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Posted: 2/3/2004 6:47:34 AM EDT
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What tools do I need to build my first AR? If I order a kit from JT can I order one without the barrel so that I can get one of BM's govt profile chrome lined 20"? Do the JT kits come with a headspaced upper or is the upper in pieces as well? Thanks! |
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I haven't built my first one yet, but from reading posts on this board, I can figure out that you will need a hammer, couple of roll pin punches, and some masking tape. I think that J&T kits come with the upper fully assembled and head spaced. Don't know about ordering a kit without a barrel. Waiting on a little cash to come my way before I order my kit. Good luck with your build. |
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Headspacing has to do with two things, the dimensions of the bolt and how the barrel extension is milled out. If you're ordering a kit without the barrel then I don't see how it could be headspaced from JT. If you want to measure the headspace you'll have to do it after you install the BM barrel. If you order with the barrel installed then it should be headspaced properly. From what I understand, headspacing really isn't something that you need to worry about anyway on a new rifle, unless you're match shooting and need the headspacing set to very exacting dimensions. It seems that some of the more knowledgable in the headspacing arena think that an improperly headspaced gun would be blatantly obvious before it got dangerous to shoot (ie the bolt would have a hard time closing on a round if too tight or the shell casing would be noticably deformed after firing if too loose) I'm no expert though, so try looking [url=http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=7&t=142139]here[/url] for more information on headspacing. |
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There is a lot of good information on this board relative to the tools you need, I have just finished my first build and can tell you that the punches that are mentioned and a mallet are essential. There is also very good reason to get masking tape for protecting your receiver, I also purchased the buttstock wrench. I don’t see any mention of it, but I would order some extra small parts (e.g. springs, detents) that are inexpensive in case you lose one or it gets launched somehow. For an extra dollar or two it will save you potential aggravation. |
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Quoted: Unless I missed it, can you get a JT kit minus the barrel? Or would I be better off getting the kit from BM? Anybody else offer a govt profile 20 chrome lined kit? Thank you! I don't know if you can get a JT kit minus the barrel or not. I would call and ask them. BM doesn't sell actual "kits" like JT does, but you can buy an assembled upper, the barrel, and a complete lower. That's about as close to a kit as you're going to get ordering from BM. The only thing that would require much work to put together would be a barrel wrench to install the barrel. I didn't see any complete uppers on thier site with the 20" chrome govt. profile barrel, otherwise it would be even easier. Of course going this route is going to most likely cost more than a JT kit. |
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To assemble the kit the only tools you need are the roll pin punches from Brownells. [url]http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5551&title=ROLL+PIN+PUNCHES[/url] 3/32 is #3 Roll pin punch item #230-100-003 #3 Roll Pin Punch $3.75 1/8 is #4 Roll pin punch item #230-100-004 #4 Roll Pin Punch $3.83 |
| Actually you need the roll pin punch for the bolt latch and the trigger guard, and the masking tape. I just did one and those roll pins truly suck. I did the front hinge pin with a small flat screw driver and chased it with the front pin (took two tries though). Doing it in a clear bag helps keep the spring and pin in sight. |
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