Kids Building ARs, Difficulties You’ve Faced?

[Gridley]

Well that title is clear as mud! Here’s what I mean: I have 3 children, ages 9, 11, & 14. Rather than reward them monetarily for doing chores or grades or even helping each other out, I’ve decided on an AR build program. Each will earn parts of their choosing (style/color/etc.) commensurate with the effort put forth until they have a full lower build kit. Keep in mind this summer I’ll be adding 3 to the kid count and they all fall into the same age range which means 6 rifles in total.

I think this is an amazing idea, and it sounds like you're going about it in a very responsible and systematic manner. My hat is off to you, sir!

Are you going to extend this to accessories? Magazines, slings, lights, etc.? I'm a buyer of firearms rather than a builder (though I do plan to do some building soon), but I greatly enjoy comparing accessories and mounting them to suit my tastes.

I will defer to others on whether it is better to buy a full BCG or assembly from parts, but even if you do you could still have them earn each piece separately. Were I to do this I might even start there, since taking apart and re-assembling the BCG is a routine task. If they get those parts first it encourages them to practice that, which will stand them in good stead later. I'd probably also do a "who can take their BCG apart the fastest? Who can do it blindfolded? Who can..." set of games if they show interest.

 

[Skylerbone]

I guess I’ve been curious for some time about all of the “enhanced” parts available these days. I recall reading the pros and cons of the BAD Lever, PRI and BCM charging handles, etc. but never jumped.

I dragged dad out on my initial range trip years ago when I finally bought an AR just to show me how to run the gun. He hadn’t touched an M16 since Vietnam and despite being a lefty, snapped a magazine in, slapped the CH back with his palm, and switched hands before I could process everything. And he still doesn’t like ‘em! I figured why mess with what ain’t broken?

Well time has changed my thinking, though mine is still stock, so I do plan on allowing for upgrades over a basic LPK, furniture, etc. In fact I’ve been researching buttstocks for one lower to fit smaller stature chitlins in order to get them shooting before the personal builds start. I’m thinking extended take down pins, larger latches, might make ergos easier. I also keep a few common rifles about for practice like a .357 lever. Here’s hoping if they catch the bug that they also find accommodating spouses later in life.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

As other have said small parts esp those with springs behind them. As far as assembly getting the gas tube to float with a GI style barrel nut with optimum torque can be a pain. I've usually managed to get it just right with a series of repeated torquing or temporary over-torquing but it is a black art. One one AR10 I threw in the towel and filed the nut a little. Your best bet is not using a GI barrel nut.

Mike

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Building the upper is not hard, but there are a lot of per built uppers of all types these days at great prices.
Reasons for building your own upper:
You want a certain barrel. I like 1/8 & 1/9 twist in 223 Wylde.
You want a certain handguard setup or handrail.
Or you just have a bunch of extra parts laying around.
Muzzle breaks and flash hiders are another way to customize a build or to be able to tell one rifle from another.
Rousch Sports makes some very nice ones that won’t break the bank.
https://rouschsports.com/product-ca...e-flash-hider-concussion-device/flash-hiders/

My son Isaac was 11 when he built his first AR. He did about 75% of the work himself. It was just a basic carbine. He saw a Matrix stock set at my buddy’s shop and it turned into this.


His second build was at 13yo. That was the red and black build. He is left handed so we made it left handed friendly.


His brother Austin, is 20yo and just built his first AR. Before he was happy just telling me what he wanted.


There have been a few comments about staying with all the same name brand parts to avoid fitting issues. What they don’t know is that most companies don’t make their own parts. Like Spikes Tactical, they don’t make parts, they buy them.
One of the largest BCG manufacturers is Tool Craft. They make BCGs for many top name companies. I’ve used several different brands and the only BCG I had trouble with was made by Radical Firearms.

 

[Skylerbone]

I would have suspected that on forged uppers/lowers and barrels, I guess bolts would be the other logical thing to farm out. I don’t of course have many spare parts about, just the essential rescue kits and a few firing pins right now. The great thing about current prices however is that buying LPKs and letting kids customize means that bin should have a few extras soon enough.

I do recall reading your thread, Gunny about kids building their own ARs. Having shamelessly stolen the idea is how I arrived at this juncture. And if you’re anything like the old sergeant I call dad, I’m betting your boys earned their rifles as well.

While I’m thinking on it, Primary Arms has got one serious sale going on this weekend. I tend to avoid Memorial Day sales on principle but I may have to break that rule. Have a wonderful weekend all and thank you to all of those who served in our Armed Forces.