Firearms Section

[CHMSC]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Yeah I will need the punches, pins, hammer, and the multi tool. Still researching. Some lowers could be cheaper fully assembled.

I have seen some decent AR's for $600-1000. I usually like to build them myself for the gratification and I usually piece together the best parts. Plus it's nice to be able to buy a part here and there till its complete rather than shell out for the whole amount all at once.

Here is a pic of the last couple I built. The one on the right is mine the one on the left I built for a buddy.

[xc_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by CHMSC

I have seen some decent AR's for $600-1000. I usually like to build them myself for the gratification and I usually piece together the best parts. Plus it's nice to be able to buy a part here and there till its complete rather than shell out for the whole amount all at once.

Here is a pic of the last couple I built. The one on the right is mine the one on the left I built for a buddy.

Those look good. Yeah I want to be able to piece it together slowly so I can pick the parts I really want instead of having to buy a whole gun then separate parts to replace.

[CHMSC]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Those look good. Yeah I want to be able to piece it together slowly so I can pick the parts I really want instead of having to buy a whole gun then separate parts to replace.

Great way to do it man. If you have any questions let us know. There are several guys here who have built several AR's.

Make sure to check your head space after putting it together.

[xc_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by CHMSC

Great way to do it man. If you have any questions let us know. There are several guys here who have built several AR's.

Make sure to check your head space after putting it together.

Yeah its all of the bits like that I still need to learn. Are there any books that may be good to read before hand?

[CHMSC]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Yeah its all of the bits like that I still need to learn. Are there any books that may be good to read before hand?

Mostly I learned from digging around the Internet, reading AR forums and watching some videos. When I get a chance I will try to dig up some info for you......if I don't forget lol

[xc_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by CHMSC

Mostly I learned from digging around the Internet, reading AR forums and watching some videos. When I get a chance I will try to dig up some info for you......if I don't forget lol

Thats probably how I will learn the majority of it. Just gotta pick out a lower.

[JTruck]

Did some customizing and added some things

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Yeah I've got to look into it a little more to see the tools I need but I know I'd do more than one for sure so it could be worth it.

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Yeah I will need the punches, pins, hammer, and the multi tool. Still researching. Some lowers could be cheaper fully assembled.

If you're just building a lower you only need a hammer (I use a carpenters hammer, you don't need a special hammer regardless of what others may say), a 3/8 punch, roll of electrical tape, needle nose pliers (some of the parts are tiny and you will have a hard time holding them), a torx drive set (the screw that holds the grip on has a torx head), and the AR multi-tool (cost about $10). Oh and you will also need a small block of wood.

Building the upper can get very complicated and not something I recommend to a first timer.

When choosing your lower, just pick one that you like the looks of or is cheap as possible if you're on a budget. A lower is a lower, there are only 4 manufacturers that actually make them. They just stamp them or engrave them differently depending on the company they are selling them to, just stay away from polymer and only buy aluminum. I buy the cheap $40 online specials and never had a problem, I'm actually building another one now, the rest of my parts should be here Tuesday.

Another thing, unless you're picky about the stock, you're better off buying a fully assembled lower vs buying a stripped lower and buying all the parts because of price. You can buy an assembled lower for about $150 vs buying a stripped lower, lower parts kit, buffer, buffer tube, buffer spring, lock ring, end plate, and stock by themselves will cost you $200 minimum.

[Demon War Horse]

Originally Posted by xc_SS/RS

Those look good. Yeah I want to be able to piece it together slowly so I can pick the parts I really want instead of having to buy a whole gun then separate parts to replace.

I build ARs on my own now as well. Lowers are really easy. I am waiting to get my workbench built so I can do the barrel nuts myself versus taking them to a shop to be torqued to spec and aligning of the gas tube. But these are realy easy to do.

Feel free to ask me questions as well if you like. It looks harder than it is. I acutally bought an AR15 assembly DVD off of Amazon that I watched when building my first lower. It goes step by step and makes it easy. The hardest part you will have on the lower is the bolt catch roll pin. That one can be a bitch. But some billet lowers for example use a threaded pin versus one that has to be driven in. Much easier.

The rest is a piece of cake. Just take your time. Ask as many questions as you like. There are several of us on here that can give you tips and tricks I am sure.

I am also A12 on AR15.com btw.

Here is a better pic of the one I did for my wife.

[xc_SS/RS]

Those looks awesome. I am a little picky over the stock as I really love the Magpul parts so I figure I'll just get a lower and slowly gather parts. Good to know all I need is the AR multi tool to do a lower as I've got everything else.

Won't be attempting the upper just yet. Watched a video on how to do the barrel but and I don't want to try that as a beginner. So I'll look into getting an upper preferably without a handguard so I can pick one out myself unless there's a good deal.

Heading to a local shop tomorrow to check out some of the stuff they have for sale.

[Mr_Draco]

Here's the newest addition to my toy collection. An AR-5.7. The rest of the parts I needed for the lower came yesterday and I just finished putting it together.

[JTruck]

I have that same red dot, love it

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by JTruck

I have that same red dot, love it

I've not shot it yet but so far I love my decision. I really like Vortex optics and the Strikefire 2 so far has lived up to my expectations. I've read some reviews on it and the reviews are just as good if not better as Aimpoint Pro which is more than twice the price. Not to mention Vortex's no questions asked lifetime warranty.

[Demon War Horse]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Here's the newest addition to my toy collection. An AR-5.7. The rest of the parts I needed for the lower came yesterday and I just finished putting it together.

Very nice!