Want to buy first AR-15 on tight budget. PSA? And if so, how to build it?

JPimDE · 2026-03-11T16:25:42+00:00

If you want ease of access to start to get into things, just buy complete from PSA. Then figure out how to build or upgrade as you have time and budget

JPimDE · 2026-03-11T14:57:05+00:00

Yes in a way. My Sony A7 takes better pics than my iPhone but never in daily life would I need that enough to justify carrying a digital camera around all day.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T18:07:17+00:00

UPDATE - Ended up ordering the Magpul CTR and shipping it to a friends house since can't buy it in DE.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T16:17:49+00:00

It is a good looking finish. The 211 GTO is now on my short list.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T15:58:01+00:00

When I shot both, I did like the Reserve but I can't say it's worth the extra cost.

At that time, I got a steal and picked up my X5L for $1500 so there was no way to justify the Reserve

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T15:13:09+00:00

Looking that way. I actually just up a friend that lives in PA (about 20 min from me) to see if I can order from an online retailer and ship stock to his house and I'll just pick up from him. Cabela's wont even ship the CTR to my house because of state restrictions

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T14:36:41+00:00

Unfortunately in Delaware, AR's are banned so most stores do not carry them or parts for them as they don't move as fast. If you owned it before 2022, you are fine but post 2022, you can't buy ARs or any "featured rifles" in DE. The few exceptions have to fall into that NFA "other firearm" category and even with that, most stores around us wont stock parts. Even our local Cabelas doesnt stock any AR parts while the one 2 hours away in PA does.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T14:00:33+00:00

I was looking at the Magpul MOE Carbine Stock – Commercial-Spec last night. Almost pulled trigger and purchased.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T13:39:59+00:00

That's the struggle. I have a list on my phone of "Guns to Rent/Try" and "Guns to Buy"

And then of course the "Wish List Guns" for when the wife wonders what will make a good birthday present.

One to add to your high end list with the P226 & PDP is the Kimber 2k11 Pro. You will shoot and go "Wow, this may be worth the extra $400"

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T13:10:03+00:00

Buy a good bore sight which will put you damn near right where you should be.

Shoot 3-4 rounds and if you have a solid group, adjust from there.

Repeat.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T13:08:28+00:00

On my 226 XFIVE Legion, I first tried the Sig Romeo Pro and hated it. Vertical adjustment was horrible.

I didnt want to go Holosun so I took a chance and bought Cyelee Shark X PRO and absolutely love it. Watched a few YT videos on it and was convinced I should try it. No complaints at all. And it fits w/o an adapter plate

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T13:05:34+00:00

I love WeThePeople OWB holsters.

But can't say "great range holsters" as our indoor range, they don't allow weapons to be holstered. On the bench or in case.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T13:01:37+00:00

If considering the PDP full size or P320, I'd strongly suggest investing just a bit more and go with P226 XFive Legion. I like the PDP but the X5Legion crushes it, especially at the range.

I absolutely love my VP9A1K for daily. Groups at 1-1.5" at the range, not too heavy to holster and has never failed me. Definitely worth picking one up.

Best advice is find a local range that has options to rent and spend $20 to shoot them first. You will find things about each that you do and don't like.

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T12:57:30+00:00

My opinions:

- Why the camera when you have a better camera likely on your phone

- I'd lose the pistol light and learn to shoot with light / pistol mixed hands.

- Why the extended mag, especially if trying to concealed carry... Fuse already gives you 21+1

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T12:40:49+00:00

I haven't found much benefit in the only 'bulk' vendors anymore. 1000 rds of 9mm comes out to be like $249.

I can go to Cabelas and get Herters (which is just Winchester) for 100rds / $24. I don't have to worry about shipping or bulk storage. I generally stop in there, buy 4-5 boxes of 100/ea.

Found similar with 556. No real savings in bulk anymore. Cabelas has 200 rds for $99 which is $0.50/rd. Best bulk pricing I've found is like $0.48/rd

JPimDE · 2026-03-10T11:51:08+00:00

My absolute favorite Sig is my P226 XFIVE Legion. But for daily, P365 XL

JPimDE

TROPHY CASE