It's time to build a lower

[broox]

Well, I have finally decided to build a lower for an AR. I got my stripped lower and my parts kit is supposed to arrive today. I got the PSA lower parts kit with magpul SL furniture. I keep looking out the window hoping to see that UPS truck.
Does anyone have an opinion on the best video on YouTube for assembling this? I have watched one or two and I am convinced I can do this, just looking for the best direction.

Thanks, Brooks

[CommsNBombs]

CMMG has a really good one. Just be ready to pause a lot.

Helps to have the right tools, I did my first one his a multitool and a butter knife.

And put your parts in a hat lol

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[Oh Shoot]

...
Does anyone have an opinion on the best video on YouTube for assembling this? I have watched one or two and I am convinced I can do this, just looking for the best direction.

 

I found this two parter just fine.

 

I'll add: anything with a spring, assemble inside a large clear plastic bag so you can see it, but also catch flying parts.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4KfUaVp8M

 

- OS

Edited June 30, 2015 by Oh Shoot

[broox]

I found this two parter just fine.
 
I'll add: anything with a spring, assemble inside a large clear plastic bag so you can see it, but also catch flying parts.
 

 
- OS

What if I suffocate?

[Caster]

LOL!

 

I like beach towels.  Spread them out and fold them over your work.  I do this anytime I'm working with a gun i am not familiar with.  After you do one or two AR's you'll be a wizard.

[Ted S.]

Safety glasses.

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[btq96r]

The Brownells series is pretty straightforward.  For building a lower, you want #42-50 on this playlist.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa6yB5pDvYiiR1KVxS1yrjYr9u9SL31RL

 

 

They aren't kidding about all those parts.  I had a detent pin go airborne when I put together my lower.  I was on hands and knees for a few minutes looking for it.

Edited June 30, 2015 by btq96r

[maroonandwhite]

There is a video somewhere online that recommends using adjustable pliers wrapped with electrical tape to install the roll pin for the bolt catch. That worked for me but the pliers did go through the tape and scratched my lower very lightly. Nothing a marker couldn't fix. If you choose to do it that way use duct tape or something thicker.

[10-Ring]

 

 

I'll add: anything with a spring, assemble inside a large clear plastic bag so you can see it, but also catch flying parts.

 

 

- OS

 

You completely waste the opportunity to find every little thing that may have been dropped anywhere in your garage since you have lived there. 

[DMark]

NSZ85 on ARFCOM & YouTube 

 

https://youtu.be/e1omm6jY7Gg

 

Good lighting and camera work.   

 

He also does an excellent job explaining what he is about to do and how he is going to do it. 

[peejman]

I used the video's OS posted when I built my first one.  The detents WILL go flying, so be ready for that.  I put the disconnector spring in upside down.  Took it back apart 3 time before I figured that out.  I also put the selector detent in upside down and it took a bit to figure out why the safety didn't feel right. 

[DT INC.]

This is very helpful as I am about to start on my first lower also. Thanks for the info and for starting this thread. I love this site!

[broox]

And done! Thanks for the help. I put it together at the kitchen table on two towels. No mag block. Went real smooth. I am concerned about one little thing: the front pivot pin/takedown pin is very tough to seat. I can push it all the way in with my hands, but to pull it out I have to use a punch and hammer. And that is without an upper on it. Any suggestions?

[broox]

Never mind, I figured it out. THANKS ALOT TGO!

[rugerla1]

I probably put 4 or 5 lowers together before I shot my first detent at Mach 3 through the living room. At that point I understood the warnings for losing them :lol:

[broox]

I probably put 4 or 5 lowers together before I shot my first detent at Mach 3 through the living room. At that point I understood the warnings for losing them :lol:

I did not have an accidental detent discharge tonight, but I am sure I will.

[BigK]

You guys who didn't have to hunt a pivot pin detent on our first try make me sick...I even knew the dangers ahead of time and still popped one across the garage. I don't see how it'd help but I guess I should have put a plastic bag over my head like OS does.

[DMark]

Use a 1/4" clevis pin for the pivot.

 

Here is good DIY on how to use it.

 

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/362116_How_to_install_the_front_Pivot_Pin_using_a__1_clevis_pin___56K_death.html

[Clod Stomper]

Use a 1/4" clevis pin for the pivot.

Here is good DIY on how to use it.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/362116_How_to_install_the_front_Pivot_Pin_using_a__1_clevis_pin___56K_death.html

Even a 1/4" punch or rod works well. Insert it from the opposite side, push the detent and spring down and capture it with the punch. Push the punch back with the pivot pin.

[SouthernLion]

I second Oh Shoot with the plastic bag!

I was crawling around on the kitchen floor for 30 minutes looking for that stupid detent pin a couple of weeks ago.

I had just given up and laid down in the middle of the floor quite angry. Then I turn my head and see it right beside me. Lol. Talk about luck.

[DMark]

I think that anybody who plans on playing around with ARs should just go ahead and buy a couple of these "OH-SH*T" spare part packets.

 

 

I keep one in my vehicle and another one feeds into my bench stock. 

 

I guarantee that if you don't have these spares, you'll be posting on this forum late at night asking if anybody has extras!   :ugh:    

[xsubsailor]

 I know you've already completed your lower but for anyone else thinking about a build you can't beat the instructions at this link. I watched all kinds of videos but was able to print this out and have it laying right beside me while I was building mine. I jokingly call it my "Building an ar lower for Dummies".

 

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

[Oh Shoot]

I think that anybody who plans on playing around with ARs should just go ahead and buy a couple of these "OH-SH*T" spare part packets.

 

 

I keep one in my vehicle and another one feeds into my bench stock. 

 

I guarantee that if you don't have these spares, you'll be posting on this forum late at night asking if anybody has extras!   :ugh:    

 

 

Yeah, it ain't necessarily over once you've finished your lower.

 

The only parts i ever totally lost happened when removing buffer tube after the fact later on, duh.

 

- OS

[EssOne]

Yessir. I just bought that set, which is a Rock River Double Set Lost Parts Kit, from Amazon.com for $21.90. Here's the link; http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V5MF75K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Edited July 1, 2015 by EssOne

[JPS]

 I know you've already completed your lower but for anyone else thinking about a build you can't beat the instructions at this link. I watched all kinds of videos but was able to print this out and have it laying right beside me while I was building mine. I jokingly call it my "Building an ar lower for Dummies".

 

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

 

I use these instructions too - I keep a printout of them in my 'Gun Stuff' box and dig them out when assembling.  It's a lot easier referring to this than trying to watch the videos on my phone.