I've been looking to get a ar I really like the colt ar m4 but its to much money right now so I figured I would just build one buying as I got the money. I want something compact and as accurate as possible. Where do I need to start I've never built a gun.
advice on ar build
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First you need to decide how much building you want to do. Kits with everything except the stripped lower are available as well as stripped lowers, uppers and all the parts to complete. Lots of instructions on various sites(ARFCOM) for assembly. For my first, I bought a complete upper and assembled the lower from parts.
Do you want to shoot the cheapest ammo possible, or reload quality ammo? What weight bullet do you want? If you want heavier bullets, I'd go with a 1-7" twist. They don't shoot 55's very well though. If you want to shoot 55's to save money, go with a 1-9". Get a good barrel. My barrel cost $169.99 plus shipping. It is a Daniel Defense ,1-7", chrome lined barrel. With the right ammo, it will shoot under an inch at 100 yards.
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To start, write down what you want it to be.
Then list the parts needed on one side of the page. On the other side list who has it at what price. Suggest 3 price checks as there is plenty suppliers to choose from. Look for sales as many quality items are on sale at different times.
Next question. Do you want to do it all, or just certain parts? Will be needing a few tools to do it all.
It's an adventure you'll enjoy. Go for it.
Then list the parts needed on one side of the page. On the other side list who has it at what price. Suggest 3 price checks as there is plenty suppliers to choose from. Look for sales as many quality items are on sale at different times.
Next question. Do you want to do it all, or just certain parts? Will be needing a few tools to do it all.
It's an adventure you'll enjoy. Go for it.
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544 Posts
they are right got to decide how much money you got to put in one . i just finished a target heavy ar kreiger barrel the works parts alone were 2200.00 without the upper and lower added in ended up at 3000.00 all said and done . but i have put together some fairley accurate bangers for around 500.00 . one thing i have never had any luck with model 1 parts i would look somewhere else for parts kits. and you will need a few tools and on you first order extra springs and detent pins you will need extra to sacrifice to the lost spring greminlins you will know when you get there other than that its very rewarding to assemble one and go out and shoot it then if its accurate enough for you it will be very enjoyable to shoot it be warned assembling ar 15 are 16 is addicitive good luck and let us know how it turns out
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137 Posts
I'd say enjoy the process of deciding on what to get and the process of getting the parts together. For me, it's almost as much fun as actually shooting.
I've got too many built to start a new one just now (although I'm hankering for an SBR and that might be future project), but the starting point for me would be to start shopping around for a lower, a lower parts kit, and a stock. There are starting to be lots of good deals on lower receivers (many for less than $100).
While you're shopping for a lower, spend a lot of time looking at others' builds and trying to decide on components. ar15.com is a good place to see lots of photos.
There are lots of choices for stocks. Some are really expensive and some are relatively cheap.
Once you've got the lower components together you can start thinking about how you want your upper to be configured. Personally, I would build my upper. You might consider going ahead and getting an upper when you buy your lower so that they will match.
At some point you'll have to decide what type of hand guard you want (free float or conventional). Free float hand guards are great because they have picatinny rails that allow you to add accessories. The downside is that they're usually a lot more weight.
When shopping for a barrel, you'll need to make some decisions. Pick a twist that is compatible with the bullets you want to shoot. 1/7 twist is good for heavier bullets, 1/12 for lighter bullets. A good solution is to pick something in between (like 1/9). A lot of builders (myself included) want a chrome lined barrel, because it is easier to clean and holds up better.
You'll also need a flash hider, sites, and a sling. Be prepared to spend more than you expect. Also read and study a lot as you're deciding. There are a bunch of internet resources and you'll learn a lot as you progress.
Most of all go slow and enjoy the process of building a rifle exactly like you want. Enjoy your build!
I've got too many built to start a new one just now (although I'm hankering for an SBR and that might be future project), but the starting point for me would be to start shopping around for a lower, a lower parts kit, and a stock. There are starting to be lots of good deals on lower receivers (many for less than $100).
While you're shopping for a lower, spend a lot of time looking at others' builds and trying to decide on components. ar15.com is a good place to see lots of photos.
There are lots of choices for stocks. Some are really expensive and some are relatively cheap.
Once you've got the lower components together you can start thinking about how you want your upper to be configured. Personally, I would build my upper. You might consider going ahead and getting an upper when you buy your lower so that they will match.
At some point you'll have to decide what type of hand guard you want (free float or conventional). Free float hand guards are great because they have picatinny rails that allow you to add accessories. The downside is that they're usually a lot more weight.
When shopping for a barrel, you'll need to make some decisions. Pick a twist that is compatible with the bullets you want to shoot. 1/7 twist is good for heavier bullets, 1/12 for lighter bullets. A good solution is to pick something in between (like 1/9). A lot of builders (myself included) want a chrome lined barrel, because it is easier to clean and holds up better.
You'll also need a flash hider, sites, and a sling. Be prepared to spend more than you expect. Also read and study a lot as you're deciding. There are a bunch of internet resources and you'll learn a lot as you progress.
Most of all go slow and enjoy the process of building a rifle exactly like you want. Enjoy your build!
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137 Posts
I think the only thing I forgot to mention is the bolt and bolt carrier group.
You might also consider doing a lot of shopping around at BCM and Brownells. Brownells has a lot of useful information on a build and they even have free online videos that show you how to build an AR from start to finish. However, they are not usually the lowest price. YMMV.
You might also consider doing a lot of shopping around at BCM and Brownells. Brownells has a lot of useful information on a build and they even have free online videos that show you how to build an AR from start to finish. However, they are not usually the lowest price. YMMV.
Here are some online resources for building an AR that I used when building mine...
AR15.com dummies guide:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
Two great YouTube vids on assembling the lower:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4KfUaVp8M
And the Brownells vids:
http://tinyurl.com/y9umu5t
HTH.
AR15.com dummies guide:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
Two great YouTube vids on assembling the lower:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4KfUaVp8M
And the Brownells vids:
http://tinyurl.com/y9umu5t
HTH.
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7,489 Posts
They are really fun to build and easy to assemble. All you really need as a armorer wrench and a good vice. I use 2 strips of wood to protect the metal from the vice's jaws.
I have just got thru putting a couple of them together. One is as 6.8 with various parts, black hole weaponry standard 16" barrel, yankee hill machine free float rifle length hand guard, dpms slick sided upper, spikes tactical lower, magpul grip and buttstock, jard 3# adjustable trigger.
Also did a 5.56 daniel defense 7 twist m4 profile barrel swap on a rifle kit that come from del-ton. I burnt the barrel out from having too much fun with it. For a $550 rifle it shot really good before i ruined it. I hit a hog from 330yds with iron sights and a 77gr nosler.
Like mentioned above, make a list and note prices from several places.
Ask away if you got any questions.
Also, where are you located?
I have just got thru putting a couple of them together. One is as 6.8 with various parts, black hole weaponry standard 16" barrel, yankee hill machine free float rifle length hand guard, dpms slick sided upper, spikes tactical lower, magpul grip and buttstock, jard 3# adjustable trigger.
Also did a 5.56 daniel defense 7 twist m4 profile barrel swap on a rifle kit that come from del-ton. I burnt the barrel out from having too much fun with it. For a $550 rifle it shot really good before i ruined it. I hit a hog from 330yds with iron sights and a 77gr nosler.
Like mentioned above, make a list and note prices from several places.
Ask away if you got any questions.
Also, where are you located?
Research then research some more! Build it the way you want it. I picked up a Plum Crazy lower from Joseph at Discount Pawn and a stripped Bushmaster Carbon 15 upper from an MSGO member. That will be a light weight rifle. Later I decided I wanted a "tacticool" rifle also. I order a "blemished" BCM assembled upper from BCM and a BCM "blemished" lower from G & R Tactical.
You'll find good deals here and there. Also, check the classifieds here for some deals. There are a few AR parts for sale now.
You'll find good deals here and there. Also, check the classifieds here for some deals. There are a few AR parts for sale now.
The blemished units were usually for demonstration and may have a couple of scratches at best. The upper is stripped + forward assist and dust cover for $75. The lower is complete for $250 (normally $340). BCM is a great company and I think the savings are worth it for a quality product.
For the upper, you need: upper (should come with forward assist and dust cover installed), barrel, barrel nut, handguards, front sight or gas block, gas tube kit, flash hider, charging handle and bolt carrier group.
I would suggest getting the bolt carrier group (or at minimum, the bolt) from the same manufacturer as your barrel.
I would suggest getting the bolt carrier group (or at minimum, the bolt) from the same manufacturer as your barrel.
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