Build a AR?

[tws3b2]

Speaking of triggers, OP probably doesn't know about drop in triggers for the AR.

AR-15 Trigger Options | Drop-In Triggers | RISE Armament

RISE Armament offers a variety of single-stage AR-15 trigger options, as well as AR-10 and PCC triggers for your next build.

risearmament.com

Yeah, I know about the triggers. The kit comes with a trigger so I'm planning to stick with all the included parts at first. Then, later when I feel the need to tinker I can go back and add or replace stuff with other stuff. I'm Bubba a tinker - er? So I don't mind going back to re-tinker?

 

[Skylerbone]

later when I feel the need to tinker I can go back and add or replace stuff with other stuff.

This is why I suggest spending money where it matters. Charging handle, sights, trigger; all can be easily swapped as you please, but if you glue a barrel or run a standard pinned bolt catch things get aggravating. Speaking of the catch, I really like my Luth-AR (The Paddle). It’s oversized making it a snap for women and children to release without the sting sometimes felt when using the milspec part.

 

[Demi-human]

I'm planning to stick with all the included parts at first. Then, later when I feel the need to tinker I can go back and add or replace stuff with other stuff.

This is the most efficient way. Some parts are perfectly acceptable, and buying premium versions is superfluous. Some parts are well worth it.

(@Skylerbone, Jinks! )

 

[DMW1116]

I have to stop following this thread. I have two barrel replacements and a whole new upper planned.

 

[CraigC]

I have to stop following this thread. I have two barrel replacements and a whole new upper planned.

Speaking of which, did anyone warn the OP not to end up with any extra parts? For me, they always end up growing into another rifle.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

I'm thinking of building a ar. Not because I need one or even want one. Just because? I have good experience with tinkering with firearms. Not in any way a gunsmith, but a dang good "Bubba the gunsmith". I can completely disassemble & reassemble lever actions, pumps and some semi auto rifles using guide videos and books. I've repaired, brought back to life several old junk rifles and shotguns including a Remington 550-1, complete disassemble, repair and reassemble. Wasn't easy but Now works perfect.
I've watched some videos and read some articles on building ar's. Doesn't seem to be that hard.
Probably in 556 or 223.
Just wondering if any tips, tricks or advice that anyone would care to share. I would like to keep the price down as much as I can. But, in the end I would like to end up with a gun that actually works.
I'm assuming the upper would have to be shipped through a FFL?
Where to get the parts at the best price?
Good brand names.

Primary Arms has a good amount of uppers and lowers and such at decent prices. I highly recommend getting everything but the barrel, trigger, and stock from Aero Precision. Get a KAK Industries barrel (I got a 16in rifle gas 5.56 1-7 twist from them (runs like a sewing machine), but they sell mil spec 14.5 mid length gas and various others), LaRue MBT2S Trigger, and a Fulton Armory A2 Stock Kit.

Here is a screen shot of my gun and build list.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Definitely not cheaper to build, but more fun & you get the satisfaction plus exactly what you want.

Cheaper compared to a bougie build from someone like Seekins or Knights!
I have about 1300 in my Aero KAK Industry LaRue and Fulton Armory build. Super high quality rifle for not a lot of money.

 

[gotboostvr]

Primary Arms has a good amount of uppers and lowers and such at decent prices. I highly recommend getting everything but the barrel, trigger, and stock from Aero Precision. Get a KAK Industries barrel (I got a 16in rifle gas 5.56 1-7 twist from them (runs like a sewing machine), but they sell mil spec 14.5 mid length gas and various others), LaRue MBT2S Trigger, and a Fulton Armory A2 Stock Kit.

Here is a screen shot of my gun and build list.

View attachment 1202758

View attachment 1202759

What's the reasoning with the 16" barrel and rifle gas? I'm guessing it's a dedicated suppressor build? That's one combination you don't see very often.

 

[GHinNH]

Buying a "inexpensive" rifle to play with may or may not be less expensive depending on expectations. Would you accept a strictly utilitarian rifle of Mil-spec function and accuracy of up to 3" at 100yd?

If not that would be a new barrel and bolt to do it right. While you're at that don't forget to lap the upper, you do have a lapping tool right?....

The trigger will suck, so there's $200. I use B5 Systems grips so that's another $30. Same with the buttstock and handguard. How about a good adjustable gas block-$75 and up... then the gas port will need to be drilled out....

The list (can) goes on until the only thing left is the original lower and upper.

 

[tws3b2]

So, My PSA 5.56 AR 15 carbine arrived today. Tomorrow I will set out to the pawn&gun store to pick up a lower, mag and a couple boxes of 5.56 ammo and get started. Kind of let down because the upper has already been assembled. Should I disassemble and reassemble for the experience? Or, leave as is for now?
Anyway, it's supposed to be a blemished kit. I've looked it over and cannot find the blemish. Good sign?

 

[NeverEnoughFDE]

Buying a "inexpensive" rifle to play with may or may not be less expensive depending on expectations. Would you accept a strictly utilitarian rifle of Mil-spec function and accuracy of up to 3" at 100yd?

If not that would be a new barrel and bolt to do it right. While you're at that don't forget to lap the upper, you do have a lapping tool right?....

The trigger will suck, so there's $200. I use B5 Systems grips so that's another $30. Same with the buttstock and handguard. How about a good adjustable gas block-$75 and up... then the gas port will need to be drilled out....

The list (can) goes on until the only thing left is the original lower and upper.

You can spend $100 on the Larue MBT-2S trigger.

 

[gotboostvr]

Kind of let down because the upper has already been assembled. Should I disassemble and reassemble for the experience? Or, leave as is for now?

I wouldn't. If it's got some teething pains, I might, depending on the exact issues.

You'll need a few specialty tools, some can be field rigged, but you'll at minimum need a barrel nut wrench.

There's a few tricks for going without a proper action block, I've seen people use a filled to fit 2x4 in the mag well, or just sacrificing a mag. I'd prefer something sturdier though, and prefer to just secure the upper. I've seen a wood block between the lugs, and a C-clamp holding it all together, and that would probably work well.

A good action block, is definitely worth it though if you're a tinkerer.

 

[gotboostvr]

You can spend $100 on the Larue MBT-2S trigger.

This is my goto trigger upgrade, but the cheaper Schmidt triggers are also a great value and a big improvement. I've seen them under $50 on sale.

 

[Mk-211]

So, My PSA 5.56 AR 15 carbine arrived today.View attachment 1202833 Tomorrow I will set out to the pawn&gun store to pick up a lower, mag and a couple boxes of 5.56 ammo and get started. Kind of let down because the upper has already been assembled. Should I disassemble and reassemble for the experience? Or, leave as is for now?
Anyway, it's supposed to be a blemished kit. I've looked it over and cannot find the blemish. Good sign?

Shoot it first, let the parts wear in a little. Get some good lube, AR's like to be a little wet.

After you run some ammo through it, try it for accuracy. If it shoots under 2 MOA or less at 100 yards, you're good. This is with off the shelf ammo.

Post a range report when you can.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

What's the reasoning with the 16" barrel and rifle gas? I'm guessing it's a dedicated suppressor build? That's one combination you don't see very often.

Well it actually runs perfectly without a suppressor to be honest. I just wanted something cool and interesting. Its super smooth with rifle gas and rifle buffer system.

 

[gotboostvr]

Well it actually runs perfectly without a suppressor to be honest. I just wanted something cool and interesting. Its super smooth with rifle gas and rifle buffer system.

Sounds like they got the gas port size correct then. In theory, that should be a real soft shooting rifle.

 

[small town life]

uppers and lowers are somewhat low cost ($100-150 per pair depending on if it's 6061 or 7075). barrels can get costly, but I usually wait for sales. triggers depending on how fancy and type you want can be over $300 or as low as $50. lpk's are cheap. handguards and gas blocks can be relativity cheap. it's possible to build a complete ar for under $500! going poly receiver in ar15's is good and I've had thousands of rounds thru an ati poly upper and lower and still going strong. I built an ar10 in 308win 20" barrel and trying to achieve a 5# or lighter complete w/o optic. as of right now it's @ 5# 4.97ozs.

 

[small town life]

I'm trying to stay with a 20", but might need to go 18" to meet the weight as a 16" is easily done in that weight. cf and magnesium make up the biggest cost.

ar's are adult legos!

some bolts although it can state mil-spec might not headspace properly as I've experienced, but rarely happens.

 

[tws3b2]

Actually, I'm

I wouldn't. If it's got some teething pains, I might, depending on the exact issues.

You'll need a few specialty tools, some can be field rigged, but you'll at minimum need a barrel nut wrench.

There's a few tricks for going without a proper action block, I've seen people use a filled to fit 2x4 in the mag well, or just sacrificing a mag. I'd prefer something sturdier though, and prefer to just secure the upper. I've seen a wood block between the lugs, and a C-clamp holding it all together, and that would probably work well.

A good action block, is definitely worth it though if you're a tinkerer.

Yep, But the barrel already has been installed to the upper.

 

[GHinNH]

For lube they do like to run "wet" and it's easy to spend a lot of money fast on trying different ones. MGL (machine gun lube) is a "secret" formula that's been around for decades. Usually ATF mixed with some other ingredient depending on who you are talking to. Generally speaking Moly of some sort.

Some time ago I put it all away and switched to a refillable ketchup/catsup squeeze bottle of SOTAR lube. My twist on it is I use Mobil 1 synthetic grease but mix with synthetic ATF.

It's also real handy to have ready at hand on the bench, as a go to lube for anything else I might be working on.

Home Brew AR Lube & AR Lubrication

The first part of this video demonstrates how I make my Home Brew AR15 Lubricant aka "secret sauce". The second part demonstrates how I lubricate an AR in 2...

www.youtube.com

 

[6.8 hunter]

Just saw a complete rifle from Midway on sale for 399 I think.

 

[AK Hunter]

For lube they do like to run "wet" and it's easy to spend a lot of money fast on trying different ones. MGL (machine gun lube) is a "secret" formula that's been around for decades. Usually ATF mixed with some other ingredient depending on who you are talking to. Generally speaking Moly of some sort.

Some time ago I put it all away and switched to a refillable ketchup/catsup squeeze bottle of SOTAR lube. My twist on it is I still use synthetic ATF mixed with Mobil 1 synthetic grease.

It's also real handy to have ready at hand on the bench, as a go to lube for anything else I might be working on.

Home Brew AR Lube & AR Lubrication

The first part of this video demonstrates how I make my Home Brew AR15 Lubricant aka "secret sauce". The second part demonstrates how I lubricate an AR in 2...

www.youtube.com

I can tell you don't shoot much in cold weather. If I used that on my hunting gun it wouldn't cycle. I just use the spray Rem oil & spray it until it almost dripping, assemble the gun then wipe off the excess.

 

[tws3b2]

For lube they do like to run "wet" and it's easy to spend a lot of money fast on trying different ones. MGL (machine gun lube) is a "secret" formula that's been around for decades. Usually ATF mixed with some other ingredient depending on who you are talking to. Generally speaking Moly of some sort.

Some time ago I put it all away and switched to a refillable ketchup/catsup squeeze bottle of SOTAR lube. My twist on it is I still use synthetic ATF mixed with Mobil 1 synthetic grease.

It's also real handy to have ready at hand on the bench, as a go to lube for anything else I might be working on.

Home Brew AR Lube & AR Lubrication

The first part of this video demonstrates how I make my Home Brew AR15 Lubricant aka "secret sauce". The second part demonstrates how I lubricate an AR in 2...

www.youtube.com

Secret? formula? For Machine Guns? Been around for Decades?? WOW, gotta get me some of that.

 

[tws3b2]

Not really interested in long range accuracy for now or probably the near future. 50yds max is probably more realistic for me. Nor do I plan to spend a lot. I enjoy shooting just for the fun of it. For now no "upgrading". Iron sights I enjoy the most. I have red dot but will probably never install. When I shoot I'm in my own world and that's where I intend to stay.

 

[tws3b2]

Out to local pawn and gun to pick up the lower today.
" Come to think on it.
I've been to the lgs probably a dozen times in the past ten years or so. But actually I've never bought anything but one box of reloading bullets. I don't know how much ammo I've bought in that time but I know I've bought 8 guns, some reloading powder, bullets, primers casings and this and that. Two guns from the gun show, one gun from the big box store and 5 guns , lower and this and that from the pawn and gun shop. And one box of reloading bullets from the LGS?. The lgs is much closer and a little cheaper. But, Two over weight guys sitting on stool with tattoos and black tshirts, guns on their hip with a look on their face like ?? I don't really know. You ask to see a gun, they hand it to you, you ask a question and the best you get is "I don't know". Like your such a pain in the rear end.
At the gun and pawn, 10 miles further down the road in another town, you pay a little more but the guys will sit there and answer your questions, tell you and listen to stories, offer advice and show interest in your concerns about anything they sell till the sun goes down. When the lgs closes it's doors, so be it. Who cares.
Sorry, rambling again.
Anyway, Got all I need to start Building, whoops. Sorry ""assembling"" my first AR.