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Posted: 4/29/2007 8:37:01 AM EDT
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Well, probably not a build, but I am planning to assemble my first AR rifle. I have pretty much settled on using a Del-Ton 16 inch rifle kit. However, I have not settled on which stripped lower receiver yet. I would appreciate yall's thoughts. This is really going to be my one and only AR, and I really am only looking for something that is enjoyable to shoot at the range. Planning on a ACE stock, rather than a telescoping stock. Havent settled on whether I would like a A2 upper with an A2 FSB, or a flat top with a flip up rear site and gas block with flip up front site. Finally I asssume that to assemble a kit I need a good set of punches and a AR wrench? Any other necessary tools? Thanks |
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The rifle kit you mention, and most rifle kits, the upper is already assembled, so you will only need a special wrench if you are installing a collapsible stock.(stock wrench is cheap, armorer wrench is not) I have assembled many rifle kits without using any punch or armorer wrench at all. The only reason I own an armorer wrench is because I own/build multiple rifles, and I customize them with different barrels, FH's, stocks, etc. If you are just building one rifle kit, and not adding/changing anything, you will not need to buy punches or wrenches(if not collapsible stock). The only tools I use to assemble basic kits with is flat head screwdrivers, vice grips+tape. I now have a pivot pin instalation tool, but I (and others) have assembled many lowers without one, but if you are going to do a few get one, for me the front pivot pin was the hardest part of the build without a tool. Whithout it, I would depress the detent+spring with a small flathead screwdriver, and then install the pivot pin, do this in a place were you will be able to find the detent after it flys out a couple of times, but you will get it eventually. |
| I'd think and action block and a barrel wrench are required. Vice grips or a strap wrench may work if the barrel times up at low values, but I'm not sure you could get 80#'s of torque on a vice grip or strap wrench without damaging anything. I say get the right tools. |
I haven't tried it, but I imagine you can use a hooked dental pick to get inside the channel and force it down. I wonder if a Delrin punch could be used to pound the pin out all the way. I've wondered this myself. |
I would definitely go flattop with either a flip rear or an A2 style rear sight by LMT. The flip front isn't necessary. I have one of each and the standard FSB seems sturdier. The flattop seems more versatile for optics and sight options. |
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Thanks guys, yall's advice has certainly made choices easier. As for the tools, I am going to get an Ace stock, so no stock wrench necessary. And as far as tools to assemble the lower parts to the lower, I'll at minimum will need grips with tape, at best I can invest in roll pin punches. Now to settle on where to get the lower receiver. |
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