Caved - Starting My 1st AR Build [Done!]

[DasBoost]

Originally Posted by Dubels

That is my problem. I just sent out the money for my .22lr upper yesterday and if it was not for the rain and me finally able to get more than 2 hours of sleep I would be on the hunt for a cheaper lower for my .22 upper.

Working graveyard gives me ample time to do some internet window shopping and reviewing. It definitely doesn't help things. Haha. My hunt for lowers has left me at an impasse- either pay the local stores' prices or get hit with the transfer fee on a less expensive lower but the cots break even either way. Looking at 180-200 out the door... yeesh...

[Dubels]

Yeah, the only other way to do it is to get a used lower.

Next weekend I am going to make a trip around to the stores around here and see what type of deals are out there. I am really thinking that I should pick up another lower just in case. With these wait times right now it seems like I would always be "building" something, might as well get a head start.

[Dinosaur Jr]

Originally Posted by snowdog650

Go to Discount Shooters Supply in Roseville. They have stripped Aero Precision lowers for around $80.

Extremely pleased with the AP lower I just built. It mates up uber-snug & precise to my Cerro Forge upper - there is zero slop. It couldn't possibly be a better value for me.

[Dubels]

My Palmetto State Armory items have shipped!!! My upper package, lower parts build kit, and SSA-E trigger are on their way! One day over the 15 day business day processing period for the upper package but I am happy with that with all the Black Friday orders they must have gotten. Now I am just crossing my fingers that everything I ordered/need is in the packages.

[65falconlover]

Newbie here, and I don't even own (yet) a "real" AR type rifle. I do have one of the Colt M4's in .22 cal but as you all know I'm sure that they cannot be upgraded to centerfire ammo. I'm interested in possibly building an AR in 5.56 but have no idea where to start and what I really would need.

I hear "upper" and "lower" and stripped lower, etc. and I do get that part based on the rifles design but for a beginner would it really be better building one or buying off-the-shelf for the first time? I'm a car guy so I have tools and know how to use them but I've never really tinkered with my firearms. Also, what are the main components besides those I mentioned? I know there are Uppers, Lowers and barrel but what other parts (unless there are too many to mention) are needed if you buy complete assembled parts, if that's even possible?

Sorry if this has been asked and answered a thousand times! If so can someone please direct me to the correct place to look?

Thanks!

John

[Dubels]

In a simple quick answer to your question:
-Stripped Lowers - the only piece you need to register
-Lower Parts Kits - comes with the pistol grip and all of the internals (fire control) of the lower.
-Complete Upper - may or may not include the BCG and charge handle.
-Stock - any you want
-Magazines.
-Bullet button device unless u want to go featureless.

Consult this for legality issues consult the flowchart in the tabs above.

And here are some sources:
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...guide+build+ar
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/learn/
http://www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc...ld-ar-15-rifle
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226...ructions_.html

[65falconlover]

Originally Posted by Dubels

In a simple quick answer to your question:
-Stripped Lowers - the only piece you need to register
-Lower Parts Kits - comes with the pistol grip and all of the internals (fire control) of the lower.
-Complete Upper - may or may not include the BCG and charge handle.
-Stock - any you want
-Magazines.
-Bullet button device unless u want to go featureless.

Consult this for legality issues consult the flowchart in the tabs above.

And here are some sources:
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...guide+build+ar
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/learn/
http://www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc...ld-ar-15-rifle
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226...ructions_.html

I'm reading over the info in the calguns.net link right now and it's great stuff!
Thanks, John

[DasBoost]

Originally Posted by Dubels

My Palmetto State Armory items have shipped!!! My upper package, lower parts build kit, and SSA-E trigger are on their way! One day over the 15 day business day processing period for the upper package but I am happy with that with all the Black Friday orders they must have gotten. Now I am just crossing my fingers that everything I ordered/need is in the packages.

Those "Your Order Has Shipped" emails are the best!! I ordered an A1 stock/handguard set from Numrich and slip-ring (precursor to the delta ring setup) and barrel barrel nut setup from Apex. Both orders shipped today. My RA package should be here as well. Ever since reading this thread, I've been reading more and more on the Geiselle offerings and man they look sweet... I just don't know if I can justify that kind of money for something I plan on using just short of out and out abuse. Haha. I've been looking at the ALG offerings, those are tuned by Geiselle apparently, and for $45-65, it seems like a nice improvement on the standard milspec LPK FCG. When I ordered from PSA (various ammo), they sent me an email saying one was out of stock and to ship the order in two shipments or hold it as one, no cost difference; I just waited for them to ship it all at once because I worried about something being left out or not making it in. I think the chances of them not notifying you AND there being something missing are slim to none. Worst case scenario, you call them, they make it right, and you wait a little longer- there can be worse fates.

Originally Posted by 65falconlover

Newbie here, and I don't even own (yet) a "real" AR type rifle. I do have one of the Colt M4's in .22 cal but as you all know I'm sure that they cannot be upgraded to centerfire ammo. I'm interested in possibly building an AR in 5.56 but have no idea where to start and what I really would need.

I hear "upper" and "lower" and stripped lower, etc. and I do get that part based on the rifles design but for a beginner would it really be better building one or buying off-the-shelf for the first time? I'm a car guy so I have tools and know how to use them but I've never really tinkered with my firearms. Also, what are the main components besides those I mentioned? I know there are Uppers, Lowers and barrel but what other parts (unless there are too many to mention) are needed if you buy complete assembled parts, if that's even possible?

Sorry if this has been asked and answered a thousand times! If so can someone please direct me to the correct place to look?

Thanks!

John

This is my first AR build as well and I planned on doing the stripped lower/LPK/complete upper route but I either couldn't find what I wanted or it would be cost-prohibitive to even start it due to me changing parts out, so really the only route for me is to build it from individual parts. I'm in the same boat as you as doing work on my cars and have family/friends that are machinists and metal workers so I think you should be ok. Look up the TM/FM for the M16 (a lot of PDFs of it floating around on the internet) and browse through it. Honestly, a lot of it reads like a Bentley service manual; honestly, it can't be any worse than working on a water-cooled VW. Worst case, I have CG/friends/family to help. Read through the links Dubels posted, check the TM/FM, and look at the Brownells AR assembly videos online and get a feel on how you think you stack up with it. There's going to b a learning curve with this, but luckily there seems to be a large enough informed community to help with it.

[Dubels]

Finally! Finished. The only problem is that I can't decided if I want to install the SSA-E trigger now or play around with the stock trigger first. If I go SSA-E I wont be able to use my KNS pins. I wish I knew about that before I got the KNS pins. I guess more parts for another build.

[DasBoost]

Looks great man! And bummer, you'll have to do a second build so you don't have left-over parts?

[Enfield47]

Congrats! She is a nice looking rig.

[Dubels]

Thanks. I really want to go out and shoot her but its raining right now. I might deal with the cold and the wet and go out and shoot a few rounds tomorrow. Still undecided with the trigger. I might just stick the SSA-E in there right away.