First AR-15 Build Chronicled

[DoxaPar]

I'm planning on using this thread to chronicle my first AR15 build, get recommendations, tips, etc in hopes of providing some benefit for folks (like me) who are building their first AR.

For the benefit of future readers I'll try to note "gotchas" I encountered along the way and maybe even document the building process via video. I've found that there are a lot of different theories on what are the best practices. Hopefully this thread will assist other MNguntalk readers down the road in clearing up some of those questions.

I realize that a lot of folks have done this before, so it won't be anything new for you, which is great since you'll be able to provide some parts recommendation, tips, etc if you're interested in that kinda thing.

Thanks in advance for any warnings and recommendations you can provide!

EDIT: Actually, two of us may be doing this project so some additional information may be useful.

I'm intending to use my rifle for 3-gun. As a result, any recommendations that fit this use would be great.

My friend is hoping to build a long-range rifle. So recommendations that fit that purpose would also be very helpful.

Thanks!

[DoxaPar]

SELECTING A STRIPPED LOWER

The first part I'm hoping to buy is my stripped lower. In looking at options they end up appearing to be all the same at first glance. What constitutes a "good" lower receiver? Are there any brands I should be avoiding?

Right now, I'm considering a PSA stripped lower for $119. My hope right now is to build a .223 AR. Do any particular lowers offer better / worse choices for different calibers?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.ph ... lower.html

GETTING THE TOOLS

Here is what I take I need (and what I'm considering):
-
Vise

EDIT: Upper Vise - http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Upper-Re ... vise+block

- Punches

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... 12952.aspx
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... -3016.aspx
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... -1989.aspx

- Armorer's wrench

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... 41045.aspx

- Torque wrench

- Locktite

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043E ... B0043EK14O

- Misc tools (which I already have)

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

[Scratch]

If you dont have the parts yet, I'll give you a tip on how to practice your build, before you get them.



.....buy a Box of Lego's










On a serious note, PSA are great receivers, although IMO, their all basically the same as long as you go with a popular aluminum one. I think theyre still stamped MULTI CAL which gives you a little more flexibility (as far as paperwork goes only)

You can easily build one with just a torque wrench, armorers wrench, hammer and standard punches, and a block of wood. You don't really need the roll pin punches, or holders, or bolt catch pin punch.... I'm not even sure what that is?

If you're building your upper, you'll need an upper vise block of some sort too. If you want to save some money, you should be able to borrow some of these tools from members here too. I'd borrow them to you if you wanted to make the trip and return trip to Hudson, but that might be an inconvenience for you.

[DoxaPar]

Thanks!

I forgot about the upper vice block! I appreciate the offer for tools. However, I have no intention of building just one of these.

[Scratch]

Thanks!

I forgot about the upper vice block! I appreciate the offer for tools. However, I have no intention of building just one of these.

Yes, it's a disease.... Might as well accept the fact early.

[FJ540]

Thanks!

I forgot about the upper vice block! I appreciate the offer for tools. However, I have no intention of building just one of these.

Yes, it's a disease.... Might as well accept the fact early.

Yep, which is why you can justify buying the tools - because you're going to make good use of them when you have them.

I've actually swapped uppers from gun to gun - not the whole thing like when you take it off the lower: the upper receivers themselves. Tolerance matching at it's finest.

[Snowgun]

I am a fan of a decent set of roll pin punches, and either a roll pin starter or a small arbor press. Its pretty easy to mangle roll punches, and MANY guns and gun accessories use them, so might as well get the right tools.

Roll pins are not as stubborn as solid pins, so you dont really need an expensive starrett set of them.

[DoxaPar]

As much as I'm able, I'm hoping to purchase locally on my gear. Is there a local reseller of AR parts, accessories, etc. anyone could recommend?

Thanks!

[Scratch]

As much as I'm able, I'm hoping to purchase locally on my gear. Is there a local reseller of AR parts, accessories, etc. anyone could recommend?

Thanks!

Element Arms in Becker speciallizes in AR's and has many bins of springs, pins etc... if you happen to lose something. They also have lots of stocks, forends etc... I'm sure there are other shops with lots of AR stuff, and probably much closer... but Element seemed to have the largest supply of teeny, tiny, miscellaneous odd parts that I've seen around here.

[NMRMN]

As much as I'm able, I'm hoping to purchase locally on my gear. Is there a local reseller of AR parts, accessories, etc. anyone could recommend?

Thanks!

http://www.atomictactical.com/

nice guys too.

[jdege]

I'm planning on using this thread to chronicle my first AR15 build, get recommendations, tips, etc in hopes of providing some benefit for folks (like me) who are building their first AR.

Have you thought about where you'll be posting it?

I've posted a few projects on http://www.instructables.com/

[DoxaPar]

I'm planning on using this thread to chronicle my first AR15 build, get recommendations, tips, etc in hopes of providing some benefit for folks (like me) who are building their first AR.

Have you thought about where you'll be posting it?

I've posted a few projects on http://www.instructables.com/

Not yet. I don't want the "project" to become the difficult part of this and I don't know much about that site. But, I'll check it out!

[DoxaPar]

I'm curious as to why some stipped lowers cost $100 and some $400?

What the large delta if the aluminum types are the same? Is a $350 lower really worthwhile?

The main reason I'm interested is because I really like the SWS lower. But.. is it worth it?

[Erud]

I'm curious as to why some stipped lowers cost $100 and some $400?

What the large delta if the aluminum types are the same? Is a $350 lower really worthwhile?

The main reason I'm interested is because I really like the SWS lower. But.. is it worth it?

Sometimes it's just hype, but sometimes they are better quality or have additional features raising the price. For the average shooting tasks, pretty much any standard lower will work as well as any other, so long as it is to spec.

Sometimes the extras can be worth it. For the type of shooting that I mostly do, a right-side bolt release is absolutely crucial so I am willing to pay a fair amount more for a quality lower that has that feature.

[cgrant26]

Just a few helpful resources:

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

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

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/3957 ... s____.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/362116 ... death.html

http://www.junkyardgenius.com/firearms/ar-15/ar08.html

My preferred vice block:



http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools ... 12470.aspx

For unusual uppers where barrel jaws won't work. (I.E. monolithic uppers like Vltor VIS or Aero Precision COP)



http://www.dpmsinc.com/223556-Panthertr ... _1120.html