So, you want to build the ideal AR15 without breaking the bank?
Here is how I assemble an ar15 without specialized tools (though I do own a lot of ar15 armor’s tools).
https://ugetube.com/watch/ar15-lower-assembly-without-special-tools_89LmSl1SlFBiYrC.html
Thanks commie youtube! I’ve never made a dime off youtube, but you still remove my content. How could this video harm anyone?
I hope someone steps in and takes youtubes business for being so stupid (not enough guts to remove all gun videos, which is likely 40% of their business, but trying to remove as much as possible w/o affecting their business. Thanks UGEtube for hosting my video!
UPDATE 2022, hit this Spreadsheet>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11nF6Bl-Av9Jasv6iKHjv-VCRLX-HPNiGKWQEmdeWhs4/edit?usp=sharing
UPDATE FEB 2022:
I’m pretty much fully converted over to Aero Precision on what I buy and recommend currently.
I really like the company, the standards, quality, value and the 1 MOA guarantee. The hand gaurd ATLAS S-ONE (slimmer) OR atlas r-one (thicker for suppressors or personal preference.
Here is the build out I recommend for those that want mid-grade (not cheap like PSA and not over priced like…Daniel Defense).
Here are some kits that I recommend:
UPDATE: Brownells discontinued my fav upper 🙁 So, look for one on Palmetto state armory OR Aero Precision. See my requirements below to guide you.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/rifle-kits.html?caliber_multi=5.56x45mm+NATO&upper_barrel_length=16%22
Thomas recommendations/requirements:
- Free float for better accuracy
- 1:8 twist barrel, non-chrome lined if you can find it. This is counter to most of the industry, if you plan to abuse your rifle maybe chrome lined is proper for you. non-chrome is more accurate.
- no fixed frontsight, so if you have a reddot or less than 1.5x magnification, you don’t have a field of view issues.
- 1 MOA or close to 1 MOA (1″ at 100y, 2″ at 200y and so on).
- non-milspec trigger, ugg, the milspec triggers are so nasty. I recommend the rock river match trigger!
- non-poky hand-guard, those quad rails are sure a PIA! I suggest a m-lok 15″ ish handguard.
1:7 twist is not my fav., but still doable.
1:8 IS my fav, because it excels with 55gr to 77gr
build out custom ($480 plus lower $50)
Don’t forget to look for coupons:
https://gun.deals/content/brownells (the best coupon is a 10% off with free ship, usually posted on sundays for 24 hours only).
Lower parts kit: (please note, that if you are going with an upgraded trigger control group, don’t get a LPK that has trigger control group)
$38
NOTE: make sure you get matching mil-spec or commercial tube & stock!
$35
OR commercial
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/sight-sets/ar-15-mbus-gen-2-sight-set-prod44044.aspx
$75
don’t forget magazines:
$13 each (buy at least 6)
reddot (google it and youtube it!)
NICE TO HAVES:
$115
Assembling your ar15 stripped lower receiver(THIS video is pretty much what we do in the workshop, but w/o the fancy tools):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1omm6jY7Gg
See Thomas’ Recommended upgrades
Details on a “stripped lower receiver”.
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The govt considers it “the gun” and the lower is serialized. So, you can NOT do a group buy on lowers!
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You pay for the lower online, the online vendor sends it to your FFL. When you go pick up the lower, its a “gun transfer” to you from the FFL. Usually your FFL will charge you about $20 to transfer the item to you.
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Other than the stripped lower receiver, you can have EVERYTHING else shipped directly to your house.
- You need a special license to manufacture ar15 for sale, but its ok to build one for your personal use.
$50 lower receiver is the best price I’ve ever seen!
ASSEMBLY CHECKLIST
Workshop REQUIRED TOOLS
- SAFETY GLASSES!!!
- ar15 parts to assemble (your own lower, lower parts kit & stock kit–IF you buy from WDA “completion kit”, you have all this)
- Best punches > Tekton gunsmithing punch (lifetime guarantee). OR “ok punches”
- gorilla tape (use this as an improvised pounding block AND to protect your lower from hammer scratches)
- Pencil (old school wooden pencil with eraser)
- non-marring hammer (nylon, leather, brass – whatever you have). This is the one I have…and I LOVE IT
- channel locks (almost required)
- large towel or old small blanket
- notebook – pad of paper to take notes on.
- snack or treat to share with others.
- needle nose pliers
- warm jacket to stay warm in garage(if cold time of year)
For the tools-geeks:
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Wheeler AR Pivot Pin/Roll Pin Install Tool
- Gerber Short Stack AR-15 Maintenance Tool (you MIGHT use this during the workshop, then store it in your magpul pistol grip for field us!
- Rock River castle nut wrench. awesome, I own two!
Class Rules!
Build articles:
http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/diy-ar-15-build-introduction-parts-and-tools-required/
HELPFUL VIDEOS…that also “incent” you to buy tools
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11011/learn/
Thomas’ Build sequence
team-up. 4 hands are better than two!
see also: http://www.thenewrifleman.com/how-to-build-a-lower-receiver/
1) trigger guard roll pin. Use trigger guard to support ears. needle nose hold the roll pin and use a punch to get it started. Consider setting ears on role of tape. (most risky first 😉
2) start the bolt release roll pin (do NOT push too far). Once started insert bolt catch assembly. Use channel lock pliers with gorilla/electric tape on the jaws to protect finish. Tape lower to protect finish.(2nd most risky second).
Now, everything is easy from here on out!
– mag release assembly, trick over push in mag button to thread on.
3) prepare trigger assembly
use punch to align trigger assemble, and push out the punch with the pin
capture the hammer with a punch, push the punch out with the pin.
razor blade to capture the front-take-down-pin (CAREFUL not to launch/lose your pin!) (WORK AS A TEAM, and point “launch” in a safe direction (so you can find your pin if you DO launch it).
You’ll also need magazines & sights. Buy a 10pack, you’ll be glad you did…after the next “panic”:
http://www.botach.com/magpul-pmag-moe-gen-2-5-56mm-30rd-magazines/
The pmags are in vogue, but I much prefer the brownells ar15 mags (milspec):
I recommend these for iron sights:
http://www.botach.com/magpul-mbus-back-up-sights-combo-sets/
Value optics: Trs-25
Other Options for “completing your lower”
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build kit that has everything except the lower:
http://www.del-ton.com/ar_15_kits_s/1.htm -
OR you can do the parts
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buffer tube kit: http://www.brownells.com/
rifle-parts/receiver-parts/ buffer-tube-parts/buffer- tubes/ar-15-m16-m4-receiver- extension-assembly-prod56055. aspx the trick is, the stock and tube MUST match. There is commercial OR milspec.
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IF you have some extra money, I LOVE the RRA National Match two-stage triggers! http://www.joeboboutfitters.
com/RRA_Two_Stage_Match_ Trigger_Kit_AR0093NMK_p/rra- ar0093nmk.htm
seriously, if I was going to upgrade my ar15 and I had an extra $100, I’d put it into the RRA two stage national match trigger! I have a couple of these and they are AWESOME! -
completed uppers: your choice, there are hundreds of options:
http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/ receivers/upper-receivers/ar- 15-upper-receiver-assemblies- prod42974.aspx
For your first ar15, 16” standard barrel is just fine. I would stay away from “quad-rails”, they are heavy & sharp. The magpul moe handgaurds & stock/pistol grip is pretty awesome!
your upper should be able to accept 223 & 556!
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