AR 15 kit ...questions

[mbaerg]

Hello all,

Thinking about purchasing an AR kit from Rock River Arms and building it myself. What skill level of gunsmithing does it require to assemble an AR and what tools would be needed? And for legalities sake since I dont need an FFL to purchase the kit, once its built does that mean I own an unregestired gun? How does the legalities of that play out also?

Thanks,

-Matt

[Lifeon2whls]

Well you don't get the lower with that parts kit which is what is registered as the firearm...that you still need to purchase through a FFL.

"Stripped lower not included"

[FresnoCNC]

Its a relatively easy to assessable. It comes with everything but the lower receiver.

[coyotebait]

California requires handguns to be registered, not long guns. You will have to go through the DROS process and the 10 day wait for the lower receiver. If the kit you're talking about includes an assembled upper, you won't need any special tools. A small punch, a small mallet and some pliers. Check up top under "flow charts and OLL assembly guide for a pretty good list of things.

[mbaerg]

If I were to purchase this upper assembly http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt103.htm.. what else would I need to purchase SPECIFICALLY?

[AndrewMendez]

You would need a STRIPPED lower receiver. They can be had for 100 bucks or so. Most of the differences are cosmetic, and will have no affect on the functionality of the firearm itself.
That kit, plus the lower reciever shouldn't take you longer then 30 minutes to assemble. The only thing I don't see in it, is the rear sights AND bullet button.


If I may make a suggestion...don't buy Del Ton...it's really just a budget build. Rock River Arms, Stag, CMMG are all fairly cheap and better quality. If your just using it for plinking, you really can't go wrong with them...if your planning on doing comp shooting...well...that's a different story.
For home defense, target practice or plinking it's fine.

[jamesob]

Ar's are like legos.

[Ub3rD0rk]

A lower receiver, bullet button, magazine, bullets.

[mbaerg]

I just want to make sure I buy all of the right parts the first time

[mbaerg]

You would need a STRIPPED lower receiver. They can be had for 100 bucks or so. Most of the differences are cosmetic, and will have no affect on the functionality of the firearm itself.
That kit, plus the lower reciever shouldn't take you longer then 30 minutes to assemble. The only thing I don't see in it, is the rear sights AND bullet button.


If I may make a suggestion...don't buy Del Ton...it's really just a budget build. Rock River Arms, Stag, CMMG are all fairly cheap and better quality. If your just using it for plinking, you really can't go wrong with them...if your planning on doing comp shooting...well...that's a different story.
For home defense, target practice or plinking it's fine.

Thanks! What makes a comp AR better, function wise?

[AndrewMendez]

Thanks! What makes a comp AR better, function wise?

It's more accurate. Items like an over priced (yet, well worth it to many on this forum) scope, two stage trigger, free float barrel, etc etc are all designed to take as much "error" from the gun as possible, leaving the best possible chance of accuracy. I'm talking shooting quarters from a few hundred yards away. If your not planning on taking it to matches to compete, you really only need some that's going to go BOOM. I would say 99.8% of the AR's don't need any of that crap. People like to "Ninja" there guns up too with stuff like 4 different sights, 17 flashlights, pretty colors, throwing stars and disco lights, a forward grip and a midget. (joking, but you get the point).

A regular trigger, regular barrel, a USGI sling and iron sights more then meet your needs.

Andrew

[mbaerg]

It's more accurate. Items like an over priced (yet, well worth it to many on this forum) scope, two stage trigger, free float barrel, etc etc are all designed to take as much "error" from the gun as possible, leaving the best possible chance of accuracy. I'm talking shooting quarters from a few hundred yards away. If your not planning on taking it to matches to compete, you really only need some that's going to go BOOM. I would say 99.8% of the AR's don't need any of that crap. People like to "Ninja" there guns up too with stuff like 4 different sights, 17 flashlights, pretty colors, throwing stars and disco lights, a forward grip and a midget. (joking, but you get the point).

A regular trigger, regular barrel, a USGI sling and iron sights more then meet your needs.

Andrew

Haha, "throwing stars and midgets" ... Another quick question... For this AR would there be any ammo that would really damage the barrel lining? Or does it really not matter too much as long as I keep it clean.

-Matt

[CHS]

For this AR would there be any ammo that would really damage the barrel lining? Or does it really not matter too much as long as I keep it clean.

There's no ammo out there that you could possibly buy that will damage the barrel.

Generally, with few exceptions, AR barrels are chrome-lined. The chrome is harder than the steel. You're not going to find anything that will damage the steel, let alone the chrome lining. Don't even worry about it.

You don't need to keep it clean, either. Keep the firearm properly lubricated and you'll be fine. More damage has been done to firearms over the years from over-cleaning than from anything else. Don't let it happen to you.

[kcstott]

I have to disagree on the Del ton kit. Our M4 uppers were very well made. good parts fit and finish is top notch. And they are cheeper yes but I guess they deal in volume as we have had zero issues with our rifle.

FYI Delton sells a complete rifle kit. you can customize it add some options. Our basic 16" flat top upper with a dual rail gas block was $526 shipped and that was with the lower parts kit. Just adda stripped lower and a hours worth of assembly and you are good to go.

Now Barrels can be free floated after the fact. you'd need a heavy barrel for long range shooting anyway but most of these companies don't make their own barrels they buy them from a barrel maker and roll their name on it.
So the gun can be accurized after the fact as well. Will it have the Billet machined upper? No. Will it have some cool engraving?? No. will it shoot just as well as most other long range comp rifles?? Yep. as there is more to do with the correct ammo and proper technique then the set up of the rifle.

[LexLuther]

Just started my first AR build which is my second AR rifle. Putting the lower parts pieces together in 30 minutes is a good estimate for the SECOND build, the first will take a little longer, but is still pretty easy. Otherwise the previous posts are good advice.