I am looking at building an AR, I don't know much about them though. But I want to build one just to learn everything I can. And maybe build one cheaper than buying one. But not sure on what caliber I want or where to start.
The uppers are supposed to fit the lowers, but if you buy both from the same supplier, they will probably have been trial-fitted before shipping to you.Couple questions. Does it matter what upper/lower I get? AMD if I decide to just buy a complete one, is their a cheap brand that you recommend or ones I should stay away from. Was almost thinking of getting a high point one just to learn how to tear it apart and how to build it
I built the upper assembly on my first build. It does require a torque wrench and an AR wrench. That's about it. It's not rocket science and there's no snake oil needed. I could see how it would be intimidating, but build one and you've pretty well got it down.If you mean lower and upper sold separately, then yes, they are available from many different suppliers in nearly any configuration. For instance; choose your finished lower, or without the fire control group, and purchase the FCG separately, and put them together. The lower will either come stripped (no fire control group, no hand grip, and no stock, so you choose which ones to order and assemble the lower yourself.
The uppers are supposed to fit the lowers, but if you buy both from the same supplier, they will probably have been trial-fitted before shipping to you.
As for disassembling the upper, remember that the barrel fit is kind of important, so it requires some skill and specialized tools. The headspace is the critical measurement. Also if you're going to have a flash hider on the barrel, that needs to be screwed on to the correct position, usually involving shims or a crush washer to get it right. The upper receiver is one assembly that I would not try myself.
By consulting several supplier's catalogs, you will gain a feel for what is available at what price. If you have questions, call them. One of their customer service representatives will be happy to set you up with the rifle you want.
And an upper receiver lapping tool if you want to be certain the receiver to barrel face is square.I built the upper assembly on my first build. It does require a torque wrench and an AR wrench. That's about it. It's not rocket science and there's no snake oil needed. I could see how it would be intimidating, but build one and you've pretty well got it down.
GDMoody , Do you have a favorite combo. I have a PSA 556 upper with CMMG lower parts kit and Magpul MOE furniture. I am real happy with it. I did a 80% build. Thinking about doing another one. May do a .308 build not sure at this point. Always trying to optimize the build. Just curious what are your preferences?I have eleven AR's made with parts from probably 25 different manufacturers. I have uppers from Colt, CMMG, PSA, SOTA, Anderson, DPMS, and Del-ton. I have lowers from Anderson, Colt, DPMS, New Frontier, and Rock River Arms.
I can swap uppers and lowers on every one of those and every upper will fit every lower with the exception of one. The exception is an early Colt SP-1 upper that takes a large pin for the front "take down hole" but a small adapter makes it work with any of the lowers.
What I am trying to say with all this is that they are all mil-spec and will all work together.