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Building an AR-15

spm815
I am thinking about putting together an AR-15. Can anyone tell me if the parts go together as well as advertised?
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • ccddbb95448
    www.ar15.com has all the information you need.
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  • Red223
    Yes.

    99.9% are mil spec parts.

    If it won't fit, send it back.

    awcountdown.gif
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  • p3skyking
    Anyone with slightly above normal dexterity, the ability to follow schematics and/or written instructions, and has the barrel tightening tool can put one together.

    Give it a shot, you have only your self-respect to lose.[;)]

    Any man can shoot a gun, and with practice he can draw fast and shoot accurately, but that makes no difference. What counts is how you stand up when somebody is shooting back at you.
    To die for what one believes is all very well for those so inclined, but it has always seemed to me the most vain of solutions. There is no cause worth dying for that is not better served by living. L'Amour
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  • nmyers
    I don't recommend it, especially if this is your first AR.

    You're not going to save THAT much money. If you don't buy an assembled upper, you will have to buy tools that will more than offset your savings.

    In any case, you will end up with a Mixed Parts Mongrel. If you have any problems with it, you will not have a warranty to back it up; any repairs will have to come out of your pocket. When you decide to sell it, you will take a beating.

    Neal
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  • spm815
    I should say that I am not really wanting to build one to save money, I would just like to do it. I have a Colt AR and I really like it. If I get parts from DPMS, Bushmaster, Olympic, or Rock River Arms can I rely on them fitting together? I am willing to spend some money, but I don't want a piece of junk when I am done.
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  • JP146
    As long as they're mil-spec there should be no issues in interchangeability of the parts. You're colt parts won't interchange as the colt commercial models aren't mil-spec, at least not the pre ban H-Bar I dumped a few years back. I can see the fun in building one, I hope it works out. Make sure you get a good set of headspacing rounds/gauges as that's the only major problem you will most likely have when putting the gun together. Enjoy.
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  • v35
    There cant be a headspacing problem if the barrel comes complete with a fitted barrel nut as it should.
    You'll need the action block to hold the receiver and a combo assembly wrench.
    You can wing it torque wise or get a torque wrench.
    Work in a clear, well lit area so you can find flying springs and plungers.
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  • JP146
    I referred to the headspace problem as the last Armalite Armorers class I attended we had 3 students with brand new weapons (all the same manufacturer) had headspace issues, enough to concern the instructor and those who got to play with them before we adjusted them. I've never had any problems personally but wouldn't want anyone to cause themselves unnecessary grief or harm. Our agency's been real happy with bushmasters so far.
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  • spm815
    Thanks for the encouraging advice. Would anyone care to rate the leading manufacturers, or are they all pretty much the same?
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  • JackBwr
    This might be a little off track from what you're asking but I'd strongly suggest getting this video I got from AGI ( The American Gunsmithing Institute) course #323 "Building the AR-15." 2 hour course, very informative. Compares pros and conse of three different ARs. Builds one from the bottom up. www.americangunsmith.com. Maybe check it out before you start. Good luck.
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