AR Sponsor
Posted: 11/10/2016 9:01:22 PM EDT
|
I have come to the decision after much long and hard thinking (not really) that I would rather build my first AR-15 than buy one already built out. Two reasons: 1) I know I'll end up spending a little less money in the long run, and 2) why wouldn't I want to be able to completely customize my own gun?
Okay, now that I'm done stating the obvious, here's the reason for this post. This will be both my first AR build and my first AR (I have been around them for a long time, just never owned one personally) and I want to get the opinions of you more experienced gunsmiths on the specific parts that I need. I already know exactly what parts I need, I just want to get opinions on different brands and types. I know that I don't want an all black gun so I want to incorporate some parts in tan like maybe the stock, pistol grip, port cover, forward assist, charging handle, and maybe handguards. I want to hear from y'all what you recommend from experience. What do y'all prefer, a cast or milled lower? A carbine, mid, or rifle length barrel and why? Is there really a best parts kit to get? Whats a good trigger? etc... Also, tools. What are the absolute essential tools that I will need, and what are some other not quite so necessary things that would be good to make certain things easier? I know I'm asking a lot, but I want to hear from actual people who actually have used some of these parts and know whats good and not good. I really appreciate y'all's time in helping me out. (I'd also be interested in hearing about some cool accessories that y'all like just for fun. I not worried about that so much right now but I would be interested in hearing about y'all's.) |
|
Quoted:
I have come to the decision after much long and hard thinking (not really) that I would rather build my first AR-15 than buy one already built out. Two reasons: 1) I know I'll end up spending a little less money in the long run, and 2) why wouldn't I want to be able to completely customize my own gun? Okay, now that I'm done stating the obvious, here's the reason for this post. This will be both my first AR build and my first AR (I have been around them for a long time, just never owned one personally) and I want to get the opinions of you more experienced gunsmiths on the specific parts that I need. I already know exactly what parts I need, I just want to get opinions on different brands and types. I know that I don't want an all black gun so I want to incorporate some parts in tan like maybe the stock, pistol grip, port cover, forward assist, charging handle, and maybe handguards. I want to hear from y'all what you recommend from experience. What do y'all prefer, a cast or milled lower? A carbine, mid, or rifle length barrel and why? Is there really a best parts kit to get? Whats a good trigger? etc... Also, tools. What are the absolute essential tools that I will need, and what are some other not quite so necessary things that would be good to make certain things easier? I know I'm asking a lot, but I want to hear from actual people who actually have used some of these parts and know whats good and not good. I really appreciate y'all's time in helping me out. (I'd also be interested in hearing about some cool accessories that y'all like just for fun. I not worried about that so much right now but I would be interested in hearing about y'all's.) The tech forums here have everything you seek. You can start by leafing through a few hundred pages of pic threads to see what you like. I wouldn't limit myself to a particular part just because it comes in a specific color. You've made the decision to build, now you need to actually decide what to use. You haven't given us much to work with in regards to what you want to do with it, so I'll wing it and tell you to build a mid length 16" carbine. |
| There are lots of good parts out there but you will find not all are budget friendly. Budget builds can be difficult, especially on the tail of an election. You are going to find that lots of parts are sold out and hard to find. Patience is your friend in this situation. I also wouldn't expect to save a ton of money. You'll probably end up spending the same amount or more as the lower end factory offerings. The major benefit will be getting exactly what you wanted when it is finished. I recommend buying a quality barrel and BCG to start. They are the foundation of your build. A good trigger group is nice but not necessary. As far as recommendations for barrels you could look into companies like Faxon, Ballistic Advantage, and Green Mountain. There are lots of good BCG too. I really like the chrome Rock River BCG, BCM is very popular too as well as many other companies. If you go with Faxon I believe the offer a BCG also and have excellent CS to back up their quality parts. It's not terrible idea to match up the barrel and BCG from the same company so you have less chance of a tolerance issue. As far as upper and lower receivers I would recommend forged. They're much less expensive and lighter. In my opinion you don't need to splurge here. The cheap Anderson typically work just as well as the more expensive brands. I buy no name uppers for all my builds and the fitment is always perfect with practically no movement between the upper and lower.. |
| I also run most name brand lower parts kits from Anderson to CMMG ect. Ect. Buy what fits your budget. For gas systems I usually go with good old Yankee Hill and whatever cheap gas tube I can slip into one of my orders. I go for whatever receiver extension kit is on sale that week. Some of the super cheap ones can give you issues but for the most part there all the same. Which leaves us with hand guards. Most, including myself run free float rails. They vary greatly in price from company to company. On the cheap look into Matrix USA, middle of the road I'd say seekins, aero, or ALG. On the upper end of it I'd look at BCM, Midwest Industries, Daniel defense, and all the other super popular, overly priced units out there. |
|
Unless you want to bargain shop each part out, and you may wish to do so given the impending BF sales, the build-your-own LPK from Red Barn Armory is a convenient way of building out your kit.
I would say: Forged upper & lower of respected origin Trigger-less LPK from Anderson or PSA Receiver extension (buffer tube and bits) from PSA or the like BCM Gunfighter or AXTS Raptor or standard for budget Geissele G2S or Larue MBT trigger or ALG for budget Battle Arms Development ambi safety or standard for budget Larue PredatAR 16" barrel with gas block and tube (before sale ends) or Faxon for budget BCM or RRA chrome BCG or AIM or PSA for budget Grip, handguard, stock of your choice You'll need a Magpul armorer wrench and a set of punches from Brownells or Midway or the like. I'd recommend a set of roll pin starter punches, too. I've built lowers holding them between my knees, but it isn't ideal. You can give the vice grips method a shot if you're brave. It won't be much help getting pins tapped out, though, should the need arise. If you are going to build your upper you'll also need to invest in, or have access to, a vice. You'll also need a vice block for your upper. And a torque wrench in foot-pounds. If you want to avoid this for now, then buy a complete upper that suits you from a respected source. These days you aren't saving a ton of cash by building, anyway. |
|
Black Friday is coming up and i am hoping to find some great deals then so be patient and look around. I am also building my first AR. Originally I was going to use an 80% lower so I bought a matched upper and lower on gunbroker (cerro forged which i have read is reputable). Then I saw some completed lowers on PSA (blemished) that i could not pass up considering i would have to buy a jig and router to finish my 80% lower.I am a DIY kind of guy but it didnt make sense to go that route i didnt think.
getting off topic sorry lol. |
Welcome to the site 
I'm not even gonna begin to start suggesting what parts to choose. The list is long and there are many good choices that depend upon personal preferences. Keep reading around here and you'll learn a lot. And as for parts suggestions: like any gun an AR is a task specific tool. Define to yourself what the role of the gun will be and that will help you narrow down the options. Self defense? Range toy? Varmint hunting? Competition? Etc... I will address your question about tools though. You're gonna want a bench mounted vise at home, a magazine block to hold the lower in the vise, an upper receiver clamp, an armorers wrench. If you choose a good armorers wrench it will cover your needs for a castle nut wrench. You're going to want a set of punches. I like to use a tool that helps in installing the pivot pin spring and detent but can't remember what it's called. I hope this helps. Your question is very open and can be answered in a number of ways. Cheers! -JC ETA: just noticed your post re: the role of your rifle. |
AR Sponsor