A Few AR-15 Build Questions.

[KyCountry]

Hey folks.

So I'm planning my first AR build and I have a few questions. This is going to be somewhat of a budget rifle and my only real needs are a 20" barrel and a flat top. My first question is how close will a single position a2 stock fit an a3 receiver? I've heard there might be some grinding but was wondering how much is needed or if there is certain brands that may fit better.

Also, I have planned to buy a stock assembly, stripped lower receiver and receiver kit for the lower. Then was looking at buying an upper already complete. But I feel like I'm missing some parts. What else is needed to complete the rifle?

Sorry for the ignorance.. Semi-automatic rifles are not something I know too well.

Any advice or tips are also welcome. I'm looking to stay around the $700 mark for this build.

 

[MMcfpd]

An A2 stock should fit just fine on any standard lower receiver.

If your stock assembly includes the buffer tube, buffer, spring and stock screw all you'll be lacking is a rear sight (assuming there's a standard FSB on the upper).

 

[taliv]

my bet is you're missing the bolt-carrier-group, which goes in the upper, but doesn't normally come with a "complete upper", despite the name.

check out the daniel defense deal at smartgunner

 

[MMcfpd]

my bet is you're missing the bolt-carrier-group, which goes in the upper, but doesn't normally come with a "complete upper", despite the name.

If that is the case (some do come with them these days) then he probably also needs a charging handle.

 

[KyCountry]

How hard are these to install in the upper? Who sells reasonably priced uppers with all these parts already assembled?

 

[highorder]

The bolt carrier slides right into the upper. Simple.

check out the daniel defense deal at smartgunner

WOW, that is a great deal.

 

[kwelz]

A bit of warning on the Smartgunner deal. It is legit and it is a great deal. But they are a bit behind on fulfilling orders. Absolutely nothing wrong with that in my book but don't expect to have your order ship the next day.

It is hard to beat and lots of people are taking advantage of the deal so that is to be expected.

 

[Tirod]

If the lower comes with a stock mounting kit - tube, spring, buffer, and screws, don't forget the buttplate. Not all have one included. With a complete upper, BCG, etc. about all that is left is a completed sighting system and some magazines.

Do not buy used or surplus mags. Get new in the wrapper ones, preferably polymer, like Magpul Pmags. They are the #1 supplier to the Brits when the contract is finished, and preferred by many overseas.

GI mags will deform and fail to function if dropped fully loaded on the feed lips. It can't be seen or detected without the use of a feed lip gauge, bad magazines are almost never crushed, they just get sold at a gun show to the next sucker who should know better. Avoid the hassle completely.

For the first 500 rounds, use lubrication liberally. If it sprays on your shooting glasses, it's enough. Really. Everyone has all sorts of suggestions about barrel break in, but what they miss is that a self loading action has to break in, too, just like any other powered mechanical device.

Don't use cheap white box or import ammo to break it in. Get full power milsurp or look alike. The port size is designed for milspec full power ammo, use it. After it's broken in, try that low powered junk and then see if it will function. Don't be surprised if it won't. At least it was a valid test. Far too many start shooting a new gun with low powered ammo that won't cycle the action and then run to the keyboard to complain and ask for help. Again, avoid the hassle. Milspec guns REQUIRE milspec ammo. It's a complete system, the Army doesn't issue import or white box in the hills of Afghanistan, ever.

Avoid the typical pitfalls and enjoy a military based sporter rifle that does a lot of things better than some old wood and blued steel stick. It's what so many have done since before the Civil War, put issue weapons to good use.