Building a DPMS lower

[Gingerbreadman]

I am considering building myself an AR-15, and I would like to use a DPMS lower receiver. If I were to buy a stripped lower and all the parts that go into it, are there any special tools that I would need?

I have heard that DPMS rifles are not the most reliable. Would a different upper receiver affect this?

The main thing is that I would like to have this be a "Made in Minnesota" rifle. I know that I could buy a complete DPMS rifle, but I want the satisfaction of building it myself, and I don't have the money right now to spend so much at once.

Also, would an upper chambered in .223 be able to handle 5.56, or is it the other way around?

 

[Evenflo76]

Other way around. 5.56 chamber can hold more pressure. Civilian .223 less. Also there is some difference in the neck of the cartridge.

5.56 will handle .223. 5.56 SHOULD not be fired from a .223 chamber...

 

[Canuck-IL]

You need a couple of roll pin punches and a vise grip w tape on the jaws - easier than using a hammer to drive in the 2 pins. Get the instruction set w pics from the ARF15 site...45 minnutes first time, no scratches...easy to do.
/Bryan

 

[wdlsguy]

Get the instruction set w pics from the ARF15 site...

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower

 

[Gingerbreadman]

Ooh, thankyou!

I'm planning this as a winter project, so if I do follow through, it won't be for a while yet.

Another quick question though. I read that DPMS lowers have smaller pin holes than most AR uppers. Is this the case, and if so, is there an adapter orsome other way around this?

 

[DnPRK]

Another quick question though. I read that DPMS lowers have smaller pin holes than most AR uppers. Is this the case, and if so, is there an adapter orsome other way around this?

Only Colt uses the large hammer and trigger pins. Every other maker uses 0.154" hammer and trigger pins.

 

[jpwilly]

DPMS are not lesser quality or less reliable than other quality AR's. People used to complain that their barrels weren't chrome lined. They have been chrome lining barrels for some time now. Most of what you may have heard is probably hyperbull. Another reason DPMS and some others mfg's have gotten a bad wrap is because they sell parts, kits and complete rifles an many will buy the parts slap them together and expect factory quality control to fall in there somehow! Most, like yourself, don't have correct tools and are also "on a budget" and skimp on things like good mags etc. Pretty soon you be back here telling us how your DPMS isn't reliable! HA!