DirtyDigz 1,793 Posted June 14, 2009 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maksim 1,504 Posted June 14, 2009 moved and stickied. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,793 Posted June 15, 2009 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hiker88 22 Posted May 15, 2010 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: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,793 Posted May 15, 2010 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LibertyOrDeath 3 Posted May 15, 2010 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hiker88 22 Posted May 15, 2010 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: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RamJetGMC 0 Posted May 16, 2010 i am right after you hiker88 :mrgreen: i am in the learners seat on the ar15 also Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mauser88 0 Posted August 29, 2010 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
notmetoo 41 Posted September 1, 2010 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbk 188 Posted September 1, 2010 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: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tactical Monkey 51 Posted September 1, 2010 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... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
notmetoo 41 Posted September 2, 2010 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevsAdvocate 112 Posted October 14, 2010 When I get a stripped lower, does it have to go through an FFL? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hiker88 22 Posted October 14, 2010 When I get a stripped lower, does it have to go through an FFL? Yes... just like buying a long firearm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The_Matrix 105 Posted November 24, 2010 My co-worker built his first AR. He said it was a piece of cake. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackDaWack 2,894 Posted November 25, 2010 My co-worker built his first AR. He said it was a piece of cake. That is if you got the tools.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestPX 172 Posted November 25, 2010 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevsAdvocate 112 Posted February 19, 2011 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevsAdvocate 112 Posted February 20, 2011 All done... Just gotta order a stock to finish it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevsAdvocate 112 Posted February 20, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted February 20, 2011 Doin good bro. As far as stock choices go, depends on your size and what the rifle will be used for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevsAdvocate 112 Posted February 20, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
7-3-2 9 Posted June 5, 2011 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 ?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,872 Posted June 6, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alowerlevel 77 Posted June 6, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUNsho 0 Posted July 8, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,872 Posted July 8, 2011 There is no A2 muzzle brake. You have to have an "ATF Approved" Muzzle brake. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan 177 Posted July 8, 2011 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johna hex 1 Posted August 30, 2011 http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10367/guntechdetail/AR_15_Muzzle_Brakes_and_Flash_Hiders_ Check this out Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites