need a little help (AR build)

[redtab78]

Can some one with build experiance tell me if I am forgetting anything here:

Complete upper (with charging handle and bolt carrier)

lower receiver
lower build kit
sopmod stock
magazines

Im going to build 2 at once (father son project) one in .223 and one in .22lr

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

It looks like you have everything except the buffer tube and components that accompany it (buffer, spring, end plate, castle nut).

 

[hatt]

Sights

 

[taliv]

make sure the build kit has a trigger. some do, some don't.

sounds like a great father/son project! of course, it may only take 30 min to complete, so you will want to plan for some range time too

welcome to THR. be sure to come back and post some pics when complete

 

[MachIVshooter]

It sounds like you have everything, but we can't say for sure unless you include links that allow us to look at the items you purchased.

It looks like you have everything except the buffer tube and components that accompany it

Usually part of a lower build kit (as opposed to a lower parts kit)

For example:

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/moe-lower-build-kit.html

 

[redtab78]

I would paste the links if I had internet connection that wasnt limited to .org sites...(gotta love Navy deployments) and I havnt bought anything yet, getting ready to start ordering it all though in the next day or so

But this is what Im thinking:
uppers: ( want to do the exact same for both only one in .22lr)

16" C.A.R. kits from Model1sales.com (chrome lined for .223)

CMMG build kits

SOPMOD stocks (BCM)

MEGA lowers

 

[Quentin]

Something to think of... Since one will be a .22lr you might get a S&W M&P 15-22 or Colt M4 .22lr for $450 or so then put the saved money into a much better upper for your 5.56 build, say a BCM upper!

 

[redtab78]

then that would take away from the "father son" build. (But I have thought of that!)

Does anyone have a recommendation of billet aluminum vs. forged lowers? I found a place that will engrave a billet lower with our names and a Father "zombie" and a son "Zombie" but all I have read and researched is the forged ones.

They do offer a billet upper and lower combo, but then I would have to build the upper too......THEN I could have a higher quality upper as you mentioned with a wilson combat barrel

 

[MrCleanOK]

I know others have mentioned some of these things, but here's what stands out to me that you might be missing.

Rear sights
Make sure your lower parts kit has a trigger
Make sure you are getting a stock kit, not just a stock body. A kit will come with a receiver extension, buffer, spring, end plate and castle nut. If you get a stock kit and body separately, make sure they are compatible (mil-spec vs. commercial size).

Can some one with build experiance tell me if I am forgetting anything here:

Complete upper (with charging handle and bolt carrier)

lower receiver
lower build kit
sopmod stock
magazines

 

[Quentin]

then that would take away from the "father son" build. (But I have thought of that!)

Does anyone have a recommendation of billet aluminum vs. forged lowers? I found a place that will engrave a billet lower with our names and a Father "zombie" and a son "Zombie" but all I have read and researched is the forged ones.

They do offer a billet upper and lower combo, but then I would have to build the upper too......THEN I could have a higher quality upper as you mentioned with a wilson combat barrel

Billet or forged 7075-T6 alloy is fine. I have three forged lowers and a Quentin Defense (no relation to me!) US Army Edition billet lower. I paid extra for the QD because it's beautiful and they will custom laser etch for you. I had my name, years of service and Vietnam service etched for about $25 extra. The stripped billet lower was $159 a couple years ago. It didn't hurt that my name is Quentin and that I once lived in Gilbert, AZ where the receivers are made! QD took care of me and I am pleased with the finished product. They do sell and etch forged receivers. My forged uppers fit and function properly on the billet lower.

Matched billet receivers would look great and I still may do that. No need to go to the extra expense of billet but no harm either. And it just might be ideal for your father/son project!

 

[redtab78]

So, I decided to go for it all on one and do a S&P 22 for my son with the intentions of him just growing into this .223 and me building a .308 later on...

here's my build, Once Rainier gets back with me about pining the gas block on my barrel I will be placing the order:


upper: Sun Devil (burgandy anodized with zombie etchings)
Ejection Port Cover: POF
barrel: Rainer Arms 16" MEDCON (BK)
gas block: Rainer Arms match grade low
Flash Hider: 5.56 Triton
bolt/carrier: Rainier Arms BCG phosphate
Charging Handle: mega billet
rear sight: Diamond Head (premium GEN2)
Front Sight: Diamond Head (premium GEN2)
gas tube: Rainier Arms (midlength)
hand guard: diamondhead 10.25"
Forward Assist: Iron Viper

lower: Sun Devil
lower parts: RRA (w/ 2 stage trig)
stock (kit) VLTOR Emod


when the gun gets done, it SHOULD be a thing of beauty...with the burgandy anodized lower/upper and all the furnature in black...it will be a one of a kind, thats for sure!

 

[MrCleanOK]

To install the barrel you're going to need a sturdy bench vise, the correct wrench for the barrel nut that comes with your handguard (looks like a big spanner or adjustable wrench for the handguard you chose), and either the Geissele reaction rod or something like this thing. The reaction rod would be preferred. Your billet upper won't fit in the plastic clamshell type upper receiver vise blocks. If you don't want to invest in the tools you should ask Ranier to install the barrel for you.

 

[hatt]

Brownells sells something like the reaction rod for a lot less $$. A couple 2x4s and a vice can get you by as well.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you don't want to invest in the tools you should ask Ranier to install the barrel for you.

Or just use a couple chunks of soft pine.

I've done countless barrel and FF handguard installs this way without a problem. You just crank the vise until the receiver gets a good bite into the soft wood. I go top & bottom with flat tops, sides with a 1/2" piece of steel inserted into the upper to keep it from squishing for A2 style.

Upper receivers can actually flex quite a bit without deforming, too. 7075-T6 is tough, resilient stuff.

That action rod would be a good investment if you were installing barrels on a daily basis, but it's pretty spendy for the occasional build.