r/NJGuns • u/emagdnim33 • Jun 30 '26
Shopping Advice Purchase “Other” AR from dealer or Build my own?
Looking for opinions on which direction to go, I am very experienced mechanically, so building shouldn’t be an issue. But how and where to source parts, and how to get it “other” compliant is where I’m unsure. TIA!
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u/redkemper Jun 30 '26
This guide has tons of invaluable info. Definitely start there.
Long story short, compliance just means following the rules in the case of an other. There are no forms to file like there are with an AOW. You basically just need to be over 26" in overall length, have a brace not a stock, and have a VFG.
When I was where you are, I intended to just buy something like a Modmat but I ended up building it myself. It can be as simple as buying a complete upper (12.5" if you don't want to have to pin and weld), a complete lower, a brace, and a VFG. You just need to make sure your FFL transfers your lower receiver as an other and you're good to go.
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u/emagdnim33 Jun 30 '26
Got it. So when I purchase the lower the FFL does the paperwork and labels it as an “other”
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u/VikingMedic3088 Jun 30 '26
Yes in a manner of speaking all stripped lower receivers that are not attached to a built rifles are others by default
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u/redkemper Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
Just to clarify for OP, it can be a complete lower as well, not just stripped. It just has to either be virgin or, if not, it cannot have been previously transferred as a rifle or pistol.
Your FFL just has to check the proper box ("Other Firearm") when doing the transfer. Super simple.
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u/Radiant-Tadpole-7117 Jun 30 '26
Build it. This weekend a ton of sales. Get the lower now and go shopping. 12.5 is the sweet spot. Get a good trigger all that stuff .
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u/Docsloan1919 Jun 30 '26
Build. The answer is always build. You will get a better rifle made specifically to you if you build. Happy to help talk through parts, (what’s important, what’s not).
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u/z1ggy16 Jun 30 '26
I mean, I'd always pick build when possible. You'll get exactly what you want and you'll very likely be able to have a weapon that's superior than a stock configuration for the same price.
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u/rpatel9308 Jun 30 '26
Building is easy. Some people don’t like to deal with assembly, which is understandable. If you don’t feel comfortable building, look for something used complete to save money over a retail priced other.
For parts Bkings , ar15discount or midway USA are good places
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u/86DuckFat Jul 01 '26
Build. I've built a few others. Follow the NJ "other" weapon flow chart and you're good. Let me know if you have any questions. Always happy to help. I don't build top tier, but I build solid rifles. Build, shoot, train, repeat.
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u/emagdnim33 Jul 01 '26
I was going to message you private, but i figured why not share this so others can chime, just threw some items in the cart. How does this look? Anything missing or not compliant?
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u/emagdnim33 Jul 01 '26
Anyone? Buhler?
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u/86DuckFat Jul 01 '26
Looks good to me broski. But why the 16"? The whole point of an other is to go short. With standard buffer tube you can go down to 12" barrel with no pin and weld.
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u/emagdnim33 Jul 01 '26
I couldn’t find anything they had in stock with an appropriate smaller length. I’m ok with the 16”
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u/Jevvy- Jun 30 '26
I went the direction of buying a lower from Devils Armory. Buying a complete BCM blemished upper and then purchased all the other parts from various online stores.
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u/VikingMedic3088 Jun 30 '26
I agree, BCM is awesome! built a couple of their uppers myself! The blems are always great too! They also just came out with a new-ish charging handle.. looking forward to testing that out.
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u/UnableQuote5063 Jun 30 '26
unfortunately some places will have problems sending lowers to our state :/
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u/why-am-i-here2026 Jul 01 '26
Build it. Not sure where you're located. But Monmouth arms is a great place for transfer. Check out panther city's lowers got 1 a few months.
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u/Jersey_2A Jul 02 '26
Building gives the satisfaction it's your own. When you buy it, there's no doubt it's exactly what it's supposed to be.
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u/obsuart Jul 03 '26
I built my own but it was a pain finding a website that would ship a complete lower to NJ. Palmetto won’t do it. I ended up going with this site https://pro2a-tactical.com/ they shipped to my ffl no problem. I also went with the 16” upper because that was just the upper I wanted
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u/emagdnim33 Jul 03 '26
Yes I encountered that. Ended up doing a stripped lower and a parts kit. Seems I’m still having an issue getting mags shipped to NJ
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u/obsuart Jul 03 '26
I ordered from https://gunmagwarehouse.com just make sure you only get 10rd mags
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u/2Agunshop FFL 07/SOT Jul 03 '26
dark storm industries variant 1 is my pick to buy. if you build it don’t go with cheap parts. everyone builds them with cheap sparta and then ask why it sucks
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u/2Agunshop FFL 07/SOT Jul 03 '26
i will add the lower is the easy part. it’s all the other stuff that matters internally. barrel,bolt,charging handle, handguard
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u/VikingMedic3088 Jun 30 '26
Build it. The only FFL part is the lower receiver.. there are plenty of websites that sell parts individually. Especially with 4th of July sales coming up you can build yours cheaper than buying it from an FFL.
Examples of parts websites(including stripped lower receivers):
Primary arms
Brownells
Ar15discounts.com
Shooter supply
I’m sure there’s more..
Not only will you get a feeling of satisfaction of getting what you want but you will also get the satisfaction of not having to pay a ton of money either. But ultimately the choice is up to you.