OK AR gurus...help me out here!

[Tunaman 558]

Ok. I dont own a rifle, but all this AR talk has me going crazy to get one. If I were to start from scratch and build one, what EXACTLY do I need? I am a mechanic by trade and have almost every tool known to man, including a mill. Is this something the average joe can do? Where do I start? Thanks in advance.

[Hailskins 0]

I did it, and I'm far from a mechanic. Tools needed: vise, roll pin punches, screwdrivers. You'll need a barrel nut wrench (a combo wrench is nice). Seriously, it's easy. Getting parts is the hardest part.

 

Check out Brownells video section - they have step-by-step instructions. Also ar15.com has a "Build your own" section in the forums. Between those two you'll have more than all the info you need.

 

Edit:

 

Brownells video series:

 

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/guntechdetail/How_to_Build_An_AR_15_Video

 

AR15.com "Build it yourself":

 

http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_3/4_Build_It_Yourself.html

[Sig226GuyNJ 128]

Edit: Just realized you meant what tools.

[EchoMirage 137]

right now itd be easier to buy a complete rifle (price gouging depending) then to piece together one. sources are sold out for months, if not years, so buying parts new from a manufacturer is near impossible. if you really want an AR, look in the classifieds on as many forums as you can.

[Clintoon Eastwood 2]

Make YouTube your best friend!

[Hailskins 0]

There's also a section of this very forum dedicated to building your own AR. I just remembered!

[DJ_ 0]

Do it. get a good punch set though. I got mine from cabella's and it works but it seems like there has to be better ones out there.

 

Get this http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/DPMS_AR_15_Multi_Tool_Armorers_Wrench_p/brn-231-000-007.htm.

 

And this http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Tactical_CAR_Stock_Wrench_p/rra-ar0165.htm

 

And good luck on the hunt for parts. you'll need lower receiver, upper receiver, lower parts kit, upper parts are forward assist and dust cover, stock kit, bolt carrier group, barrel, hand guard and barell nut with delta ring if not doing a quad rail. Gas system that matches the barrel system (Carbine, mid or rifle). mags, muzzle brake and sights. I think thats it to start shooting.

[Tunaman 558]

Lots of good info. Thank you all very much.

[EWC88 24]

I'm on the same hunt as you, would love a AR before a ban.

 

I was thinking, if they were to ban these ARs would they completely wipe out all parts for them too? Because if not and they only ban the important part (I believe lower?) I should hunt for that first just in case?

[DJ_ 0]

I'm on the same hunt as you, would love a AR before a ban.

 

I was thinking, if they were to ban these ARs would they completely wipe out all parts for them too? Because if not and they only ban the important part (I believe lower?) I should hunt for that first just in case?

 

Yes get the lower first and foremost bc it is the "firearm" with serial number assuming a grandfather clause if a ban goes into effect.

[Tunaman 558]

What lower(manufacturer, model etc) should I buy?

[FLHX 1]

It's not impossible to find the parts needed to build your own. I did over the last 2 months and the only thing I had trouble finding was the BCG, I could of found one easier but I didn't want to over pay to much. So if you look for the parts and spend some time you can find them. There are lowers to be had almost daily at regular prices and like I said the BCG is by far the toughest part to find. The tools are very basic and the video are all over the internet. Do it your not in a hurry to get it done and you will know your rifle better and be more comfortable if there is ever an issue with it.

[Zerosignal 1]

Even if you can find the parts to build it. You still can't find mags or ammo for it!!

[mcm308 0]

Even if you can find the parts to build it. You still can't find mags or ammo for it!!

 

Yes, nj mags are tough to get right now but ammo is abundant. You just need to keep looking and have money ready.

 

Your best bet is to buy a complete lower asap and then you can build your upper over time not having to worry about a ban.

 

Molon Labe

[vladtepes 1,060]

if you are good with tools you can get by with a pointy screwdriver... and a hammer... (for the lower at least)

I put mine together without a vise.. no punches.. etc.. just did it in my lap..

 

I have yet to assemble an upper... so unfortunately I can not answer that part..

 

 

I am sure that having the "right tools" will make it easier.. but it is hardly difficult...

[varna 9]

Like everyone stated...easy to build....parts unavailable....unless you don't mind paying up to 3x the cost. If money is no object e-bay and gunbroker has everything you will need for sale at one time or another. Yes, you need to get the lower from a dealer to register it to you just like a long gun. I actually bought a stripped lower but an assembled upper. If NJ decides to ban with no grandfather clause they will get my stripped lower because I sold everything else

Then there is this option for a lower.

http://aresarmor.com/store/FAQ

 

http://aresarmor.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=hmgar15&sid=891f6929sb06scacv2160b983258yruq

 

They are backordered at the moment but I have one coming (some day). Then I will build my own......but...if there is a ban in NJ I'll have to store it "elsewhere".