I want to build AR but have no clue

[Germz]

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.

Well you sure have come to the right place!
80% receivers = no serial number. also is one of a couple ways to obtain an AR pistol.
1:7 will handle light and heavy projos, but are bettter for heavy ones.
1:9 is vice versa. might as well go with 1:7 as its not any more expensive.
Upper is an upper, your barrel quality is what will make the difference. However most will agree that any 3 letter acronym is a good brand. (BCM, PDW, etc)
the last one really depends on the application that you want to use it for.

good luck!

[Junbuster]

easiest way? buy complete lower...then buy complete upper....then slap em together....id maybe by a upper without bcg and charging handle so u could pick those urself....

[InfringedInSoCal]

(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)

What happened / changed ?

Please clarify.

[CK_32]

Check out my sig and go from there.

[SOAR79]

youtube works wonders!

[ar15barrels]

youtube works wonders!

Indeed!
I get to charge extra when people screwup after watching YouTube...

[underworld]

Just go to bcm weaponry....everything is there already.

[Bonedeval]

Put together your lower, with whatever buttstock you want.

Then just slap a complete upper on top from Palmetto.

^ Pretty much.. Or a BCM upper.. What i wish i had done

[serenite]

My 2 cents.

I just built my first firearm. Started from a 100% lower and I put it on a 1x7 twist barrel. Regret it a little because it stabilizes heavier ammo better but the cheapest 62 grain up ammo I've been able to find is steel core and most ranges wont let you shoot that. Also, don't go cheap on iron sights or optics.

[18Dmedic]

You can do it. It's really easy. ARs are like Legos for adults.

Just have a clear understanding of the instructions and have the correct instructions on hand.

[jay_cue]

there are tons of videos on YouTube to help walk you through putting your lower together. it's pretty straight forward. I had a friend come over to stupidvise to make sure I didn't mess anything up, which is pretty hard to mess up anyway. on my first build I picked up a complete upper. but I did help a friend out together a complete upper and was pretty easy too. mind you I'm not very mechanically inclined either and yet it was pretty easy putting together a complete AR from scratch.

[hifiguns]

Midway Video Library
The videos also try to sell you specialized tools that make the assembly easier, but they aren't required or can be substituted with cheaper options.
A Clevis pin helps to install the front pivot pin detent.
The hardest things to install on the lower receiver are the various roll pins, especially if you don't have roll pin punches. So you may want to consider an assembled lower.
You will probably want to get a complete upper.
Watch the videos and see if the assembly will be doable for you.

[rickterscale]

There's a lot to get up to speed on if you're unfamiliar with the format. I knew nothing at all (what the hell is a BCG or charging handle??), but a month ago decided to build my own. Check out the stickies at various forums like Calguns, FirearmsTalk, m4carbine.net, and others, to get the basics. Do a lot of Google and YouTube searches for specific questions. YouTuber NeverEnuffAmmo has a lot of introductory type AR15 videos, including videos dedicated to describing specific components of AR15s (i.e., bolt carrier group, AR15 barrels, piston vs. direct impingement, "choosing a barrel," "What is milspec?"). You'll get up to speed quick enough.

[krwada]

First ... you should purchase a stripped lower. You can get a very good lower from JD Machine for about $140. From what I have heard, JD Machine makes the lowers for some of the major manufacturers here in the US.

Why purchase a stripped lower?
1. Get it before the mandatory registration for long guns start in 2014
2. When you have it in your hands, you will get the strong 'itch' to complete your build .... nothing can stop this once you have the lower receiver.

Next, you really should get Glen Zediker's book on The Competitive AR. Do not let the title of this book fool you. In this book Zediker covers the following:

1. All the tools and setup you will need to start and complete your build
2. The various builds you can do
3. What the differences are between A2, A3, service rifle, flat top, match builds
4. Step-by-step guide on how to do your build
5. A modest overview of where you can get your aftermarket parts for your build
6. An overview of the various trigger groups and how to fine tune your trigger.
7. Tips and tricks for your AR build.

Zediker's book is a must have for anyone who is just getting started with the AR platform, and wishes to build one from scratch. Also, Zediker's book is bound using a coil ring binder. This allows you to lay this thing flat on your work bench as a reference while you do your build!

[IntoForever]

My 13 yo niece assembled a lower with parts kit, how difficult can it be?