AR15 Newbie - building a first AR

[DirtyDigz 1,811]

Rather than continue to clutter up PK90's AR lower for sale thread, I thought I'd start one here to share notes and info on building a first AR.

 

ar15.com "Master" Thread:

 

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

 

"So you want to buy an AR-15, huh?" Good introduction to features of AR rifles, including subtle ones, with lots of photos:

 

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81462

 

 

LOWER ASSEMBLY

-------------------

 

ar15.com how to assemble a stripped lower:

 

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

 

Video - step-by-step assembly of stripped lower:

 

http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/RangeBag/Video/LLE_AR15StrippedLower.wmv

 

Lower Parts kits

----------------

 

AR-15kits.com, retailer of many parts including lower parts kits:

 

http://www.ar15-kits.com/index1.html

 

Anvil Arms:

 

http://www.anvilarms.com/pc-47-20-complete-lower-parts-kit.aspx

 

Rock River Arms lower parts kit:

 

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=388

 

DPMS lower parts kit (read several negative reviews on these):

 

http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=5503&cat=1500

 

Stag Arms lower parts kit:

 

http://www.stagarms.com/product_info.php?products_id=231

 

 

UPPER ASSEMBLIES

--------------------

 

AR-15 Upper Assembly Comparison & FAQ:

 

http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/uppers/

 

CMMG Uppers (probably what I'll buy):

 

http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/?cart=1717636&cat=27&

 

Stag Arms uppers:

 

http://www.stagarms.com/index.php?cPath=14_24

 

AR15Pro.com uppers:

 

http://www.ar15pro.com/category/263-AR15_Uppers.aspx

 

[Maksim 1,504]

moved and stickied.

[DirtyDigz 1,811]

Maksim, make sure you check out this link if you're interested in buying an AR, you may not have noticed it cause it was added via edit:

 

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81462

[hiker88 22]

i don't have an ar-type rifle yet but i'm seriously shopping for one. I see a lot of people going to the "build/assemble" route rather than buying a complete rifle.

 

Not sure if this has been discussed before in the forum, but what are the pros/cons of building vs complete? Is it advisable for someone with little or no ar experience > ar virgin :oops:

[DirtyDigz 1,811]

Build:

 

Pros - Customization. Get your AR in the *exact* configuration you want instead of having to choose from what is offered. Build exactly what you want while keeping it NJ legal instead of having to settle for a manufacturer's generic "NJ/MA/MD legal" version.

- Knowledge. Learn all about the AR internals and have no fear of detail stripping it

- Can buy parts over time. If money is an issue, you can buy parts as you can afford them instead of having to save for the full purchase price

 

Cons - Time. It takes time to assemble all the components. Took me about half a day to do the lower build as I was learning from scratch

- Tools. Unless you have a buddy who already has the AR "infrastructure" that you can use you'll likely need to buy an upper vise block and possibly a lower vise block and barrel wrench as well. I spent ~$100 in tools.

- Support. If you run into an issue with your rifle you'll have to deal with possibly many separate manufacturers/dealers to get it resolved instead of just one manufacturer.

 

Buy:

 

Pros - Time. Buy it, shoot it. Done.

- Tools. To start you'll likely need nothing more than a cleaning kit.

- Support. Something goes wrong, you deal with one dealer and/or manufacturer.

 

Cons - Lack of customization. You may not get exactly what you want out of the box, but you can likely change it on your own later.

- Price. Many will argue that it's cheaper to build an equivalent AR from part instead of buying from a dealer. I'd argue that's only true if your time is cheap *AND* you don't factor in buying the tools that you need. I really see the price as a wash, unless you buy a used complete rifle.

 

The 2 main reasons I built instead of bought is that I wanted specific features that I couldn't find in a complete package anywhere while staying NJ legal, and I enjoy tinkering and wanted to know all about the rifle internals.

[LibertyOrDeath 3]

It can be cheaper to build your own depending on how "tacti-cool" you wanna go? My "AR builder" runs flawlessly and its a true Mutt, it just took a while to get that good zero. I still have some NIB parts left over if you decide to build your own? I have a stripped A3 flat top upper w/FA and DC. Complete Delta ring assembly,hand gaurds,threaded aggressive muzzlegreak and some other goodies? Looking to get what I paid for them.

[hiker88 22]

ask... and you shall receive. Excellent info guys.

 

After reading your reply, I had to think of the things I want in an AR and my list is as follows:

- nj legal

- goes bang when I pull the trigger

- hits what i'm aiming at, and lastly

- looks good enough that i won't be embarrassed when i bring it to the range. :mrgreen:

 

As you can see, my needs are not that sophisticated. I like to tinker with stuff but I do not have the confidence for a build from scratch. I might need to do more research on the subject.

 

I do appreciate the points that you brought up D'digz. It's a must read for any new AR buyer.

 

LOD, if i do decide to take the build route, I will ask about the parts that you have. I don't even know what a delta ring assembly is :doh:

[RamJetGMC 0]

i am right after you hiker88 :mrgreen: i am in the learners seat on the ar15 also

[Mauser88 0]

i don't have an ar-type rifle yet but i'm seriously shopping for one. I see a lot of people going to the "build/assemble" route rather than buying a complete rifle.

 

Not sure if this has been discussed before in the forum, but what are the pros/cons of building vs complete? Is it advisable for someone with little or no ar experience > ar virgin :oops:

 

Buy a stripped lower. There can be found for $80.00 now. A parts kit cost's about $65.00.

 

I will put it together for you for free.

[notmetoo 41]

Hope nobody minds this question here - I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place for it.

I am planning to buy (not build) an AR in the next few weeks and am unsure if NJ allows vertical grips. Does anyone know? BTW, I'll be installing this stock once I have my ZOMG! evil black gun: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=183579

 

Thanks for your help!

[bbk 188]

Hope nobody minds this question here - I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place for it.

I am planning to buy (not build) an AR in the next few weeks and am unsure if NJ allows vertical grips. Does anyone know? BTW, I'll be installing this stock once I have my ZOMG! evil black gun: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=183579

 

Thanks for your help!

Yea, vertical grips are fine. I've taken mine off though, as it adds no real value :shifty:

[Tactical Monkey 51]

BTW, I'll be installing this stock once I have my ZOMG! evil black gun: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=183579

 

I have the same stock installed on one of my lowers... It's very light and very short. You have to shoot it while squared to your target opposed to angled/bladed. It suites me well...

[notmetoo 41]

BBK and Proactive

Thanks for the help! There are longer versions of that stock too. 9.9" and 8.5". I'll need to look into one of those as I prefer to not stand square to the target.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

When I get a stripped lower, does it have to go through an FFL?

[hiker88 22]

When I get a stripped lower, does it have to go through an FFL?

 

Yes... just like buying a long firearm

[The_Matrix 105]

My co-worker built his first AR. He said it was a piece of cake.

[JackDaWack 2,895]

My co-worker built his first AR. He said it was a piece of cake.

 

That is if you got the tools..

[MidwestPX 172]

That is if you got the tools..

The only tool you really need is the DPMS multi-tool. As a firearms owner, a good set of punches should already be in your toolbox anyway.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Building my lower today, got all the tools and a block of wood for the trigger guard assembly. Even loaded the AR-15 pdf onto my e-reader for instructions.

 

Wish me luck!

[DevsAdvocate 112]

All done... Just gotta order a stock to finish it.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

 

Here's a pic of the finished product... all that is left is the buffer retention thingy + spring + takedown pin + takedown detent pin and spring...

 

Gotta figure out what stock I want now.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Doin good bro. As far as stock choices go, depends on your size and what the rifle will be used for.

[DevsAdvocate 112]

Doin good bro. As far as stock choices go, depends on your size and what the rifle will be used for.

 

Yeah... I was thinking the VLTOR rifle length mod-stock in A1 length. That's about 10" long and is roughly equal to my current stock setup.

[7-3-2 9]

What do you guys think about going and buying this gun and just upgrading piece by piece http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_785513_-1_772659_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

??

[Krdshrk 3,877]

Honestly you learn more about the AR15 by putting one together than by buying one and tinkering with it. Also your link isn't working for me.

[alowerlevel 77]

What do you guys think about going and buying this gun and just upgrading piece by piece http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_785513_-1_772659_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

??

I just saw a thread about the S&W M&P15 Sport on another forum, lemme see if I can find it.

[DUNsho 0]

I'm little confused about the Muzzle device. A2 flash hider is NOT legal, A2 Muzzle brake IS legal if pinned in place, now, someone tell me what is the difference bwt the A2 flashhider and the A2 muzzle break, it seems to be used interchangeably.

 

thanks.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

There is no A2 muzzle brake. You have to have an "ATF Approved" Muzzle brake.

[Dan 177]

Generally a muzzle brake has a small exit hole, where flash hiders are open ended. Here is a link to a A2 look-alike muzzle brake. Notice the small hole for the bullet to pass through on the front.

[johna hex 1]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10367/guntechdetail/AR_15_Muzzle_Brakes_and_Flash_Hiders_

 

Check this out