Building from a Gun Kit: When and Why It’s a Good Idea

In this era of high gun prices (and scarcity) it’s no wonder that some people are instead choosing to build a gun from a kit rather than buying the thing assembled.

If you’re considering such a project, here are the main arguments in favor of building from a gun kit rather than just going to the shop, filling out the 4473 and waiting for the NICS check to go through.

It’s Rewarding

There is pride of ownership in all things you do, and building your own gun from a kit is no exception to this. If you like to work with your hands and enjoy shooting, you will probably appreciate the project of building your own gun. You don’t need a gun kit, either. A kit just makes it easy.

The Knowledge You’ll Gain Is Indispensable

There are lots of drivers that don’t know a fuel injector from a power steering pump, but they still have a license to drive.

Plenty of shooters are the same way, and know how to load and shoot a gun, but that’s about it. There is, however, a great deal of fine mechanics going on behind the scenes.

As a shooter, it behooves you to know more about the platform you use, and building a gun from a kit, you won’t be able not to learn along the way.

This knowledge will make you a better, safer gun owner, and uniquely position you to experience the following advantage, too.

If Something Breaks, You’ll Know How to Fix It

Say your gun experiences a failure to feed. Well then you probably know it likely has something to do with the recoil spring. If there’s a stovepipe jam, one of the first things you should look at is the extractor.

The point is, if you build the gun and know how all the parts work as well as what they do, you’ll be in a good position to know what exactly to inspect when there is a malfunction, what parts are implicated, and even more importantly, how to make the repair.

This alone is a good reason to build a gun from a kit.

Beat the Gun Shortages

In case you didn’t notice, gun sales have exploded and gone through the roof in the past five years. This has resulted in shortages in some areas. Suppose you want a specific model of a sporting rifle or a 1911-style handgun but can’t find it for sale anywhere? Gun kits, by contrast, are not really in short supply, so you could just get a kit for the model you want to buy and do it yourself.

A Gun Kit Can Be Very Economical

Generally speaking, you might be able to save a few bucks if you build with a gun kit rather than buying an assembled firearm. This is not a hard and fast rule though, so buy smart. However, there should be plenty of instances in which you can save by building with a kit.

You’ll Have Total Control Over Personalization/Customization

Want to add a titanium nitride barrel to the build? Upgrade to a match-grade barrel? Swap that flash hider for a muzzle brake? With a gun kit, you’re at the helm.

Whatever customization you want to make, you can just make during the build, giving you total flexibility in and control over customization of the platform.

The Gun Will Be Yours

Finally, if you buy a gun kit and go that way, and customize it too, you can ensure that no one else out there will have a gun that’s exactly like yours, which is appealing to some people.

What Is a Gun Kit? What Comes with It?

Basically a gun kit, also sometimes referred to as a parts kit or a gun parts kit, is a package deal that includes almost everything you need to assemble a functioning firearm, minus the frame or receiver, which is the part that is actually serialized and regulated by the ATF as a “gun.” So, for instance, if you get a complete pistol build kit for a 1911, it’ll come with everything except the frame, and if you get a gun kit for an AR-style rifle, it’ll come with everything minus the lower receiver (assuming it’s a complete kit).

With that said, gun kits sometimes don’t contain important parts, like magazines or grips. A complete kit should come with everything you need minus the frame or receiver itself, but be double sure and read the product specifications or ask the seller before you buy.

What Else Do I Need to Buy?

That depends on what comes with the kit, but if it is a complete kit, you will only need to buy a compatible frame or receiver, after which point you will be able to assemble the kit into a functioning firearm.

Shop Gun Kits and Gun Parts Here

Looking for gun kits for popular models? You’re in the right place for gun parts and kits! Check them out via the previous links and if you’re looking for something specific, get in touch with us at 610-250-3960.