AR build for an idiot

[hillbillydruggist]

I am an idiot, I admit it LOL. I have shot a AR in the past, but that is all. I was thinking about a build project with the youngster. any suggestions/tips/hints?

thanks

 

[Mark M.]

You tube

 

[R.Morehouse]

Spikes Tactical matched upper/lower set......

Regards
Rick

 

[Fast14riot]

Barrel, bolt, trigger. Those are the important parts, in that order. Everything else is there just to support those.

It's not difficult, only a few specialized tools needed, some others can be made easily and cheaply. If you can put together IKEA furniture, you can likely build an AR.

 

[Adam in WI]

Even a PSA shoots great when it sports an ARP barrel and a 3 lb trigger. Buy your own tools and I guarantee you'll be hooked.

 

[Fast14riot]

A decent armorers wrench (DPMS is good), clamshell receiver block and roll pin punches are the minimum. You can use a 1/4" clevis pin from the hardware store for the take down pin detent. I like to tap the rear take down detent hole 4-40 and use a 4-40 x 3/16" set screw to capture the rear detent spring. Just shorten the spring by the same length as the set screw. The hole does not need to be drilled out.

I like to build and tune with standard weight buffer and spring, but also like to use adjustable gas blocks on my builds to fine tune.

 

[jwink]

I built the first AR that I ever shot, a few special tools and youtube and some advice from a friend with AR experience and I ended up with a surprisingly accurate and very nice AR, don't be afraid, it's a lot of fun to build and shoot a gun that you put together yourself from square one.

 

[drano38]

Agree, they're fun to build. Had help with my .223 I built for 3-gun matches. Several years ago, built a 6.8 SPC for deer hunting.
Although, if you want a plinker, buying a low cost rifle is cheaper. I bought some nice components, and mine cost more than buying a complete rifle.
Set your budget and priorities, and have fun with it.

 

[Adam in WI]

Another idea: buy a PSA kit for your plinker and build your hunting upper. You'll get the experience of assembling the lower, and when the time comes you can get a higher quality barrel in your choice of chamberings with a little more mustard.

 

[jepp2]

any suggestions/tips/hints?

Find someone that has assembled several, and let them look over your shoulder. You can do all the work, but there are a couple of things your inexperience can result in either marking up the lower, or breaking off a trigger guard ear.

Some of the parts you purchase can affect the accuracy of your build.

 

[skeeljc]

Brownells (ArmoryHD) and Midway (MidwayUSA) have excellent videos on YouTube.

 

[mikehotel]

My first AR was a Colt CPR-18. Excellent piece, I did change the trigger, but it gave me a standard for "my" builds to exceed. Would I do it again.... yes.

 

[dolek]

Youtube has a couple by Midway USA ,Larry shows you how to build an upper and a lower . Shows all the tools you will need ,which really does not amount to very much money . They are easy to build and could be a great project for you and the youngster. Building takes common sense , everything is right in front of you...it will make perfect sense once you have built one .

 

[skeeljc]

I have built three so far. Still searching for the reason to build the fourth.

 

[PDS]

Check out the books by Glenn Zediker at Zediker.com. A lot of good info on every thing you need to put an AR together. Books are also available from Midway and Amazon.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Like has been said, check out u tube,very good info there. You can see what needs to be done if the book doesn't make sense. Get a book or books also. As with everything there are always tips and shortcuts that will help. It isn't hard to assemble one. I have done several and its assembly of parts. Buy PSA to start with to get an ideal, then get the good parts and assemble a nice one or two. The barrel, bolt,trigger, and ammo make the accuracy in an AR. You will enjoy it but it is addictive but I still like my bolt guns better.