Building my own AR-15
- Thread starter BigJoe31
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Very do-able. You can end up doing one of three things: buying inexpensive parts and ending up with a dirt-cheap rifle, buying quality parts and ending up with a rifle that is better than most of the mass-produced rifles and costs about the same, or going full-on high end and spending more money, but getting something that is pushing what you can get from the custom makers.
The only part that is not really kitchen-table doable is installing the barrel, but even that is not too hard. Or, you can order a pre-assembled upper and just build the lower.
As to where to go, arfcom probably has a building FAQ.
Mike
The only part that is not really kitchen-table doable is installing the barrel, but even that is not too hard. Or, you can order a pre-assembled upper and just build the lower.
As to where to go, arfcom probably has a building FAQ.
Mike
highorder
Member
what Mike said.
more specifically, putting the barrel extension on the barrel and setting headspace is not something your average kitchen-table guy does. However, stuffing a complete barrel in an upper receiver and screwing a quad rail to it is easy. Almost all the barrels you buy for AR15s will have the barrel extension installed already.
the other thing most people wouldn't attempt would be drilling gas ports in the barrel, or the holes for a pinned gas block.
dang near everything is is easy.
HOWEVER... if you just tab-A ---> slot B put the gun together like legos, don't be surprised it if comes back apart just as easy. Some methods of assembly are better than others.
more specifically, putting the barrel extension on the barrel and setting headspace is not something your average kitchen-table guy does. However, stuffing a complete barrel in an upper receiver and screwing a quad rail to it is easy. Almost all the barrels you buy for AR15s will have the barrel extension installed already.
the other thing most people wouldn't attempt would be drilling gas ports in the barrel, or the holes for a pinned gas block.
dang near everything is is easy.
HOWEVER... if you just tab-A ---> slot B put the gun together like legos, don't be surprised it if comes back apart just as easy. Some methods of assembly are better than others.
Agree with all of the others.....I "built" mine, but bought a complete upper assembly, so i suppose that is really cheating to an extent as the only assembly required is the LPK and castle nut on the buffer tube. See the other thread, its an interesting read. Lots of good input in there, you'll learn more than you care to about barrel twist etc... But all good things to consider if you're going to build.
DougW
Member
Be careful! These things are habit forming (ask me how I know!)!
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
Assembling your own uppers really isn't a big deal---I've done my own uppers since my first AR build----built about 10 of em so far now.
navyretired 1
Member
I think everyone should assemble at least one, but the dealers have got wise to us builders and pushed the prices so that it's hard to make the DIY build a bargain. The reason is that the stuff you see in tech-mags cost 3 arms and a leg and when you plan a build you want the best.
With a little shopping around and comparing prices you can still build a really top shelf AR for a reasonable sum and have fun and pride in doing. Good Luck
With a little shopping around and comparing prices you can still build a really top shelf AR for a reasonable sum and have fun and pride in doing. Good Luck
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