Need help assembling my first upper...

[XDRoX]

As the title says, I've never assembed an upper. Usually I buy mine. But want to to try assembling one.

Would someone please list all the parts required?

Second question.
I have an old scope that I want to utilize on this new upper. This will be my first scoped AR and I'd like to shoot up to 600 yards with it.
What length barrel should I get, what twist rate, and what length gas system?
Any links to barrels would be great. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money. I'm not a competition shooter. Just want something fun for the range at longer distances for an affordable price.

Thanks.

[Varg Vikernes]

Rifle Length Gas, 18-24" barrel. Some sort of Free float rail, some sort of muzzle device, Iron Sights if you want. Twist could be 1:8 or 1:7 to stabilize heavier bullets.

[CWDraco]

I used this, http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=366595

[m16]

You need:

- upper receiver

- complete bolt carrier group

- charging handle

- barrel nut

- handguard (this might come with a barrel nut)

- barrel

- gas block

- gas tube & roll pin

- muzzle device

I would look for a quality stainless barrel, 18" or longer with a 1:7" or 1:8" twist.

White Oak Armament barrels are reasonably priced but there's currently a long wait time.

Check the marketplace if you're on a budget.

[XDRoX]

Rifle Length Gas, 18-24" barrel. Some sort of Free float rail, some sort of muzzle device, Iron Sights if you want. Twist could be 1:8 or 1:7 to stabilize heavier bullets.

I used this, http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=366595

Both very helpful. Thanks. I had no idea an upper consisted of so many parts. Maybe PSA will have a deal on a long barreled complete upper soon

[G21Shooter]

Building your own upper is not very hard if you have the correct tools; a vice, upper vise block, barrel nut wrench/armorers tool, and a torque wrench in the 25-80 ft/lbs range. Plenty of instructional videos on youtube to watch.

MidwayUSA has some good deals on 18 inch barrel which would be your best option for a precision rifle build. 18-20 inches is what you want, you will gain nothing from going over 20 inches sometimes you even lose velocity.

[APV]

Just a word of caution if you build AR first time. There are small pins pushed against small springs that tend to fly in all directions when you assemble it first time. Either get a tool that can secure them or put any kind of cover over the top when you assemble the rifle to save your trip for a new pin.

[Germz]

Just a word of caution if you build AR first time. There are small pins pushed against small springs that tend to fly in all directions when you assemble it first time. Either get a tool that can secure them or put any kind of cover over the top when you assemble the rifle to save your trip for a new pin.

Get a rubber maid container, cut holes in the side for your hands and assemble your lower/upper INSIDE the box (should look like a ghetto sandblasting cabinet). the $10 you spend on the storage bin is worth the time you'll be spending searching if you send a spring/pin flying across the room...especially if you have carpet. Almost sounds like we've done this before huh?

[ar15barrels]

Assembly tools can easily exceed the cost of paying a professional to do the assembly for you.
For example, I have over $900 worth of specialty tools for AR assembly work.
I charge $25 to assemble an upper from a box of parts.
I own a single barrel nut wrench needed to install a specific rail system that sold for $175.

[SloChicken]

Get a rubber maid container, cut holes in the side for your hands and assemble your lower/upper INSIDE the box (should look like a ghetto sandblasting cabinet). the $10 you spend on the storage bin is worth the time you'll be spending searching if you send a spring/pin flying across the room...especially if you have carpet. Almost sounds like we've done this before huh?

haha!

Love it!

And he is right.
they go everywhere. at least until you know about that ahead of time. And then they go everywhere sometimes ...

I just got a 5 dollar takedown spring detent retainer tool from midway. The rest of the springs aren't so bad.

but that box idea, while funny, is a pretty good one!

[APV]

Get a rubber maid container, cut holes in the side for your hands and assemble your lower/upper INSIDE the box (should look like a ghetto sandblasting cabinet). the $10 you spend on the storage bin is worth the time you'll be spending searching if you send a spring/pin flying across the room...especially if you have carpet. Almost sounds like we've done this before huh?

I wish this idea came to my mind when I was assembling my ar

[G21Shooter]

Assembly tools can easily exceed the cost of paying a professional to do the assembly for you.
For example, I have over $900 worth of specialty tools for AR assembly work.
I charge $25 to assemble an upper from a box of parts.
I own a single barrel nut wrench needed to install a specific rail system that sold for $175.

Very true, I spent close to $200 on tools to assemble my upper. I figured it would be a fun learning experience and project so I didn't mind.

$25 is a very reasonable charge for assembly, though.