Gun Specialists - Building an AR for Dummies

Southside Playa

Southside Playa

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How difficult would it be for me to assemble my own AR-15 after purchaing the lower receiver? I was out this past weekend browsing at a local gun shop. I have been contemplating getting an AR due to the fact that don't have one and have been wanting one for sometime.

I came across a Bushmaster lower receiver for around $310. I realize that I can build whatever I like as far as the upper portion. However, I have never delved into assembling a gun on this level, and with no previous experience, I was wondering how difficult it would be, as well as what would be a good budget ($$$) to finish it off?

All input is appreciated.
 
pick your parts right the first time and it takes about ten minutes , maybe longer if you have zero experience . Their too simple really . High dollar bb guns . Lot of fun though .
 
VANNWRAY said:
pick your parts right the first time and it takes about ten minutes , maybe longer if you have zero experience . Their too simple really . High dollar bb guns . Lot of fun though .
Click to expand...

"A lot of fun" yes, BB-gun? Don't say that to a Viet - Vet. :laugh:
 
I hope that Bushmaster lower is complete. Lower, parts kit, high quality Magpul type stock on a Milspec tube, MIAD or TD grip. Otherwise, that's a terrible price for a complete lower.
 
Need to be able to set the headspace unless you buy a completed upper. Could be a dangerous problem if not properly headspaced.
 
Pardini said:
Need to be able to set the headspace unless you buy a completed upper. Could be a dangerous problem if not properly headspaced.
Click to expand...

Agreed, there is more to it than just throwing it together.

It would be cheaper to buy an assembled or custom built upper. For the most part you will need a barrel wrench to put the barrel on, then a torque wrench to torque the barrel properly. A block to hold the upper in a vise while torquing it then a set of gauges to make sure the headspace is right. You will also need a good set of punches for setting pins etc. Even then there are a couple things that you still need to watch, gas tube alignment, front site mounting/gas block, etc. If you get lucky it will all fall into place, if not you will need someone that has some knowledge on how to fix the problems so that it is assembled as it needs to be.

I'm not sure how they are running on time right now but you may check out this site. Welcome to Model 1 Sales' Online Order Center They are pretty competitive on prices and you can order your upper already assembled, head spaced, etc ready to mount on a lower. I've never dealt with them personally but know several guys that speak highly of them.

Price you quoted for a complete lower bushmaster doesn't sound too out of line to me, especially if it has a better trigger in it. Prices have gone up over the last month and for the most part if you can find a lower you have completed half the battle. I just bought a Rock River Arms with all match components including heavy barrel and it cost me about $200 - $250 more than it would have cost me just a couple months ago. I've been told that Armalite and Rock River are giving times of 6 - 10 months right now if you were to order a new rifle today.

If you decide to build and need anything else I'll try to help you out. I am a certified AR15/M16 armorer and may be able to help you find tools/parts to do things right. If I don't know the answer off the top of my head I've got plenty of resources to get the answer.
 
Prices right now are insane. Usually a sripped lower would run ya somewhere in or around $130. Right now due to the obamanation scare they are up over $200. For top of the line stripped lowers I have seen $400 a piece for a Noveske or LMT.

Another issue is gonna be finding the parts to complete a rifle. 6-12 weeks are what alot of manuf. are reporting. Arfcom is a great site with the EE "Equipment Exchange". But ya gotta be quick cause the vultures are out and about, hording as much as possible.

Right now is not the best time to get into this little hobby. But if you wait to long, well you know how that goes. Possible AWB again. Magazine limits, insane tax increases on ammo.

With the libs in control it could get ugly.
 
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Thanks guys. Great info. I knew it was more than just "throwing" it together.

That is a completed lower, with the trigger, etc. It may nto be bad to pick it up though, and get a certified upper later. With Christmas coming up and still dealing with leftovger Ike Damage a hot $1000+ for something I don't technically "need" is just plain greedy. But $310 to get started ain't bad.

Thanks again.
 
I was gonna buy a complete rifle kit from Model1sales until I read some reviews and found fitment on their parts was absolutely horrible for the most part. I'll take my chances with a trusted manufacturer like YHM where i'm buyin my complete upper model YHM-7700-S
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DPMS lowers are good forged lowers. I perfer Bushmaster lowers however their prices have gone through the roof! Forget about a colt lower (Way Over Priced) Stay away from olympic arms (Junk) I have assembled several AR-15s. Just be sure to properly torque the barrel nut and check your head space. I have go-no-go gauges to check the head space. Along with torquing the barrel nut, be sure to consider the gas tube alignment. I suggest getting a Mil-Spec assembly manual on the net along with the proper tools ie: Barrel wrench, torque wrench, barrel support to hold the barrel while torquing the barrel nut, and the proper head space guages (Very important to check your head space) Assembling a lower is easy with a manual as long as you get a good lower parts kit. Lots of little parts so be careful you don't lose anything. Also be aware that some lowers are not Mil-Spec ie: Large pin Colt lowers etc.........det45 P.S. Once you buy or build your AR-15 or any Military rifle DON'T EVER SELL IT. Soon they will not be available. (Trust me on this) Also stock up on ammo. (VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT!)
 
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Not joking, AR's are just a high powered bb gun! I have a DPMS AR and love it. Would not give it up for anything. Also gotta be prepared for when the world ends and the dead walk the earth again!!!
 
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