Building an AR

[historian]

I'm really talking myself into a 300 BLK build. I have not, however, ever built a gun. From everyone on the board , I should be able to build one in my sleep. I don't even know where to start with this project though, and I don't want to drop a ton of cash on it. I need to know what tools I will need beyond my standard everyday toolbox and what to look for as far as parts go. I know this seems broad, however, as I am a noob, I really don't know. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Kernal1984]

https://www.botach.com/magpul-ar15-m4-armorers-wrench-bev-block-package-deal/

The above and a set of roll pin punches

 

[jd4320t]

I'd start with a lower. Figure out how much you want to spend then find the style/design/roll mark/brand you like and go from there. You can build the lower with basic tools. All of mine have either been built at my desk or kitchen table. The upper requires a vise and receiver blocks.

You can do it.

 

[HamsterStyle]

I have done the 4 or 5 lowers I have built with:
Small hammer
Set of punches
Roll of masking tape
A block of wood
Needle nose pliers


They have all gone just fine. It would definitely be a little easier with the tool to put in the front takedown detent but it can be done without.

I also say, build the lower, buy the upper to start. Good luck and welcome to an addicting process.

 

[MCgrease08]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...me-gunsmiths-i-need-tool-advice-ar-build.html

Not sure how helpful this is, but I started a similar thread for my first build.

Vice and vice block were essential along with roll pin starters. I got a basic drill press vice, since I didn't have a dedicated bench to mount it on.

I would also recommend the pivot pin tool. It's not a necessity, but it makes that step a lot easier.

I built the lower and bought the assembled upper so I didn't need as much.

 

[Hkindiana]

I built mine with just a Swiss Army knife, no kidding

 

[historian]

As far as the lower's guts go: Anything to avoid? I see sets ranging from 60 to 250. What is the differences, what brands are good?

Sorry for the inane questions, but I'm really don't know what I'm looking at yet.

 

[Tomahawkman]

As far as the lower's guts go: Anything to avoid? I see sets ranging from 60 to 250. What is the differences, what brands are good?

Sorry for the inane questions, but I'm really don't know what I'm looking at yet.

Lower parts kits that include higher end triggers will be more expensive. That is the biggest difference between them. Just have to decide what kinda of money you want to spend on a trigger.

I would ask myself what the purpose of the rifle is going to be. I am also building my first AR and since Im not going to be putting several hundred rounds through it in a single trip to the range I didnt drop tons of money on the trigger I just bought a PSA lower parts kit. because its primary a home defense rifle and I don't plan on shooting long range with it.

 

[CavMedic]

The guts depend on what you are wanting this rifle to do. Is it gonna be just a fun shooter that you take to the range and shoot some targets, or is it gonna be an accuracy build? The basic Mil-Spec sets are gonna be on the lower price end and will give you more of a gritty heavier feel with the trigger. Your high end sets like Geissle(sp?) are gonna be smooth and as light as you want. Home defense and range plinking I would be fine with a Mil-Spec set as they have worked just fine putting baddies down around the world.

 

[cameron8697]

a good vice always helps

 

[Tangero]

I've only built my lowers, since I typically can find built uppers for a decent deal. All I used was a Tapco armorer's wrench, plus some screwdrivers. Building a lower is a fairly easy process. I haven't paid more than a hundred bucks on my LPKs and have had no issues whatsoever. I did, though, recently have my extractor fail, so I do advocate for the BCM upgraded extractor with O ring

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

There's not anything scary about an upper with a couple of the "special" tools, the wrench, a set of barrel clamps for the vise, whatnot. I put a 300 upper together with spare parts and a barrel, took about half hour. I have all of 4-5 rounds through it; I need to do a little tweaking because it's short stroking slightly.

 

[TheWabbit]

You might want to contact USDS about the AR build party happening in September. Let someone show you the steps for the first time.

 

[JWoodlee]

I agree that a class is helpful and buy the upper. The first one I built took forever because I didn't get all the parts I needed and had to wait for them and then the extra tools that I didn't realize I needed until after I started. Headache!!

 

[Enkrypter]

I'd suggest a novice build the lower and buy a completed upper.... It makes things easy and you still get the feeling of accomplishment.

Putting the lower together is the harder part, in my opinion. Palmetto State Armory has a lot of great uppers and a lot of ****ty uppers.

PSA 16" CHF Pencil SSK 12" - Without BCG or Charging Handle - 46084

This is probably the best deal in the history of AR uppers for what you get.


Just watch a youtube video on how to assemble your lower. It's definitely NOT rocket science. Don't let anyone tell you that one lower parts kit is better than another. mil-spec is mil-spec is mil-spec... The only thing in the LPK you need to be concerned with is the trigger... A good trigger can make all the difference in the world. With an upper it's all about the barrel, BCG, and buffer system. not all are created equally.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[loony1]

You might want to contact USDS about the AR build party happening in September. Let someone show you the steps for the first time.

Give us a call...it's always a good time.

 

[historian]

Give us a call...it's always a good time.

I'd love to, but I'm an hour and a half away and I with grad school, I won't have that much time. I may over Christmas break.

 

[historian]

So...books were more expensive than expected. Rifle put on hold. While I'm waiting any good reading/viewing on building an upper. I know it is not recommended, but since I have some time now, I figure I can at least study up on it.

Thanks!

 

[1911ly]

So...books were more expensive than expected. Rifle put on hold. While I'm waiting any good reading/viewing on building an upper. I know it is not recommended, but since I have some time now, I figure I can at least study up on it.

Thanks!

Building the upper is easier then the lower. A lot easier. Don't let building an upper slow you down. A vise block and a universal tool that will put your buffer tube & barrel nut on. When you by a vice block get one that does both the receiver and the upper. You will need a set of pin punches, vise and a tork wrench. The AR is the erector set of guns. Just a few tools and a couple youtube videos and you can build a AR. Seriously.

I've done a few dozen lowers and just a couple uppers. I avoided the upper because of the tools but that was a mistake on my part. Once I got them I was amazed at how easy it really was. If you were closer you would be welcome to use my tools & vice. NP

 

[historian]

Bumping for some advice. The lasts parts for my lower should be here in the next couple of days. I may start building on Thursday unless something weird happens. Any suggestions/tips for this undertaking?

Also, uppers, I'm looking at 556/223, anything that would be recommended? I'm looking at PSA for them.