Electrical tape works well too.  

 

Congrats 5th!

On the topic of the pivot pins, I strongly suggest getting this:

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/rifle-tools/pin-tools/pivot-pin-detent-installation-tool-prod26488.aspx

 

It is a major PITA to put those detents and springs in, even if you dont lose them.  This will make your build much faster.  You may be able to just borrow one if someone on the forum has one to spare. 

 

Resembles a hex wrench, so I suppose I could grind down the edges of a similarly-sized hex wrench for that purpose (yes/no?). 

I'm not cheap... just resourceful. "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome". It's the Marine Corps way... and it still works for me!

Resembles a hex wrench, so I suppose I could grind down the edges of a similarly-sized hex wrench for that purpose (yes/no?).

I'm not cheap... just resourceful. "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome". It's the Marine Corps way... and it still works for me!

I guess you could if its the right size. The real plus with this one is the hole in the end to help guide the spring and detent down.

I guess you could if its the right size. The real plus with this one is the hole in the end to help guide the spring and detent down.

 

Oh. I see. It's a guide.

My bad.

I thought that is was meant to be used as a (bent) punch or something.

So uh..... never mind :/

Oh. I see. It's a guide.

My bad.

I thought that is was meant to be used as a (bent) punch or something.

So uh..... never mind :/

Nah. You insert it in the slot guide the pin and spring down with a punch. Tilt the guide to the slide so they spring doesnt decompress, then use the guide as a slave pin and is the pivot pin to push it out.

 

The other way is a PITA using pliers and a razor blade.

 

 

I've been following this thread and have learned a lot. Keep the updates coming and don't forget to post progress pictures!

 

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one benefiting directly from this thread/build.

And yes, the "progress pictures" will be forthcoming now that there is a basis for making progress.

And having some actual parts to assemble is quite vital towards attaining that objective

Nah. You insert it in the slot guide the pin and spring down with a punch. Tilt the guide to the slide so they spring doesnt decompress, then use the guide as a slave pin and is the pivot pin to push it out.

 

The other way is a PITA using pliers and a razor blade.

 

Ok, so now that everyone has me all paranoid about these springs, I'm even more determined than ever to ace that aspect of it!

Although I gotta admit, I'm somewhat haunted by this....

 

When you're putting in detent springs put the lower in a plastic bag in case a spring goes boing! Nothing worse than losing a spring and having to wait 3-5 days for a .50 piece to come in the mail.

 

This is what it looks like when you have the right tool to do the job

http://youtu.be/FPoZzVktwu0

 

You'll see how much tension gets put on that spring when you go to do it.  If it lets go, the spring and detent will both most likely get launched to god knows where.  

It's good to have backups (not just during install, but just in case something goes to crap on your gun) like a spare LPK or this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587468/dpms-ultimate-repair-kit-ar-15

 

I have only used a detent spring out of mine so far, but at least I know that I will have a back up for almost anything that fails on my AR.  I keep it with my rifle bag so it goes wherever my rifle goes. 

 

ETA:  You can get a spare LPK without fire control group and pistol grip.  Check out Palmetto State Armory. 

I know I haven't chimed in much in this thread but I have been following it from the shadows.  I also recommend look at some various YouTube videos to learn a couple of hints when putting everything together (anything really for that matter).  It seems like you have everything in to finish the build for the bare essentials, Unless I missed something.  Ohh when you get the basics on don't forget to customize,

 

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_526/223438_AR15_Custom_Dust_Covers.html

 

scroll down, you'll know which one you want.

This thread is really making me want to build an AR sooner than I planned.

No progress beyond the acquisition of the lower receiver/lpk. But I figured I'd post the picture of the lower in it's still stripped state...

 

 

I hope to at least start work on some of the assembly today. But "real" work takes precedence at the moment (I gotta be able to pay for all of this stuff!).

 

Btw, the upper should arrive by Monday. (and boy will I have questions!)

 

 

I know I haven't chimed in much in this thread but I have been following it from the shadows.  I also recommend look at some various YouTube videos to learn a couple of hints when putting everything together (anything really for that matter).  It seems like you have everything in to finish the build for the bare essentials, Unless I missed something.  

 

I haven't actually found the stock/buffer yet. 

I utilized my dedicated "shopping" time for the stock on reading the stock pinning thread here instead. I wanted to educate myself a bit before I went running off buying a stock without a clue. However I'm relieved to know that I can do the pinning myself, so that opens things up for me quite a bit.

Now I just need to once again dedicate some time to the actual shopping part. (there is just not enough time in the day!) 

 

 

Ohh when you get the basics on don't forget to customize,

 

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_526/223438_AR15_Custom_Dust_Covers.html

 

scroll down, you'll know which one you want.

 

Ah yes, the naked lady mud flaps. You bet! 

Oh wait....

You mean the EGA and S/F???

Oh yeah! That's sweet!

It's on the wish-list.

This thread is really making me want to build an AR sooner than I planned.

Waiting for the budget, or a nudge?

I can't help you with the former, but I can certainly help you with the latter.

 

I wasn't going to build at all... but the chuckle-heads here had nudged me relentlessly. And now I'm thankful to them for it.

And they are not only good at nudging, but they are also really good at guiding the process - as you can see.

 

So uhh.... nudge-nudge. 

There's a great deal on a complete upper I posted today. Take a look. Might be the nudge you need.

I run 2 magpul star stocks. I used to have an A2 fixed stock which I like a lot, of was just too long. Looking ahead, my next stock will probably be a magpul CTR pinned one click out.

 

Things to consider:

Weight

Length

Built in attachment points

Cheek weld.

 

 

Am I missing anything?

Magpul STR stock is lightweight AND feels awesome - gives a great cheek weld.

Looking ahead, my next stock will probably be a magpul CTR pinned one click out.

Saw that stock in the "stock pinning" thread.

Bravo Co has it for $76

Midway for $76 

Amazon for $74

Cheaper Than Dirt for $69

 

Gonna need a separate receiver extension and buffer/spring too, so any specific considerations regarding that?

Mil-spec buffer tube kit w/ mil-spec STR stock.  Then a visit to hardware store for 3/32" roll pin 3/4" long and a 3/32 drill bit.

 

http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/MGSTRSTOCKKITBLK.aspx

 

or

 

one of the other combos that include handguard, etc.  Your choice.

Magpul STR stock is lightweight AND feels awesome - gives a great cheek weld.

I like the str except when slung over my chest the point of the battery compartment digs into my chest. Gets annoying.

I like the str except when slung over my chest the point of the battery compartment digs into my chest. Gets annoying.

Then get a manly chest....

Ouch

Waiting for the budget, or a nudge?

I can't help you with the former, but I can certainly help you with the latter.

 

I wasn't going to build at all... but the chuckle-heads here had nudged me relentlessly. And now I'm thankful to them for it.

And they are not only good at nudging, but they are also really good at guiding the process - as you can see.

 

So uhh.... nudge-nudge.

Just a really busy time of year, work is Crazy right now, just had a second child, wife just started her own business. I haven't even shot 2 of my newest guns that I purchased in June.

Just a really busy time of year, work is Crazy right now, just had a second child, wife just started her own business. I haven't even shot 2 of my newest guns that I purchased in June.

 

I hear ya.

When the time is right, it's right.

 

I had actually sat on the sidelines for TOO long. I'd received some bum-scoop regarding an out of state (NY) disorderly conduct change on my record. I was told that Jersey would turn me down flat-out. And since the gun laws are so strict in this state, I actually believed it.

But obviously that wasn't the case at all - although I did hit some bumps in the road along the way for that very reason.

 

Overlong delay aside, I'm now building a black rifle(!).... after being convinced that it wouldn't even be legal for me to purchase a Daisy BB-Gun in this state! 

 

Guess I shoulda took the advice of the Gipper: "Trust but verify".

Mil-spec buffer tube kit w/ mil-spec STR stock.  Then a visit to hardware store for 3/32" roll pin 3/4" long and a 3/32 drill bit.

 

http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/MGSTRSTOCKKITBLK.aspx

 

or

 

one of the other combos that include handguard, etc.  Your choice.

 

Good dig!

 

I've been immersing myself in Magpul minutia to learn everything that I can about these butt stocks. It would be much more effective to actually see/touch, but I'm not geographically situated for such things. That would require travel. And travel requires time. And time/travel is something that I don't really have right now. 

 

The STR and the CTR are different enough - as well as similar enough - so I'm not going to get caught up in paralysis by analysis. The butt stock is one of those 'preference' items for people, so gathering opinions is more subjective than it is definitive on something like this.

Therefore I've got browser tabs loaded with every kind of option/combo, so I'll most likely pull the trigger on this one based on "gut". Magpul certainly seems popular, so even if my gut is slightly off, it's still going to impact inside the black, so I won't sweat it.

 

On your other note:

How common is it to find roll pins in a typical hardware store? I've got an Ace and a Kuiken nearby (Home Depot too, of course). I spend small fortunes in building supply/tool/hardware stores with great frequency, but I've never had need for roll pins before. Common enough? I've never really paid any attention.

I work at Lowes. We have a bunch of roll pins. You'll probably need to cut to length though.

 

Ctr vs str - str has 2 storage tubes for batteries or small items running the length of the stock. Added bonus is it helps with cheek weld. Negative is it adds some weight if you're going for a super light build.

I just picked up the magpul fixed carbine stock for my windham MPC.

Anyone have the magpul ACS or ACS-L.  I'd like to hear some feedback

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2684318965/

 

Great price on Daniel Defense rails!

Get that STR from DSG. The stock is awesome, I have it on multiple ARs. And DSG is good to go and ship fast.

 

Also don't forget a rear sight and pinned, 15 round magazines.

Anyone have the magpul ACS or ACS-L.  I'd like to hear some feedback

Good but HEAVY compared to the STR.

Good but HEAVY compared to the STR.

 

ACS-L is basically the same weight. 

Good dig!

 

I've been immersing myself in Magpul minutia to learn everything that I can about these butt stocks. It would be much more effective to actually see/touch, but I'm not geographically situated for such things. That would require travel. And travel requires time. And time/travel is something that I don't really have right now. 

 

The STR and the CTR are different enough - as well as similar enough - so I'm not going to get caught up in paralysis by analysis. The butt stock is one of those 'preference' items for people, so gathering opinions is more subjective than it is definitive on something like this.

Therefore I've got browser tabs loaded with every kind of option/combo, so I'll most likely pull the trigger on this one based on "gut". Magpul certainly seems popular, so even if my gut is slightly off, it's still going to impact inside the black, so I won't sweat it.

 

On your other note:

How common is it to find roll pins in a typical hardware store? I've got an Ace and a Kuiken nearby (Home Depot too, of course). I spend small fortunes in building supply/tool/hardware stores with great frequency, but I've never had need for roll pins before. Common enough? I've never really paid any attention.

 

magpul MOE is essentially the same as a CTR minus the friction lock... but you cant adjust the stock so you really dont need the friction lock IMO... a MOE is cheaper..