My review of the build an AR workshop.

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

I attended the build and AR workshop this Saturday afternoon. I arrived early and got to watch the end of the NRA first steps class. The instructor Jimmy was also the instructor for my build an AR workshop. After he finished with his class he came over and introduced himself and was an extremely nice person. The class started on time. There was only one other student. We moved into a small but comfortable classroom and Jimmy brought in some AR’s to demonstrate how they work and what features were available. He began class by going over the features that make an AR New Jersey legal. We then went over the components of the lower and upper receiver. Jimmy really knew his way around an AR and was enthusiastic about building AR’s. We discussed all the different options for both the upper and lower receiver's including barrels, sights, handguards, triggers, grips, stocks, etc.

He also set us up with an account at Brownells. This allows us to buy parts at a discount. I saved $20 on a new set of flip up sights.

In the next class we will build the lower receiver and then spec out the parts for the upper receiver. The class after that we will build the upper receiver and test fire.

[Anselmo 87]

Sounds like a cool class. Where is it?

[vjf915 456]

Thanks for reminding me of this. When I am in the market for an AR, I will likely look into this class. Make sure you post up your overall savings from the discount.

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

Sounds like a cool class. Where is it?

It is in Belleville.

[Maksim 1,504]

nice. the discount at Brownells is well worth it.

[gunforhire 826]

If you need more info on this class. http://www.gunforhire.com/build_a_ar_firearm.html

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

Here is an example of the discounts I am getting at Brownells.

Low Profile Gas Block - List $64.00 – Cost $49.46

FOREARM END CAP - List 19.50 – Cost $13.85

Rifle Customizable Tube -List $169.99 – Cost $121.90

Crush Washer – List $2.79 – Cost $2.20

Muzzle Brake – List $66.25 – Cost $51.70

Complete Bolt/Carrier Kit – List $199.99 – Cost $171.86

Gas Tube Roll Pin – List $1.15 – Cost $0.92

Gas Tube, 16" – List $15.99 – Cost $12.75

Twang Buster – List $4.99 – Cost $3.96

Extractor "Donuts", 5-pak – List $3.99 – Cost $3.15

BCM Charging Handle, Medium – List $47.99 – Cost $41.03

MBUS Rear Sight, Black – List $57.99 – Cost $48.29

MBUS Front Sight, Black – List $39.99 – Cost $32.06

List $694.61 - Cost $553.13 Saving me $141.48 Just on this build.

The lower receiver, the lower receiver parts kit, the stock were purchased before I took the class.

The upper receiver and the barrel will not be purchased at Brownells.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Thomas, picks please when it's built.

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

Thomas, picks please when it's built.

Sure thing. Planned on taking pix while doing the build and when done.

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

I finished putting together the lower receiver today. It was a great learning experience. I'm really glad I took this class. It took me less than one hour to put it all together. I could have never done this by myself. It would've taken a lot longer and I would've been very frustrated.

It was only me and the instructor. Yes a one-on-one class. Jimmy explained how all the parts work and gave me tips on how to make it go together easier.

I posted some photographs on my blog. http://gunguynj.blogspot.com/

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

Finished building my AR today! I have learned so much in the class.

Here is a picture of the completed rifle.

More pictures on my blog http://gunguynj.blogspot.com

[RecessedFilter 222]

Lookin good! But the real question is how does it shoot!?

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

We did not get to test fire it yet.

Hope to shoot it march 12 at Cherry Ridge

[keithco88 3]

Hey, sorry to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about taking this class and had a few questions (thanks for existing info btw...very helpful!):

 

1) I'm TOTALLY new to ARs so am I going to be looked at oddly in here for having no knowledge what-so-ever?

2) Does your Brownells discount stay in effect forever? For a year? How long?

3) I've heard building an AR takes a ton of tools that would be really expensive to build up. Do you feel you could strip down your AR and put it back together with the tools you have at home, or have you been exercising the discount to get some of the tools?

4) How did it shoot?

[Gun Guy in NJ 10]

Hey, sorry to resurrect an old thread but I was thinking about taking this class and had a few questions (thanks for existing info btw...very helpful!):

 

1) I'm TOTALLY new to ARs so am I going to be looked at oddly in here for having no knowledge what-so-ever?

2) Does your Brownells discount stay in effect forever? For a year? How long?

3) I've heard building an AR takes a ton of tools that would be really expensive to build up. Do you feel you could strip down your AR and put it back together with the tools you have at home, or have you been exercising the discount to get some of the tools?

4) How did it shoot?

 

1. With no knowledge of ARs you will fit right in. Jimmy will make you fell like family.

2 I think it does last. Mine has not expired yet.

3. To strip the AR you will not need any tools. To build one not many tools are needed but some are really helpful.

4. It shot really well. No failures of any kind.

 

Hope that helps.

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

Nice review! Good group of instructors at Gun for Hire, and Jimmy is a great guy, always willing to help.