Build My Own AR?

[burntmypiston]

Found a deal on a NIB DPMS reciever. Never built my own AR so I'm curious how big a deal it would be, both financially and technically. I've owned many ARs and am very familiar with the operation and maintenance. Anybody here have any advice?

[watsoncb]

I am building my first AR too. Starting with an Armalite lower and Stag build kit.

The first thing I would do is buy a copy of the "AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide" by Walt Kuleck. The guide is packed with how to build both the lower and upper assemblies, assembly tricks and tests.

For example installing the pivot pin spring and pin. The guide explains how to use a piviot pin installation tool (well worth the price). Or how to thread the trigger pin through the trigger assembly. Once you have built your lower or upper the guide has checklists of tests to perform to check the installation is correct and sound before you put that first round in.

The guide also includes how to install and tune two stage triggers and other special items.

At the moment, my costs are the cost of the lower, $40.00 for the Stag parts kit, $20.00 for a piviot tool and trigger/hammer pins with retaining clips and $40.00 for a Falcon left handed rigid ergo grip. Being left handed, I wanted to customize my build for a left handed shooter.

Good luck, you CAN do this.

[burntmypiston]

Thanks a bunch for the advice. I think I'm going to take the plunge. Sounds like alot of fun and a chance to learn something without breaking the bank. By the way, anything I should know about the DPMS reciever? Is this a good brand to start with at $140 delivered or will there be problems with this one? thanks.

[watsoncb]

Check out the AR15.com site. Here is a link to the build you own section: http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=4

[burntmypiston]

Man, it's almost overwhelming. LOTS of info. I just emailed the seller and bought the lower. Where would you go to get a 'kit'?

[James Cox]

Most any good gunshop would have parts kits. You'll need a lower parts kit, an upper parts kit (or complete upper), barrel, delta ring w/barrel nut attached of course (sometimes they don't come together), gas block/front sight, stock, buffer tube, buffer, buffer spring, carry handle, and of course the upper itself and the lower. That's really about it. torque the barrel to 35-40 lbs. use grease for assembly, and lotsa locktite on the important screws (gas block, etc).
Good luck!

[lastevolution]

If you have several AR's and know the AR pretty well, it's kind of fun building your own rifle.

For a new user to the system I would definitely recommend buying a factory assembled rifle.

[Wingnut357]

Building ARs is a lot easier than it sounds. With the diagram from midwayusa.com and some of the step-by-step instructions from ar15.com, it won't take long at all.

The main thing is to go SLOWLY, remain patient, and don't force anything that doesn't require force.

I built mine with zero experience or tools, using diagrams I got off the internet, but I also took advantage of free barrel installation provided by YHM, because that step requires the most tools.

Kit's can be gotten from anywhere depending on what you want.

Try Del-ton, J&T distributing, and Stag.

Before you order the kit, drop a PM or two, or post here again, so you don't end up with a rifle that won't suit your needs.

[Branspop]

Where would you go to get a 'kit'?

It all depends on what you want. Kits are likely to be expensive at a local shop. You can search around for reviews of the different vendors.

http://ar15sa.fatcow.com/store/page2.html

http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_16_s/57.htm

http://jtdistributing.net/store/kits_all.html

http://www.model1sales.com/

Personally, I like to order my parts individually to tailor it to what I want.

[burntmypiston]

Okay, I'm going to pickup the DPMS receiver today. Good one or not?

On a side note, I'd like to register at ar15.com, but all I have is a hotmail account and ar15 won't let me register with that. Why and how do I get around it honestly?

[Branspop]

It all depends on how much you pay for it. I have a DPMS lower and it is fine. It is a good quality unit. I also like Anvil Arms (http://www.anvilarms.com/c-19-lower-receivers.aspx)lowers.

In truth, lowers are made by a small number of places and just marked for the different manufacturers.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=318113

[burntmypiston]

Man, I'm pretty jazzed about this project. Now the hard part, deciding what I want Frankenstein to look like! Any idea how to register at ar15.com when all I have is a hotmail account?

[Branspop]

Sign up with one of the services that allows a custom email address.

[burntmypiston]

Got any names?

[Branspop]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us%3AIE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBS&q=free+email+custom+address&btnG=Search

[mac66]

Putting a lower together is pretty easy.

In regards to kits, it is generally cheaper to buy a complete kit and a stripped lower than to try and piece uppers, bolts, stocks etc together. Saves a lot of time also.

Depending what you want you can put a decent rifle together from about $500 to as much as you want to spend.

In my experience (having built 8 AR of different types) most of the companies get their parts from the same source. Consequently there is little difference in quality between them though a wide difference in cost. You do pay more for the name. That is not to say that good parts don't cost a bit more but some of it is just hype.

Again, in my experience the parts kits from Del-Ton, Garrison Mfg. JT Distributing, Model 1 Sales, M-A Parts, JSE Surplus, Fire for Effect and Blackthorne Products all have good quality but inexpensive rifle/carbine kits.

You also go with CMMG, DPMS, Stag, etc, etc but most of the parts above come form those sources anyway.

Anyway get what you feel most comfortable with and good luck.

[burntmypiston]

Thanks a ton for the advice. I'm trying to pickup the receiver tonight, but it probably won't happen until tomorow. Not that I'm impatient, just excited to give it a shot.

[burntmypiston]

Okay, I'm now the proud owner of a DPMS receiver. It's new, not a scratch on it. Time to accessorize! Where's my wife when I need her?

[burntmypiston]

I'd like my rifle to look like an m16A2. Where do I find that kit?

[mac66]

I'd like my rifle to look like an m16A2. Where do I find that kit?

In no particular order...

http://m-aparts.com/productsDetail.asp?id=50

http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_20_s/58.htm

http://model1sales.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=KSE200&storeid=1&image=s20prek.gif

http://jtdistributing.net/store/more_k_c20k.html

http://blackthorneproducts.com/

[nsabjg]

Building your own AR is they way to go if you want any special parts on your AR. If you were to get a complete rifle and you want to have a Magpul CTR stock, a H buffer, Vltor sling loop, etc...etc.... you would have bought all the extra parts that you did not want with the copmplete rifle. If you want a bone stock rifle go with the complete rifle from a top company. Good luck.

[burntmypiston]

Anyone have any experience with the above-listed companies? I'm trying to decide which one to order from. Also, chrome-lined barrel or not?

[Branspop]

Chrome lined.

[mac66]

Anyone have any experience with the above-listed companies? I'm trying to decide which one to order from. Also, chrome-lined barrel or not?

The companies I listed are basically the low end of the scale. I have a couple Model 1 uppers and a Del-Ton upper. Fit and finish may not be as good as some of the high end suppliers but they function fine and will help you get into the game at a good price.

Chrome lined bores were developed for the M16 during Viet Nam because the Gov't specified and used the wrong powder and didn't supply cleaning kits when first deployed. Unless you are using a full auto in S/E Asia with corrosive ammo and don't plan on cleaning your rifle, I don't think chrome lining is really needed and I don't think you will ever wear out the bore on your AR15. I have several rifles with and without chrome bores and I don't think it makes any difference other than cost.

Seriously though, buy the best you can afford.