Help Building 1st AR-15

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 12:35 PM

Hello all, I am building my 1st AR-15. I am new to this, so please take it easy on me if I sound a little ignorant to the terminology and overall knowledge of this process. FYI, I am building this rifle for hog hunting and playing at the range. I main needs are accuracy, smooth trigger, and I want the thing to look badass! I also want to build a quality rifle the first time rather than buying crap and then having to build something better later. I would like to stay under $800 for the total build (minus the scope). So I'm looking opinions on receivers, kits, etc. I think I need to start with the lower receiver first. So, what is the best lower receiver to purchase?

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 12:51 PM

Anderson lowers are good
Aero precision

Both are low costs and can't tell the difference from other lowers
Unless you're looking for a cool roll mark.

If you can find a barreled upper that suits your needs, it will be cheaper because no special tools will be needed to complete the rest of the build .

But the tools aren't that expensive but it is money that can go elsewhere in your build, as you shop for parts, keep that in mind.

It's a good market for someone putting together ARs at this moment in history
Upper sets abound

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 01:02 PM

I might add, if you have access to a workbench with a vise and a torque wrench, then the remaining tools to install a barrel on an upper arent that much

Shooter2675 · February 19, 2015, 01:10 PM

As long as the lower receiver is Mil Spec, there isn't much difference between different brands. In fact, a lot of stripped lowers are just stamped with the companies name and aren't really made by them. I would look for a name such as Aero Precision, Anderson Mfg., or even Palmetto State Armorary.

As for the lower parts kit, you have a lot of options there. You could get a complete one that includes the trigger (it would be a heavy pull, mil spec trigger), or you could get one that doesn't include a trigger and buy your own.

Depending on how much you are willing to spend on a trigger, there are many options. A good trigger is a Rock River Arms Varmint Trigger or match trigger, and can be had around $120 IIRC. If you want to spend more on a trigger, like $250, a Geissele trigger is second to none.

As for the stock, you can buy collapsible magpul stock kits for under $70 plus shipping, those are pretty good especially if you are on a budget. Or you could buy an A2 stock (like found on an M16 style rifle).

As for the upper, a stripped upper is fairly straight forward so get a mil spec one that is a good price, or if you want, you could spend a lot more for a billet upper, which just looks cooler.

For the barrel, I would recommend a White Oak a Armament barrel, they aren't too pricey and are very accurate. John at White Oak Armament has a very good selection of barrels.

For the bolt carrier group, same thing. Get a nice mil spec bolt carrier group that is MPI tested. Stag arms sells them as well as Del-Ton and many other companies.

For the charging handle, if you want a standard one they aren't thst expensive, but you could buy a more expensive, upgraded One such as a BCM Gunfighter.

You said you wanted it to look badass, so a nice Handguard could definitly do that. A nice one such as a Yankee Hill Machine would make your gun look nice. Also, I would definitly get a free float tube. It helps with accuracy.

For a gas block, I would reccomend Battle Tested Equipment (they cost $40-50 with free shipping), but if you want a gas block sight combo, you can find those from various vendors for a good price.

Let me know if you need to know anything else or if you have any questions,

John

Shooter2675 · February 19, 2015, 01:15 PM

You would also need several tools to build the gun, such as:

- A torque wrench ($40-$50 from a hardware store)
- A barrel nut wrench (about $30, you can buy it from MidwayUSA)
- A upper receiver vice block or a mag well block (I would recommend a upper receiver vice block, they cost about $30 or so)
- An AR-15 armorers wrench, to install castle nut and flash hider ($20-25 or so)
- Locktite for the castle nut (under $10, can be found at your local hardware store)

John

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 01:24 PM

Probably the hardest thing is the roll pin for the trigger guard, and that's not real difficult if your mechanically inclined.

Tape or some way to protect the finish incase you slip

rcase1234 · February 19, 2015, 01:26 PM

Highly recommend Anderson stripped uppers. Got mine for $57 shipped to my door from primary arms.com. Actually have one right now just waiting on a barrel for it which should be here tomorrow. The Del-Ton barrel kits are priced very well (which is what I have on the way for my current build), but I have no experience with them. They did get good reviews however. Check them out on their website and if you seen interested let me know and I'll be able to report back to you on performance of that kit within the next week or two. Also for BCG's check out AIM Surplus.com

Shooter2675 · February 19, 2015, 01:26 PM

Forgot to add, you are gonna want some roll pin punches and some plain old punches.

John

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickyrick

I might add, if you have access to a workbench with a vise and a torque wrench, then the remaining tools to install a barrel on an upper arent that much

I have all of that.

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 01:33 PM

Then you probably have options to build your upper as well, vise blocks as the other poster stated and a barrel wrench... Can probably buy on eBay.

I know how to do it, just can't explain on iPhone lol

Lots of people here will help.

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter2675

Forgot to add, you are gonna want some roll pin punches and some plain old punches.

John

Have that too.

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 01:36 PM

So start looking for an Anderson Lower. What about lower kit?

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 01:44 PM

I use psa lower parts kit on Anderson lower, great milspec trigger... You probably wanting something a little more expensive...

One word on PSA... Great products... Great prices.... FN barrels
But PSA's slow shipping times are the stuff of legend... They are upfront about it, it's posted all over their website in red letters, and they mean it.... Some people still get pretty upset over it, even tho it's been disclosed.
Don't let that deter you from PSA products, if you have a couple of weeks to spare it's great stuff.... Lol

rcase1234 · February 19, 2015, 01:47 PM

As far as roll pin punches I use a cheap set of GRIP roll pin punches that I bought for $10. They get the job done

rickyrick · February 19, 2015, 01:49 PM

Latest Anderson lower I bought the other day.... No parts for it yet

Camera shakey, the engraving is clear and sharp...

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 02:17 PM

Is this a good one to go with? Is this a mil-spec one?

rcase1234 · February 19, 2015, 02:18 PM

Yep that's the one. Priced right too!

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 02:19 PM

Cool...mil-spec?

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 02:20 PM

So next I need a lower receiver parts kit?

cjacobs · February 19, 2015, 02:56 PM

Oh and I will be using accessories such as lights, bipods, and occasionally a gopro.

February 19, 2015, 12:35 PM	#1
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	Help Building 1st AR-15 Hello all, I am building my 1st AR-15. I am new to this, so please take it easy on me if I sound a little ignorant to the terminology and overall knowledge of this process. FYI, I am building this rifle for hog hunting and playing at the range. I main needs are accuracy, smooth trigger, and I want the thing to look badass! I also want to build a quality rifle the first time rather than buying crap and then having to build something better later. I would like to stay under $800 for the total build (minus the scope). So I'm looking opinions on receivers, kits, etc. I think I need to start with the lower receiver first. So, what is the best lower receiver to purchase?

February 19, 2015, 12:51 PM	#2
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	Anderson lowers are good Aero precision Both are low costs and can't tell the difference from other lowers Unless you're looking for a cool roll mark. If you can find a barreled upper that suits your needs, it will be cheaper because no special tools will be needed to complete the rest of the build . But the tools aren't that expensive but it is money that can go elsewhere in your build, as you shop for parts, keep that in mind. It's a good market for someone putting together ARs at this moment in history Upper sets abound __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 19, 2015, 01:02 PM	#3
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	I might add, if you have access to a workbench with a vise and a torque wrench, then the remaining tools to install a barrel on an upper arent that much __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 19, 2015, 01:10 PM	#4
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	As long as the lower receiver is Mil Spec, there isn't much difference between different brands. In fact, a lot of stripped lowers are just stamped with the companies name and aren't really made by them. I would look for a name such as Aero Precision, Anderson Mfg., or even Palmetto State Armorary. As for the lower parts kit, you have a lot of options there. You could get a complete one that includes the trigger (it would be a heavy pull, mil spec trigger), or you could get one that doesn't include a trigger and buy your own. Depending on how much you are willing to spend on a trigger, there are many options. A good trigger is a Rock River Arms Varmint Trigger or match trigger, and can be had around $120 IIRC. If you want to spend more on a trigger, like $250, a Geissele trigger is second to none. As for the stock, you can buy collapsible magpul stock kits for under $70 plus shipping, those are pretty good especially if you are on a budget. Or you could buy an A2 stock (like found on an M16 style rifle). As for the upper, a stripped upper is fairly straight forward so get a mil spec one that is a good price, or if you want, you could spend a lot more for a billet upper, which just looks cooler. For the barrel, I would recommend a White Oak a Armament barrel, they aren't too pricey and are very accurate. John at White Oak Armament has a very good selection of barrels. For the bolt carrier group, same thing. Get a nice mil spec bolt carrier group that is MPI tested. Stag arms sells them as well as Del-Ton and many other companies. For the charging handle, if you want a standard one they aren't thst expensive, but you could buy a more expensive, upgraded One such as a BCM Gunfighter. You said you wanted it to look badass, so a nice Handguard could definitly do that. A nice one such as a Yankee Hill Machine would make your gun look nice. Also, I would definitly get a free float tube. It helps with accuracy. For a gas block, I would reccomend Battle Tested Equipment (they cost $40-50 with free shipping), but if you want a gas block sight combo, you can find those from various vendors for a good price. Let me know if you need to know anything else or if you have any questions, John __________________ "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln

February 19, 2015, 01:15 PM	#5
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	You would also need several tools to build the gun, such as: - A torque wrench ($40-$50 from a hardware store) - A barrel nut wrench (about $30, you can buy it from MidwayUSA) - A upper receiver vice block or a mag well block (I would recommend a upper receiver vice block, they cost about $30 or so) - An AR-15 armorers wrench, to install castle nut and flash hider ($20-25 or so) - Locktite for the castle nut (under $10, can be found at your local hardware store) John __________________ "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln

February 19, 2015, 01:24 PM	#6
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	Probably the hardest thing is the roll pin for the trigger guard, and that's not real difficult if your mechanically inclined. Tape or some way to protect the finish incase you slip __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 19, 2015, 01:26 PM	#7
rcase1234 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 407	Highly recommend Anderson stripped uppers. Got mine for $57 shipped to my door from primary arms.com. Actually have one right now just waiting on a barrel for it which should be here tomorrow. The Del-Ton barrel kits are priced very well (which is what I have on the way for my current build), but I have no experience with them. They did get good reviews however. Check them out on their website and if you seen interested let me know and I'll be able to report back to you on performance of that kit within the next week or two. Also for BCG's check out AIM Surplus.com

February 19, 2015, 01:33 PM	#10
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	Then you probably have options to build your upper as well, vise blocks as the other poster stated and a barrel wrench... Can probably buy on eBay. I know how to do it, just can't explain on iPhone lol Lots of people here will help. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 19, 2015, 01:36 PM	#12
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	So start looking for an Anderson Lower. What about lower kit?

February 19, 2015, 01:44 PM	#13
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	I use psa lower parts kit on Anderson lower, great milspec trigger... You probably wanting something a little more expensive... One word on PSA... Great products... Great prices.... FN barrels But PSA's slow shipping times are the stuff of legend... They are upfront about it, it's posted all over their website in red letters, and they mean it.... Some people still get pretty upset over it, even tho it's been disclosed. Don't let that deter you from PSA products, if you have a couple of weeks to spare it's great stuff.... Lol __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 19, 2015, 01:47 PM	#14
rcase1234 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 407	As far as roll pin punches I use a cheap set of GRIP roll pin punches that I bought for $10. They get the job done

February 19, 2015, 01:49 PM	#15
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,237	Latest Anderson lower I bought the other day.... No parts for it yet Camera shakey, the engraving is clear and sharp...

February 19, 2015, 02:17 PM	#16
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	Help Building 1st AR-15 Is this a good one to go with? Is this a mil-spec one?

February 19, 2015, 02:18 PM	#17
rcase1234 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 407	Yep that's the one. Priced right too!

February 19, 2015, 02:19 PM	#18
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	Cool...mil-spec?

February 19, 2015, 02:20 PM	#19
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	So next I need a lower receiver parts kit?

February 19, 2015, 02:56 PM	#20
cjacobs Member Join Date: February 13, 2013 Posts: 38	Oh and I will be using accessories such as lights, bipods, and occasionally a gopro.