Help me build an AR

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by Spectre6

Im really interested in building a bare-bones AR-15.. Id like a longer barrel 'match' style, but im really open to anything.

Im just overwhelmed with the choices in receavers and uppers, barrels, evrything.. if there is anyone here who has built an AR, id really appreciate any advice you may have! Cost? Components? Thanks!

The AR15 is quite easy to build from component parts. You do need certain specialized tools however.

The best thing to do as a first step is purchase the assembly video that bushmaster sells. It walks you through assembling EVERY part into a complete rifle. It's about $20 IIRC.

Even if you elect not to build a rilfe from parts, the knowledge you'll acquire is worth the cost of the video.

[Broomhandle]

When I was at the last Monroeville gun show I saw some lowers for $250. They had solid stocks, not colapsable like I want, so I did not pay much attention. Had I found what I wanted could I have just purchased any complete upper? I want a cheap "tactical carbine" (for fun and plinking) so I figure any 16" barrel flat top will do, but are there laws governing what goes with what?

[Dr.um]

So long as you don't go with a shorter barrel than 16", you should be fine placing any upper on whatever lower you select.

From what I understand, the restrictions on the various "evil features" (threaded muzzles, bayonet lugs, pistol grip, detachable mags) have been sunsetted along with the AWB law.

Good luck,
D.

PS: If you can find one of the many Duncan Long guides to building an AR, they can be pretty helpful. I would loan you my AR Bible, but I dropped it in the tub a few years back and it is kinda hard to read easily.

[LittleRedToyota]

Originally Posted by Broomhandle

When I was at the last Monroeville gun show I saw some lowers for $250. They had solid stocks, not colapsable like I want, so I did not pay much attention. Had I found what I wanted could I have just purchased any complete upper? I want a cheap "tactical carbine" (for fun and plinking) so I figure any 16" barrel flat top will do, but are there laws governing what goes with what?

in PA (and most other states), you don't need to worry about what goes with what anymore. just make sure the barrel is at least 16".

i highly recommend checking out the AR15.com Equipment Exchange. In particular, there is a vendor on there with the screen name JKiser. It is Joseph Kiser of Kiser Munitions. (He is a great guy to do business with.)

He sells stripped Stag lowers for $99. he also sells a Stag "complete rifle kit" (which is everything but the stripped lower) for somwhere around $600 or so. the complete rifle kit includes a:

-complete (assmebled) upper (16", flat top, chromed lined barrel, BUIS rear sight, M4 barrel profile, F-marked front site--which is the proper one for a flat top)
- lower parts kit
- 6 position collapsable stock

that's everything you need for about $700 or so (i forget exactly how much a paid for mine...it was a bit over $700, but i also got a magpul grip which was an extra $40 or so).

you have to assemble the lower yourself (no special tools needed and prolly take an hour the first time you do one). so, you build half the rifle...i think it is a good way to build your first AR.

stag isn't a "big name" like bushmaster, etc (yet), but they make a very high quality AR. they are part of CMT. CMT makes many of the parts that go into just about everyone else's ARs.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by Dr.um

I would loan you my AR Bible, but I dropped it in the tub a few years back and it is kinda hard to read easily.

>..Man playing with your gun in the tub... What ever happened to just old rubber duckies?

[phillyd2]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

>..Man playing with your gun in the tub... What ever happened to just old rubber duckies?

At least he didn't say that the some pages stick together...

[Karys]

I built 2 AR's right after the 94 AWB ban ended. I started with new stripped lowers and bought the uppers already complete.

I used DPMS lowers and Bushmaster lower parts kits. There are cheaper lowers out there that are just as good as some of the big brands so it pays to look around. I would suggest sticking with a more common lower parts kit though.

There's info everywhere on the web. My first one took me a little over an hour to put together. The second one only took about 20 minutes.

[phillyd2]

Oh yeah, check out:

For parts check out the EE on AR15.com http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=7 to learn more about what is available. They also have great step by step instructions if you go the stripped receiver route: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

[pstew]

Pick up a copy of the USMC Tech manual TM05538C-23. That's what I used when I put mine together

[fultonCoShooter]

Buy a complete upper


then buy and register a complete lower

buy 10 30 round mags

and 3000 rounds of ammo

your all set