by AFTERMATH on Fri Sep 27, 2013 5:55 pm
ArfCom has some pretty good write-ups as well. But basically for starting out the simple list is:
Stripped lower receiver - Buy locally and you won't have to worry about shipping and you can find 'em around $100. The only FFL item.
Lower Parts Kit(LPK) - All the small parts necessary for completing a lower receiver in one convenient package. Trigger group, springs, pins/detents, grip/screw, etc...
Stock Assembly - if purchased as an assembly it should come with: Stock, buffer/extension tube, buffer/recoil spring, castle nut and receiver end plate.
OPTIONAL - Lower BUILD kit - If you purchase a lower build kit, such as Palmetto often offers - it will have the LPK and Stock Assy.
Everything you need for the lower half, minus the receiver.
The lower half can be put together with minimal tools - hammer/punch, vise-grips, screw driver, spanner wrench.
Now the upper half is where things begin to get a little hairy. In both complexity and tools needed.
Your best bet, as a beginner is to buy an:
Upper Receiver group: Upper receiver, barrel, barrel extension, barrel nut, gas tube/pin, gas block/front sight base/pins, flash hider/crush washer, handguard snap-ring, weld spring, handguard slip ring, and handguard cap - All assembled. Depending upon the purchase this may come with or without: Handguards, charging handle and bolt carrier group(BCG).
If not included you will have to buy and install the handguards/BCG seperately.
If you're getting just the standard set-up, you purchase drop in handguards of the sight-radius length(i.e. Carbine, Mid, or Rifle).
If going with free-float or other non-standard handguard rigs - different parts/tools and gas block/sight base configurations may be required.
If building the upper half from scratch, make sure you either get a 'complete' upper receiver or complete a stripped upper by purchasing an upper receiver parts kit - To include: forward assist assy, ejection cover, and associated parts. If A1/2 stripped; you'll likely need the rear sight components as well. A3/4 - purchase additional sighting system.
Tools, at minimum: AR armorer's wrench, torque wrench, hammer/punch... upper receiver vise block would be a help full accessory.
And there's probably something I'm missing here...
To tell you what you need for your upper, should you wish to assemble from scrap, it really depends on what configuration you're looking for. Which is why, it might be best to buy an assembled upper receiver group. Typically, all you have to add is: BCG and charging handle - Both drop in parts. And your cost savings after buying the tools, etc. is probably negligible. Unless you're really thrifty, but chances are then you'll make up for that in shipping from different suppliers. So, unless you really want the experience or have a special configuration in mind, it isn't really necessary.
I believe some suppliers won't ship to P.O. boxes - But a friends address will work.
. Going to probably buy a lower and lower parts kit first.
