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EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:21:17 PM

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Well, after 4 months of collecting parts and hiding them from my wife, my first AR-15 has been built. Based upon every article I could find, the weapon works and is safe. However, being ever cautious, I decided to take my new toy to my local gun shop since they will inspect guns and opine on them for a flat and reasonable fee. They refused to do that for my gun and suggested I call someone in another town. Should I be worried? Is it standard for gun shops not to want to look at self-built guns?
durabo
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:24:10 PM
Ok that's a new one. Inspect guns an opine on them for a fee? I need to start charging apparently.

Take some pics and post your build list here.
ar154all
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:27:21 PM
Originally Posted By durabo:
Ok that's a new one. Inspect guns an opine on them for a fee? I need to start charging apparently.

Take some pics and post your build list here.


Did you do this?
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EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:30:17 PM
I'll do that over the weekend. Thanks.
EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:32:59 PM
durabo:

Except for not having "burst," yes I did that. That and a number of other checks in the book I bought that seened to say everything possible to disuade me from building my own. Passed this and every other test I could find.
Aimless
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:39:28 PM
Maybe they know nothing about ar15s?
John Willis OSOE http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_7_109/929579_John_Willis__OSOE.html
c7aea15
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:43:01 PM
From what i understand other then simple function tests. The only thing that "should" be checked is the bolt head space. This can be done with a gauge.
It must be a liability thing. If they are not a gun smith and they tell you everything is ok, you go shoot it and it blows up you are going back to them to point the blame. So i could understand why they didn't want to take a look at it. Find a local gun smith and have them take a look. Or buy the head space go no go gauges and check it yourself.
EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:47:50 PM
C7 - I may just break down and get the headspace gage - I'm already thinking about what my next build is going to be, so it kind of makes sense.

Jim
ar154all
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:48:13 PM
Well , to be sure, we here at ARFCOM always do the following:
-pull off front sight base to make sure that it is parkerized underneath
-use torque wrench when installing the buffer tube
-make absolutely fucking sure that the barrel is chrome lined
-no parts came from vendors 'on the list'
-prelube before the first shoot with the orgasm juice of three MILFS that you collected in a CLP tube (3 is optional, '2' is required)
-light many candles around a framed photo of Stoner while sacrificing a cardboard AK
-start ordering your next set of parts for the next build

Follow these rules, and wear eye/ear protection; and it will be 'all good'.
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Obo2
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:50:12 PM
As long as you used good quality parts from known manufacturers put on some safety glasses hold far away from you shoot from a magazine loaded with just 1 round and see if the bolt holds open. If you didn't blow up and your bolt holds open your good to go check the spent case for anything unusual. Did you check head space? Not really a need to with good parts but that's probably the biggest thing to check safety wise. Your gun shop is lame sounds like they know little about ars and are real jerks to charge you to take a look. Back in my day (I'm not even 30 yet but feel this way of thinking is going the way of the dodo) you would do things like this to get return customers free of charge. It's worth it when they come back to you for all they're needs. They should at least be willing to take 2 minutes and check it with a head-space gauge for you.
durabo
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Posted: 4/13/2012 6:55:01 PM
When you take the pics make sure to get good ones of the feed ramps, the lower receivers FCG, possibly down the bore if you can swing it.

Other than that things to double check are your
gas block... making sure it is lined up correctly and slightly off the shoulder for proper alignment
straightness of your gas tube where it connects to the carrier
smooth inside of your receiver extension
proper installation of your receiver extension... should be just threaded enough to hold your buffer retainer in and no more.
proper installation of your FCG/disco springs

example pics -




Amish_Bill
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Posted: 4/13/2012 7:35:42 PM
If your barrel and bolt are new, headspace is almost always good.

If the bolt carrier slides back and forth without any bump or catch as the gas tube enters the key on the carrier, the gas tube and barrel nut are probably fine.

If the basic function checks only let the hammer fall when it was supposed to, and you put all the fire control group springs in the right way, you should be fine.

No need to be overly paranoid about it if you are typically good at following directions.

As someone else said, take it to the range, put one round in the mag, see if it fires and locks the bolt back properly. Insert a mag with two rounds and use the bolt catch to release the bolt and chamber the first round. If it waits for you to pull the trigger to fire, waits for you to release and re-pull the trigger to fire the second, you're GTG.
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EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/14/2012 6:33:07 PM
Sorry to have gone radio silent, my son went over his handlebars of his bike and broke both arms.

Pics will be incoming soon, I hope. But in the mean time, here's the build:

Lower-

Aim surplus lower
DPMS LPK except
I put the ALG Combat trigger into it. Nice, nice trigger.
Vltor buffer tube
Magpul CRT stock
psa carbine buffer
spring I got off the equipment exchange, I may replace it after reviewing one at Brownels
Hogue grip

Upper was put together by the great folks at Rio Grande Arms -
Daniel Defense 16 inch lightweight barrel with mid length gas system
DD upper
MWI 15 inch SS free float fore end

Gunfighter charging handle
Spikes NiB BCG

Frankly, I'm pleased with the way it turned out. If I weren't such a cautious person, I'd just go load it up and fire it.

I had a problem with the receiver extension but I fixed that, with help from the board.

I hate to say it, but I don't know what FCG/disco springs are. I think you are referring to the trigger assembly and from all the tests I could find, it's working fine.

From what I can see, my feedramps are fine. I'll post pics once Flipper is in better shape.



Thanks for taking the time, guys.

Jim
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Posted: 4/14/2012 6:52:31 PM
Originally Posted By EvilPooky:
Well, after 4 months of collecting parts and hiding them from my wife, my first AR-15 has been built. Based upon every article I could find, the weapon works and is safe. However, being ever cautious, I decided to take my new toy to my local gun shop since they will inspect guns and opine on them for a flat and reasonable fee. They refused to do that for my gun and suggested I call someone in another town. Should I be worried? Is it standard for gun shops not to want to look at self-built guns?

What they were saying is we don't do scary Black Rifle here.
Don't go back for any service......you got off cheap.
ar154all
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Posted: 4/14/2012 7:08:21 PM
Sorry about the kid. Both arms in casts?



Anyway, did the upper come receiver and barrel, or did you put them together?
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LongBow12
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Posted: 4/14/2012 8:42:23 PM
[Last Edit: 4/14/2012 8:49:52 PM by LongBow12]
Originally Posted By Aimless:
Maybe they know nothing about ar15s?


this +1 and then some.....most "gun shop" employees don't know ANYTHING about firearms besides what the owner told them to say and what is on the Glock poster tacked to the wall behind the counter. Sad...So...so sad


Also.....I know this wasn't a technical or particularly "helpful" comment to the OP
Originally Posted By ar154all:
Well , to be sure, we here at ARFCOM always do the following:
-pull off front sight base to make sure that it is parkerized underneath
-use torque wrench when installing the buffer tube
-make absolutely fucking sure that the barrel is chrome lined
-no parts came from vendors 'on the list'
-prelube before the first shoot with the orgasm juice of three MILFS that you collected in a CLP tube (3 is optional, '2' is required)
-light many candles around a framed photo of Stoner while sacrificing a cardboard AK
-start ordering your next set of parts for the next build

Follow these rules, and wear eye/ear protection; and it will be 'all good'.

But....... good one AR4all
ar154all
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Posted: 4/15/2012 3:30:09 AM
[Last Edit: 4/15/2012 3:34:48 AM by ar154all]
Originally Posted By LongBow12:
Also.....I know this wasn't a technical or particularly "helpful" comment to the OP


You dont do this?!?!?!!??!?!

Edit: OP, shoot the gun. Stand with some type of barricade (building, tree, whatever) that will protect your body; JIK. Good parts, good gun. They usually only go together one way.

File report when you get home...
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BSOL
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Posted: 4/15/2012 8:28:32 AM
[Last Edit: 4/15/2012 8:30:06 AM by BSOL]
Well, if you had Rio Grande Arms assemble a complete upper for you, then you should be over the hump on head spacing verification (as they should have conducted the check before selling the assembly). AR15s are simple to assemble, but if you really feel uncomfortable with your build I recommend taking the rifle to a gunsmith who is experienced in AR15s. You may have to make a bit of a commute to find one, which there are plenty of them throughout the country, but it will relieve your concerns. Use this discussion board to find a recommended smith near your location, give him/her a call, and stop by for a function check. Most smiths are very open about ensuring assemblies are safe and will recommend having a self build inspected prior to shooting it. A fee may or may not be necessary, at least let them know you will share your experience on this site so they can get a little acknowledgement for their business. Whatever you do, do not have some so called local gun range "expert" look at it, they may be completely off base on their assumptions and they really do not having anything to gain by assessing your rifle. A gunsmith's job is assembly & repair so they will know the ins and outs of a good or bad build. Good luck!
EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/15/2012 1:53:51 PM
Thank you all. I think I'm going to purchase a head space gage just to be sure and then load up my magazines and have some fun. Will let you all know.

Yes, son is in two casts. One from his upper arm to his fingers the other, much better, is only the forearm and is removable for bathing. It's like having a three year old in the house again except I never had to put deodorant on my three year old.

Oh yes, Rio Grande put the upper together, though the bcg and the charging handle were not part of the deal as I bought them separately.

Thanks again,

Jim
RobertV77
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Posted: 4/15/2012 8:02:37 PM
An ar15 can easily be assembled at home but your not doing any "gunsmithing" that you need some one to look at. If your that uncomfortable with it you probably shouldn't be doing it. That is not my advice though. Just go shoot the thing.
Mad-Machinist
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Posted: 4/17/2012 9:01:05 PM
Originally Posted By BSOL:
Well, if you had Rio Grande Arms assemble a complete upper for you, then you should be over the hump on head spacing verification (as they should have conducted the check before selling the assembly). AR15s are simple to assemble, but if you really feel uncomfortable with your build I recommend taking the rifle to a gunsmith who is experienced in AR15s. You may have to make a bit of a commute to find one, which there are plenty of them throughout the country, but it will relieve your concerns. Use this discussion board to find a recommended smith near your location, give him/her a call, and stop by for a function check. Most smiths are very open about ensuring assemblies are safe and will recommend having a self build inspected prior to shooting it. A fee may or may not be necessary, at least let them know you will share your experience on this site so they can get a little acknowledgement for their business. Whatever you do, do not have some so called local gun range "expert" look at it, they may be completely off base on their assumptions and they really do not having anything to gain by assessing your rifle. A gunsmith's job is assembly & repair so they will know the ins and outs of a good or bad build. Good luck!


If you bought a bolt and barrel NEW......I wouldn't waste the money.....remember...you 'll have to remove the ejector to use your headspace guages.....and if you have a 5.56 barrel it may not pass with .223 guages.....

LongBow12
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Posted: 4/17/2012 9:16:26 PM
[Last Edit: 4/17/2012 9:19:15 PM by LongBow12]
Originally Posted By ar154all:
Originally Posted By LongBow12:
SNIP––––ar15forall List––––SNIP


You dont do this?!?!?!!??!?!



I will now that I've seen your list thanks for posting it...

I hate to say it but I've used the "tree" method several times with that "first round" out of a new to me C&R gun. After I've fully inspected it of course

OP, with new barrel and bolt you should be good. A little caution never hurt anything but just don't over do it. That's been proven to lead to fail

EvilPooky
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Posted: 4/17/2012 10:02:05 PM
Nah, it just leads to a really pretty doorstop. And a very pissed off wife when she sees said doorstop for the first time.

I now have roughly 1,000 rounds of 5.56 sitting here. And I hate to waste stuff.

My younger son with the two broken arms has figured out how to use the keyboard. If I blow my face off, he'll post the next message.

As soon as my nearby range dries out, I'll take her shooting. Report and pics to follow.

Thanks again
azarby
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Posted: 4/18/2012 12:54:53 AM
Just make sure you lube ( CLP) it sloppy wet when you fire it.
KlingtonHtr
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Posted: 4/18/2012 4:50:20 AM
Originally Posted By azarby:
Just make sure you lube ( CLP) it sloppy wet when you fire it.



....He said LUBE!!!!

Never pet a burning dog!
Gifters
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Posted: 4/18/2012 8:20:52 AM
Just give it to your wife.... she'll test it out (on you)
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