I got some first time ar-15 build questions

[jon1996]

Well i think i am ready to build my first basic ar-15 rifle, i was wondering, what parts i need, can i buy a lower parts kit without a ffl?, are there anyway to buy all the parts i need without a ffl? and who is the cheapest and best quality? model 1 or j&t?
thanks,
jon

 

[Harry Tuttle]

The lower receiver is the only FFL required part,
unless you home brew one from an 80% forging

cheap / best
kind of mutually exclusive, don'tcha know?
Buy the best internal parts available and save yourself
from buying mil spec rejects

DPMS or Bushmaster have high quality internal parts

AR15s are not cheap to run

 

[Powderman]

Model 1? J&T? Which models are these?

As was already posted, you can buy every single part for your AR mail-order except the stripped lower receiver. This takes a trip to your gunshop, or working through an FFL.

About the only thing that requires some AR smarts is mating the barrel properly to the upper receiver, mounting the gas tube and gas block properly, torquing the barrel to the proper values and headspacing properly. If you don't have the proper tools for it, you might be better off buying an entire upper receiver unit, pre-assembled and ready to go. They are not cheap--usually about $350 to $500 or more.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I built mine from Model 1, no problems with it. I was going to take a little time to polish and lighten the trigger a bit (something I saw somewhere), but I was in such a rush to finish it, I just finished it, and it works fine. Maybe I will do it later.

All I needed was a punch set. And of course a screwdriver or allen wrench for the grip screw.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I've been thinking about building from a Model 1 frame as well.

Might have to give it a try. The Oly needs a pardner.

 

[Southern Raider]

...and headspacing properly

The headspace on an AR15 is set by the bolt and barrel assembly (barrel and barrel extension). These are set by the factory and there is no adjustment by the typical end user/builder. While this makes the AR15 build attractive, it also limits headspace adjustment to swapping of components.

 

[Bridger]

I had a model 1 upper, and while it worked, the picatinny rail on top was out of spec., and so my scope mount tended to slide back and forth a little bit. The carry handle that came with it fit fine though.

I prefer Rock River Arms myself. A little bit more expensive, but good quality.

 

[Redlg155]

I've built five AR-15's out of JT parts kits. All went well with the exception on one, which had a out of spec safety lever. A call to JT got a replacement lever with no problems.

I've never had any problem with the folks there. Customer service is pretty good, athough it takes a bit to get the kits out. Unless they have changed things, don't expect same day shipping.

Good Shooting
Red

 

[NoHarmNoFAL]

Give these guys a try, ADCO . I bought an upper from them M4 Entry and I love it.

 

[Powderman]

Again, could someone tell me about JT or Model 1 parts kits? What's their reputation? Are they reliable, and do they turn out a solid product? Tell me more!

 

[D7tho]

Model 1 Sales kits are fine. 80% finished

AR lowers can be had in the mail, like any other part. $160 (or so ) from KT Ordnance. Just do a yahoo search. No jig is needed to finish the KT AR-15 lower, unlike all the other 80% finished lowers.

 

[SaLted_peanUTs]

Give these guys a try, ADCO .

Love these guys, they had 2 of my orders in the mail an hour after I ordered it. Great guys, great service.

I've had some dealing with Model 1 and they seem to have good parts and pretty good service.