First AR build

[Southside830]

I have had, and still have many AR's, however I have never attempted to build one. I bought a Spikes stripped lower, Palmetto LPK w magpul MOE trigger guard and grip, and Palmetto mil spec buffer tube assembly with H buffer. Magpul CTR stock. How hard is it to complete the lower assembly? Any tools or helpful you tube videos I might need to get/look at? I plan to buy a complete mid length upper so my only assembly will involve the lower half. Thanks.

 

[WinThePennant]

This is a very good tutorial. I reference it every time I build an AR.

http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/diy-ar-15-build-introduction-parts-and-tools-required/

 

[Fred_G]

A good punch for the roll pins and YouTube was how I did mine. Not incredibly hard, but at times a third hand or a gun vise would have been a big help. Having an assembled lower on hand was a good guide also.

Go for it!

 

[gotigers]

Not hard with some common tools, punches, vise and AR specific tools, AR magwell vise block, castle nut wrench.

A trailer hitch pin will help make installing the pivot pin detent easier. Similar to this trick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp9lbQiUn4s

 

[cfullgraf]

As said, assembling an AR-15 is fairly easy. There are few tools and techniques that make the job easier.

Roll pin punches are helpful, they have a little bump on the end of the punch that helps keep the punch aligned with the roll pin. Brownells used to carry them.

There are lots of good sources of information on assembling an AR-15.

I like the book "The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide, Build and Maintain your own AR-15" by Walt Kukeck and Clint McKee. But, there are other good resources out there.

 

[Southside830]

Thanks for the replies. There is a certain appeal to me in building up an AR myself. I also think it will be beneficial to see where everything goes for future troubleshooting.

 

[adelbridge]

the front detente is the hardest part. wrap the receiver in tape to prevent scratching the finish. Use a slave pin for installing the trigger and hammer. Dont be afraid to walk away from it and come back another day.

 

[Frosty Dave]

I think one of the best tools for assembling an AR lower is a big clear plastic bag to work in and capture any detents that might try to escape. Basically, if you are installing any pin on top of a coil spring, and you see that it can be launched into low earth orbit if you slip, do it inside the bag.

Nothing shuts down your project and your satisfaction of assembling your own rifle like losing a detent or its spring and hearing it hit the wall on the other side of the room.

 

[gotigers]

Frosty Dave is right about that. Sometimes, i put a shirt over my head to catch flyng springs and detents. A magnetic desk pad is nice to have for small parts rolling around.

adelbridge makes a good point. I tape up the receiver near the mag catch pin. This is an area that a lot of new builders scratch the lower.