AR builds, I need opinions!

[kenj8172]

Hello All,
I am interested in building my own AR, but I don't have the slightest idea of what it takes. Is this a job that an amateur like myself should tackle? Also, What is the cost effectiveness in comparison to buying a $1000 Bushmaster? Thanks in advance for your time!

Also, If someone could list the major parts needed, that would be helpful also!

 

[gladi8r]

There pretty easy to build plus there is a buttload of videos on it on youtube. Your gonna need a lower a lower parts kit and stock. An upper a barrel and a barrel parts kit, there is alot of variables when it comes to barrels and sights and gas systems do you want a carbine or midlength. If I were you I would find a good deal on a upper then buy a lower and a lower parts kit and put it together. Your gonna need a bolt carrier group, a charging handle, sights all kinds of stuff you need to research alot and find out what you want. Try ar15.com they got a hole section dedicated to building your own ar. Good luck

 

[Bullseye Shooter]

Check out the forum at www.ar15.com. Lots of guys willing to help and they have how-to photos, etc. on buidling a rifle from the ground up.

 

[TSU45]

+1 on both recommendations for ar15.com when it comes to building your own. It was the only resource I used for building my first. If your not in a hurry to get it built right away, you can wait for great deals on used parts at that site.

 

[Leper]

It is easy to build. You can get the exact rifle you want by building. By building it first, you will have the knowledge to fix it if it breaks later. The easiest way to build one is to get a stripped lower and then look in Shotgun news for one of the complete kits to build your own. The kit is complete, less stripped lower and can be shipped directly to your house. The first lower I put together took me almost two hours. The next one took about twenty minutes. I was really over analyzing it the first time.

 

[derdek]

I used a youtube video to assemble my lower. The instructions on ar15.com were helpful in figuring out which part was which. For the upper I just went with a complete upper. The lower's easy enough to do on your own and I imagine the upper isn't too bad as well. I just didn't want to invest in additional tools to assemble the upper.

Only real pain was getting in the pivot pin. That detente can take out an eye. The thing actually popped my lower lip when I let the razor blade slip while putting in my new YHM pins. Hurt like a mother. And be careful when putting in the bolt catch. Very easy to scratch the lower.

YouTube - Assembling an AR-15 Stripped Lower 1 of 2

 

[Lmccrock]

I am working (slowly) on my first build. As for cost effectiveness of building it yourself, the 1st one costs more because there are a few low cost tools (under $100, maybe less). Depends on what you already have at home. The 2nd build and so on are less expensive.

Another way to look at it, building your own is VERY expensive - "Black Rifle Disease" - because you can never stop at one.

Lee

 

[propellerhead]

Easiest way to "build" is to buy a complete upper and a complete lower the put the two halves together. The second easiest way is to buy a stripped lower and a kit. The kit will come with a complete upper and all the parts to attach to your stripped lower with basic household tools. Or you can buy all the part and put it all together but you'll need special tools for the upper.

 

[carney]

Here is a link to brownells with their complete set of videos and written instructions and parts needed to complete an ar, all for free on their website.

Brownells - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories and Gunsmithing Tools

 

[kenj8172]

thanks for all your help guys... I think this is the way I want to go. I'll make sure to post some pics when I'm one too!