Building an AR

[MissouriDave]

Here is a link to help with instructions on how to assemble.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_Assemble_your_own_LOWER__UPPER__FREE_FLOAT__TRIGGER__GAS_BLOCK___Step_by_step_instructions_.html

You will probably have to buy tools, it depends how far you go. A lot of people recommend top name upper receivers and lower receivers, but there are only a few manufactures of mil-spec receivers. Since the big 4 manufactures (who's names you would not recognize) make most of the uppers and lowers, and just stamp the name of the company that is purchasing them to sell to us, the name that is stamped onto it is little value IMO. DPMS and RRA are just as good as Spikes and Daniel Defense. Why spend premium dollars when they come off the same line.

Building is for when you want parts on your rifle that don't come stock. Companies like Bravo Company are well aware of this and offer up a boatload of options to get you to buy theirs. Building a lower is no big deal, Pick your parts. The most important being the trigger. The upper is more critical, but to me, for reasons you likely aren't expecting. You want a good accurate barrel/extension, and you want it mated to the upper properly. This step of mating these two are what makes the difference between luck of the draw accuracy, and the best accuracy the barrel can achieve. It is what allows Les Baer to charge a fortune for tuned guns, along with a high quality barrel. Head-spacing is really a matter of the barrel extension and the bolt. Since both are mil-spec, this is taken care of for you, but should be checked.

If you are making a carbine, Have fun assembling a lower and use Bravo Company for your choice of uppers. If you want to build a match rifle or varmint rifle, do research and buy lotsa tools first.

[MissouriDave]

Just for funsies... Here is the manufactures list of AR lower receivers.

Lewis Machine & Tool
* LMT
* Lauer
* DS Arms
* PWA
* Eagle
* Armalite
* Knights Armament
* Barrett

Continental Machine Tool
* Stag
* Rock River Arms
* High Standard
* Noveske
* Century (New)
* Global Tactical
* CLE
* S&W
* MGI
* Wilson Tactical
* Grenadier Precision
* Colt

LAR Manufacturing
* LAR
* Bushmaster
* Ameetec
* DPMS
* CMMG
* Double Star
* Fulton Armory
* Spike's Tactical

JVP
* Double Star
* LRB
* Charles Daly

Mega Machine Shop
* Mega
* GSE
* Dalphon
* POF
* Alexander Arms

Olympic
* Olympic
* SGW
* Tromix
* Palmetto
* Dalphon
* Frankford
* Century (Old)

Sun Devil
* Sun Devil forged billet receivers

Superior
* Superior Arms
* Lauer (New)

Aero Precision
* Aero Precision
* Surplus Ammo and Arms
* Palmetto State Armory

Edit:
These companies have the mil-spec licenses. They each make them all the same to match the approved licensed spec. They alter the stampings and maybe the finish, but the product is spec.

[MissouriDave]

Not to hog the topic here....

The most important tool for uppers... Cutter, pilot and handle about $120. Out shoot your friends, have the best harmonics in the neighborhood. Use it on your existing receiver and re-seat barrel/extension. Doesn't take much. Just a little touch and it is done.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=20449/Product/RECEIVER_FACING_CUTTER___PILOTS

[goett047]

Have an upper, still waiting on my lower and LPK

[stesch_s10]