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Posted: 8/22/2012 1:32:08 PM EDT
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Hey gang, new to The Black Rifle scene and putting together my first build. Below is a list of tools and parts I've ordered. Can you guys tell me your thoughts on the gear, anything I am missing, and any tools I might still need? Appreciate any and all help!
Gear: Lower - Spikes Tactical "Zombie" Lower Receiver https://www.marksarmory.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=STZOMBIE Upper - Spike's Tactical 16" Midlength LE Upper (5.56)-STU5035-MLS https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SP-STU5035-MLS LPK: CMMG LOWER RECEIVER PARTS KIT (LPK) https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CMMG-10208 Stock Assembly: https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=UTG-RB-T6BM Replacement Castle Nut:AR15 Receiver Extension Nut by Tactical Intent http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MAI1RS/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_dp_1 Mags 2x Magpul 30 RD Standard PMAG (Black) FREE SHIPPING! http://www.primaryarms.com/Magpul_30_RD_Standard_PMAG_Black_p/mag211blk.htm Tools: GRIP 9 Pc Forged Steel Roll Pin Punch Set http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L7HOMG/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_dp_2 8 oz Hammer: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPPAWA/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_dp_3 Dpms Ar15 Armorers Multi-Tool http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044YG32M/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_ST1_dp_4 I already have various Pliers and screwdrivers at home. I DO NOT Have a Vise though. Should I get one? Ammo: 1000 Rds of WPA (Wolf) .223 55grn FMJ 20rd Box http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=AW223PFMJ55&name=WPA+(Wolf)+.223+55grn+FMJ+20rd+Box&groupid=301&search=WPA+(Wolf)+.223+55grn+FMJ+20rd+Box Thanks gang! |
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Any reason you purchased a the replacement castle nut? The stock set you got already has one.
If you can swing the vice, I would get it. I assembled my first lower about 6 months ago with out one but, it would have been easier with the vice. If you do get the vice, you will need a vice block for the lower. ETA: the parts you got/are getting look good. |
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If the nut is plastic, better to replace it. good call on that one.
I know I am going to be building another lower in my future and will use a vice. My first lower was assembled in my living room in my lap. While not hard, I am willing to bet a vice would make it easier. |
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Quoted:
Great question on the castle nut - Got a new one because the kit one is apparently made of plastic, and one reviewer for it said it was junk. Didn't want that to ruin my build. I can swing a vice, just wasn't sure if it was worth it. The castle nut is most definitely not plastic, or polymer, or anything other than metal, just FYI. It is coated or painted (not sure what the exact finish is on it, as its not just plain jane anodized) but it's definitely metal. It sounds like an inaccurate review from someone. All the guys in the shop use those same exact kits for all our own personal builds. We've found the review that stated that, and deleted it due to misrepresentation of the product. Sorry about the confusion. Thanks for the order as well. It should already be headed your way! |
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have u already purchased the lower parts kit, stock assembly and castle nut?
if you havnt you can save some coin and get the PSA lower build kit with Magpul funiture.. comes with the moe stock and grip as well as trigger gaurd. 139.99 for all. if not you cant go wrong with the stuff u got, some like the m4 stock others hate the thing. |
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The castle nut is most definitely not plastic, or polymer, or anything other than metal, just FYI. It is coated or painted (not sure what the exact finish is on it, as its not just plain jane anodized) but it's definitely metal. It sounds like an inaccurate review from someone. All the guys in the shop use those same exact kits for all our own personal builds. We've found the review that stated that, and deleted it due to misrepresentation of the product. Sorry about the confusion. Thanks for the order as well. It should already be headed your way! Thanks for the follow up! The order is on it's way. Should arrive tomorrow barring any issue with Fedex. Looking forward to putting this thing together! Since that Castle Nut is made of metal, I'll return the extra I ordered to Amazon. More $$ to spend on ammo! |
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I would assume you are aware, but in case not... you will need a rear sight or optic.
Do you have a pair of vice grips? I've found that it is by far the easiest way to install the bolt catch roll pin, and I even use it to install the trigger guard roll pin now. Just wrap the jaws in electrical tape to prevent marring the finish. A pivot pin detent install tool is very helpful, but the detent can be installed without one. They are also easy to make if you have a drill and some rod laying around. Other than holding your lower in place a vice wouldn't serve any purpose in building a lower, so I wouldn't pick one up just for this. If you plan to build a few more and get into uppers (I suspect you do since you bought an armorers tool rather than just a stock wrench) then you will want a vice and vice block. You can also use an old GI mag as a lower receiver block and screw it to your work bench. |
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Quoted:
I would assume you are aware, but in case not... you will need a rear sight or optic. Do you have a pair of vice grips? I've found that it is by far the easiest way to install the bolt catch roll pin, and I even use it to install the trigger guard roll pin now. Just wrap the jaws in electrical tape to prevent marring the finish. A pivot pin detent install tool is very helpful, but the detent can be installed without one. They are also easy to make if you have a drill and some rod laying around. Other than holding your lower in place a vice wouldn't serve any purpose in building a lower, so I wouldn't pick one up just for this. If you plan to build a few more and get into uppers (I suspect you do since you bought an armorers tool rather than just a stock wrench) then you will want a vice and vice block. You can also use an old GI mag as a lower receiver block and screw it to your work bench. Yep. I'm leaning towards a clone for the sight. Curious to hear thoughts on this: http://www.amazon.com/Truglo-Red-Dot-Tru-Brite-Open-Dot-Multi/dp/B004Z5BX8E/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t Also on the upper, I am planning on building in the future, or at least modifying my rifle. Figured I might as well get the armorer tool instead of just a wrench and prepare myself. |
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I just finished a build - my first one. Almost in your same configuration. I was amazed at how fast it went with the right tools.
I did get a vise and block and that helped a lot. Also consider a bolt catch pin punch makes easy work of the bolt catch - which I think is more difficult than the trigger guard. I put a little bit of tape on the outside of the mag well and with that tool the catch was easy and not a mark on the receiver. Other things you may want to consider - I did a set of YHM take down pins. EZ Take Down Pins Good luck with your build - it is a lot of fun and I am looking forward my next one. Started with a stripped Zombie lower: http://www.davidcappello.com/AR15/AR15-raw-rec-IMG_5536.jpg Added a Spike's upper (I know the tube is upside down, it was just there for show at the time) http://www.davidcappello.com/AR15/AR15-upper-lower-IMG_5538.jpg A pile of Magpul goodies and other things. http://www.davidcappello.com/AR15/Magpul-pile-IMG_5556.jpg Sent the upper and lower out for Cerakote in ODG http://www.davidcappello.com/AR15/AR15-spikes-IMG_5661.jpg After I had all the tools etc. it went together in no time flat. http://www.davidcappello.com/AR15/Final-spikes-IMG_5709.jpg |
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Quoted:
Yep. I'm leaning towards a clone for the sight. Curious to hear thoughts on this: http://www.amazon.com/Truglo-Red-Dot-Tru-Brite-Open-Dot-Multi/dp/B004Z5BX8E/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t Also on the upper, I am planning on building in the future, or at least modifying my rifle. Figured I might as well get the armorer tool instead of just a wrench and prepare myself. I would avoid the Truglo sights, no personal experience, but I have heard lots of bad things about them. I have a Vortex Strikefire on my AR22 and like it, another option would be one of the Primary Arms red dots. I don't have one of their red dots, but have bought two 4-16 scopes and they have been excellent. |
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Quoted:
have u already purchased the lower parts kit, stock assembly and castle nut? if you havnt you can save some coin and get the PSA lower build kit with Magpul funiture.. comes with the moe stock and grip as well as trigger gaurd. 139.99 for all. if not you cant go wrong with the stuff u got, some like the m4 stock others hate the thing. What he said, I got the STR package on sale last weekend for $149.00 and I've already swapped that for the Mapgul MOE on my Colt SP 6920....only reason I'm not assembling my lower now is I need a castle nut wrench and forgot to get one when I ordered it....and no one in Cincinnati has one..... |
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And here is my new baby!
http://s7.postimage.org/5ykang5p7/IMAG0311.jpg I'm really pleased with how my first build turned out. Taking her to the range today. We'll see how she does. I definitely see what some of you were saying about the stock. It might have to go soon. Deopending on the recoil, I might decide to pickup a Spikes T2 buffer. We'll see. I also decided on a Primary Arms red dot. Got the cantilevered mount on it too, so I'm all set. Wish me luck! Thanks for all your help! |
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Quoted: And here is my new baby! http://s7.postimage.org/5ykang5p7/IMAG0311.jpg I'm really pleased with how my first build turned out. Taking her to the range today. We'll see how she does. I definitely see what some of you were saying about the stock. It might have to go soon. Deopending on the recoil, I might decide to pickup a Spikes T2 buffer. We'll see. I also decided on a Primary Arms red dot. Got the cantilevered mount on it too, so I'm all set. Wish me luck! Thanks for all your help! Your mount is backwards......  |
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