Completed my first lower build (w/pics)

bigred · Mar 5, 2012

NateTheShake said:
Definitely a nice touch by CMMG with their parts kit. It should be pretty obvious what every part is, but some of them can get a little confusing if one is unfamiliar with the platform.

I might have to start recommending these to friends looking to build their first.

You dont wanna make it to easy. They will build the whole thing and still wont know anything about it.

coldacre22 · Mar 5, 2012

Hey now, be nice. Nobody starts out an expert. I've used the CMMG lpk and think its just right.

Steve973 · Mar 5, 2012

bigred said:
You dont wanna make it to easy. They will build the whole thing and still wont know anything about it.

I'm not sure about that. You have to know what parts to put where, and when you assemble it and check that the fit and function is good, you will have a great understanding of how it works. The lower receivers of these guns are far from complicated, but creating confusion over the parts would be quite unnecessary. The way that CMMG packaged the kit also allows for easy inventory to ensure that everything is included. Still, if someone is unconscious while building it and doesn't get a complete idea of how it works, at least that's a step better than purchasing an entirely assembled rifle.

bigred · Mar 6, 2012

I was just being a smart ass, the last LPK I bought was a cmmg. I'll admit it was a lot easier then dumping out the pile of parts from the spikes kit on my first build. When I did the first build and opened the package I thought WTF.

eagecl · Mar 14, 2012

Now you gotta get another sucker to build one and you're training will be complete.

Steve973 · Mar 14, 2012

I'm trying to get one of my friends on board as well. I think he wants to build one in .308, and I think that will be awesome!

Steve973 · Mar 14, 2012

PSA shipped my upper receiver today! Expect new pictures by the weekend... This build is about to be completed!

tomgreco · Mar 14, 2012

I bought a CMMG parts kit for my 300 BLK build and was very pleased with it. I followed the you tube video for the build. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6AZ1jxJGRM

Steve973 · Mar 15, 2012

I got to finish my build tonight, minus optic, but the result is pretty cool.

Removed the bolt and attached front pin:

Inserting new nickel boron bolt:

Attached upper front pin, installed Magpul backup sight:

Installed bottom rail and Magpul grip:

And here's the money shot:

Steve973 · Mar 15, 2012

I did some testing with .223 snap caps. At first, the operation was not super great; either the first one would load and eject easily by using the charging handle, and the second one would be tough ejecting, or vice versa. By "tough to eject", I mean that I'd have to pull rather hard on the charging handle. I've done this a bunch of times, though, and it's becoming easier and more consistent. I don't know if this is normal or if this is indicative of trouble that I'll have at the range.

j8064 · Mar 15, 2012

I haven't been following your thread, so let me say, "Good job on your first". I recall how intimidated I was the first time. After several builds, dumping a bag of parts into a bowl won't be a big deal to you. You'll know where each part goes, why, what it does and how to put it in place.

I know nothing about the quality of your upper or your snap caps. New uppers do need breaking in. Running snap caps through an AR by hand is not the same as live fire at the range. If it was my build? I'd lube my factory built upper, find some quiet range time and begin to sight it in with live rounds.

Good luck and we hope to see targets soon.

Steve973 · Mar 15, 2012

I am a bit of a geek, so the assembly was definitely exciting, but not very intimidating. I did have it in the back of my mind that I didn't want to screw anything up, but I wasn't too worried. The more intimidating aspect was trying to select the right parts while having zero experience with this super cool platform.

I will be trying it out at the range on Saturday morning. I will see how it compares to the only other carbine I know (as of yet), my Beretta Cx4 Storm.

Steve973 · Mar 17, 2012

I went to the AGC range today and tried it out. Man, it was really, really fun! I had one problem with a bent round, but it was because I didn't seat the magazine properly, so it was definitely operator error. Other than that, my new AR is like a tack hammer. I felt pretty silly because I didn't have a sight tool, and I didn't have a spotting scope, so I didn't get to sight it in. Today was more about the fun of sending rounds downrange. I'll have the necessary equipment next time...

RDF5186 · Mar 17, 2012

Good job. Enjoy your new toy. They are like women. Feed them right and love them and they will run forever.

gmhowell · Mar 17, 2012

eagecl said:
Now you gotta get another sucker to build one and you're training will be complete.

Are we talking about AR-15s or lightsabers? And if there can only be two sith, who is Chad's apprentice?

bikerbankr · Mar 29, 2012

Great looking build!

I'm about to start my own first build and am leaning towards PSA gear so it's good to see another amateur builder had a good experience with them.

I believe I'm going to order the 16" M4A1 Rifle kit and their basic AR15 lower. With shipping and the transfer fee, it should end up around $700. I'll probably only shoot it 5-6 times a year at the range but if I start shooting it more, I may considering installing an upgraded lpk down the road.

Steve973 · Mar 29, 2012

That sounds like a great plan. I am sure that you will be pleased with PSA! Instead of an expensive/upgraded lower parts kit, you'll probably enjoy some sort of red dot optic much more.

BradMacc82 · Mar 29, 2012

Just a basic Spike's or other maker's LPK will be good for your first time, get some time in with it first, modify later. :thumbsup:

ColonelHurtz · Mar 29, 2012

Nice job.

WARPIG [USMC] · Mar 31, 2012

Did you use any special tools other than a castle nut wrench to put this together? I'm collecting the final pieces to start my first lower build and I'm kinda nervous lol

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Completed my first lower build (w/pics)

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