AR Pistol build- input appreciated

YFallston · Jul 20, 2014

With lowers being available again I want to build an AR pistol. After doing a little research it appears a 10.5 inch barrel is my best option for a 556 build. Any suggestions on do and donts for the build would be greatly appreciated.

DaemonAssassin · Jul 22, 2014

Tagging because I'm planning a pistol build.

precisionfire · Jul 22, 2014

Do: Buy a Quality barrel: We recommend Daniel Defense, Noveske, Lothar Walther. We stock them all.

Dont: Buy El Cheapo Barrels - they will probably not cycle correctly and reliably without being over gassed. Over Gassed will force you to use a H2, H3 Buffer. These are Band Aid Fixes. H (H1) is fine but not always needed.

Use the Longest handguard you can. Get it free floated. Good ones that come to mind are: SLR, Midwest, Geissele, Lancer, PF by AP

, BCM (my Favorite right now).

Dont use a Brake: These will give your muffs a quality test and make everyone around you dislike you.

The Flaming Pig by Noveske will help with directing noise down range along with the flash.

And Piston Drive it if you can afford it. I know I will probably create a S'''Storm here by saying this, but the piston systems are so smmoooth.

EarnestT · Jul 22, 2014

precisionfirearms said:
Do: Buy a Quality barrel: We recommend Daniel Defense, Noveske, Lothar Walther. We stock them all.

Dont: Buy El Cheapo Barrels - they will probably not cycle correctly and reliably without being over gassed. Over Gassed will force you to use a H2, H3 Buffer. These are Band Aid Fixes. H (H1) is fine but not always needed.

Use the Longest handguard you can. Get it free floated. Good ones that come to mind are: SLR, Midwest, Geissele, Lancer, PF by AP , BCM (my Favorite right now).

Dont use a Brake: These will give your muffs a quality test and make everyone around you dislike you.

The Flaming Pig by Noveske will help with directing noise down range along with the flash.

And Piston Drive it if you can afford it. I know I will probably create a S'''Storm here by saying this, but the piston systems are so smmoooth.

So what would a 12 inch upper cost using these components?

precisionfire · Jul 22, 2014

800-1150 depending on configuration.

This one is $1150.00 In stock and Of course in Piston drive, the most costly setup.

Email: pf15@pf15.com

YFallston · Jul 22, 2014

Thank you!

DaemonAssassin · Jul 23, 2014

precisionfirearms said:
800-1150 depending on configuration.

View attachment 125039
View attachment 125041
View attachment 125040

This one is $1150.00 In stock and Of course in Piston drive, the most costly setup.

Email: pf15@pf15.com

Mark, if anything, you keep showing me that you are a class act. Also, you are going to keep me in the poorhouse and sleeping on the couch with all that I have planned. Keep up the good work.

jcbvh · Jul 23, 2014

JSE Surplus is an online retailer that has pistol uppers at great prices.

EarnestT · Jul 23, 2014

precisionfirearms said:
800-1150 depending on configuration.

View attachment 125039
View attachment 125041
View attachment 125040

This one is $1150.00 In stock and Of course in Piston drive, the most costly setup.

Email: pf15@pf15.com

Thank you for the pricing. Now I know what the high end cost is. I like the piston system

backhome426 · Jul 23, 2014

YFallston said:
With lowers being available again I want to build an AR pistol. After doing a little research it appears a 10.5 inch barrel is my best option for a 556 build. Any suggestions on do and donts for the build would be greatly appreciated.

Going to add another question since I am on the same mission.

What tools do I need to assemble the lower? I have everything just waiting for some personal time to sit down and do it.

I am assuming I need a vice and tools. I would absolutely love to avoid scratching the heck out of it.

Tman68 · Jul 23, 2014

Im on this same mission too, need the upper and pistol buffer tube

Mdeng · Jul 23, 2014

The easy way to avoid scratches while installing the bolt catch roll pin is to use tape to protect the receiver. You will need the correct size roll pin punch as well. Midway and Brownsville sell simple kits that have all the tools you will need.http://ads.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=wheeler+engineering+ar+armorers+tool+kit

Whitey · Jul 23, 2014

Does the papaperwork have to be filled out in any special way when you're going to build a lower into a pistol?

Calengor · Jul 23, 2014

Whitey said:
Does the papaperwork have to be filled out in any special way when you're going to build a lower into a pistol?

No. You just have to make sure that the FFL transfers it to you correctly as an "Other" and not a "Long gun" or "pistol."

armed ferret · Jul 24, 2014

IMPORTANT BUFFER TUBE INFORMATION

Make sure you use loctite or rocksett on the buffer tube threads, if it doesn't have a castle nut. My PSA tube backed out after the very first shot, enough that on the second shot the buffer retainer and its corresponding spring went into the FCG, causing all kinds of problems.

Was not a fun day at the range.....and i still have yet to sight it in or do any load development.

precisionfire · Jul 24, 2014

The above post is very important!!

precisionfire · Jul 24, 2014

Man I know guys that put these together on their kitchen table. After they are done there are several empty bottles of booze on the table too. Wonder why I see these later??

As for tools we recommend the Following:

1. Vise - Preferable 5-6 inch for the heft, but a smaller one will do for lower assembly. Get at Lowes. The Blue Vises are decent for under $70
2. A clean work bench. - Sky's the limit $$
3. A vise block for lower. $15.00 from us
4. A Set of roll punches $40.00 - commercial quality from us
5. BCM Stock Tube Wrench - $15.00 from us
6. 1/2 inch wrench rachet for stock wrench or torque wrench if your a gorilla and can't stop when it is tight or if you plan to built uppers later - you know where to get these.
7. Curved nose small pliers. This makes install of front take down pin a lot easier.

YFallston · Jul 24, 2014

Is it better to buy a pistol buffer tube with a castle but? Didn't know there was any that didn't have one.thanks agin guys this is the kind of help I wanted.

cap6888 · Jul 24, 2014

Good questions....I'll keep it going......

I am planning on a 10.5 inch barrel build. What is the best length for handguards? I want it long enough that the it doesn't cover the flash suppressor, but short enough that it doesn't interfere. Also, anyone have any experience with the Strike Industries Cookie Cutter? It definitely looks tacticool.

jmike1487 · Jul 24, 2014

great info! keep it coming.. I am about to start my build also.

AR Pistol build- input appreciated

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