AR-15 - First Timer

[mchljrdn]

I am planning to purchase/build my AR-15(although I do hear a little voice occasionally whisper "AR-10" ). My preference is to build the rifle but if that's not the way to go these days let me know. I'm trying to decide between 6.5 grendel & 6.8 spc.

Which companies make good AR-15 components without breaking the bank?

Any particular websites you'd recommend for reviews, research, or purchases?

Is there a compelling reason to buy the complete uppers/lowers or to build piece by piece?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[fanchisimo]

Well if you want a complete rifle, the M&P Sport is probably the best complete rifle value right now, but it's 5.56. I don't know how important caliber is to you.

If you're building the rifle yourself, I'd recommend Palmetto State Armory for parts. They have a 6.8 upper for a build. They are who I built my first AR through and am currently awaiting parts from for my wife's. I hear good things about Del-ton kits, too, but I have no experience with them. If you buy from either or these companies, I think they are backlogged right now so expect a little bit of a wait. For instance, I ordered the assembled upper, bcg, and charging handle from PSA on 31 Oct, and it just shipped on Wednesday, 21 Nov and should be here this coming Tuesday.

www.ar15.com has a lot of info out there specifically for ar's. Also, THR itself has a lot of info, you just may have to search for it.

I bought a complete upper because there seemed to be more difficulty assembling it, but I assembled the lower, myself. You won't regret building it yourself. With all the videos on the internet, a lower is a cinch to building. The only specialized tool you really need is the AR tool for the castle nut on the buffer tube. Plus building is a good way to get what you want the first time if you can afford it, or you can go cheap at first and progressively add new parts.

 

[fanchisimo]

And welcome to THR.

 

[okiewita40]

Since the OP is looking at a 6.8 I would say the best companies out for them are either AR15Performance or Bison. go to the 68forum and read up on the 6.8. There is also a list of dedicated 6.8 manf. listed there.

 

[Knockdownpower]

There is also a company herer in Florida called CORE-15 rifle systems. I have owned several AR type rifles in the past and I really like these the best. I currently have two Core-15's and a 6.8spc upper in the works. They have a lifetime warrenty and are manufactured in the USA. Check them out online.

 

[3twelves]

This Stag 7 will work


http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_800/products_id/411545404

 

[68wj]

Welcome. Lots of 6.8 SPC options from commercial vendors such as Armalite, Stag, Daniel Defense / Ambush, Noveske, Wilson Combat, etc., and several specialty companies as mentioned above. I have dealt personally with Bison and AR Performance and have been very pleased.

 

[heavydluxe]

I am planning to purchase/build my AR-15(although I do hear a little voice occasionally whisper "AR-10" ).

My son and I 'built' our first centerfire rifle - an AR15 - last winter. It was the best project ever. So much so, in fact, that I just ordered three more lowers.

Which companies make good AR-15 components without breaking the bank?

I'll throw out Palmetto State Armory... Their order-to-delivery times can be pretty long, so make sure to read the fine print on the page before ordering. That said, everything I've dealt with them on has been as promised. From a quality-for-the-money standpoint, they seem excellent. Granted, I'm new to this so I can't compare to a lot of other manufacturers. But what I have seen for comparison (Spikes, RRA, BCM, and other cheapos like DelTon, CMMG, etc at the range) has been very positive.

Any particular websites you'd recommend for reviews, research, or purchases?

As has been mentioned, AR15.com is a wealth of knowledge. The tactikiddies can be a little over the top there, so just be aware.

Google is your friend. The AR15 is such a popular and prolific platform that there are tons of good resources out there. I find most of my 'answers' by searching for "AR15" plus whatever questions I have. I then prioritize the sites I read to the major gun sites and cross-reference to ensure accuracy.

Is there a compelling reason to buy the complete uppers/lowers or to build piece by piece?

We built our lower. Compelling reasons? Well, price and fun. If you're willing to be patient, you can snipe components on sale and, IMO, save quite a bit. More importantly, it's just fun. My son and I had a blast putting our first lower together. We don't have a toolbench, so we did it after his normal bedtime in the kitchen. Such fun!

This video was invaluable to us: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w

We bought a completely built upper. While there might be a price savings and fun factor to be had in hand-building, I thought the potential performance and safety issues that could be created by a imperfect build (remember our kitchen?) justified buying an upper built by professionals.

I'd be happy to respond to any PMs if you have other questions. For the record, we're playing with .223/5.56 only, so I won't be much help re: your caliber questions. There are many others who will be, though.

 

[Fishbed77]

I'll throw out Palmetto State Armory...

I'll second the PSA recommendation. They make a great product at a reasonable price.

 

[awgrizzly]

If you only intend to make/buy one AR it wouldn't make a lot of sense to build it from scratch. There are special tools and facilities required, so economically it makes far more sense to buy the components ready made. Of course, as with most of us gun nuts, the major factor is in the want. Enjoy your AR.

 

[mchljrdn]

Thanks for the input (and the welcomes). I'll start digging into the suggestions!

 

[fanchisimo]

awgrizzly, if he assembles the lower himself the only "specialized" tool he needs would be the spanner wrench for the castle nut. Other than that a pair of adjustable pliers will get the rest. With an instructional video from youtube, it would probably only take a new guy 1-2 hours. Once you get to the upper is where it gets complicated, at least to my understanding.

 

[heavydluxe]

FWIW, my "kitchen counter" lower build was accomplished with pair of needle-nosed pliers, a small hammer, and the blade of a box cutter (see footnote). We did buy a cheapie set of pin punches from the local StuffMart, but I think most people might already have these. We didn't.

There is, in the entire world, a very small percentage of people less mechanically competent than I am. And so, if we can do it, so can you.

Footnote: Got that darn front takedown spring and detent on the first try! Made a bit of a mess of the safety spring when putting on the pistol grip, though.

 

[mchljrdn]

Tools

I am probably ahead of the curve in the tool department. I don't have too many rifle specific tools but I have a 60x30 steel building full at my disposal. Are there any specialized tools that you'd consider "must haves"?

 

[WinThePennant]

Here's a good tip. I am a BIG believer in KNS Anti-Rotation pins. Their stated purpose is to keep your pins from coming out, but the side benefit is that they really smooth out a mil-spec trigger.

 

[heavydluxe]

If you watch that video link that I posted above (and its "part 2"), you can watch a lower being assembled. The only 'special' tool is an armorer's/castle wrench to tighten the stock, but you can probably find one to borrow.

The vids are short and walked us through our assembly. YMMV.

 

[cbmax]

Hi,

As a first time AR owner I have to ask why you want to go with 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel? Why not 5.56 / .223? Do you have a specific purpose in mind? Will this just be a plinking rifle or are you interested in longer range shooting? Keep in mind that 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel ammo is a lot more expensive than 5.56 / .223. Also 6.5 Grendel is sometimes difficult to find. Since this is your first AR I would stick with 5.56 / .223. Down the road you can always select a different upper. Also, do you reload? If so, that would make the other caliber selections much more cost effective!

CB

 

[Kramer Krazy]

http://www.model1sales.com

 

[fanchisimo]

mchljrdn,

as far as AR15's go, I bought something like this and it has everything(at least from my understanding) that you'd every need to work on an AR, besides standard tools. I don't work on uppers too much so my info could be incorrect in that aspect, I'm just trying to give you a starting point.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/accessories/tools/aim-sports-stock-combo-wrench.html

 

[Warp]

Search. You could probably spend a work week reading about which AR15 to buy, or what parts to use, and why.

You won't even begin to scratch the surface with replies from one puny little thread.

 

[helotaxi]

Do yourself the favor of getting a set of roll pin punches and roll pin starters. I had punches, but using the wrong punches is asking to bugger things up.

I've built 6 lowers and 5 uppers at this point. The only specialized tool needed for the upper is a vise block. I like the clamshell type because it doesn't put stress on the takedown lugs and really puts no clamping pressure on the aluminum upper receiver at all, unlike the two other designs you see on the market. The one that I have also came as a set with a vise block for the lower that goes in the mag well and really makes working on the lower a cinch. I highly recommend getting a set of vise blocks even if you decide not to build the upper. It will only be a matter of time before you decide that you don't like the configuration of the upper that you bought and want to swap out the forearm for something different and need to remove barrel nut.

 

[WinThePennant]

I've decided to NOT build my own uppers.

Why?

There are so many good ones that are already put-together for you that (for me) it's not worth the time and effort to put it together. You can still do lots of modifications for the upper, such as rails, lights, sights, etc., etc., etc.

I'll always build my own lowers because I can't find one on the market that is exactly what I want. I like KNS anti-rotation pins (secondary benefits include a smoother mil-spec trigger). I found a threaded trigger guard kit that is perfect. I like to pick my own buffer (H on mid, H2 on carbine) and buffer tube (VLTOR). I really like the Stag LPK (ambi).

 

[mchljrdn]

Hi,

As a first time AR owner I have to ask why you want to go with 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel? Why not 5.56 / .223? Do you have a specific purpose in mind? Will this just be a plinking rifle or are you interested in longer range shooting? Keep in mind that 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel ammo is a lot more expensive than 5.56 / .223. Also 6.5 Grendel is sometimes difficult to find. Since this is your first AR I would stick with 5.56 / .223. Down the road you can always select a different upper. Also, do you reload? If so, that would make the other caliber selections much more cost effective!

CB

Once upon a time I was a competitive long rang shooter and still enjoy longer shots upon occcasion. I'm considering the 6.5/6.8 over the 5.56 (i'll get a 5.56 upper in the near future as well) for the increased range & the heavier bullet. I haven't been reloading for the last decade but plan to resume shortly.

 

[awgrizzly]

You guys are correct of course about no special tools needed for assembling the lower and great info too. I was thinking uppers. The only special tool I would advocate for lowers is a cheap tool you can get at Brownells that help install that dang forward pin assembly without launching springs and indents into orbit (advice - buy extras). You should also get pin and roll pin punches and roll pin starters, but you should have them for other guns too. Brownells sells a roll pin punch with a flattened side for installing the pin for the bolt release without scratching the receiver. This may be worth a few bucks. These aren't required but nice to have.

If you will only build one AR and you can get what you want in a pre-built upper that is the way to go. Go ahead and build the lower, it's fun and you will get a greater knowledge of the AR workings. If you want something special like the barrel you may want to get the tools and build the upper. Another consideration some might not think of is the handguard you want. If you wish to add a free floating handguard for example, you may have to remove the barrel anyway. This will require the same special tools, and sometimes it isn't easy to get a commercially installed barrel off. Think ahead and plan accordingly. Faced with this decision I opted to get the tools and stuff and build three ARs instead of one (but then I'm single =o).