My first AR-15 build! (in progress) - Page 2

slappy · April 15, 2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Sometimes TFL can be a riot

You are right about that. There is a handful of very knowledgeable people on this forum who are happy to help, but then there are also a lot of people who are more than happy to give advise even thought they have absolutely no experience with the subject at hand. In other words, you have to be careful when deciding whose advise is worth listening to and whose is just unfounded opinion (aka: internet knowledge).

toppermost · April 17, 2012, 11:14 PM

I got my barrel! After literally weeks of "research" and hunting I became convinced that I should snatch the FIRST barrel that I could get my dirty paws on. I finally tracked one I could live with down. Its a DPMS with M4 profile/feedramps. 16 inch. 1 in 9" Twist. 5.56mm. Factory front sight base installed. I have no idea if its parkerized under the FSB (havent received it yet) but I have no intention of ever finding out, so... There ya go! I will post pics as soon as it comes in.

Oh and I decided to go with a Magpul MOE handguard. Black. Carbine. Got it local today. I'll take a pic with the barrel.

Will look for a delta ring kit tomorrow.

madcratebuilder · April 18, 2012, 07:33 AM

I like the lower, good to see different roll marks and not the same old thing.

The DPMS barrels I have worked with in the past were GTG. I'm in the progress of building

with a mini sass barrel from DPMS.

It should meet every ones definition of build as I needed to chuck the barrel nut in my lathe so it would fit the 1.040 bull barrel. The gas block is on the milling table now to be whittled down to fit in the extended mid length hand guard.

toppermost · April 21, 2012, 03:05 PM

Coming along. Slowly. Damn I hate being poor. hah!

I should get my barrel in the mail in the next couple of days.

Achilles11B · April 21, 2012, 07:56 PM

Looks good so far! Any plans as for sights/optics yet?

Also, I'm starting my AR build today...

The hammer and anvil are in the mail, I can't wait to get started!

FrosSsT · April 21, 2012, 09:52 PM

Achilles dont forget the oil to make the plastic parts.

semi_problomatic · April 22, 2012, 12:02 AM

I can hook you up on some plastic!

insomni · April 22, 2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Achilles dont forget the oil to make the plastic parts.

yah I have some old lightbulbs. you can melt the filaments down to help with your buffer if you want milspec

Achilles11B · April 22, 2012, 11:52 AM

You guys are so helpful!

**4V50 Gary** · April 22, 2012, 12:53 PM

The AR is the first gun since the flintlock that a fellow with moderate skills can assemble. IF you can snap together two Lego bricks, you can build an AR. Have fun!

toppermost · April 22, 2012, 12:59 PM

If I get some roll pins from Ace Hardware instead of a gun parts website can I call it like a "half-build"?

Darren Roberts · April 22, 2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

4V50 Gary - The AR is the first gun since the flintlock that a fellow with moderate skills can assemble.

Really? And a standard bolt action is rocket science?

**4V50 Gary** · April 22, 2012, 07:26 PM

To build a flintlock, given the parts, all you need to be good with chisels and files. It may not be elegant, but it will work. A bolt action require those skills plus machine skills. Most people don't have the latter. Ditto for a lever gun. Don't expect the average guy to make a gun. The AR has taken us full circle. Given the parts, the average guy can build a gun.

toppermost · April 23, 2012, 05:53 PM

M4 barrel (you know, for the grenade launcher I will NEVER have...).
I was prepared to buy a chrome-lined barrel but I did not want to wait 3-6 months! I got a pretty good deal on this guy from Midway.

M4 feed ramps.

[note the CAT HAIR ARRRGHHHGHH]

See, I'm BUILDING it.

So far so good. (Why yes, that is my Glock 23 with a modified lower receiver - with a Pearce +1 extension - so that it fits like a little subcompact glove - thank you for asking.)

Achilles11B · April 24, 2012, 05:34 PM

So far, so good! Pick up an upper yet? Also, do you have the tools needed to install the barrel?

toppermost · April 26, 2012, 01:21 AM

Achilles...

I have the basics (torque wrench, etc) and I can get the rest if I need to. I do not think I would attempt without a receiver block of some kind though... since you brought it:

The only person I have spoken to in person about barrels said (more or less) never put a barrel on yourself. The reason I hesitate to ignore him is, that particular shop did not offer any smithing services - so I dont think he was trying to sell me anyone's services.

On the other hand... I have seen a couple of online tutorials on how to install a barrel. Its seems pretty damn easy. I am 99.999% sure I can do everything I see the guys in the videos doing.

What say you?

toppermost · April 26, 2012, 01:24 AM

..................... on the other hand, after purchasing a receiver block and a multi tool, then paying for shipping... I will be close to what I would pay a gun smith to install it for me.

edit: also, if I bought these tools, I would probably use them about once every 3 years. maybe.

semi_problomatic · April 26, 2012, 07:34 AM

Unless you like to fiddle.... I like to fiddle....

CDW4ME · April 26, 2012, 07:47 AM

I would call this a build.

Marquezj16 · April 26, 2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

On the other hand... I have seen a couple of online tutorials on how to install a barrel. Its seems pretty damn easy. I am 99.999% sure I can do everything I see the guys in the videos doing.

What say you?

It is that easy.

Do you have a 1/2 torque wrench to use on the armorer's tool to tightened the barrel nut?

toppermost · April 26, 2012, 12:42 PM

I have the toque wrench. All I would have to buy would be the AR multi tool and some kind of receiver/vice block (might be missing one of the roll pinch punchs).

Marquezj16 · April 26, 2012, 01:52 PM

I know you said you might only use the tools every three years, but they can come in handy for changing out parts (buttstock and barrel) should you decide to upgrade.

Achilles11B · April 27, 2012, 04:49 PM

Barrel changing isn't quite as daunting as it looks. Make sure you have the proper tools, to include a receiver block, and a good go/no-go gauge. Research the tech specs to find out what torque level is needed to secure the barrels.

toppermost · May 4, 2012, 05:30 PM

Almost done! I added a plain ol' A2 flash hider, crush ring, front sight post, detent and spring from Rock River Arms. A complete upper receiver assembly (with charging handle), all from DPMS. Picked up a 20 round mag from Magpul and went with their polymer, flip up rear sight.

All I am missing is a bolt carrier assembly and gas tube/roll pin! I will definitely get a chromed one. Since I skimped on the barrel (not chromed) I might even spring for a nickel or titanium BCG.

Pics!

(that's just a little household dust on the rear of the receiver)

toppermost · May 4, 2012, 05:33 PM

(Yes, the hand guard is "crooked." I just screwed the barrel on the receiver enough to take some pictures. It is not fully installed).

April 17, 2012, 11:14 PM	#27
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	I got my barrel! After literally weeks of "research" and hunting I became convinced that I should snatch the FIRST barrel that I could get my dirty paws on. I finally tracked one I could live with down. Its a DPMS with M4 profile/feedramps. 16 inch. 1 in 9" Twist. 5.56mm. Factory front sight base installed. I have no idea if its parkerized under the FSB (havent received it yet) but I have no intention of ever finding out, so... There ya go! I will post pics as soon as it comes in. Oh and I decided to go with a Magpul MOE handguard. Black. Carbine. Got it local today. I'll take a pic with the barrel. Will look for a delta ring kit tomorrow. __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 21, 2012, 07:56 PM	#30
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 582	Looks good so far! Any plans as for sights/optics yet? Also, I'm starting my AR build today... The hammer and anvil are in the mail, I can't wait to get started! __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

April 22, 2012, 12:02 AM	#32
semi_problomatic Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2009 Location: Ft. Polk Posts: 512	I can hook you up on some plastic! __________________ Freedom's just a word. If I'm gonna die for a word, my word is jello...

April 22, 2012, 11:52 AM	#34
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 582	You guys are so helpful! __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

April 22, 2012, 12:53 PM	#35
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 15,418	The AR is the first gun since the flintlock that a fellow with moderate skills can assemble. IF you can snap together two Lego bricks, you can build an AR. Have fun! __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 18, 2012, 07:33 AM	#28
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,864	I like the lower, good to see different roll marks and not the same old thing. The DPMS barrels I have worked with in the past were GTG. I'm in the progress of building with a mini sass barrel from DPMS. It should meet every ones definition of build as I needed to chuck the barrel nut in my lathe so it would fit the 1.040 bull barrel. The gas block is on the milling table now to be whittled down to fit in the extended mid length hand guard.

April 21, 2012, 09:52 PM	#31
FrosSsT Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 542	Achilles dont forget the oil to make the plastic parts.

April 22, 2012, 12:59 PM	#36
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	If I get some roll pins from Ace Hardware instead of a gun parts website can I call it like a "half-build"? __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 22, 2012, 07:26 PM	#38
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 15,418	To build a flintlock, given the parts, all you need to be good with chisels and files. It may not be elegant, but it will work. A bolt action require those skills plus machine skills. Most people don't have the latter. Ditto for a lever gun. Don't expect the average guy to make a gun. The AR has taken us full circle. Given the parts, the average guy can build a gun. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 23, 2012, 05:53 PM	#39
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	Barrel update M4 barrel (you know, for the grenade launcher I will NEVER have...). I was prepared to buy a chrome-lined barrel but I did not want to wait 3-6 months! I got a pretty good deal on this guy from Midway. M4 feed ramps. [note the CAT HAIR ARRRGHHHGHH] See, I'm BUILDING it. So far so good. (Why yes, that is my Glock 23 with a modified lower receiver - with a Pearce +1 extension - so that it fits like a little subcompact glove - thank you for asking.) __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 24, 2012, 05:34 PM	#40
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 582	So far, so good! Pick up an upper yet? Also, do you have the tools needed to install the barrel? __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

April 26, 2012, 01:21 AM	#41
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	Achilles... I have the basics (torque wrench, etc) and I can get the rest if I need to. I do not think I would attempt without a receiver block of some kind though... since you brought it: The only person I have spoken to in person about barrels said (more or less) never put a barrel on yourself. The reason I hesitate to ignore him is, that particular shop did not offer any smithing services - so I dont think he was trying to sell me anyone's services. On the other hand... I have seen a couple of online tutorials on how to install a barrel. Its seems pretty damn easy. I am 99.999% sure I can do everything I see the guys in the videos doing. What say you? __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 26, 2012, 01:24 AM	#42
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	..................... on the other hand, after purchasing a receiver block and a multi tool, then paying for shipping... I will be close to what I would pay a gun smith to install it for me. edit: also, if I bought these tools, I would probably use them about once every 3 years. maybe. __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 26, 2012, 07:34 AM	#43
semi_problomatic Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2009 Location: Ft. Polk Posts: 512	Unless you like to fiddle.... I like to fiddle.... __________________ Freedom's just a word. If I'm gonna die for a word, my word is jello... Last edited by semi_problomatic; April 26, 2012 at 07:41 AM.

April 26, 2012, 07:47 AM	#44
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 501	I would call this a build. __________________ No internal lock or magazine disconnect on my pistols!

April 26, 2012, 12:42 PM	#46
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	I have the toque wrench. All I would have to buy would be the AR multi tool and some kind of receiver/vice block (might be missing one of the roll pinch punchs). __________________ k.i.s.s.

April 26, 2012, 01:52 PM	#47
Marquezj16 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Posts: 2,067	I know you said you might only use the tools every three years, but they can come in handy for changing out parts (buttstock and barrel) should you decide to upgrade. Last edited by Marquezj16; April 26, 2012 at 03:28 PM.

April 27, 2012, 04:49 PM	#48
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 582	Barrel changing isn't quite as daunting as it looks. Make sure you have the proper tools, to include a receiver block, and a good go/no-go gauge. Research the tech specs to find out what torque level is needed to secure the barrels. __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

May 4, 2012, 05:30 PM	#49
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	Almost done! I added a plain ol' A2 flash hider, crush ring, front sight post, detent and spring from Rock River Arms. A complete upper receiver assembly (with charging handle), all from DPMS. Picked up a 20 round mag from Magpul and went with their polymer, flip up rear sight. All I am missing is a bolt carrier assembly and gas tube/roll pin! I will definitely get a chromed one. Since I skimped on the barrel (not chromed) I might even spring for a nickel or titanium BCG. Pics! (that's just a little household dust on the rear of the receiver) __________________ k.i.s.s.

May 4, 2012, 05:33 PM	#50
toppermost Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 140	#2 for 5/4/12 (Yes, the hand guard is "crooked." I just screwed the barrel on the receiver enough to take some pictures. It is not fully installed). __________________ k.i.s.s.