AR basic info.

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mcmurry

mcmurry

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So my first AR 15. I've already did a Google search and looked on Amazon. Apparently, there's no AR 15 for dummies, or an Idiots guide to the AR 15. Other than the owner's manual, would the Army manual for the AR 15/ M 16 be the best first book for basic information on this gun? Thanks.
 
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they are remarkably simple for a repeating rifle, so people don't focus on their theory of operation as much as a Garand or FAL. For basic understanding, there are many of these type videos , for a practical understanding, watch some of the many "build your own" videos. For something tangible, there are tutorials: http://www.thenewrifleman.com/how-to-build-a-lower-receiver/ these can be printed out. Because AR15's use the closest tolerance (actual tolerance, not clearance since the whole of the Internet can't tell the difference) there is not much need for a gunsmithing/troubleshooting guide, because if its made right, it works. If it stops working its broken, and you replace the part -they are ALL unfitted. If it doesn't work from the beginning you consult the blue prints, which are available as public records. Hope this helps. Also, if you have one, don't be afraid of watching the videos, and taking yours completely apart to get a better understanding.
 
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since you said "first", consider building your next from parts, or a kit. After a few, you can put one together from memory in about a half hour, and just handling the parts with give you enough information to diagnose just about any problem it may have.
 
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Friends
Seriously
Make friends and go to the range or make friends at the range

YouTube was great for me, I watched videos when I was learning how to field strip, how to take the bolt apart etc.

After that, I agree start buying parts for AR #2
Get a stripped lower or three (or more) you’ll use them or if you decide to get rid of them friends will buy them
I learned so much putting one together from parts.
 
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The army field manual is a great source of basic instruction on the rifle, as issued. For more advanced info on modern accessories, options, use of the rifle, etc. take a look at Green Eyes & Black Rifles, by Kyle Lamb. He is another guy retired from the Special Operations community, has his own line of top-notch gear, he's one of the most sought-after instructors in the industry, and just an all-around great guy.
 
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The info you get from these guys will help you a lot.
As far as the AR, even I can run em gun em & understand how they work inside & out.
It is so easy to build your own & modify them & add attachments, you will tap your wallet to the max
& it will never be enough because the attachments improve the AR in many ways, accuracy, weight,
caliber, range, night vision, recoil, capacity, grips, lights, cameras, suppressor, color, adjustable stock,
& LOTS of optics!
But you can make mistakes that will damage the rifle if you try to break them down on your own so
learn it first.
But like my Grandmother always said = Be ware what you want lest you get it!
By the way I love em!
 
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AR stripped lower, stripped upper, barrel, and an upper and lower kit... Then YouTube tutorials.... They'll usually will tell you what tools you'll need. If you can put together furniture or follow directions, youll be good to go.

That's how I started. Then when I had issues that came about, I asked direct question on forums...
 
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Some basics. First, MEAL-
-Magazines. Use quality magazines. Colt, Magpul, Lancer, Okay, NHGMT make quality magazines. If the feed lips of a magazine ever get damaged or bent, thrown the magazine away and buy two new magazines to replace it. The easy button for magazines is Magpul and Lancer. Aluminum mags, even quality aluminum mags might need updated followers.
-Ejection. If the AR can't get the spent case reliably out of the action, the rifle will be plagued with reliability problems. that means the ejector and extractor and their respective springs must be 100%. Many ejection problems can be avoided by using a Colt extractor spring.
-Ammo. Garbage In Garbage Out. Use quality ammo. It doesn't have to be expensive ammo, but it does need to be reliable, in spec and consistent.
-Lubrication. Keep it lubed with oil. There are obvious contact points that a little oil will help with, but the most important place to oil is where the bolt slides back & forth in the carrier. Two to four drops in the carrier exhaust ports will keep your AR running like a sewing machine.

In addition, most "bargain brands" use a carbine weight buffer. It's too light, even if the gas drive in your AR is right. You can tell what buffer you have by opening the upper & lower and looking at the buffer face. If it has no markings, it's a carbine weight buffer. Replace it with an H (marked with an "H") or H2 (marked with an H2) buffer.

If you want to save money, time and aggravation follow this simple jingle- Ammo Before Accessories, Shoot Before Modifying.

Resist the temptation to buy a bunch of accessories or make modifications to your AR until you've shot it. When I say shot it, I don't mean two or three mags during two or three range sessions. I mean get out there and give your AR a real workout. To start, get some good sights- irons, red dot sight or low powered variable- whatever it takes to get your AR shooting. Get a sling. The Easy Button is the Vickers Blue Force Sling. There are others and I've tried a few myself, but the easiest sling to use is the Vickers Blue Force. If you plan to use your AR for house defense (a good choice, by the way) get a weapon light. If something goes bump in the night, you'll need a light to identify what that something is.

Keep It Simple Slick. If something looks complicated, goofy, awkward or fragile, it probably is. Avoid it.

Go buy a few magazines and big enough pile of ammo to Scrooge McDuck in and go enjoy shooting your AR. They are a blast. Pun intended. Puns should always be intended.
 
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mcmurry said:
So my first AR 15. I've already did a Google search and looked on Amazon. Apparently, there's no AR 15 for dummies, or an Idiots guide to the AR 15. Other than the owner's manual, would the Army manual for the AR 15/ M 16 be the best first book for basic information on this gun? Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have a Brownell’s How To Build an AR-15 DVD. If you want, I could send it to you. Just return it when you’re done with it.
CB22C0EB-96A4-4F05-8805-70B477981E13.jpeg
 
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The videos featuring Larry Potterfield from Midway USA did a good job for me. Everything from general operation to a full on build. It’s a lot easier done than one would imagine.
 
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Youtube is your friend. Everything from functioning, takedown, cleaning, shooting etc.

Also go with someone who knows about it for your first time out at least.
 
Hokie_PhD said:
Gunny
Aren’t most of the segments on Youtube
Click to expand...
I think so, but it's nice to have them on DVD when you first start building so you don't have to surf the internet.
There is a lot of good info out there, but there is a lot of not so good info too. And then there is some bad info.
I cringe and shake my head every time I see a video where some guy uses a pair of pliers or a vice to install the bolt catch roll pin. :confused: Anyone wanting to build an AR, or work on one, should get a set of roll pin punches and starter punches. It makes life so much easier.
I have several friends that have built only one or two AR's. They came over to use my tools and sometimes to get me to help them install something for them.
One friend came over and we spent about 45 min. going over the parts and building a lower. After he built a couple, he said that he can now build a lower in about 20 min.
 
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GunnyUSMC said:
I think so, but it's nice to have them on DVD when you first start building so you don't have to surf the internet.
There is a lot of good info out there, but there is a lot of not so good info too. And then there is some bad info.
I cringe and shake my head every time I see a video where some guy uses a pair of pliers or a vice to install the bolt catch roll pin. :confused: Anyone wanting to build an AR, or work on one, should get a set of roll pin punches and starter punches. It makes life so much easier.
I have several friends that have built only one or two AR's. They came over to use my tools and sometimes to get me to help them install something for them.
One friend came over and we spent about 45 min. going over the parts and building a lower. After he built a couple, he said that he can now build a lower in about 20 min.
Click to expand...

I agree some of the stuff people put out there is outright scary.
Thankfully most is ok and if you watch a few videos it becomes clear what is garbage and what isn’t.

I’m not sure I could put one together in 20 min. Well I could, I just wouldn’t bet that it was right. That said, I’d say, about an hour seems to be what’s need with interruptions, finding things walk away, etc. lol

I do agree that a small investment in basic tools is a good thing. I’m amaz3d though that the list can be huge on some sites. And companies are trying to sell as much as they can.

If memory serves me, I did my first lower with a hammer and set of punches and some tape. A set of starter punches is nice but even just nice punches will work. I guess I feel either finding a buddy like you or using what you have (or a making small investment) until you’re sure the bug bites is wise before you spend a lot. Of course I love tools so any excuse for a new one is a good one. Just don’t tell me TA (Toolholics Anonymous) group I said that.
 
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