ok guys need some help and your thoughts. i was debating on do my first ar build. i have a colt and a bushmaster all ready but CMMG striped lowers is calling me to make another ar. is it that hard to build? is anybody else thinking on doing a build and maybe we could share tools? have a big build party? any ideas. or is it safer just to buy a complete lower and then a complete uper. Ronald

I've never built an upper. There is quite a bit to it (headspacing and all). But, the lowers are very easy to assemble. I've done two myself.

Sorry, I'm not doing any building soon. But I'm sure someone here is. I can try and answer any questions though.

Eric

Lowers are pretty much a straight forward process. The only spots to be real careful about is when you install the trigger guard roll pin and the roll pin for the bolt hold open lever. If you manhandle installing the roll pin for the trigger guard an ear can be broken on the receiver. Nothing to really break while installing the bolt hold open lever, but it's a good place to skin up your receiver if your not careful. As far as uppers, a lot depends on the quality of the parts. If the barrel has been manufactered correctly headspacing is no problem although I check all of mine with a NOGO gauge. Can't never tell when something slips through QC. When I install a barrel I line up the gas tube as precisely as possible. If you live down here around Springfield, I'd be more than happy to give you a hand.

Rick

I used This to guide me through the Lower build.

Eric

Holeshot4,

Did you build the lower you use on your .458?  Did you do anything special to work better with the upper?  Just curious.

Bob

Eric, thanks thats what i was looking for. i still might get a lower and try it. but im just going get a whole new rifle from Duke Nukem next sat when i get back into town. it helps him out and helps me out and he did a great deal on what i was looking for and  goign build anyway. Ronald

Quoted: Holeshot4, Did you build the lower you use on your .458?  Did you do anything special to work better with the upper?  Just curious. Bob

Yes.

Nothing was done any different than on any other AR15. It is just a standard lower build. DPMS lower with RRA internals.

Eric