I want to build an AR for myself, Im trying not to skimp out on too many things. planning on a stripped most likely spikes tactical lower and a DD Lpk. But for the upper i want to build it all separately. If anybody could give me a parts list of the whole AR it would be really helpful. I aint to sure on all the parts Ill need but once I get a list of the parts I can do the research on which ones I want. So if somebody could give me a link to the parts list or list them for me that would be great!

I am interested in this as well, working on my first build too. Good luck!

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/parts/

Start here (from home page bottom right

parts diagram

also have a lower step by step in same area

ETA 2 minutes off

here is lower then
lower step by step

Upper receiver
Barrel
Rail system with barrel nut
Gas block
Gas block/tube roll pin
Gas tube
Complete BCG
Charging handle
Forward assist assembly
Ejection port/dust cover assembly
Muzzle device
Crush washer, peel washer or none depending on muzzle device
Sights

This is for a free-floated barrel. If you use standard handguards with a FSB, the barrel assembly will require a few other parts.

Careful with online vendors usage of the terms "assembly" and "group" - Those terms are actual words with very specific meanings spelled out in official tech manuals, but not always strictly adhered to by every vendor. Make sure to scrutinize the detail list and not just the one-liner for any given item you consider for purchase. Example: The guide linked copiously above unambiguously shows that a "Bolt Carrier Assembly" has five sub-components, one of which is the "Bolt Assembly". However, I have seen vendors offer something called a "Complete Bolt Carrier Assembly" which oddly has everything but the bolt. You have to buy their "Super Duper Complete Bolt Carrier Group(tm)", or whatever, to get an actual bolt. Read three times, "Buy Now" once so you can minimize the "oops, gotta order more stuff now" factor.

I recently got a stripped upper from aeroprecisionusa their product is top of the line... its flawless and everything fits perfect try them

good parts lists, im guessing the lower is a little harder to put together without a diagram. this is all a learning experience for me.

Good to know. I can see that being a problem, any ideas on some brands and places to shop around online?

also if anyone can give me a good advice on where to find this rail for a good price or a rail that is thin like this one that is 12 inches and more rugged looking please point me in the right direction. even though it is down the road i still have a picture in my head and am starting to write the things down i need or want to compare.http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/2-MWMI-SS12G2

Just a small extra step to make sure you're ordering what you need after doing all the major study and work to know what you need to make your first complete AR. I've not seen deceptive practices from any of the major vendors discussed and used copiously here; just sub-assemblies broken down to a vast array of "completeness" levels to suit every imaginable need, and spelled out completely in the description.
TONS of brands and places in the widget bar pinned to the top of every thread here: Personally, I've ordered some JP, Federal, KNS, and even Marlin and Sig Sauer branded items from Brownells. Always had adequate service from them and it's a great place to window shop. Midwest did a good job on a rail and some Magpul stuff. The deep well of brand/configuration/vendor information is really in the build threads here, as well as the "Show 'em Off" thread. You can most always find brand parts at the manufacturer website, but not necessarily at the lowest price. ...and won't always have the "other" branded parts you want to buy at the same time. It was just my good luck that Midwest had my Midwest rail AND the Magpul sights I wanted to buy as a group. I could have done the same at Brownells or Midway(haven't tried Midway yet) ...not advocating anything, just relating my own experiences so far..... Read read read this site for many many others and have fun.

Just a thought... First time builders tend to not be sure how they are going to use the AR. A "no name" kit is cheap and let's you get started. It is a one stop shop for a basic carbine. Once you really get a feel for how you are going to use it, either upgrade or better yet, build a second speciality rifle. This link is just an example of what is out there.

M4 parts kit

Pretty much all of the site vendors are good to go. If you go to the "Industry" forums, about 3/4 of the way down the page, you'll see a list of most of the "Dealers" here.

Ones I have frequented a good bit are:

Rainier Arms
PK Firearms
DSG Arma
BCM
Stonefire Arms
Brownells
AIM
SKD
etc.

One thing I suggest, that is one of the biggest newbie mistakes, is to order extra detents for your pivot pin/takedown pin. PK Firearms, DSG Arms and others usually sell these parts individually. It's good practice to have a replacement kit of small parts so you can fix something that breaks or gets lost. Having a spare LPK is not a bad idea.

The only other advice I can give you, for the moment, is to do your research on each component before you buy. Some folks will buy things, without proper research, only to find themselves with a wrong part or a crappy part. You can put a parts list together, post it here, and some of us will give you are thoughts and possible better alternatives. Just take your time and have fun.

You all have good advice and yea ive seen people buy stuff without research, i tend to research a lot before I buy. That goes for anything. Appreciate the info I will probably be replying back soon, going to gather a parts list as best as I can with what i want in it. Then I'll order parts little by little.