Building an AR: What do I need to know?

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Hey gents, so I sold off my old AR to build a more "Battle Ready" weapon that can be used and abused a bit more. After reading on the forums, researching parts, and gaining some general knowledge, I'm almost ready to get this thing put together.

I've already purchased a fully assembled upper, the stripped lower is on the way, and I'll be gathering the last but of what I need to piece it together.

What should I be concerned about? What are the essential tools I need? Who wants to help cuz I'm nervous! LOL

Any sound advice, tips, tricks, etc will be greatly appreciated.

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[RW2111]

Hardest task you have is putting the front take down pin detent and spring in I use the help of another person when installing mine they make a tool for it but just a waste of money In my opinion I'll post detailed pictures of step by step here in a few

 

[04RWon]

Youve got all the knowledge you need leatherneck.

I didnt use any special tools on the first 2 rifles. Its easy, i used a parts diagram from google images, and a 2 part video from you tube.

What have you ordered so far?

 

[stu929]

There are a couple great tutorial online.

You need a wrench for the stock which I can lend you if you like. Also make sure to take your time putting the firing group together I put something in backwards and that cost me a little while to fix and I hear its a fairly common mistake.

Also make sure you do it in a room that makes it easy to find small pieces as you shoot them across the room..... You will see what I mean when you get there

Have fun! I build my first lower in a hotel room on a business trip :-)

 

[jawn]

It'd help to know what you already bought. The upper is really what separates a bad AR from a good AR.

I look for things that are MPI or HPT and made of the right materials.

 

[RW2111]

Very very simple to build

 

[rseymorejr]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11011/learn/

check out the brownells videos. Putting that lower together is pretty straightforward. Some small pucnhes, needle nose pliers, wrench for the stock nut, screwdriver and a small hammer is all you really need.

 

[Ooops]

Love this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6AZ1jxJGRM

 

[BUFF7MM]

I bought the tool for the front takedown pin, the little bit it costs made it alot easier to do by myself and it was better than crawling around on the floor looking for that little detent (don't ask how I know). Roll pin punches made it easier for me also.

 

[Ooops]

I watched Dan at GC use a razor blade to hold down the detent and spring while sliding the takedown pin through the holes. Obviously it was flat enough to let the takedown pin pass over it but strong enough to keep the detent and spring in check.

 

[Boom Boom]

Quality iron sights (no plastic). Fixed, pinned FSB. If using optics, battle-proven only. No parts that stick out more than usual that can snag on clothing or gear. No parts that unnecessarily add weight (meaning if it has no obvious battle purpose, then it shouldn't be there).

 

[MauiWowie]

Take down pin install with detent and spring is fun.... Not!
Use a large bag and do it inside that so you don't lose it from shooting across the room.

 

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Thanks for the replies, guys! This is what I have so far:

-Daniel Defense Upper w/ Omega X 12" rail and DD BCG
-Troy front and rear BUIS
-Magpul RVG
-Magpul MOE Grip
-Magpul CTR Stock (Milspec)
-Troy Ambi QD End Plate
-Spikes Tactical Stripped Lower (enroute from NM)


What I plan to purchase:
-Daniel Defense Buffer kit
-Daniel Defense LPK
-Magpul BAD lever
-BCM Gunfighter CH
-Battlecomp 2.0
-Aimpoint PRO



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[MauiWowie]

Wow nice setup!!

 

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Wow nice setup!!

Yeah I didn't want to cut corners. Purchased my first AR without doing much research and wound up selling it. I think I'll be much happier with this one once it's all put together. Still learning about the platform...it was much easier in the Corps because you didn't need to know the intricacies, just how to shoot it...hahaha

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[Numidian]

-Battlecomp 2.0

Are you planning to run a suppressor? The Battlecomp 2.0 offers no performance benefit over the 1.0 other than the "over the flash hider" suppressors work with it and not with the 1.0.

 

[WARPIG [USMC]]

Are you planning to run a suppressor? The Battlecomp 2.0 offers no performance benefit over the 1.0 other than the "over the flash hider" suppressors work with it and not with the 1.0.

Not anytime soon, but I like having the option if I choose to go that route.

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[TyFromMD]

electrical tape, bench vise, punches.

 

[MauiWowie]

I use a thick piece of leather instead of electrical tape.
Better protection

 

[ASM80]

I bought a punch and hammer kit from Gun connection for around $30. Invaluable for my lower build.