1st AR build any advice is good

[slimmer13]

If you're hunting you'll want a larger caliber upper as well... 6.5 grendel or 6.8 SPC.

Depends on what you're hunting.

 

[powermad]

I just assembled an Aero lower with a BCM Gunfighter enhanced LPK and am pretty happy with that.
Everything was in spec in the LPK and the trigger feels pretty good at 6 lbs.
I used an Anderson lower and a PSA LPK the last time and the couple dollars saved isn't worth it.
The tension screw in the Aero lower is a nice feature that snugs up all up tight and the tolerances were dead on.

Same with the Bolt Carrier Group, buy a good one and have a regular ol BCG as a spare. I'm using a Radian BCG and charging handle in my AR15.

The Vltor A5 recoil system is pretty nice but finding parts in stock has been tough as everything has been on backorder even before the covid BS.
The only way I was able to get an A5H2 buffer was to get the EMOD stock kit in foliage green and now those are gone.
I'm pretty sure I got the last A5H4 buffer on the planet for the AR9 I just put together and it should be here today.

And yes, it is true, individual spare parts have a way of becoming a complete gun.

 

[Tony617]

I bought a AR tool set from Brownells some time ago. It was a Obsidian Arms AR-15 punch set. I keep these in my bugout bag.

Complete AR-15 Armorer's Punch Set, 12-piece - Obsidian Arms

 

[PORSCHE928S4]

CDNN SPORTS has a lot of AR parts I picked up a couple of 16 inch 1/9 556 DPMS barrels for $49 each they shoot awesome .

 

[Tony617]

CDNN SPORTS has a lot of AR parts I picked up a couple of 16 inch 1/9 556 DPMS barrels for $49 each they shoot awesome .

1/9" twist is fine but need to be careful firing heavy rounds from 70gr-77gr. Be sure you try them at 100 yards to be they don't keyhole. I have one AR with a 1/9" twist and I have shot 50gr TSX to .223 68gr only. For plinking I use M193 rounds mostly.

 

[sPzAbt]

One thing that I think is underrated is a quality buffer tube. The cheaper ones either don't finish/polish etc the insides of the tubes and they are LOUD. I only buy VLTOR, LMT, or the Rhineland ones. They are silky smooth and make virtually no twang when used with an "enhanced" buffer spring.

 

[PORSCHE928S4]

I have a collection of M855 and the barrel fits the bill perfectly if I need a heavier message sent I switch to the 338 250gr

 

[kbf64]

I disagree with this statement, in part. If you're just building a plinker it's fine to have a solid trigger guard. If you're going to potentially use the rifle in the cold, with thick gloves, having the ability to use a wide-loop guard so your fingertip doesn't fall off is an advantage.

The trigger guard is the same size or larger in the new lowers isnt it?

 

[titsonritz]

The trigger guard is the same size or larger in the new lowers isnt it?

Standard milspec trigger guards and others like KAC have a spring loaded plunger and fold completely out of the way.
KAC Combat Trigger Guard Assembly Knights Armament Company

 

[kbf64]

oh right,

 

[P7M13]

This was my kitchen table 2 hours ago... my wife made me put it away though.

You clearly need more uppers and lowers!

Yeah this is gonna be a dangerous hobby for my wallet lmao

Advice : don't start. It's like getting into sailing, race cars or speed bikes.

Brass pin punches (if using non screwing pins)

No need to get brass, it'll bugger up the aluminum just as bad as steel. Small ball peen hammer (8 oz or lighter).

Magpul armorers wrench

I have that, find the Wheeler is much better at 1/2 the price.

 

[CLee0507]

I disagree with this statement, in part. If you're just building a plinker it's fine to have a solid trigger guard. If you're going to potentially use the rifle in the cold, with thick gloves, having the ability to use a wide-loop guard so your fingertip doesn't fall off is an advantage.

I've never saw that actually put to use though. Every aftermarket trigger guard has been "enhanced" for use with gloves.

 

[titsonritz]

If you use a BCM handguard you will not need an armorers wrench as it comes with a barrel nut wrench which also works on the RE castle nut.
BCM® MCMR-13 (M-LOK® Compatible* Modular Rail)

 

[CLee0507]

No need to get brass, it'll bugger up the aluminum just as bad as steel. Small ball peen hammer (8 oz or lighter).
I have that, find the Wheeler is much better at 1/2 the price.

Good advice.


I have used this for years.

CDNN SPORTS - AR15 ARMORERS TOOL HEAVY DUTY TAPCO

<strong>AR15 ARMORERS TOOL HEAVY DUTY TAPCO</strong> This all-in-one tool has a number of essential features, including a hammer, barrel nut, muzzle device, spanner wrench, forearm wrench and flat tip screwdriver, just to name a few. Manufactured from

www.cdnnsports.com

Edited to add:
I use a 4oz ball peen and 6oz soft face mallet.

 

[Tony617]

I have Brownells Armorer's wrench which works pretty well. It is better than Wheeler Armorer's wrench that I got where the castle nut wrench was worthless. I ordered a 3 of the inexpensive castle nut wrenches from Ebay. They have a rubber grip and 3 cost less than $20.00 at that time.

 

[Jcon268]

Hi all I am getting ready to try my first AR build. Was wanting any advice that more experienced builders could provide. Anything and everything is helpful. Which products would you use or recommend? Where you prefer to shop? I have been thinking of going with a spikes lower and aero upper with a faxon 16" barrel. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

https://sonsoflibertygw.com/

Vltor Weapon Systems

www.vltor.com

Bravo Company USA | AR-15, M16 & M4 Parts and Accessories

Bravo Company USA, Inc is your source for the highest quality parts, & tactical accessories for your AR-15, M16, M4 Carbine

bravocompanyusa.com

SIONICS Weapon Systems

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sionicsweaponsystems.com

Also check out

AR-15 Parts & Accessories | Firearms & Optics | Primary Arms

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Premier Supplier of Firearms, Reloading Supplies, Gunsmithing Tools, Gun Parts and Accessories | Brownells

Brownells is a leading supplier of firearms, reloading & gunsmithing products, gun parts, and ammunition. Since 1939, Brownells has been committed to gunsmiths, shooters, police, and hunters.

www.brownells.com

 

[Wombat of Doom]

This ...The only place loctite should be used is on the gasblock.

Or if using screw on trigger pins, locktight works well for that, though I prefer other forms of anti walk pins.

 

[Turtle_guy]

Depends on what you're hunting.

Deer hunting and target shooting. I've heard both that 5.56 would take a deer down but also it wouldnt. I guess the question I would have is would a 6.5 grendel be any better for this purpose?

 

[Turtle_guy]

Also would this be a decent barrel to start things off with if I go grendel?

 

[slimmer13]

Deer hunting and target shooting. I've heard both that 5.56 would take a deer down but also it wouldnt. I guess the question I would have is would a 6.5 grendel be any better for this purpose?

Yes, the Grendel is a better deer round, although with a 5.56 and some good soft points, i wouldnt feel undergunned on deer. My state feels differently.

The downsides of the Grendel are less material on the boltface, which makes it weaker, and more expensive mags and ammo.

In my opinion, the Grendel does lots of things ok, but doesn't really excell at any.