Pease help me build an AR-15

[Dgreno]

I want to build an AR before the upcoming AWB. I have been trying to figure out what parts I need to buy. I have seen "complete" kits "minus stripped lower receiver" but am still confused. Does this literally include everything (all pins, springs, safety, trigger...) except the stripped lower?? Also, what is the difference between an A2 and an A4 upper/lower?? I am working on a limited budget. I know there have been posts on "cheap" AR builds, but I would appreciate it if someone could point me towards a few that aren't going to break the bank. I am still unsure on what brands to choose so any guidance or input is appreciated...
Thanks in advance for any help!!!
DG

 

[Powderman]

Building an AR is simple--but it does require special tools.

Why spend a boatload for tools you might use once or twice? If you're on a budget and still want a quality AR, check out:

www.stagarms.com

Complete rifles for about what you'd spend on tools and parts for your first build--quality product from a good company. Make sure you get the chromed barrel.

 

[Full Clip]

What special tools? (Unless you're talking about building an upper.) To build up three lowers, I used a punch, needlenose pliers, hammer, screwdriver, masking tape and an allen wrench.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

+1 on Stag Arms

As to the difference between an A2/A4 upper. In civilian terms, an A2 upper is a fixed carry handle. An A4 or sometimes called an A3 upper as well in civilian terms is a flat top upper. The flat top is the way to go for flexibility.

A2 can refer to several other features like the flash hider, buttstock, as well.

 

[Dgreno]

Im not too concerned with the cost of purchasing the tools if their worth it to aid in assembly. To me, the satisfaction of building one far outweighs that of just owning one. I am also trying to keep about an $800 budget for the rifle (not incl. the tools needed).
EDIT:
I have been leaning towards stag for the upper. I am still unsure on the upper though... Thanks for the input!

 

[gunman42782]

I built this one from a kit from Del-Ton and a Double Star lower from Centerfire Systems. About $600. I have been completely satisfied with it. I also have a Bushmaster, and I feel the one I built is every bit as good. I would recommend Del-Ton and Double Star products to anyone.

 

[dmftoy1]

The tools to build a lower are cheap. I ordered a set of roll pin punches from Brownells and everything else I had laying around. (hex wrenches, brass hammer, etc.)

I'd recommend looking over at AR15.com in the build your own forum. They are pretty juvenille in some of thier posts but their assembly threads are very good. FWIW, for the first one I'd build a lower and buy a pre-assembled upper. I have a Stag lower but no experience with their uppers. (lower is fine). I've had really good luck with RRA uppers and Bushmaster uppers. (FWIW).

If you decide to build your own lower then you really only need 3 things:

1. Stripped Lower $95-$130
2. "Lower parts kit" $65
3. Buttstock, buffer tube, buffer, spring $65-$200 depending on what you want

You can add another $100 to the lower parts kit if you want a 2 stage NM trigger. I'm pretty partial to the RRA 2 stage NM's but that's my personal bias. So assuming you wanted to build up an M4 type using some of the cheapest parts you'd have $215-$220 in your lower. (not counting S/H and sales taxes). That would leave you $580 in your budget for a complete upper and you can get one EASILY for RRA or Stag for that.

Just my .02

Regards,
Dave

 

[Dallas Jack]

I have assembled two CAR kits from J&T Distributing ($469.95) And bought two DoubleStar stripped lowers ($109.00) total cost of $578.95. BTW J&T and DoubleStar are the same company. One phone call can order all the parts for a complete gun. And yes the kits contain all the parts, roll pins, springs, ect... (except the stripped lower) to complete the gun. No special tools required. You do not hear much about DoubleStar but their guns are top notch.
Dallas Jack

 

[bannockburn]

dmftoy1
Good advice-I did this years ago with a lower receiver and a parts kit from SGW(Olympic). I already had a complete shorty upper that I had used from time to time on my Colt AR-15; so all I needed was a folding stock assembly(and an armorer's wrench), to complete the build. Having the upper already built made the whole project a lot easier to complete.

 

[wdlsguy]

I have seen "complete" kits "minus stripped lower receiver" but am still confused. Does this literally include everything (all pins, springs, safety, trigger...) except the stripped lower??

Yes.

I know there have been posts on "cheap" AR builds, but I would appreciate it if someone could point me towards a few that aren't going to break the bank.

http://www.del-ton.com
http://jtdistributing.com

Lower receiver assembly instructions:
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower

 

[Dgreno]

Thanks for your help guys. If anyone has any more tips or tricks to add please do...
DG