I assembled my first AR15 today!!! If there is anyone thinking about doing this.... JUST DO IT! Piece of Cake!!!! I have been an active lurker on this site for about 6 monthes. This assembly was accomplished from the knowledge gained from this GREAT SITE! I used a RRA lower and a J&T A2 20" upper kit... I followed the lower receiver assembly instructions step by step from old.AR15.com.... First thing I did was to print the page of the instructions that shows all the lower parts with there names. I laid each part on this piece of paper. This way I inventoried the parts and I knew I was using the correct springs, pins, etc as the instructions called for it...... I used no special tools, just common stuff from the workshop. Hammer, brass rod, nail set, 1/4 inch dowel rod, 2 by 4 with a piece of felt as a hammering block, pliers, duck tape, etc.... I made two pivot pin installation tools by grinding the points off a 8 and 16 penny nails.... I covered the reciever with duct tape so I would not slip and scratch it... Both Roll pins had to be tapped in with a hammer and brass rod harder that I thought they would to get them started... I needed the assistance of my son, third hand was required in a few spots..... Lanched one pivot pin detent and spring. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! It shot across the basement at the velocity of a .223!!!!
Overall I am very happy with the outcome.... I can't wait to shoot it!! RRA lower and the J&T upper look and fit great together!!!! Knowing what I now know. It sure seems foolish to me to pay top dollar for a store bought AR...