I'm back...making a parts list for an AR-15 - complete upper, build a lower - missing anything?

[DaemonAssassin]

As a left handed shooter - which controls can I drop in as ambidextrous with a standard receiver, and what do I need the ambidextrous receiver for? Seems like mag release and safety, can be ambi on a standard receiver, correct? Googling around, the benefits of the extra coin for an ambi receiver aren't totally clear.

Strike Industries AR Enhanced Lower Receiver Parts Kit - No FCG

DetailsThe SI Enhanced Lower Parts Kit offers a convenient upgrade package whether you are assembling a new lower receiver or breathing new life into an existing build. This kit features Strike Industries Enhanced parts, including the bolt catch, magazine catch and button, pivot and takedown...

www.primaryarms.com

Strike Industries AMBI AR-15 Magazine Release - Black

DetailsWith the Strike Industries AMBI AR-15 Magazine Release, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a billet receiver filled with proprietary parts. This drop-in ambidextrous AR-15 magazine release drops into any receiver that can accept Mil-Spec parts and allows you to drop a mag from...

www.primaryarms.com

 

[mikeasu]

Well, think I'm convinced, between my two threads on this, to take my time and build both top and bottom. Only extra tools I really need at the house to do so are probably a torque wrench and a vise, both of which would be useful in general. And seems like the best way for me to end up with a precision shooter I'm happy with, rather than slapping a cheap upper on a lower built from parts and having a plinker, that I'm just going to immediately work on upgrading anyway. Going to start with the lower, then pick a good barrel/bcg, and work the rest around that!

 

[DaemonAssassin]

Well, think I'm convinced, between my two threads on this, to take my time and build both top and bottom. Only extra tools I really need at the house to do so are probably a torque wrench and a vise, both of which would be useful in general. And seems like the best way for me to end up with a precision shooter I'm happy with, rather than slapping a cheap upper on a lower built from parts and having a plinker, that I'm just going to immediately work on upgrading anyway. Going to start with the lower, then pick a good barrel/bcg, and work the rest around that!

*giggles in SOTAR*

There are some other tools you'll need.

Magpul AR-15 BEV Block

DetailsThe Barrel Extension Vise is an all-in-one, compact vise block for the AR-15/M4. Takes the worry out of applying torque to your upper when installing and removing barrel nuts and muzzle devices by engaging the barrel extension with solid steel lugs and a full-length support shank to...

www.primaryarms.com

Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15

DetailsThe Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15 platforms is designed to make your gunsmithing tasks easier and more efficient. Whether you're a seasoned gunsmith or just starting out, the Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15 is an essential tool that will make your life easier. With its versatile...

www.primaryarms.com

AeroShell 64 grease

A bore scope like this one

https://a.co/d/cXSTgAa

A metal punch set like this

Pin Punch Set, 8 Piece

Amazing deals on this Pin Punch Set, 8Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VAUGHAN-5-oz-Smooth-Face-Steel-Head-Wood-Tack-Hammer/999908673

You'll need a go, field, and no go gauge

223 Remington SAAMI Headspace Gauges

223 Remington SAAMI Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge. Made in White City Oregon USA. Making Firearm Parts and Chamber Reamers Since 1957

pacifictoolandgauge.com

And that is just to start.

There are some on here that have a rolling tool chest full of tools to build AR's. FTR, once you build your first, you'll blink and find out that you built 4 more.

 

[BradMacc82]

Or you lose count after hitting triple digits...

YMMV.

 

[DaemonAssassin]

Or you lose count after hitting triple digits...

YMMV.

That has already happened to me, my friend.

I'm about to put another one together today.

 

[BradMacc82]

I took a multi year break, haven’t had anything that lit a fire in me to build…

 

[DaemonAssassin]

I took a multi year break, haven’t had anything that lit a fire in me to build…

You still have the same phone number?

 

[redsandman6]

*giggles in SOTAR*

There are some other tools you'll need.

Magpul AR-15 BEV Block

DetailsThe Barrel Extension Vise is an all-in-one, compact vise block for the AR-15/M4. Takes the worry out of applying torque to your upper when installing and removing barrel nuts and muzzle devices by engaging the barrel extension with solid steel lugs and a full-length support shank to...

www.primaryarms.com

Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15

DetailsThe Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15 platforms is designed to make your gunsmithing tasks easier and more efficient. Whether you're a seasoned gunsmith or just starting out, the Magpul Armorer's Wrench for AR-15 is an essential tool that will make your life easier. With its versatile...

www.primaryarms.com

AeroShell 64 grease

A bore scope like this one

https://a.co/d/cXSTgAa

A metal punch set like this

Pin Punch Set, 8 Piece

Amazing deals on this Pin Punch Set, 8Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

https://www.lowes.com/pd/VAUGHAN-5-oz-Smooth-Face-Steel-Head-Wood-Tack-Hammer/999908673

You'll need a go, field, and no go gauge

223 Remington SAAMI Headspace Gauges

223 Remington SAAMI Headspace Gauges at Pacific Tool and Gauge. Made in White City Oregon USA. Making Firearm Parts and Chamber Reamers Since 1957

pacifictoolandgauge.com

And that is just to start.

There are some on here that have a rolling tool chest full of tools to build AR's. FTR, once you build your first, you'll blink and find out that you built 4 more.

i agree with all of this, i would add a a wheeler fat wrench its probably the tool i use the most. locktite is probably needed at some point. a lapping tool might be good too if you are trying to get the most precision out of the ar. i would also highly recommend an oops kit

some how i end up with a couple of ar parts and convince myself with a couple more parts i can build another. and proof another build starts even though i dont need any more. it can be addictive so watch out.


Amazon product ASIN B0012AXR4S
Amazon product ASIN B00AUEHRBQ

https://palmettostatearmory.com/smith-wesson-essential-ar-oops-kit-1078425.html

 

[DaemonAssassin]

i agree with all of this, i would add a a wheeler fat wrench its probably the tool i use the most. locktite is probably needed at some point. a lapping tool might be good too if you are trying to get the most precision out of the ar. i would also highly recommend an oops kit

some how i end up with a couple of ar parts and convince myself with a couple more parts i can build another. and proof another build starts even though i dont need any more. it can be addictive so watch out.


Amazon product ASIN B0012AXR4S
Amazon product ASIN B00AUEHRBQ

https://palmettostatearmory.com/smith-wesson-essential-ar-oops-kit-1078425.html

I'm trying to keep it simple for him as he is just starting out.

Loctite is not a good idea, unless you are using it to bed the barrel. Rocksettis what you want to use as a thread locker on the AR, because it isn't temperature sensitive.

It is real easy to mess up a upper with a lapping tool, if you don't know what you're doing.

 

[ironpony]

Reminds me of getting Chad's approval on my first build's inspection, good times and yes on the Tribble comment, was ordering parts last night.

Have Fun op.

 

[mikeasu]

some how i end up with a couple of ar parts and convince myself with a couple more parts i can build another. and proof another build starts even though i dont need any more. it can be addictive so watch out.

I find it similar to computers - been building my home PC from parts almost every time since the mid 90s - and have almost enough spare parts for another one, just need a purpose for it. I see many of the same benefits as what I expect building an AR-15. Thanks for the tool tips!

 

[BradMacc82]

You still have the same phone number?

Believe so, been thru multiple phones, should still be same number

 

[DaemonAssassin]

Believe so, been thru multiple phones, should still be same number

Cool. I'll get with you soon on a nasty idea.