier. The upper is where the explosions happen. I feel I have solid rifle.
Honestly man I'd recommend avoiding drop in trigger kits, a $40 schmid and some decent anti walk pins will outshine most
My experience with PSA was QC was all over the place. My experience with S&W was their budget stuff is solid if lacking performance its reliable for the price.
PSA always makes it right from what I’ve experienced. It should be right the first time, but they do stand by their stuff. I use their lowers all the time and have never had issues.
I built my rifle 6 years ago. Anderson lower, aero upper, faxon 14.5 barrel, aero lower parts, full bcg from palmeto but with upgraded internals, dd irons and a primary arms with etched acss reticle, vg6 gamma comp with a flash car
Colt OEMs are $750 and complete BCMs are under $1300 and those are likely the way to go. The expense of the rifle will be forgotten by the 2nd case of ammo.
K lou guy tt
My wife isn't gonna forget whatever I spend on my 1st AR.
I'm glad to see someone finally talking about budget options. I feel like people shame anything that isn't BCM, DD, geiselle, etc. but the truth is there are decent options for less that can be reliable, but it's too hard to find what is and isn't good because nobody talks about the budget options My currently rifle is a PSA lower with a aero/BA upper. I'm still planning to upgrade to a BCM rifle in the future.
What now? Who dis?
I got my Geissele 14.5 Super Duty upper for $840 on black Friday.
Was actually cheaper then a BCM upper lol. U can get the real Gucci shit for a lot less than you think if you are patient and watch sales.
I just bought a shot timer from you guys two weeks ago and wow! It’s putting me in check. Awesome tool!! If you don’t have one, GET ONE!
I thought i did my first build very strategically. Got an assembled PSA lower with the magpul polys and (slightly) upgraded trigger. Then, I purchased an upper-mid-end upper build kit with NiB bcg and a decent gas/barrel setup on sale for a very attractive price. Saved my money for nice Optics and a timney trigger, and once the accessories really outpaced the platform, i began acquiring pieces as my budget allowed to finally swap the upper and kit to a muy picante 300bo. Purchased a stripped lower, and now my original rifle is my cheap-to-fire guest gun and testing platform. Took about a year and a half, but now i have one bad boi and a second reliable yet budget friendly rifle
My original M&P has approx 7.5K thru it with no malfunctions. The rifle with a three prong muzzle device, upgraded spring and buffer, and Geissele trigger shoots way above its price range like a whole new gun
How do you maintain it?
Thank you for spreading the message of "set some goals."
Just finished my 13.7 build using the billet Cross Machine Tool upper/Lower Gen 3 Ambi combo. Spectacular!
I bought a Bear Creek Arsenal AR and love it.
My dad randomly bought an M&P sport for like $450, he said he liked the carry handle lol, and then the COVID madness happened.
Good investment.
My first rifle was built out of an ATI lower, a upper assembly by Head Down Arms. I was a broke cook in college and a guy I work with connected me with his brother who is an FFL. He sold it to me for $450 new in 2010, which was pretty unheard of in 2010. I put 3000 rds of steel case through it and fair amount of brass before I started building my own rifles. I own several AR that cost 2-3 times as much to build, but I still enjoy shooting my ATI junk rifle. Everyone should own a rifle they don't mind running hard.
450 is crazy cheap for back then.
I built mine in college too but i spent a year peicing it together waiting for sales. I used my tax return money and what I was able to save working retail. I ended with a set of aero recievers, BCM ion bonded bolt, aero handgaurd, 16 inch faxon barrel, rise armament HTP trigger, a vortex strike eagle on an aero mount and an offset holosun 407k, BCM gunfighter stock, pistol grip, and vfg for around 1300$
I've never been able to justify upgrading anything and it still runs great so I'm pretty happy with it.
Aero precision is the lowest I could go. Reliable and much better than the "competition" PSA ,Ruger ,iwi, s&w and other low end stuff.
Psa and aero are basically the same thing
@@twosevenactual not even close
@@twosevenactual eh Aero beats psa when it comes to upper receivers but I do like PSAs motto of putting ar15s in as many American hands as possible.
@@zachconant7031 that’s literally just a romanticized way of saying “we want to sell a lot of shit 🤑”
@@HotelBravo556 eh maybe, they seem pretty based
The ChiCom rigs Trex arms used to plan out the Ready Rig is actually a useful piece of kit providing you can’t afford to get a newer set of gear. The type 56 chest rig can carry 6 AR magazines. If you put medical or foam in the base of the pouches they won’t swallow the mags so you can access the mags.
Yep that was the first rig I ever bought. Still use it for ak stuff now
Would love to see that NRA lecture! Thanks Lucas, yall are awesome
My first center fire rifle was a Mosin, after a while I upgraded to a Tavor with a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 with a green triangle, the glass on that scope is really amazing, and a ADM mount. The whole setup wasn't cheap, but it's been more than 10 years since I bought it and no regrets, and it's still all good. Buy once cry once. Shortly after I got into 3 gun, I learned a lot and I'm still learning. I have a shot timer too and it is definitely useful, what I found useful too is to have someone record me as I go through each stage so I can view it later to see what I did right or wrong and see what I can change to improve. I'm fairly crafty at sewing so I've been making my own gear, plate carrier, battle belt, pouches, a lot of stuff. The ability to make your own stuff is a great way to save money, you can then take that saved money and spend it on ammo for more training.
First person I’ve seen in awhile who has owned a Tavor. I take it you love the rifle and build. I’ve been considering purchasing one as well
Buy like 30 rifles, cheap and expensive. Then love them all.
You used to be able to buy a crate of mossin nagants for a fist full of clams, and spam cans of ammo for them, and be able to arm your local militia.
It is a progression. Buy the best you can get as you can afford it. Everyone who shoots has gear they bought that they never use or just didnt like. Buyers regret lol. You get what you pay for absolutely and you appreciate the craftsmanship when you hold it and use it. This is why it's good to have buddies who also shoot so you can try different things.
Don't get stuck with one brand...
Just use aimpoit 🤣
*or eotech
And kryol spray paint
@@anonymous-go1tq I think he just wanted to say that Lukas also mentioned eotech, but if you ask me, I will say that probably only the battery life could be better.
@@anonymous-go1tq No problem, have a nice day
In 2007 I put together a 11.5" DoubleStar because so many people said it was a crap gun. YHM free float forearm and YHM phantom can. CMMG 2-stage trigger but the rest of the LPK was from DoubleStar. DS BCG, barrel, mil receiver tube, buffer. I put over 10,000 through it with out a hickup. Mostly 55g PMC Bronze. I oil it, but rarely clean it. It still shoots under 4" at 200 yards.
Guns in poor areas of the world are cleaned with diesel and a rag and oiled with used motor oil. They almost never break because they’re constantly oiled.
5:49 we’re live
On all the facebook groups, I always see the same posts -- "I just bought (insert cheap budget rifle) and I plan on upgrading xyz." And my response is usually "why buy something cheap if you know you're going to replace half the parts with something better? Why not just buy something that's already better?"
704 tactical took an psa through one hell of a torture test. Haven't seen one super high end rifle torture tested to that level. Looked all over for reviews
Main reason I stand behind mine. It's not pretty but it's reliable enough for me and I shoot more than most people. I put my money towards training and ammunition.
I've shot DDM4s and can't tell the difference.
Did you see the Daniel defense torture tests?
@@zatoby6705 yeah sure
No 556 has been tested more than Colt M4 .
In 2006 I bought my first 6920 . I did not buy any other manufacturer until 2012 when I bought BCM EAG Tactical Carbine . In 2013 I bought LMT MRP.
LMT , Centurion , BCM and TDP Colts / Colt Canada are my absolute favorites.
Also I bought 2 Colt M4A1 Roll Mark Carbinea from Walmart right before they stopped selling them . Paid 650 for each one . Hell of a deal ..
I still think BCM Upper with Aero lower is gold standard for most people .
One thing i learned in the AR/AK community is: no matter what you buy....you're wrong lol.
You’re especially wrong if you suck. Straight to jail, right away
@@TREXARMS Thats the second thing i learned. Everyone is an expert. all are super operators with Sport 2's making hits at 1000 yards with NCstar red dots.
I was lucky to have a dad that showed me some good stuff sped up my progression a lot
I think you're right, a gear progression video would be a great vid.
Really nailed every aspect get what you need it’s your rifle based of capabilities you need and the training is what is important
Do you have the data that shows how much better a $2,000+ rifle is compared to a budget rifle? That would be interesting.
>Aero Lower BCM Upper
Lucas Botking /arg/chad confirmed.
Dunno if I’d call anyone in arg a Chad. What with all the simping for various troons, vicious in particular.
@@spacecaesar7619 arg is full of furrys and degenerates who don’t actually shoot they just take pictures and post on the inter webs. Usually the same pics recycled over and over
@@spacecaesar7619 lmao truth. I kinda miss a2grip and wuggy, their collective autism was fun and they sometimes were actually right
/arg/ shits on BCM now
@@joshuakang4507 don't forget Giddy, who supposedly went AWOL and took out tens of thousands in debt to buy the gucciest of gucci gear.
There’s something to be said about affordable rifles like this. That being said most people can afford high end expensive rifles, they just need to be willing to take a few extra months to save up for them. Lots of people say they can’t afford a Daniel, POF, LWRC, or something along those lines but then you see them buying a new $500- $800 rifle (pre-COVID) every other month🤷🏻♂️ But hey, this is America where you can do what you want. Excellent points made in this video.
"Politics is downstream of culture." Andrew Breitbart
For too many generations the gun community has let too many outside voices speak for what the actual purpose of owning these types of firearms is, that is the defense of one's home, community, and country.
For many generations we've allowed all the wrong people to have a say in how things are done and what should be allowed.
ALG is Gieselle's sister company. The 3 letters are his wife's initials. It's a budget, SSA basically according to Bill. If I recall correctly it's thr same metal but the lack of fine polishing and a few other things is what makes ALG cheaper.
Just for anyone that doesn't know.
It's the trigger most I know use for rifle matches etc. It's great even for a duty trigger.
I think its been impossible to defend the NRA post Charlton Hesston. "From my cold dead hands" was powerful and really enumerated the function of the what the NRA should aspire for even if it wasn't.
First AR was a Delton. Was a quote budget rifle. Thing is an absolute beast. Still runs like a sewing machine and will eat whatever crappy ammo you throw at it.
Finally. Someone who tells it the way it is. The truth. 110% correct. 🙏 Thank you
i would love to see a torture test/product review of radical firearms budget ar-15's
A $600 rifle you already have when shit hits the fan is better than a $3000 rifle you currently have on layaway.
Shh all the tactical timmys with nods are going to get upset
So hurry up and get that rifle on layaway so yo can have it before SHTF instead of just trying to defend a obviously inferior rifle or system.
@@robertdole5391 do you even know what makes one rifle "inferior" or "superior" to another? by what metrics are you judging if one is better? the price? the brand?
@@Sneedmeister probably judging it by just price.
My first purchase of a firearm was a CZ 75 BD 9MM. My second firearm purchase was a SOLGW (Sons of Liberty Gun Works) 16" MILSPEC furniture FSB LFT Loyal 9. So far I have purchased Magpul R44 hard case, MS-1 padded sling, poly bipod, MOE MLOK handguard, and AFG. I got ammo for both guns. I am looking for light and optic for the rifle in the near future. I appreciate your videos immensely as a new shooter. Not really completely new but I have not really messed with firearms a whole lot since I got out of the Army back in 1999. I shot competitively in high school in JROTC and was expert marksman while on active duty. I love to shoot. I live in NE Georgia and am looking to become a part of the local shooting community if there is one. Have not discovered it as of yet.
Genuine question, if you have a more tricked out M&P or Aero and it has run great over thousands of rounds, what would the purpose be of looking to “upgrade” be? If it has everything you need (Eotech, surefire, etc), why does the base rifle need to be upgraded if it works?
If it ain't broke don't fix it. Enough said.
Look at Afghanistan and their claped akm's. budget doesn't matter when it comes to Battle readiness
Except they just switched from their AKs to our M4s lol
a quick story that hits this point... I enjoy shooting 3D archery and there's a guy who shoots regularly with a pawn shop bow and hand me downs gear. He constantly finishes top 5 and has won multiple matches because he trains daily. He consistently beats Gucci guys with 10k setups with total investment of $550... He's a very humble guy and absolutely enjoys competition. He volunteered to help maintain the grounds and set up basic targets to pay for his membership and some entry fees. Training trumps dollars
The only thing attractive from PSA is the uppers with the CHF FN barrels that’s a pretty great offering
Nah, if you want a beater rifle you want to just take to the range they're solid for the money. Not everything has to go to Falujia and back.
I took a chance on a PSA CHF with the Geissele rail and gas block, and its been outstanding. I would trust my life to it just as quickly as my BCM.
@@robertalford1321 you buy bendy bill's stuff?
@@robertalford1321 sames
@@joeybravo6172 haha if you mean Bill Geissele, yes I do..or rather I would. I've got a BCM addiction tbo, and my spouse hates me. Lol. Been wanting to drop some Geissele triggers in there for a minute, but man..they expensive. I bought some of those braided spring and buffer combos I found on sale, but I've yet to try them out.
Yeah your right about PSA. My budget build is a kit from PSA. Carbine length 16” FN CHF fixed sight barrel, magpul m-lock hand guard, PSA premium nickel BCG, Midwest low pro flip up sight with the trusty Aimpoint Pro. Pretty much setup like your M&P sport 2. Luckily I bought it all before COVID so it was cheaper to put together than it is now. I was in car sells until COVID. Had to quit and am now back in school. Unfortunately I had to sell a lot of my guns. But kept the PSA kit AR, and a few others. Of course a main pistol being one, a glock 19. I believe there is a point where budget and quality overlap. It may not be the absolute best, but I think you can have budget and quality if you can spend just a little bit more cash.
Good stuff. Thanks for the content. I’ll stick to my LMT’s and DD’s and let the guys mortaring their bushmasters in class do their own thing.
XD
I bought first gun last fall. A Glock 19. I recently traded it for a Teurus G2c and a bear river arsenal (I think that's the name) 7.5" barrel rifle. It was small and cute. But very powerful, fits me good. It shoots 7.62 something and has a 1-6x scope. Was this good deal? I shoot 140 yard at steel plate and hit it every time yesterday. I was very proud. 🥳🎉😱
Sell the taurus buy another glock
@@zacharyleigh7166 why? It work very well. I hit steel plate at 40 yards last night at range.
@@ped200014 you might have gotten a good one but Taurus is regarded as trash. Poor machining must of the ones friends have had jam like crazy. Parts can be hard to find.
@@TexF18 regarded as trash by people who buy yeti coolers and snapon tools. Brand hoes.
@@ped200014 from the ones I've seen. I wouldnt buy one. But milage may very and if you got a good one more power to you. For a little more you could get a Springfield XD or a palmetto state dagger.
Beautiful light in the background. Well done with your lighting and setup
Most reputable "budget" rifles will be fine for 99% of people out there. If you want to spend thousands of dollars on a rifle to shoot at paper targets more power to you. Most people who buy AR's will never shoot enough to wear out the barrel anyway. At the distances most people will use their AR for defensive purposes a "budget" AR will be plenty accurate. I'm not saying a "budget" rifle is as good as a "rich" rifle. I'm just saying these "budget" rifles will do fine for almost anyone.
I agree. all I take away from what he's saying is I can't actually afford to actually be "prepared" with a rifle and gear to his standards..... if you say what I have is junk, well I can't afford any more so I guess I'm just not ready that's kinda the end of it. I drive cars that cost less then even that budget rifle, when they have problems I fix them myself and save money, why should guns be any different?
@@FingerstoFight because when a car breaks down you have the ability to pull over, call for help or fix it yourself, etc (barring a catastrophic malfunction). In a gunfight not so much
@@joshuakang4507 and yet gun fights often involve our cars. Infact I would only engage in a gun fight IF I couldn't just get in my car and drive away from the situation. And still, just saying my psa is junk doesn't mean I have more money to spend on this stuff, for a lot of people it's just like okay I can't afford to be prepared.....
@@FingerstoFight For me it has nothing to do with afford. I can afford a "rich" rifle. I just choose to buy a budget rifle. My Del-Ton is a tack driver out to 100 yards. I've never tested it past that and probably will never need to. It's gone bang every time I've pulled the trigger and guarantee it will if I need it in an emergency. I'm not going onto the battlefield with it just like 99.9% of people who own AR's won't either. Just because something is more expensive doesn't make it bomb proof. I guarantee there are plenty of people on here with their BCM ,Daniel Defense, Wilson Combat, etc. who have had issues with their rifles. It's like people who think more expensive bourbon tastes better, it doesn't.
I went half way, my first AR is a Springfield Saint Victor. I've been slowly up grading, but I started with iron sights that came pre installed. After I was satisfied, I installed my Trijicon MRO but I was not happy without magnification. Thought about my options and decided on LPVO from AT3 1-4x. I am happy with it. I love the bullet drop reticle. I'm using my Olight warrior with a pressure switch. But the best money spent was on 1,000 rounds of green tips...
and hearing protection.😂
Much like motorcycle racing, somethings work and others don't...
for me.
Thanks brotha
Begin edit: I grew not so happy with my 1-4x so I now use a 1-6x.
I'm 2x more happy than I ever was B4
😂👍
Now don't be happy with Olight, and get a Surefire, Modlite, or Cloud Defensive... Thank me later lol
Before anyone flames me, I work at a gun shop and I own psa and s&w ar-15s. The psa is cheaper but the s&w is overall better.
Not surprised.
Good to know. Thanks
@@TREXARMS so as far as barrels on say a fnh carbine vs sport 2 obviously fnh has a premium barrel but if your heating the gun up shooting back to back is their weaknesses in the sport 2?
watching every single video from most recent to now. although your channel did not “get me into guns” it defiantly motivated me to improve more and more everyday through either dry fire training or live range training. i’d love to have a convo with someone on your side to maybe stream cod while sponsoring your company.
I’ve heard Townhall Media discuss a similar sentiment towards ‘sporting’ nomenclature… I like where this is heading for us. Don’t hide. Be what you are. Yes, the NRA is done. They quit supporting the 2nd a long time ago. “Negotiating Rights Away”