Many people are gaining interest in building their own AR15 rifle. You might blame the lack of labor at major firearm manufacturers. Or the increase in demand for AR15 rifles for self defense. They also might be popular because people are tired of being cooped up inside their homes – what better way to get outside than to go shooting at your local range? The Aero Precision Builders Set is a great stepping stone to building your first AR-15 or AR-10.
No matter the reason – the AR15 manufacturer options are abundant. But who is the best? Today we’ll review one of the best manufacturers of rifle parts (including the lower receiver, upper receiver, and handguards) – Aero Precision.
What is an Aero Precision Builder Set?
Aero Precision’s builder sets are your best bet to break into AR15 rifle building. The set’s package deal includes components to build your next AR15. Aero’s builder sets typically include at the very least the lower receiver and upper receiver.
Today we’re talking about the builder set. This set includes both upper and lower receivers with handguards. Aero Precision also offers a receiver set – this includes the upper receiver and lower receiver (no handguards).
The best part about builder sets are that all the parts will be fully functional with each other.
TIP: Some handguards by Aero Precision require a barrel nut if the upper is just a threaded barrel versus an enhanced barrel. Don’t make the mistake of purchasing your parts and not realizing you need more parts to complete your build. Builder sets help you make the right combinations for a stress free rifle build – the first time.
The sets come typically come in two colors: mil spec Anodized Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE). Thinking of painting your Aero Precision M4E1 or M5 rifle? Go with the anodized black. Want to keep your “peanut butter” colored rifle as is? Just buy as FDE.
You could save big (up to 10%) by buying a builder set. For instance – the individual part costs for a anodized black builder set with stripped lower receiver ($124.99), assembled upper receiver ($139.99, and handguards ($199.99) would retail around $464.97 but the receiver set $424.99.
Why buy an Aero Precision Builder set?
The first reason to buy an Aero Precision Builder set is for the savings. Saving $40.00 on your gun build could help you buy a premium barrel, go towards a better optic (LPVO anyone?), or save towards your $200 SBR tax fee.
An even better reason though is you’ll know the parts will fit correctly with each other right out of the box. Here’s an example: The Aero Precision Quad Rail handguards are a great option if you enjoy rail sections on all four sides but don’t want them to run down the entire length of the handguard.
To attach these to a standard threaded upper receiver, you’ll need a barrel nut that’s specially made for these handguards. If you purchased an enhanced upper receiver, you wouldn’t need the barrel nut (saving you up to $20 on your handguards).
Other handguards require a totally different barrel nut. Keep this in mind if you purchase your parts separately. We recommend a builders set.
What caliber do the builder sets come in?
The Aero Precision builder sets come in two series – The Aero Precision M4E1 (AR15) and Aero Precision M5 (AR10). The M4E1 is primarily for your .223 Remington/5.56mm, .300 blackout, and a few other niche calibers. The M5 is made primarily for the .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and a couple other niche calibers.
Special edition Cerakote bundles
You might think – I love the FDE Cerakote! But wait – it doesn’t stop there. Each first Friday of the month, Aero Precision sells an exclusive monthly builders set to the public. The most recent set (March 2022) featured an Everglade pattern (really cool).
If you’re interested in getting next month’s set – you can find a sneak peak on their Instagram.
Aero Precision also offers dealer only sets which are not available to the public from the Aero Precision main site. You can find these at your local Aero Precision dealer.
What’s the Aero Precision builder sets price?
The cost of a builder set ranges depending on the series (M4E1 or M5), whether it’s Cerakoted, and the length of handguard.
- Aero Precision M4E1 builder set – $389.99 – $479.99
- Aero Precision M5 builder set – $407.99 – $629.99
Monthly builder sets are more expensive because they have intricate Cerakote designs on them. These are high quality products – but you’re going to pay for them. March 2022’s ranged from $439.99 – $599.99.
What else do I need to buy to build a complete rifle?
Once you decide on your builder set you’re about 30% done. Before you start building, you’ll need to procure the following parts.
- Lower parts kit- see our post on lower parts kits and their differences.
- Buffer tube kit
- Stock
- Charging handle
- Bolt carrier group
- Barrel
- Gas system
- Muzzle device
Read: The Best Beginner AR-15 Rifle
Summary
Learning to build a rifle is hard. Don’t make it harder on yourself – use multiple resources to help you along your rifle assembly journey. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help!