Custom AR-15

[Jburke]

So I already have an AR, but a friend told me about a lower receiver he saw somewhere.  I'm just wondering what all I'd need to buy to build an AR?  Is it just a lower and upper receiver?  And how much should I expect to spend on all of the necessary parts?  Any suggestions on where to look online for parts?  Thanks for any advice guys.

[Straight Shooter]

I depends on what you start with... stripped lower, complete lower, complete lower w/o the stock, etc.  Since you already have an AR, you can just buy the complete upper of your choice.  Some uppers complete with the bolt carrier and charging handle... some don't.  If they don't, just swap out the bolt/carrier from your other upper.  Building an AR is like building a custom car... there are basic parts and hi-end parts (same thing with upper/lower receivers).  I have two DPMS builds.  They may not have the fit/finish of the higher-end rigs, but they're absolutely reliable and are as accurate as anything out there.

http://www.parts4ar15.com/

[Wenatcheejay]

It is kind of like saying, "I want to build a costum truck, so what do I need?"

It is more of, "what do I want?"

Here is a good place to get an idea.

http://www.midwayusa.com/static/ar-15.aspx

[thinkingman]

http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_20_s/58.htm

[deaddog]

Go get your self a copy of shotgun news, ton of ar stuff there, on the cheap too.

[huntnphool]

http://www.brownells.com/

[callonetta]

  +1

[chevysquid]

If it is truly going to be a custom build and built piece by piece, you will need:
Lower reciever
Lower reciever parts kit
Upper reciever
Bolt and carrier group
A barrel
Stock

You will have to decide what length barrel, flat top or carry handle upper, sights, etc, etc.

You can by a complete upper to drop onto a complete lower and be done if you wanted.
l

[Jburke]

Ok, thanks guys.  Now does anyone know if the factory triggers on bushmasters would be adjustable?  Or would it be better to buy a good trigger and have it installed?

[deaddog]

Ok, thanks guys.  Now does anyone know if the factory triggers on bushmasters would be adjustable?  Or would it be better to buy a good trigger and have it installed?

stock bushy trigger arnt adjustable. Check out Chip MaCormick triggers, nice.

[Straight Shooter]

Ok, thanks guys.  Now does anyone know if the factory triggers on bushmasters would be adjustable?  Or would it be better to buy a good trigger and have it installed?

Just order a Timney #3 or #4 and do the install yourself... pretty darn easy.  I'd also add an Accu-Wedge, JP anti-walking pins and a winter trigger guard (I installed a Stark which is a grip/trigger guard in one unit).  Modding ARs is a never-ending process!!

[Jburke]

That's what I've noticed.  It's a good enough gun that it's worth it though.

[Jburke]

Hmm, Anyone know if there is a way to know the size of the hammer and trigger pins without having to take it apart and measure them myself?

[demontang]

The old colts where the ones with big pins.

[Straight Shooter]

The old colts where the ones with big pins.

 

Typically, Colts are "large" pins and all others are "small".  It's very easy to push/punch the pins out.  What is the make of your AR/lower?

[Jburke]

It's a bushmaster.  Might not have to worry about it though.  I found a 2 stage competition trigger straight from bushmaster, should be a drop in replacement.  Anyone else use one of these?

[Straight Shooter]

It's a bushmaster.  Might not have to worry about it though.  I found a 2 stage competition trigger straight from bushmaster, should be a drop in replacement.  Anyone else use one of these?

The Bushy 2-stage will come in pieces (the Timney and McCormick triggers come in a single unit), so you'll have to be familiar with the trigger group in order to drop it in without too much stress.  I have heard that Bushy match triggers are nice.

[Jburke]

Yeah, I was noticing that also.  I'm somewhat familiar with it, but from what I've seen so far it's half the price of the others.  That tends to sway my opinion on alot of things, as long as the quality is there.

[Straight Shooter]

I heard gun shop at the "Y" ("Mountain" something) has a top notch gunsmith/armorer that has a lot of black gun experience.

[Jburke]

I know the place, it's called mountain shadow arms.  The guy knows his stuff, he's an ex military sharpshooter I believe.  I'm told he builds a lot of custom competition rifles.  But I've also been told that he's not cheap. And at the same time, generally you get what you pay for I guess.  My friend took a gun to him to have a stripped out scope hole tapped out and it took him a couple of weeks before he even got it back though.  So I don't know?   

[Jburke]

I figure when I get around to buying it I'll be sure to take a look at the gun before taking it apart and make sure it's something I'm comfortable doing myself, before I do something dumb, like tearing apart my gun and rendering it inoperable.  But since the trigger from bushmaster is so much cheaper, I figure if I can't do it myself I can take it in and have someone that's competent do it and still be a cheap upgrade.