AR-15 Build Part 2

I was finally able to secure a lower parts kit for my build. I was able to easily install it, and my rifle actually looks like a rifle.

 

I am going to use this post to show my findings on the installation of a lower parts kit onto a stripped lower receiver. Let me start by saying that if you have a reasonable amount of mechanical know-how, i.e. you can you a screwdriver, hammer and punch, you should have no problem installing a kit. 

There are plenty of tutorials on how to identify all of the parts and how they go together into the lower, therefore I will not waste time in this post telling you this information. I highly suggest going over to the ar-15.com forum and taking a look through their tutorials and information. It is an incredible source of information on this amazing weapon system. 

Parts

For this build I used a DPMS LPK. I was able to pick a kit up at a local gun store for right around $67. I chose to go with this kit solely for the fact that it was available at a price that was not ridiculous in these times. The quality of this kit is on par with what I expected it to be. All of the parts fit into place with little effort. The only slight issue that I experienced with the kit was with the trigger guard. It took some effort for it to fit into place between the ears of the lower. Would I use the kit again? Yes, although I have not been able to do extensive tests on the parts for long term reliability I feel that its a good kit. The trigger group feels nice for a GI type trigger. As the parts wear in with shooting I will surely give updates on how they hold up. 

Sights

For this build a decided on a Magpul MBUS rear sight due to their durability and design. I will be selecting both a metal front sight for the gas block as well as an optic at some point for this rifle. Of course I will be giving a more detailed account of how they work as I receive them and get a chance to use them. 

As I wait for the last two pieces of my build let me tell you that it is one hell of a wait. I placed an order for a bolt carrier group today and am in the process of trying to figure out which front sight I want to use. After I get those parts I will finally be able to go to the range and fire the first rounds through the rifle.

-WSCBS

 

AR-15 Build

So I decided to pick now, the beginning of 2013 in the middle of one of largest gun buying panics, to build my first AR-15. In this post I am going to stay mainly with what I have learned thus far into my build in the hope that anyone else who is looking at building their own “black rifle” can do so with confidence.

The Upper

Throughout this post you will see a common theme of me getting lucky as far as finding parts. The stripped upper that I found at my local gun shop is no exception. I was able to find a Noveske stripped upper for a great price. I was also able to grab most of the other parts that I needed at that time as well. I will be doing more posts once I get a feel for the parts on what I think of each part individually. The barrel that I found is marked SA 5.56 1/9. I was able to pick it up at another gun store for a great price of $125. I chose Magpul MOE hand guards in Foliage Green. At the point of writing this post I am only waiting on a bolt carrier group to complete the entire upper assembly. 

Lower

Since I started off focusing on the upper for this build my lower has far less done for it. I was able to find a Spikes Tactical stripped lower at my LGS and found a buffer tube assembly with stock at a recent gun show for right at $50. At this point these are all of the parts that I have for it. I am basically waiting on a lower parts kit to finish it off. 

Assembly

The assembly of the upper was actually easier than I thought it was going to be. It was achieved with the only specialty AR tool being the armorer’s wrench. This is really a must so get one, and get a nice one. I did not get a vise block to hold the upper, but instead used wood blocks in my vice to hold the barrel. I was able to tighten both the barrel nut and the flash hider with this setup. For installing the pins in the gas block and the forward assist I used a small brass hammer (of the Harbor Freight variety) and a small punch. I have not assembled the lower yet as I have not gotten a LPK for it, but having done one in the past it is not a huge undertaking.

Hopefully I will have some pictures of my build to post up here shortly, It is turning out to be a really nice looking rifle. I hope that if you are thinking about building your own rifle that you give it a chance. It is an amazing learning experience as far as understanding this rifle and how it works. It is truly an amazing design. If you are worried about finding parts in this climate let me tell you that there is really nothing to worry about at least in my area. Parts are there. You may have to do a little bit of searching, but if I was not on a strict budget my rifle would have been done yesterday as I found all the parts that I need to finish at reasonable prices. Unfortunately I’m going to have to save up a bit more so I can finish her off. 

 

-WSCBS