I’ve been thinking about building an AR but don’t know where to start. Any good resources as far as How to Guides, kits, best places to get parts, etc...?
^^That's a good guide on building the lower, it's a playlist, short and concise.
I'd suggest getting a complete kit from PSA, cuz they are actually available. And if you can, get the stripped lower from a local shop. Or just get all the parts from a local shop, if available. If you can't find any lowers locally, then just order one from PSA.... the FFL items take a bit longer to ship though.
Building one is easy. First, you have to look into legality, state restrictions, etc. If you have money to spend, LaRue makes an great, high end upper (barreled receiver, bolt and carrier group). You can buy a stripped lower from an FFL or go the 80 percent route and mill it yourself. It's easy, but the initial investment into a jig and tools will set you back around $500. Parts kits used to be easily available, but are now hard to find. You would need the stock, pistol grip, trigger parts (or a drop in trigger), and all of the pins and springs to make it work. I think a vise is mandatory to get that stupid roll pin for the bolt release in place.
Palmetto state armory has complete uppers with the parts kits. You can also check out brownells, target sports USA, buds gun shop, and many others.
Like I said, it's all easy. YouTube has what you need regarding instructions.
Yeah, the one thing I’ve run into is actually finding parts available and in stock. Lol. I guess I’m not the only one thinking it might not be a bad idea to have one around
Yes, that is true. And I think AR10 lowers also use a set screw. At least I think the DPMS ones do. For my last couple, I used a special punch tool that holds it in place, along with careful tapping. I secured mine in a vise, using 2 thin wood strips (actually paint stirrers from Lowe's) to protect the lower from the vise jaws. For the OP, I would also add to his tool kit the roll pin punch tool and the castle nut wrench for the buffer tube nut. It'll probably add $30 to his tool set. If he lives in a restricted state, he will have to follow the laws as far as featureless rifles, magazine capacity, fixed mag (don't go this route), etc, and even whether or not it's legal to build your own from an 80% lower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj0q-Le8HEQ&list=PL8B16C7A7A2FCB1E1
^^That's a good guide on building the lower, it's a playlist, short and concise.
I'd suggest getting a complete kit from PSA, cuz they are actually available. And if you can, get the stripped lower from a local shop. Or just get all the parts from a local shop, if available. If you can't find any lowers locally, then just order one from PSA.... the FFL items take a bit longer to ship though.
Nice! Thanks for that, that seems like a good place to start
Building one is easy. First, you have to look into legality, state restrictions, etc. If you have money to spend, LaRue makes an great, high end upper (barreled receiver, bolt and carrier group). You can buy a stripped lower from an FFL or go the 80 percent route and mill it yourself. It's easy, but the initial investment into a jig and tools will set you back around $500. Parts kits used to be easily available, but are now hard to find. You would need the stock, pistol grip, trigger parts (or a drop in trigger), and all of the pins and springs to make it work. I think a vise is mandatory to get that stupid roll pin for the bolt release in place.
Palmetto state armory has complete uppers with the parts kits. You can also check out brownells, target sports USA, buds gun shop, and many others.
Like I said, it's all easy. YouTube has what you need regarding instructions.
Yeah, the one thing I’ve run into is actually finding parts available and in stock. Lol. I guess I’m not the only one thinking it might not be a bad idea to have one around
Aero lowers use a set screw for that damn roll pin. I use a punch and some careful tapping to install the pin on other lowers.
Yes, that is true. And I think AR10 lowers also use a set screw. At least I think the DPMS ones do. For my last couple, I used a special punch tool that holds it in place, along with careful tapping. I secured mine in a vise, using 2 thin wood strips (actually paint stirrers from Lowe's) to protect the lower from the vise jaws. For the OP, I would also add to his tool kit the roll pin punch tool and the castle nut wrench for the buffer tube nut. It'll probably add $30 to his tool set. If he lives in a restricted state, he will have to follow the laws as far as featureless rifles, magazine capacity, fixed mag (don't go this route), etc, and even whether or not it's legal to build your own from an 80% lower.