I want to build AR but have no clue

[Fireguy]

I want to build an AR platform rifle, I 've never built a rifle before. I have lots of questions but I dont know what I dont know. I haven't brought a new rifle in over 30 years, I need all the advice I can get.

Why a 80% over a prebuilt receiver? What type of barrel 1 in 7 or 1 in 9? What type of upper? I want a good shooter but dont want to break the bank.

Thanks in advance.

[bass_blaster]

YouTube will be your friend. You can watch videos of all sorts of stuff on there. I did my first one last month and its a piece of cake. I bought a complete upper though so I kinda cheated.

[Varg Vikernes]

Put together your lower, with whatever buttstock you want.

Then just slap a complete upper on top from Palmetto.

[gesundheit]

Fireguy use the search function to get your questions answered. Many people have gone through the same set of questions as they embarked on their building endeavors. Also youtube is a good resource to actually see how the tasks are finished.

[Dirte]

Read this, it was my bible for my first build.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=555451

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

YouTube will be your friend. You can watch videos of all sorts of stuff on there. I did my first one last month and its a piece of cake. I bought a complete upper though so I kinda cheated.

This. I built an AR from scratch . Any questions I had were answered watching videos.

[steveOsteezy]

You can't go wrong with a PSA upper in 1:7 twist. They are affordable and can accurately shoot a wide range of 5.56 ammo.

They have a great deal on a complete upper and free-shipping right now.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/psa-16-m4-premium-ss15g2-upper-w-bcg-charging-handle.html

They also have build kits to complete a stripped lower

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/lower-parts/build-kits/psa-str-lower-build-kit.html

[InfringedInSoCal]

I read and searched and read some more and still had questions. It was great to meet a builder / lower mfg'r - who has all the machines and tools and has built 100's of these personally - he was local in So Cal - so we went with them.

I say go for it man - its pretty hard to screw something up - that cant easily be rectified. Youtube is your friend fo sho.

Id say build the upper yourself too - learn it all. Thats why I wanted to make these with my son - for us both to learn. Ive shot shotguns for ages - never done much to them but clean and shoot.

To me ... a novice ... I really wanted to learn more and customize the rifle to my preferences. Mission Accomplished - almost.

Mark over at ACT Tactical got us the 80% lowers and built one 5.56 caliber upper - then got the parts for the remaining 7 we built [ 8 total to date and counting - friends family and such ]

Its fun - rewarding - and they shoot pretty kick *** ...

[rero360]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/learn/

[Squidward]

Have fun!

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/226782_Assemble_your_own_LOWER__UPPER__FREE_FLOAT__TRIGGER__GAS_BLOCK___Step_by_step_instructions_.html

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

Order/Buy an Assembled Upper. PSA builds a large variety at reasonable prices.

Order/Buy a LPK (lower parts kit, includes the parts to complete a stripped Lower Receiver, except no stock parts and no stripped Lower Receiver) or a LBK (lower build kit includes everything for the Lower Receiver including the stock, except the stripper Lower Receiver. PSA has LPKs and LBKs at ridiculous prices right now (like $100 and up).

Buy a stripped Lower Receiver from your local gun store. Build some goodwill, and help support your local gun store. The stripped Lower Receiver is the part that is registered, and the only part you can't buy without going through an FFL Holder.

[SILENT GUNMAN]

Midway has some del ton kits in stock right now. Comes with everything but the lower and bullet button. Just go to midwayusa.com and search for "del ton complete kit" and it will bring up everything they have available.

[ar15barrels]

I want to build an AR platform rifle, I 've never built a rifle before. I have lots of questions but I dont know what I dont know.

I don't know where the tri-valley area is, but if you are near Los Angeles and need help assembling or changing any part of an AR, I can do it for you while-you-wait...

[SonofWWIIDI]

Build it from the ground up! The lower (an 80% if you have metal working skills and the equipment to do it with, since it seems that CNC is not an option right now), and all its parts, and the upper too. You will be much more satisfied with the completed project. Then obummer can't say "you didn't build that"!

It's not that hard if you can follow directions. You will need a few specialized tools, but once you build one, you will want to build another one, and another one, and...

And, when you build it from scratch, you can be much more specific about what parts you put on it. Match barrel, piston kit, triggers, hand guards or rails, stocks, sights, etc.

[G21Shooter]

I'll add, spend the money on quality parts the first time around.

Also, ask yourself what you intend to do with the rifle and that purpose should dictate the parts you use to build it. If your planning on target shooting with a scope at longer ranges your going to want a different upper than a light weight tactical short range setup.