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View Full Version : AR Upper: Build or Buy?


vliberatore
02-28-2012, 7:36 PM
Hey everyone,

I recently put together my lower/parts/stock and am now looking at purchasing or building an upper. I do not have any tools to build it (but am willing to purchase what I need) but I am somewhat mechanically inclined. From what I understand it is a lot more difficult to build and upper than a lower (not saying much) so what I am looking for is advice or reasons to go one way or another.

Thanks!

five.five-six
02-28-2012, 7:47 PM
unless you are looking for something exotic that is not available commercially, it is generally cheaper to just buy off the rack. upper is not all that difficult to assemble (you build an AK and assemble an AR) but you will need head-space gage set, barrel wrench and a receiver block ~$100 or so

baih777
02-29-2012, 3:58 AM
if you want to start buying some tools this is a good start.
http://www.jsesurplus.com/artoolbundle.aspx

depending on which handguard you decide to get may require another tool.
barrel vise jaws should be used to change the flash hider/muzzle brake.

installing the barrel is simple. torque wrench is not needed.
you can also buy a upper from riflegear without handguard and get the one you want.
http://www.riflegear.com/p-1123-riflegear-16-midlength-low-profile-upper.aspx

the options are endless for an AR