Assembling an AR15 lower

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mattw

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Are the parts all pretty much drop-in or do they require gunsmithing?

Also, what is the general opinion of M&A Parts? Is it good stuff? I've read on AR15.com that it was not the best choice for serious use, but it was not explained why. I was thinking about buying one of their rifle kits and assembling it on a stripped Stag lower.

http://www.m-aparts.com/
 
If you get a lower parts kit, there's really no gunsmithing. If you have even minor technical aptitude, you can put together an AR15 lower no problem. I did it in about an hour on my kitchen table with a pair of vice grips, some needlenose pliers, and a set of pin punches. Very, very easy.

As far as parts..i'd try either J&T Distributing, or Del-Ton.
 
I've heard good stuff about Del-Ton. Haven't heard much about J&T. But the only problem is that I would like a 14.5 inch barrel with one of the Sabre Defense extended A2 birdcages pinned on so I don't have to get an SBR stamp.

M&A seems to be the only ones selling these kits.
 
Assembling a lower is not at all hard and the arfcom guide linked by strat81 will take you right through it. One potential difficulty comes when installing the pivot pin detent - it's spring loaded, small and can launch, in which case it may be tough to find. One member here posted once that he does that part with the whole thing inside a 2 qt. baggie. Sounds like a good idea, but I haven't tried it yet. Another thing that's helpful is, when installing the bolt catch roll pin, use a tap with a little bit of masking tape wrapped around it and extending out just a bit. That helps keep the tap on the roll pin so you can hammer it in without the tap jumping and scratching the receiver.
 
Cool. Sounds like I don't need to do any fitting work with any of the lower internals.

Now does anyone know of a company other than M&A that offers a 14.5" barrel with pinned A2 flash suppressor as a kit?
 
I put together an AR-15 lower this evening. Used a DoubleStar lower and a J&T lower parts kit. Only tools used were punches, brass hammer, knife, and needle nose pliers. Took about a hour. No problems.
Dallas Jack
 
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