Building an AR-15

[grundy53]

OK. After reading a couple threads about AR's and so many people saying that "you should build your own" I decided I indeed would like to build my own. Having no experience with black guns I'm needless to say trying to sponge up as much information as I can. Then I had another brilliant idea  . I know I'm not the only greenhorn out there that would like to build their own and since there are quite a few guys that seem to know there stuff. I was wondering If you experienced guys had the time you could maybe make up a list of everything needed to build your own and maybe some guidance on putting everything together? I know everyone is busy and probably have better things to do but I'm sure there are quite a few guys on this site that would really appreciate it. Perhaps if this actually comes about the MODS could sticky note this thread so people in the future could use this as a reference. Thank you and very much appreciate any help I manage to get.

[FC]

Most part sites make life pretty easy as far as making sure you have all of your parts and if you need some help with the build itself there are some great videos on AR15.com. There are some very knowledgeable people there and some real tools in the Washington hometown forum, I avoid it like the plague.

Are you looking to do a complete build or just the lower and buy a pre-assembled upper?  What exactly are you looking to build? Here are a couple of places to buy parts or kits, do yourself a favor and get a Rock River National Match or Geiselle trigger to go with your rifle. The standard trigger is pretty bad.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/

http://www.rguns.net/gunparts.shtml

http://www.del-ton.com/ar_15_kits_s/1.htm

http://www.jsgunparts.com/store/

[grundy53]

since it's my first build and I lack the experience I'm probably going to get an a completed upper. That way I know it's done right. Thank you for those links they will be very helpful. I'm trying to get as much info as I can onto this thread that way there will be a good compilation of information all in one place that the hunt-wa folks can reference. Thanks again for adding to it.

[FC]

Here is some tutorial info for you.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

[grundy53]

Thank you again. This will be a HUGE help. I think the idea of building your own gun can seem a little intimidating/overwhelming but with all of this info it actually seem very doable. hopefully some other people besides me find it useful too.

[FC]

Thank you again. This will be a HUGE help. I think the idea of building your own gun can seem a little intimidating/overwhelming but with all of this info it actually seem very doable. hopefully some other people besides me find it useful too.

Np, the design is much simpler than most would think, it's a very easy platform to work with.

[thinkingman]

Youtube is loaded with AR15 assembly videos.
In the case of the lower, i can't think of any specialty tools, maybe a viseblock, but you can get away without one.
For the upper, an armorers combo wrench is necessary.
There might be someone around that would loan one.
Not too difficult.
In the video, it will tell you to support portions of the lower when starting rollpins.....do it.

[vmkeith]

It's not all that difficult to build an AR as long as you have the proper tools.  For a noob, it might be a good idea to just look at the different forums pic threads (here, AR15.com, 68forums, etc...) to get an idea of what you want.  Once you've done that, look at the different websites (midwayUSA, Cheaper Than Dirt, BCM, etc..) and start pricing stuff out.  I'm not all that experienced myself...been shooting ARs for 12yrs and just got my first one last month.

The one thing I found price-wise, it was cheaper to buy both a complete lower, then buy the stock kit I wanted, and then bought the upper and other accessories.  For a complete lower, you can't go wrong with an Aero Precision.  If you are anyway near Lakewood, Wa you can get a complete lower from Surplus Ammo and Arms with the stock for $180 and without the stock for $130.  For the upper, you have many places to choose from-RRA, Stag, DPMS, Noveske, Colt, Armalite, and the list goes on.

Good luck and happy shooting.

[BlackRidge]

All great info ^

I like the idea of an AR kit.  Something that comes with all the parts needed EXCEPT the lower receiver, which can usually be picked up for between $60-200, depending on brand/style. (As vmkeith noted, surplus ammo has the lowest prices on em')

The kits usually go for 400-600

[Jekemi]

before you do anything check out www.ultimatereloader.com. Gavin Gear has an excellent series of videos and articles on building the precision AR-15. His directions and explanations are flawless. His site has a place for asking questions. Ask a questioin of Gavin and you will get an answer almost immediately.