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ar 15 "build"

lkannes
I have heard alot of people talking about "building" An AR 15 from a "parts kit" I realize that the lower receiver is the serial numbered "firearm" and I would have to purchase that from a FFL holder. I have seen the complete parts kits such as M and A parts offers. I also know that these parts are hard to come by and may involve a back order etc. My Question is, can someone with a basic knowledge of firearms and above average mechanical ability assemble a working AR 15 without difficulty? Are there any specialty tools required to accomplish this? Would there be a significant cost savings to build rather than purchase an M4 style carbine? I guess I've just got an itch for a project such as this.
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8 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    The only wrinkle in an AR build is assembly of the barrel/bolt to the upper receiver. You need a couple of hundred dollars worth of special tools (like vise, fixture, barrel wrench, headspace gauges), & experience helps. It's easy to ruin the receiver, & there are some special tricks gunsmiths use when things don't quite go together right.

    If you are only doing a single build, it's best to buy a complete upper, & it will only take a few hours to put the rest together.

    You DO save Federal Excise Tax, but not much else. And, resale value takes a beating if you are selling a Mongrel that has no warranty.

    Neal
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  • Nwcid
    Well it depends on what you consider a build.

    Many people I know consider a build to be putting the lower together and then setting a complete upper on the lower an pushing the 2 take down pins. If this is what you are talking about there are no special tools needed and there are a few step by step pictorials how to assemble a lower online.

    If you are talking about buying all the parts and assembling them you will need a few tools like a receiver block (about $40) and a barrel wrench ($25-35). You will also need a vice and a torque wrench. This is also not hard but talks a little effort and the few tools. You will need to decide if it is worth it to you. There are also online pictorials to do this.

    The only one I would not suggest doing is trying to head space your own barrel. While you can buy barrels without the extension on them I see no reason to do this. Others may see this different though.
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  • A J Christ
    As previoulsy mentioned, no special tools or equipment to put together a lower. Only 1 way they go together, almost screwup proof. Well, it is nice to have the spanner wrench for the nut that holds the buffer tube to the reciever.

    Unless you really want to go through the trouble and expense of tooling up, just buy a complete assembled upper and enjoy.

    Does give you bragging rights when someone asks where you got it and you can tell them you made it.[:D][:D][:D][:D]
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  • Maalox
    I Purchased one of these kits to assist in putting a lower together. Just received the upper receiver and I'm on the search for a barrel.
    http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=125&t=635955


    I also purchased a nice item by Block Worx to hold the upper in a standard vice.
    http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=25&t=593881&page=1
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  • lkannes
    Thanks for the info. I am going to try to buy the complete kit that has the upper assembled then I shoudn't have to worry about installing the barrel etc. I did check on stripped lowers and think I'll see which brand I can get the best deal on. I'll probably try tobget ahold of a Superior Arms, Rock River, or Essential Arms.They seem to be the ones that are recomended on here. I'll post a pic when I get it done.
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  • GreenLantern
    I'd go with Essential Arms over RRA. A lower is a lower is a lower .... in most cases. You can't go wrong with an EA lower for the price. They are a small shop but with a good reputation. You will have to call a number of times before getting a hold of them. Since BHO-mania started they are swamped like everyone else. Good people to deal with though.
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  • goldeneagle76
    I just bought an Essential Arms lower not 2 months ago. Love it...very nice. Not to mention they are about the only company out there right now not jacking up the price. It took me all of about 15 minutes to put the lower together, no special tools needed. Although, I would have liked to have those little rubber protectors in that kit listed above. I wrapped my vise grips in electrical tape but still mananged to get a little knick on the lower. But, other than that it came out great.
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  • Mobuck
    Depending on the provider, the complete lower might be cheaper than the individual parts. When the parts kits were $45 and a Tapco stock was $55, do it yourself was good- now not so much good. You need a properly sized punch for each drive in pin and a solid nonmarring surface on which to work. My blind son put one together with a little help in getting the relative positions of the parts correct.
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