Building an AR15 or AK47

[Hair Trigger]

If this is your first "build", go with an AR. Like has been said, it's not really so much as building than assembling parts. That said, you can choose the parts to individualize your rifle, even to what caliber you want. There's lots more available than .223/5.56, and you can put together a very nice, long range precision rifle from a quality AR parts list.

I'd also agree with buying a barrel and bolt combination so headspacing is a no-worry. You'll need both an upper and lower receiver vise block for assembly, a barrel wrench as well. Decide on your fore-end/rail before buying the wrench, the barrel nut is sometimes specific to the rail, as in a Geissele setup, which I have on both my uppers. The barrel wrench is usually included when it is specific to the rail.

On Youtube, Midway USA has a complete set of videos for building AR rifles, I've found them to be extremely well done.

 

[Rick_A]

I would also recommend the P80 kits. Use Glock factory parts for completion and the odds of success without bending, twisting, and handfitting of components are very good.

This guy is a rather interesting personality but illustrates the best method for putting one together.
Full30

 

[crstrode]

I am not sure I would call assembling an AR building, unless special mods were made. It would be what I would recommend as a starting point. The tools and parts you need are available everywhere.

Yes indeed. In no way is it "building".

During the run-up to the 2016 general election, I bought the parts and pieces for a pair of ARs - I figured it might be my last chance . . .

I had never - ever - shot or even touched an AR - let alone "build" one.

The first one was assembled on the computer desk in my office at home using nothing more than a pair of Vise-Grips, a little hammer, a role of electrical tape, a big-arse screwdriver, and a 6-penny box nail.

Really! Here is a photo of the complete tool set.

Number 2 was up and running in about 30 minutes (practice makes perfect).

Both guns run like a champ.

PS: I'm a clumsy old man with no history of mechanical engineering or gunsmithing. The most challenging task I face each day is shaving without significant blood loss.

 

[Golphin]

Not hard to put together a nice AR. Buy a quality lower a good trigger and a good barrel. Dress it up any way you like.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Agreed, I think you'll find that while we have definitely gotten in to the habit of calling the AR-15 projects "builds" and they are fun to do, the level of difficulty is extremely low. It is parts assembly and not the challenge you might seem to think is ahead.

Kinda like a legos set only you can kill stuff with it



God bless the internet!!!
A Functional AR15 Rifle Made Out Of…LEGOS? – grape Japan
Brick Rifle - Toy AK-47 Assault Rifle – The Brick Armory

 

[Turq]

I just completed my build and took it to the range for the first time today. It took 2 months... and 45 minutes to finish. Two months for my complete upper to come in... and 45 minutes to put it all together.

There can be a lot of research involved ( which I don't mind) if you are kind of picky and kind of on a budget like me. To me that was part of the fun and probably more challenging than putting it together. Although I did have a spring go flying across the room I went with Aero lower and parts kit, A White Oak complete 18" rifle length gas, upper, Geisselle SSA-E trigger, and a nice Magpul PRS stock. I cheaped out on the scope which I regret and will fix asap. I really like it. This was my last 10 shots ( only 50 meters ) using 69 gr bullets which it really seemed to like.

 

[BigBill]

Accuracy wise the sks is more accurate. Printing 1.5" groups at 100yds no scope isn't shabby for a Chinese $99 sks. While it's not something I would take into bear country.