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My First AR Build....Help

2K views 23 replies 8 participants last post by  raven818 
#1 ·
Hello There,

Been thinking about "building" an AR for some reason. Never done it, don't know what's intailed, no absolute squat about "black guns":confused:. From what I undersand its like Tinker Toys and you just start buying a lower receiver and go from there. Is there a book I should read or some resource that would get me started. I'm so ignorant on the subject I don't even know what questions to ask:(. Been shooting for some 35 years and reloading for 30. Just mention that so you know I'm not a total buffoon, just unfamiliar with this particular segment of the gun world. If someone would be kind enough to point a guy in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Much Thanks
 
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#2 ·
It's just like playing with legos. Shop the web for a lower, that's your base. Anderson makes a really nice lower at real nice prices. You can shop around and go cheap or you can go over the top. Options are endless. Go to you-tube and search building an AR lower, there are countless vidos. Read through the Are you building an AR thread in the large bore/small bore forum. One warning, they are addictive.
 
#3 ·
Thanks howlnmad. Found the thread 3 pages back. I'll read through and see how it goes.
 
#6 ·
You guys need to stop over thinking this and jump in. It's not difficult and requires minimal tools. Heck, I've done it and there's things a caveman can do that I can't. About the m o st aggravating part is trying to decide what caliber you want to build it in.
 
#8 ·
Already having mechanical skills is a big plus. You'll be surprised at how few tools it requires. I put my last lower together with only a pair of channel lock pliers, some eletrical tape and a razor blade. There are a couple special tools neededfor the upper.
 
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#9 ·
Three hardest things in my opinion, or maybe because of my big fingers and a touch of arthritis, are :

Front takedown pin detent and spring installation (various tips and tricks help)

The spring on the ejection port cover...

and getting the hole lined up for the gas tube.

Everything else is just like playing with legos.
 
#11 ·
gd. That's very kind of you and I really appreciate the offer. I'm going to do some research, trying not to overthink things, and decide if I'd like to proceed. I'm not planning on having this done in a month. Funds won't allow at the moment. I'll keep you posted. Guess the first decision I need to make is what caliber. I assumed 223 but not knowing my choices I thing I'll see what's available.
 
#13 ·
My understanding is that between 3000-6000 rounds is the average use of an AR platform until the person using it gets either bored, tired of the expense of ammo, driving to find a place to go bang, etc. The average trade in folks sell their used platforms is about 40% of new if they are in perfect shape and less accordingly. Start watching the estate sells around your town and the towns around you. Might be able to get one for really cheap. Repair parts, if needed, will still be a savings. Get a PO Box and place an ad at various places.
 
#16 ·
Is George cool or what?

I'm in the same boat as you. My next one will be 6.8spc and rifle length. I Figure I may as well buy the vise blocks myself. The odds of building more are just too strong to justify borrowing them. I learned years ago that if you will need to borrow something more than once, you'd best buy one
 
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