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Posted: 11/13/2006 10:39:13 PM EDT
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So, I finally got around to posting about my first build. Here she is: LAR Grizzly Lower Stag Arms Upper, with chromed 16" barrel J&T LPK and 6 posit buttstock Fire selector switch colors by Crayola I thought I'd post a few observations/experiences I had as first-time builder. 1.) The adage of "you can do it cheaply, quickly, or properly (choose two)" rings true. I picked cheaply and properly, so the overall project took over a year. Part of this was waiting to find a "good deal" or two, although more of the delay was simply from other distractions. The take-away point here, though, is that one of the advantages of building yourself is that you can defray the costs over a long period of time (if you have the patience!) 2.) *Everything* you need to know can be found on this site. I think I've posted maybe 5 messages here (if that), because with enough digging, almost any question you can think of has been asked and answered here. This is an awesome website, and many thanks to the webmasters, sponsors and frequent posters who keep this site a "full mag" of information. 3.) The eternal debate of "which company makes the best {fill in the blank}?" will never be answered. It seems like every company has at least one horror story and one awesome customer service story to go along with it. My opinion is that for the average builder, the variability in quality of parts, components and service is fairly insignificant. Of course, I may change my mind in a couple of years if parts in my rifle start breaking! 4.) Another debate is whether to build or buy a complete rifle. I'd say building is definitely the way to go. I'm not sure that the price tag is any cheaper, but it's a lot more fun, and a much better way to get familliar with the inner workings of an AR-15. Plus, you have the added advantage of spreading out the investment dollars (see above), and the ability to get exactly what you want. 5.) While on the issue of costs, don't forget to factor in the miscellaneous costs of your build...such as transfer fees, taxes and shipping, Plus the extras you'll have to pick up such as tools, magazines, slings, and other mounting hardwear. If you're building on a budget, it doesn't end with upper, lower, parts kit and stock. 6.) When putting together the lower, the "how-to" instructions on this site are great. I prefered the roll pin punch and hammer method over the vice-grip method. One recommendation I have, though, is to drape a white towel over your workbench when you are working with the small pins and springs. It will help prevent things from bouncing or rolling away if you drop them, and make them easier to see. Furthermore, I recommend assembling the detent springs/pins into the open end of cardboard box turned on its side. This prevents the springs and pins from launching halfway across the room if you are having trouble with this step of the lower assembly. 7.) Don't lose sight of the prize! Because I took so long to complete this project, I lost a bit of focus, and the highlight became the day I finished the build. Of course, I got all the focus back after that first round went downrange. The endless debates about manufacturers, building techniques and this tool or that tool, or which parts to get, or whatever...it's all secondary to taking the rifle out and shooting her! Overall, l I had a great experience with this build, and I'm happy to say she shoots beautifully! My thanks again to ar15.com and all the folks that help out with advice, recommendations and other words of wisdom! Live it up, -sb |
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Support your local gun dealer is ALWAYS my motto! While we're on the subject of "building is fun"... Save those cases and start reloading your own ammo. It's cheap, fun. and rewarding. Hand loaded ammo will outperform the best factory loads EVERY time. If you don't beleive me, just ask your local Sharp Shooter! I've been loading my own ammo for 15 years. I usuallly check out the local "shooting Ranges" ( in Montana that's just about every blocked off road) and pick up all the once fired surplus brass laying around. I can load 100 55gr FMJ rounds for about $10.00. They all shoot 1 MOA or better at 50 yrds Just found out the other day, my best guess 50 yrds ( by foot steps) was actually 80 yrds. |
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That's an awesome build... +1 to your advice, I am about 20% through 5, no wait I just bought another one, 6 AK kits.. the only thing I would add is do not fear anything, big deal if you $&%^ it up, lesson learned... I sent a portion of one kit out to have a muzzle break blind pinned.. the next day I find a thread on this site with a step by step, incl. pics, on how exactly to do it...  In a moment of weakness I caved in... no more... and while the break will look way better probably than I would have done.. I missed out on the experience |
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