Thread: The 2015 Winter project, own build AR15

So far 1 Bushmaster lower and 2 Bushmaster uppers (cero forged I think), High standard FF rifle upper and CMMG lower parts kits and a Spikes NB BCG. CMMG 22LR SS kit. Brownells 5rnd Mags.

So bits to get, AIG? butt stock and buffers n' tube bits, 22LR barrel, 18/20inch SS rifle barrel and a good 2stg trigger, front guards, charging handle. Some sort of bipod, scope(s), suppressor, assembly tools, maybe by this time next year, LOL.

would be good to see a price breakdown of how much it ends up costing building you're own

I have that in work on a spreadsheet, which Im working on. What I can see is the shipping charges mean I think it maybe best to get $280US worth of bits at once (so its under $400NZ) and not under the magic $100USD, I'll try and work that out to find if there is a sweet spot.

What I do recall is,

a) The 4 x 5rnd brownells mags cost me just under $85NZD all up to my door so $22NZ each. On TM they are currently $42NZD and reloaders have 5rnders for $50 so a decent saving.

b) The spikes tactical NBoron carrier Ive seen for $599NZD here plus I assume postage, $440NZD all up from Brownells.

The CMMG Bravo kit I bought here in NZ for 430NZD but that includes an A cat 10rnd 22LR mag where the one on Brownells didnt look cat A and the saving wasnt great, maybe $80NZ.

So far I suspect that if I build a "milspec" gun its hard to beat the NZD prices like Stag and NEA by that much I suspect. If I want top notch parts or AR10 parts though then the margin looks bigger.

Anyway it will be interesting to see.

Did you need an import permit for the BCG? If so how long do they take to get?

No, NZ permit required. A pink permit for a Cat A part is only required for a lower and upper receiver, an action or a complete rifle. If it going in an Cat E though then a (white?) permit is needed I believe. My AO did one in about the time it took me to ask and for him to write it up, so 40mins after I rang him from work I was back at my desk with it.

Since the Spikes tactical is over $100US ($229USD) you have to get a US export permit. If off Brownells (who will do it all for you) that should cost about $10US and postage (< $35US) that will then take about 6weeks. If you get a BCG under $100US then about 2 weeks. I got 2 sets of gas rings as well, if you keep it below $280USD then that is less than $400NZ and you wont pay NZ GST.

I'll add I am very impressed with the quality of the finish, but I dont have comparisons with others yet, as my AR15 is due in in 2 weeks.

Sweet

So the procedure is, open a brownells account, buy it on Brownells, it will go into your cart and then pending and then on hold.

a) Type up a letter ordering it and stating it doesnt need an NZ import permit and the part is for personal use only and will not be sold or exported out of NZ by you. Date and sign that letter (essential).
b) Then write up a purchase order for yourself, include your Brownells account number and the order number of the BCG, delivery address, email address, phone number, sign and date it. (its essential its signed and dated, or the State Department a-hole might send it back rejected which is what happened to me).

You post these to Sandy in the USA and wait. When it arrives in NZcustoms you might get a phone call or letter the first time around querying that you are allowed to import it as a Cat A part. So my first shipment got queried but after that nothing, just arrived.

If its not delayed due to a picky a-hole at the State Department, about 4 weeks seems typical.

Thanks for this step-by-step stuff steven - it may feel like teaching the disabled but it's bloody good for those of us who chucked the whole thing in the too hard basket and paid NZ prices, esp for AR-10 stuff

Originally Posted by steven

Since the Spikes tactical is over $100US ($229USD) you have to get a US export permit. If off Brownells (who will do it all for you) that should cost about $10US and postage (< $35US) that will then take about 6weeks. If you get a BCG under $100US then about 2 weeks.

A BCG counts as a "complete breech mechanism", so still needs an export permit even if under $100US.

@Banana, oh bugger, 4~6weeks then.

:/

Originally Posted by 308

Thanks for this step-by-step stuff steven - it may feel like teaching the disabled but it's bloody good for those of us who chucked the whole thing in the too hard basket and paid NZ prices, esp for AR-10 stuff

Well 2 months ago I was a disabled, LOL, now Ive learned, lots more to learn I suspect.

All good if it keeps NZers shooting.