questions about ar build

rifleman8 · August 23, 2011, 09:32 PM

I have been looking at the Delton AR kits and am considering building a rifle with a 20 in barrel and nonadjustable stock. First question: how hard are these builds? I'm mechanically inclined and tend to figure things out quickly, but I also have no knowledge of the AR action. If needed, I can get the help of a USMC armorer, but I would rather attempt it myself. Second, they state the only thing needed to complete the build is a stripped lower. Is brand a concern here, or will any brand lower fit? Finally, what, if any, specialized tools would I need? Any help would be much appreciated!

DnPRK · August 23, 2011, 10:08 PM

Easy to do. I've assembled many since I started in the mid-1980s. I did one on a CMMG lower last Saturday. Took less than an hour and that included time to eat a sandwich.

Upper receiver block
AR-15 multi-tool

Other tools you will need include a screwdriver, small hammer, small punch, a block of wood to support the receiver "ears" when installing the trigger guard roll pin, a large clear plastic bag and a bench vise. Supporting the ears is important because ham-handed use of the hammer can break the ears off, ruining the receiver. You place the receiver in the bag when installing the pivot pin detent. The bag keeps the spring-loaded detent from flying across the room and getting lost.

Search Youtube.com for videos on how to assemble your AR-15.

tobnpr · August 23, 2011, 10:14 PM

No problem.
My 18 year old son just finished his (6.5 Grendel).
Get Glen Zedicker's book "Competitive AR Builder's Guide"

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=575254

meatgrinder42 · August 24, 2011, 08:23 AM

I wouldn't worry about it, the AR15 platform is very easy to assemble. And if you have a USMC armorer at your disposal, hell use it. You shouldn't have any issues with it. Let me know how your Del-ton kit turns out, I'm looking into getting the same kit it seems.

Any lower should match to it I would think, except the AR pistol receivers. I've heard that they're different somehow. I'm sure someone on here knows more.

tirod · August 24, 2011, 09:08 AM

You will hear a lot about must have tools - but the armorer's kit is really equipped to disassemble the unit's machine guns. Putting together an AR doesn't take much, and tools needed to service 400 in constant use aren't necessary for the first one.

This sticky explains a lot: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226...ructions_.html

The lower roll pin for the trigger guard has to be done without putting any extra pressure on the ears. I taped up a pair of vice grips, placed the guard inside the ears, and then pressed the pin in. The guard then supports the ears.

The front pivot pin is not troublesome at all if you turn it at least 90 degrees and use it to depress the detent. It then pushes in, rotate it to click the detent in the slot, done.

Beating roll pins into holes is a advanced skill I wouldn't recommend for any new builder, much less buying an expensive set of specialty punches that can only be used for that job. Same for an upper block - you only tighten up the one receiver, a wood block or vice jaw inserts will hold an upper. Tightening the barrel nut really just means turning it to the notch so the gas tube can pass, the 30-30-30 retightening does help seat the threads. By then you can see the next notch is likely already partially exposed, just bear down until it lines up. The 80 pound max torque is 20 under the worst case lower limit the barrel pin will shear or damage the nose. If it's that bad, squaring the upper slightly would be some help. Most don't need it.

I used a 18" pair of channel lock pliers to tighten my barrel nut. I wasn't concerned about little nicks in a hidden part, I didn't want to spend upwards of $100 on tools for a one time build. That was money needed for a better barrel.

It's NOT to your advantage as a first time builder to mess with pinning an FSB, buy the barrel already done as they are sold for less than separately.

Once done, don't buy cheap ammo, shoot it with military spec to check function - then try the import fodder if you want. It's not loaded to do the job correctly as many have found out - the AR in milspec form is tuned to milspec ammo, not low powered plinker trash. Get quality magazines, and it won't cease to amaze with it's light weight and accuracy.

rifleman8 · August 24, 2011, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the help guys! Seems that it really isn't too complicated as long as I have a general knowledge of the procedures.. If I decide to build one, I will def post pics of the process, but now it's time to do some reading!

August 23, 2011, 09:32 PM	#1
rifleman8 Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Location: southeast PA Posts: 72	questions about ar build I have been looking at the Delton AR kits and am considering building a rifle with a 20 in barrel and nonadjustable stock. First question: how hard are these builds? I'm mechanically inclined and tend to figure things out quickly, but I also have no knowledge of the AR action. If needed, I can get the help of a USMC armorer, but I would rather attempt it myself. Second, they state the only thing needed to complete the build is a stripped lower. Is brand a concern here, or will any brand lower fit? Finally, what, if any, specialized tools would I need? Any help would be much appreciated!

August 24, 2011, 08:23 AM	#4
meatgrinder42 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Good Ol' Wisconsin Posts: 327	I wouldn't worry about it, the AR15 platform is very easy to assemble. And if you have a USMC armorer at your disposal, hell use it. You shouldn't have any issues with it. Let me know how your Del-ton kit turns out, I'm looking into getting the same kit it seems. Any lower should match to it I would think, except the AR pistol receivers. I've heard that they're different somehow. I'm sure someone on here knows more. __________________ When I die better bury me deep, two .45s layin' at my feet, An M16 across my chest, tell Chesty Puller I did my best

August 23, 2011, 10:08 PM	#2
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,917	Easy to do. I've assembled many since I started in the mid-1980s. I did one on a CMMG lower last Saturday. Took less than an hour and that included time to eat a sandwich. Upper receiver block AR-15 multi-tool Other tools you will need include a screwdriver, small hammer, small punch, a block of wood to support the receiver "ears" when installing the trigger guard roll pin, a large clear plastic bag and a bench vise. Supporting the ears is important because ham-handed use of the hammer can break the ears off, ruining the receiver. You place the receiver in the bag when installing the pivot pin detent. The bag keeps the spring-loaded detent from flying across the room and getting lost. Search Youtube.com for videos on how to assemble your AR-15.

August 23, 2011, 10:14 PM	#3
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	No problem. My 18 year old son just finished his (6.5 Grendel). Get Glen Zedicker's book "Competitive AR Builder's Guide" http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=575254

August 24, 2011, 09:08 AM	#5
tirod Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 1,672	You will hear a lot about must have tools - but the armorer's kit is really equipped to disassemble the unit's machine guns. Putting together an AR doesn't take much, and tools needed to service 400 in constant use aren't necessary for the first one. This sticky explains a lot: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226...ructions_.html The lower roll pin for the trigger guard has to be done without putting any extra pressure on the ears. I taped up a pair of vice grips, placed the guard inside the ears, and then pressed the pin in. The guard then supports the ears. The front pivot pin is not troublesome at all if you turn it at least 90 degrees and use it to depress the detent. It then pushes in, rotate it to click the detent in the slot, done. Beating roll pins into holes is a advanced skill I wouldn't recommend for any new builder, much less buying an expensive set of specialty punches that can only be used for that job. Same for an upper block - you only tighten up the one receiver, a wood block or vice jaw inserts will hold an upper. Tightening the barrel nut really just means turning it to the notch so the gas tube can pass, the 30-30-30 retightening does help seat the threads. By then you can see the next notch is likely already partially exposed, just bear down until it lines up. The 80 pound max torque is 20 under the worst case lower limit the barrel pin will shear or damage the nose. If it's that bad, squaring the upper slightly would be some help. Most don't need it. I used a 18" pair of channel lock pliers to tighten my barrel nut. I wasn't concerned about little nicks in a hidden part, I didn't want to spend upwards of $100 on tools for a one time build. That was money needed for a better barrel. It's NOT to your advantage as a first time builder to mess with pinning an FSB, buy the barrel already done as they are sold for less than separately. Once done, don't buy cheap ammo, shoot it with military spec to check function - then try the import fodder if you want. It's not loaded to do the job correctly as many have found out - the AR in milspec form is tuned to milspec ammo, not low powered plinker trash. Get quality magazines, and it won't cease to amaze with it's light weight and accuracy.

August 24, 2011, 04:15 PM	#6
rifleman8 Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Location: southeast PA Posts: 72	Thanks for the help guys! Seems that it really isn't too complicated as long as I have a general knowledge of the procedures.. If I decide to build one, I will def post pics of the process, but now it's time to do some reading!