Building my first AR. List of parts needed.

[dodging230grainers]

Hey guys, gonna build my own AR....

Can anyone provide a link or type a quick list of every part I'd need to order online to assemble my own AR?

Anything I need to know or avoid? Can I use parts from different aftermarket brands?

thanks!

 

[ArmedBear]

http://www.ar15.com

 

[erict]

You can build the lower yourself with minimal tools and mechanical skill. The upper is a different story but still not "terribly" hard to do.

I have found it's always cheaper to buy an assembled lower + assembled upper, pin them together, and start shooting. The last lower I built cost:

$115 for the bare lower (Stag)
$65 for a Stag lower parts kit
$40 for the stock, spring, and tube (bought it used on the board here)

That came out to $220! well guess what? You can buy a complete lower for that price and save the hassle. I like to build the lowers though, it's fun to do and you learn alot about the parts.

 

[cheaptrick]

http://www.rainierarms.com/

Ask for John.

 

[kaizer]

www.essentialarms.com for the lower, can't beat the price and the product is excellent. Assemble the lower yourself, it is really easy.

www.model1sales.com for a complete upper, they are inexpensive and allow you to pick out about anything that you could want, or buy a gun kit and supply the lower.

 

[Onmilo]

Go to Brownells or Midway,
Pick out a lower that interests you,
Ask them for a "LRK" (Lower receiver kit), fixed or tele stock, your choice.

Same with the upper but you will need to decide on the barrel, handguards, flattop or standard upper,,,,,,

Ahhh, just go here and peruse the AR15 stuff.
http://www.brownells.com

here is another favorite place for goodies:
http://www.dpmsinc.com

 

[dodging230grainers]

thanks for the links guys...

so at the model1sales site, if i bought this:

http://www.model1sales.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=KCE16L&storeid=1&image=car16prelw.gif

Then all I'd need to do is get a lower, of any make, and i'd have a rocking CAR-15?

 

[sixgunner455]

Yes, you would. I recently did a similar build, but got my assembled upper and kit from http://www.del-ton.com/ which worked out very well.

I got the barrel chrome-lined. YMMV, but I think that's important. My lower, I spent 97 dollars on. So the whole gun comes out to a little over 600 dollars, which is not bad when you consider that buying the same thing at the shop in town would run me about 1000 dollars.

 

[gunman42782]

I got to second Del-ton. You can buy the kit and the only thing you have to put together are the parts in the lower, the upper and barrel are completly assembled. I built one a while back with a Double Star lower. It has been a great gun.

 

[yayarx7]

How to build an AR,

Step 1. Buy stripped lower, brand is essentially irrelevant. (I prefer Doublestar)
Step 2. Buy Parts kit, brand is essentially irrelevant. (I prefer M&A parts)
Step 3. Assemble using ARFCOM guide. (I prefer the pliers method vs the hammer and punch)

I have built about 10 rifles this way. LMK if you need more specifics.

 

[taliv]

not to pick nits, but it sounds like you've assembled about 10 lowers that way
maybe some more steps would get you an upper

 

[kaizer]

yes, all you need is the assembled upper from model one sales and then either buy a complete lower which will be more expensive but comes with all the guts and a stock, or buy a lower and a parts kit and a stock and put it together. I would go with assembling my own. Even though you haven't done it you will probably only need an hour max to get everything put together, then you can brag that you "built" your AR.

I have a 24 inch model one varmint upper that I purchased, the thing is great.

Also, you will have a bunch of option with model one, make sure you select that it comes with a bolt and charge handle, some kits already have it checked and some it will be $100 more, but you will need those parts. And get the 5.56 chamber.

 

[aloharover]

What do you intend on using the rifle for?

 

[dodging230grainers]

thanks for the replies, I guess I should buy the assembled upper...

as for the lower, my closest FFL is a big gun store, could I just buy a lower from his store, or should I get a certain one online?

What do you intend on using the rifle for?

Target shooting, but mainly SD/SHTF. That's why I prefer the CAR.

 

[kaizer]

you can buy whatever lower you want, or buy one online and have it sent to the FFL where you will pick it up. Personally, unless it is something super slick, you shouldn't have to pay more than $125 for the lower. If you get one from essential arms, and p/u at the FFL it will probably be around $110.