What should a person do/know before an AR build

[briarcreekguy]

OK, I've kind of got the bug to build an AR style rifle. I've always been the kind of guy that has some project going, from learning how to sand cast metal to building my own beehives and frames. Now that I have MS, I'm kind of hampered by the weather what I can do in the un-air conditioned shop. I've watched a bunch of YouTube video's and think it is within my skill set to assemble a rifle, but I like to know everything there is to know, before I start a project. So does anyone have any sugestions on what to read or watch before I begin?

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Youtube is great! Use masking tape to protect the finish when driving the pins in. Assembling the lower springs inside a large ziploc bag will help catch a spring that often times shoots out when assembling.

 

[jc5420]

Youtube should show pretty much EVERYTHING there is to building an AR15. Even though almost all are fine, you still should always check headspace. There is no reason not to check it in "building" any gun.

 

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

Brownell's has some free videos http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/learn/ and a checklist http://www.brownells.com/UserDocs/Miscellaneous/ARCLform.pdf
I haven't started building one yet, but I will in the future.

 

[NikatKimber]

For the roll pins, I use a set of these pliers:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_404860-22328-87137_0__

They can be hard to find on google, but Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, and most places that sell tools will have them. "Parallel Jaw Pliers" is the best description of them. They are magic on roll pins.

With those, and common household tools, the lower can built from parts easily by anyone that is remotely handy with tools. The upper will require a vise, and vise block, and a barrel nut wrench.

 

[tRidiot]

Youtube should show pretty much EVERYTHING there is to building an AR15. Even though almost all are fine, you still should always check headspace. There is no reason not to check it in "building" any gun.

Hahaha.... I remember asking about headspace. Turned into a whole big mess of people piling on saying what an idiot I was for even considering it - even though I prefaced it by saying I know it wasn't "necessary", but if I wanted to do it to be thorough and do things 100% RIGHT, how would I go about it. God, that thread got me so mad, buncha people want to act like fools because someone wants to do things the safest and most thorough way possible. lol I oughtta go back and read that again, so I can remember who the jackholes were. lol

 

[briarcreekguy]

Has anyone purchased a lower from this company? Seems like they have some amazingly low prices for forged lowers.

http://www.tacticalmachining.com/100-receivers/ar15-lower-receivers.html

 

[O4L]

Has anyone purchased a lower from this company? Seems like they have some amazingly low prices for forged lowers.

http://www.tacticalmachining.com/100-receivers/ar15-lower-receivers.html

They have a single shot AR 15 lower!

Never heard of such a thing.

 

[Biggsly]

They have a single shot AR 15 lower!

Never heard of such a thing.

I have seen people use them with the 50 bmg uppers. Looks pretty good.

 

[O4L]

I have seen people use them with the 50 bmg uppers. Looks pretty good.

Yeah, that was about the only thing I could think of to use it on.