Ok I just got my lower reciever and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a J&T kit so I was wondering how much of it comes assembled(such as the bolts are staked on the carrier key and if the barrel is already assembled) and if there are any special tools I need.

The upper comes completely assembled.  All you have to do is [url=http://www.ar15.com/content/docs/assembly/lower/]install the lower parts kit[/url] and buttstock.  Then just slap the upper on it, clean it and shoot it!

Oh man that is awesome!!  For only 450 bucks.  I was trying to find punches, torque wrenches, receiver blocks and all kinds of stuff.  This is some great news thanks a lot man.  I can't wait to go shooting.

Macho -- I just built a J&T kit...very easy!  I did buy a set of roll pin punches from Midway, and a small hammer from the hardware store.

The only other "special tools" I used were 1/2 of a clothespin (just the right height to use under the trigger guard ears for support) and an extra pair of hands for installing the detents.


Here's a pic of the kit as rec'd from J&T except for the buttstock (they sent the wrong one & I had to return it), and the RRA lower is shown.  Sorry it's so dark...
[image]http://www.wideopenwest.com/~otter/jtkit1.jpg[/image]

--Otter

You'll still want to get yourself some nice roll pin punches for assembling the lower.  I found some at midwayusa.com and have assembled a number of lowers with them.

When you get finished post some pictures!  We love pictures of ARs around here [;)]

Thanks a lot for the great respsonses.  You'd better believe I will be taking some pictures.  It's just a matter of how long I have to be flipping burgers before I can afford the kit.

I ordered these punches http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/465902

Please tell me if these will work or not.

I'm sure they will work.  I built two lowers using regular punches that I purchased at Sears.  

Check out these [url=http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/191653]punches[/url].  They are roll pin punches and have a little dimple at the end to help hold the roll pin.