First AR build

[Guest ORgunner]

Ok guys i need a little advice. I have decided to build my own AR and my question is if i buy a AR rifle kit, do i only need to buy a stripped lower receiver or what? Thanks alot.

[56FordGuy]

Depends on the kit you buy. I'd recommend buying an assembled upper, then a stripped lower, lower parts kit, and your buffer tube/ stock assembly.

If you can link to the kit you're looking at, someone will be able to tell you more. Likewise, before you buy a 'kit', price out the components from the vendors here. You might be able to get a better product for the same amount of money, and the service is definitely worth buying local.

[Westwindmike]

At the Williamson County gun show, I saw two kits for about $540 each. Barreled upper, stock, lower parts kit. All you needed was a stripped lower. And they were only $99 at that show.

[mk19]

buy a complete AR, sometimes trying to save a few buck is going to end up costing you much much more.

try arbuilder.com you'll see.

[Jasongar8]

buy a complete AR, sometimes trying to save a few buck is going to end up costing you much much more.

try arbuilder.com you'll see.

It never has for me. If you build it you can put exactly what you want on it the first time. If you buy one you will change out parts until you get it how you want it and still have a pile of un-used part sitting around.

[bteague2]

It never has for me. If you build it you can put exactly what you want on it the first time. If you buy one you will change out parts until you get it how you want it and still have a pile of un-used part sitting around.

And those piles of unused parts lead to additional build projects, very expensive.

[mk19]

It never has for me. If you build it you can put exactly what you want on it the first time. If you buy one you will change out parts until you get it how you want it and still have a pile of un-used part sitting around.

True, if one wants an upgraded one, for a basic one, an already built one would be less $$.

[Hidalgo]

True, if one wants an upgraded one, for a basic one, an already built one would be less $$.

"Upgraded" is a subjective term when it comes to an AR ....

Is a bull barrel without sights an "upgrade"?

Is a free float tube an "upgrade"?

Is an adjustable stock an "upgrade"?

ARs are one of the most personal rifles in history. What I consider "standard" might be "exotic" to someone else. Front sights snag in everything they get near. And with optics installed they are only in the way. And this is just 1 example.

As was said before ... do your homework and decide what you want, and NEED, before you purchase anything. Lower parts kits are pretty generic, but I can assure you that you'll want to replace the trigger that is provided. Most are total junk when it comes to accuracy because of the travel and inconsistency. Otherwise, the rest is just pins and springs. As for the upper assembly, since this is your first "build", I would also suggest that you find an upper assy that fits your needs instead of trying to build it yourself. In this particular instance, there is not much $$$ to be saved if you can purchase a complete assembly that fits your needs. MidwayUSA has great deals on upper assys when they are in stock. DPMS is quality equipment (I have 4 of theirs) and they are offered in many different configurations.

AR15.Com has a thread pinned that describes (with pics) the complete assy procedure and points out several things to watch out for. As an example ... it is pretty easy to break the lower receiver when you install the trigger guard, and also the bolt catch. The thread is here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

Good luck and welcome to the Black Rifle Club!

[leroy]

Ok guys i need a little advice. I have decided to build my own AR and my question is if i buy a AR rifle kit, do i only need to buy a stripped lower receiver or what? Thanks alot.

OR:________

Recently been thru this and decided to use a stripped lower, build it myself; and have someone else build the upper the way we wanted it. The reason i wanted to do the lower was to see for myself exactly how all the trigger parts, buffer, spring, ect went together. I also did bunches of looking and ordered the exact parts i wanted to go into the lower plus the exact stock that i wanted.

That having been said, the advice of several other posters here is applicable. First, it probably aint going to save any money when you start picking and choosing parts. It will give you what you want though. To me, that ability to get what i wanted was the most important thing.

FiftysixFordGuy makes a great point here:

Depends on the kit you buy. I'd recommend buying an assembled upper, then a stripped lower, lower parts kit, and your buffer tube/ stock assembly.

If you can link to the kit you're looking at, someone will be able to tell you more. Likewise, before you buy a 'kit', price out the components from the vendors here. You might be able to get a better product for the same amount of money, and the service is definitely worth buying local.

If you do what he recommends, you can get what you like and learn a little about how they work in the process. There are several members of this forum that helped me greatly when i was looking at this stuff for myself -- they are all good guys and a great resource and help.

I would also take a look at AR15.com and Brownells AR Builder page. Building the lower aint a big deal if you spend a dollar or two on the tools to do it with and pay attention.

Have fun!!

Kind regards,

LEROY

[Guest LtW8]

Ok guys i need a little advice. I have decided to build my own AR and my question is if i buy a AR rifle kit, do i only need to buy a stripped lower receiver or what? Thanks alot.

Yes, most of the kits online come with everything except the stripped lower.

[Kevo]

I built a Del-Ton kit on a Doublestar stripped lower. I wanted a 16 inch mid length gas system with a chrome lined 1:9 twist barrel and this was the cheapest way for me to get it. Decide what you want, do some googlin, and make your choice. Have Fun!