Started building myself an AR15 today

[miniSQ]

I was mulling this over for the past few weeks and reading up on everything i could find. Total newb....so i'm sure i will make some mistakes along the way.

I picked up the only stripped lower that my LGS had in stock..and while i was not happy with the price, it had to be done to get started on this project. Since they want $50 to do a transfer if i had one sent from the internet, i bit the bullet so to speak.

Anderson Arms ar-15 stripped lower purchased local from Bennington Trading Post...$105 OTD

Then i went over to Palmetto State Armory and bought a LPK MOE kit minus the FCG in FDE for like $29 on sale.

Then i picked up a Magpul MOE collapsable stock kit also in FDE for $86 shipped.

And finally a AGM ACT trigger kit for $65

All told in the complete lower i have spent around $300. Can't wait to get started...so feel free to tell me where i went wrong if i did, and help me pick out an upper.

 

[gregintenn]

Other than getting raped on the receiver price, you've done nothing wrong. Midway, Brownells, and others have good step by step instructions of how to assemble an AR. It is pretty easy. There are a few tools you need to buy or borrow to make the job much easier.

PSA also has some really good deals on upper receivers, put together, or in parts, if they have what you want. I've found their stuff to be of good quality.

I still haven't really warmed up to the AR rifle, but have ended up with several anyway. Right now is a great time as far as price and availability of components go. An AR is like a lego set for men. I've also yet to run into one that wasn't very accurate.

 

[Bat Guano]

Walt Kulek's book on building ARs is quite helpful.

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Be advised you will not save a dime doing all this--but it will be educational. A flattop upper is the way to go. I like the LW "pencil" barrel. make sure your barrel feed ramps match the receiver...

Only problem of any consequence I've ever really run into is extractor tension--somewhat endemic to carbines, and most easily fixed with a "D-Fender" tension grommet if it occurs.





Brownell's has the necessary tools: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...s/ar-15-m16-critical-tools-kit-prod41214.aspx

And--"less is more".

 

[gregintenn]

Walt Kulek's book on building ARs is quite helpful.

Amazon.com: AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide (9781888722123): Walt Kuleck: Books

Be advised you will not save a dime doing all this--but it will be educational. A flattop upper is the way to go. I like the LW "pencil" barrel. make sure your barrel feed ramps match the receiver...

Only problem of any consequence I've ever really run into is extractor tension--somewhat endemic to carbines, and most easily fixed with a "D-Fender" tension grommet if it occurs.





Brownell's has the necessary tools: AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT | Brownells

And--"less is more".

Yeah....you don't want to be this guy:

 

[.41fan]

I've also been shopping at Palmetto. Bought their standard complete blem lower for $129, free shipping, $20 transfer at the LGS. They have an upper I have been looking at but have not pulled the trigger so to speak. Also been picking up ammo and mags along the way.

 

[grover99]

when I deal with a LGS if I buy from them the transfer better be free or I am out the the door. Of course it I buy on line and have it shipped to them I will pay the fee but I have never seen it over $25

 

[miniSQ]

I've also been shopping at Palmetto. Bought their standard complete blem lower for $129, free shipping, $20 transfer at the LGS. They have an upper I have been looking at but have not pulled the trigger so to speak. Also been picking up ammo and mags along the way.

i saw a great blem complete lower on Palmetto as well, AFTER i got raped on the stripped lower. Live and learn..moving on.

 

[pharmer]

I just put this one together: $235 for Spike's lower, $115 for BCG and charge handle, $319 for the SS PSA upper on a free shipping day. Had the scope and mounts. Right at $670, laser sighted and ready to "fine tune" (shoot). Enjoy, in about a year you can sell it for $2500. Joe

 

[miniSQ]

I just put this one together: $235 for Spike's lower, $115 for BCG and charge handle, $319 for the SS PSA upper on a free shipping day. Had the scope and mounts. Right at $670, laser sighted and ready to "fine tune" (shoot). Enjoy, in about a year you can sell it for $2500. Joe

nice job there, i hope mine comes out half as nice.

So the BCG/charging handle is not something that comes with a complete upper? I need to shop for both next?

 

[gregintenn]

nice job there, i hope mine comes out half as nice.

So the BCG/charging handle is not something that comes with a complete upper? I need to shop for both next?

Some do, some don't. It'll specify in the ad.

 

[miniSQ]

Other than getting raped on the receiver price, you've done nothing wrong. Midway, Brownells, and others have good step by step instructions of how to assemble an AR. It is pretty easy. There are a few tools you need to buy or borrow to make the job much easier.

PSA also has some really good deals on upper receivers, put together, or in parts, if they have what you want. I've found their stuff to be of good quality.

I still haven't really warmed up to the AR rifle, but have ended up with several anyway. Right now is a great time as far as price and availability of components go. An AR is like a lego set for men. I've also yet to run into one that wasn't very accurate.

Thanks. I did buy a lower receiver block for my vise and a armorers wrench to tighten the stock. I already own the punch kit and hammers and hopefully the rest of the tools needed.

So i can add $40 to the cost of the lower.

 

[speedyquad]

i sent you a PM.

I would also suggest the Tapco Intrafuse armorers tool as well as something to hold the lower in a vise. I bought mine as a combo with the upper vise block.

 

[gregintenn]

Thanks. I did buy a lower receiver block for my vise and a armorers wrench to tighten the stock. I already own the punch kit and hammers and hopefully the rest of the tools needed.

So i can add $40 to the cost of the lower.

Heck! I've been there. Sometimes it beats driving around town shopping for a deal. Figure out what you want in an upper and get it all together.



Here's a couple of several I've built. One was cheap, and one wasn't. Guess which one shoots better! Money isn't everything.

 

[chmpco]

Don't feel like you got ripped off. I bought a stripped lower from Brownells for $49.0 plus shipping. $35.00 transfer fee and own it like you for just over a bill. I found cheap furniture for the build but spent good money for the trigger. I found a deal on a Timmeny drop-in and have a great lower because of it. I later upgraded the stock and grip. I will not sell this setup no matter what I do in the future. Make sure you go with mil-spec not commercial for the extension. The fit is tighter. I chose to build in 6.8 for my only AR upper.
Building your own is the best way because you learn. It does not always pay to go cheap on parts. My goal was to build once and not have a bunch of parts hanging around I was not using.

 

[miniSQ]

Don't feel like you got ripped off. I bought a stripped lower from Brownells for $49.0 plus shipping. $35.00 transfer fee and own it like you for just over a bill. I found cheap furniture for the build but spent good money for the trigger. I found a deal on a Timmeny drop-in and have a great lower because of it. I later upgraded the stock and grip. I will not sell this setup no matter what I do in the future. Make sure you go with mil-spec not commercial for the extension. The fit is tighter. I chose to build in 6.8 for my only AR upper.
Building your own is the best way because you learn. It does not always pay to go cheap on parts. My goal was to build once and not have a bunch of parts hanging around I was not using.

Yeah i know not totally ripped off, and it is a nice store. I bought my M&P 9 there a couple months ago, and also paid full price.

Plus when i was there yesterday i tried to pick up some 22LR for my wifes pistol and they would not sell me any unless i bought a 22...short supply i guess.

Lucky for me i said no to buying the $89 LPK that he was pushing on me from DPMS.

Lower Parts Kit W/O Hammer, Trigger, Pistol Grip

 

[Frank237]

Walt Kulek's book on building ARs is quite helpful.

Amazon.com: AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide (9781888722123): Walt Kuleck: Books

Be advised you will not save a dime doing all this--but it will be educational. A flattop upper is the way to go. I like the LW "pencil" barrel. make sure your barrel feed ramps match the receiver...

Only problem of any consequence I've ever really run into is extractor tension--somewhat endemic to carbines, and most easily fixed with a "D-Fender" tension grommet if it occurs.





Brownell's has the necessary tools: AR-15/M16 CRITICAL TOOLS KIT | Brownells

And--"less is more".

EXACTLY the book and info I was going to post.

 

[miniSQ]

As i wait for the lower parts to arrive, i am planning out the upper.

seems like i have a bunch of choices i was not really aware of when i started. I was planning on a simple 223/556 rifle upper.

But now i see i can do so much else...300 blackout, rifle or pistol.

maybe even 9mm? This gun is mostly going to be for fun...range...plinking...shooting targets...all i would guess 100yds or less. I just don't have the space to stretch it out much more than that safely.

Any reason to change my original plans? I would like to supress the sound as i do live in a neighborhood..albeit one with lots of guns.

 

[miniSQ]

quick little update...all the parts of the lower have arrived and i will get some pictures of the parts and the beginnings of the build going this week.

I also ordered a PSA premium BCG anda BCM v4 charging handle, so i think i just need the complete upper and i will be done.

i am going to keep an eye on this one if it comes back in stock in the next few weeks.

PSA 14.7" CHF Mid-length Profile SQR 11" - Pinned, without BCG or Charging Handle - 34683

 

[miniSQ]

Lower is going together pretty easy. i have the mag drop installed, as well as the AGM trigger and safety, plus the trigger guard and hand grip. Everything seems to be functioning correctly so far.

I will leave the but stock until tomorrow as that looks a little tricky with springs and stuff.

So far its been way easier than i expected...and much easier than installing an apex trigger on my 9mm.

 

[model70hunter]

Nice start. Bare lowers can be had for $50.00. My son bought 2 last month.

Gave me one. I ordered the CMMG lower kit from JSE. All parts included. Both my son and I ordered JSE complete uppers in 6.5 Grendel for hunting.

You can upgrade the upper with some nicer items. Both our uppers were under 500. They also have M4 type uppers that cost less than bull stainless bbls.

I also ordered the Rock River A2 operator stock. It is one piece. It also comes in a folder.

The upper was put together, test fired, cleaned and oiled. It was here in 4 or 5 days.

I have no ties to JSE, they answered the phone on my calls and answered my questions. My son ordered his a week before I did, Bull Stainless in 20". He has zeroed it in and says it wants to be a one hole shooter.

This is his 2nd AR, his 1st build was in 6.8 SPC with which he has bagged multiple deer. We discussed the longer range of the Grendel and went that way.

He used a Colt M4 type AR in the original Desert storm with the Corp. My 1st use was an M16 with the US Army some time way back in the last century. I also currently own a Colt Match Targe tAR and years ago had a Colt HBAR.

They are fun to shoot. My son and I are planning or discussing anyway an M4 type for plinking and carrying in the truck when camping etc. My son already has another lower, 50 bucks and wants the bare upper, 49 bucks I bought and did not use if he orders parts.

I know you want a short light one for plinking or target shooting and we built hunting rifles. The same basics will apply, if one shops diligently one can find a complete upper as cheap or cheaper than you can buy the separate parts.

Have fun. I found it exciting to plan, find what I wanted and putting it together.