Building an AR

[goett047]

I'm thinking about building my first AR. I'm pretty much clueless on this so any advice is welcomed.

[catalyst686]

Are you talking about building an upper and a lower receiver? I built my own Spikes lower with a palmetto LPK, magpul stock and grip, it was fairly easy. I had only shot an AR one time before I did it, as for the upper, I would have no idea where to start. I bought a complete one from smartgunner. Building an upper involves steps that,if not done right, could lead to serious problems. If you are just planning on building a lower, I'd say go for it.

[goett047]

Yes buying a upper will be the plan

[JJ]

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

[goett047]

Any ideas where I can get a stripped lower and upper for cheap

[JJ]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx? ... groupid=53

http://palmettostatearmory.com/2252.php

http://palmettostatearmory.com/2276.php

http://www.jsesurplus.com/

[davehk]

Building a lower will save you money, same goes for an upper but it all depends on what you want and how much your willing to spend. You really have to weigh out the difference on either buying a complete upper or building one. Sometimes building a upper will cost you alot more money. If you want brand name parts your better off buying a complete upper. If you want a budget upper then building one with cheap parts would save you money.

[mmcnx2]

There have been a bunch of threads on this but 'building' a lower is really only a matter of assembly. You drop in the trigger group and add the stock and buffer tubes and thats about it. If it takes you an afternoon you need to read the instructions again. Nothing wrong with it but the upper is where most of the skill and difference will be in the final product.

[stesch_s10]

http://www.mnguntalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=22456

I was in your shoes not long ago, I had shot an AR but for only 15 rounds.. other then that i didn't know much haha. I learned real quick by doing homework on ar15.com and brownells.com

[rugersol]

I thought the Cheaper than Dirt videos were purdy good ... I'd install the selector as I install the trigger, though ... might not go in, otherwise ...

[stesch_s10]

and yes those videos too.

[Duff-Man]

I built my lower about a month ago, using a Del-Ton kit and a stripped S&W lower from the local FFL. After shipping and transfer the stripped lower ended up being cheaper so if you don't care the what the brand of the lower is you should check with your favorite FFL to see if they have a deal on something.

When people say anyone can build a lower, they are right I did it in a couple hours (I think).

My suggestion, rather than trying to hammer the roll pins use a adjustable pliers to squeeze them in place (wrap the “head” with electrical tape to prevent scratching.)
If you have a adjustable butt stock make sure you get the right size wrench, I didn’t and scratched the nut a bit (but that was the only damage done.)

I also used this video, didn't use as many of the special tools as the other videos.

http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/Home/Rang ... ippedLower

[Rev. Dead Corpse]

Once you have BRD (black rifle disease), you will need one of these: http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=1135

You can thank me later.

[DonT]

Wait till the 20th and 21st and hit the gun show in Forest Lake, looks like elements arms is gonna be there and they should have what you need. Heck send em an email and dustin will bring what you need...

Iff'n ya hit a snag gimme a shout. I am in White Bear Lake and would be happy to help...

DonT.

[zachkuby87]

I'm in the same boat I been looking for a basic entry level ar myself and from what I'm finding its smarter to buy parts and build your own "semi" custom ar the way you would like it for the same or less amount of money. So I will be at the gunshow in fl and buying a lower for sure and maybe some other parts to get started... anyon here from st paul that has built an ar or two that I can consult if I run into any problems?