Building an AR

[Mausermolt]

how much effort does it take to build a stripped upper? it seems like tons of people are building their own AR's these days and i would like to do one myself. 1: what types of tools are needed?
2: how does one headspace the barrel?
3: how long does it take, assuming you have all the parts on hand?

[madmo44mag]

$25.00 armors wrench and a good punch set are about all the tools you have to have and I know guys that made their armor's wrench so ......
AR's are very simple rifles to build.
I have yet to build one that the head space was not good on and required any special smith work.
After my 1st 4 builds I stopped using my buddys "go - no go and field" gauges.

( PAUSE - putting flame suite on)

I remove the extractor and firing pin from the bolt and use a re-sized piece of brass with a single piece of masking tape on the rim end.
If the bolt goes into battery all is good.
Then add one more piece of tape and re-check.
If the bolt does not go into battery all is good.
I have yet to hear on anyone using quality NEW MIL SPEC parts ever have a head space issue.
Now on used parts - yes, many times.

I can have an entire rifle together in about an hour.

Check You Tube for videos on the assembly - some great info there.

[Mausermolt]

thanks mad mo .....i really should stop asking these questions.... makes me want to spend more money than i have!

[madmo44mag]

I'm looking at barrels right now.

Got all my lower parts on the way for my new low budget build.

You Tube is a great resource.

And if ya have questions - ask!

I don't claim to have all the answers and some folks don't agree with me but any info I share is info I use and have never had a problem with and in most cases came to me from some one with more experience than I had at that time.

[Nathan]

I think this might answer your question. In general, one does not headspace the barrel. In general, one buys a complete barrel. At minimum, a complete barrel has the extension mounted as well as the gas port drilled. The machinist mounting the extension is "setting" the headspace. Most AR builders are "ignoring" or "checking the headspace. It would be nice to have a GO gage because you can check GO and add tape to check No GO, but still, you are checking. If NG, you will likely be returning the bolt and/or barrel.

I fall under the "ignoring" crowd. I build, shoot and measure the fired case an compare it to my other AR's and to a chamber dwg.

[tobnpr]

Simple...
Go to Brownell's.com for videos and checklists.
Glen Zedicker's book is helpful as well.
Check all your parts for compatibility- and make sure nothing falls "between the cracks". Easy for that to happen if you choose to order different components, "piecemeal".

You really only need some pin punches, and upper/lower receiver blocks, barrel nut wrench, and common hand tools. Other tools can make it easier, but aren't really required.