AR15 Build Decisions for Newbies

[Aero Denezol]

FWIW I own a machine shop and I take no offense to the term "build".

I also don't recommend a newbie build their own AR as you need the right tools, jigs, a vice and a workbench which a lot of guys don't have. If you don't have the right gear you will guaranteed booger up a few roll pins and lose some tiny springs and then smash your knuckles and pinch your skin, which will take the fun out of it. Better off learning safety, maintenance, and shooting technique before investing more heavily in ARs. For newbies, at least.

 

[Vendor Hidden]

Great channel for AR builds School of the American Rifle

School of the American Rifle

Welcome to School of the American Rifle YouTube Page! www.schooloftheamericanrifle.com https://sotarsociety.com/ www.facebook.com/SchooloftheAmericanRifle https://m.facebook.com/groups/266561930649102 www.instagram.com/schooloftheamericanrifle School of the American Rifle is a...

www.youtube.com

 

[Member 55555]

Great thread with a lot of "perspective."
I have two questions:
1. Are the lower parts kit for an AR15 and the AR10 the same? (I've "built" them both and they look identical)
2. That little spring under the disconnector; why does installing it upside down make the gun NOT run right?

Thank you.

 

[3MTA3]

Great thread with a lot of "perspective."
I have two questions:
1. Are the lower parts kit for an AR15 and the AR10 the same? (I've "built" them both and they look identical)
2. That little spring under the disconnector; why does installing it upside down make the gun NOT run right?

Thank you.

1: Depends on the AR10 pattern - there are several. That's one of the drawbacks to the platform. DPMS is the most common, but I see an eventual future of a Ruger based pattern, which IIRC is AR15 parts compatible.

2; Dunno, but my guess is mechanical fit since the spring is tapered.

 

[msgriff]

Great thread with a lot of "perspective."
I have two questions:
1. Are the lower parts kit for an AR15 and the AR10 the same? (I've "built" them both and they look identical)
2. That little spring under the disconnector; why does installing it upside down make the gun NOT run right?

Thank you.

There are some differences in the LPKs. Here's a list of parts compatibility. Gen I is the typical DPMS LR308 large frame. Gen II is a small frame short action (.308, etc.) and is currently not in production. This list has some errors and caveats, but is a good start.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

Wish Me Luck!

 

[TTSX]

Wish Me Luck!
View attachment 2042556
View attachment 2042557

You're gonna learn the pain of flying pins/springs and the inevitable loss of them into your carpet forever.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

You're gonna learn the pain of flying pins/springs and the inevitable loss of them into your carpet forever.

I can only go strike 1. I have 1 spring backup.

 

[Unka-Boo]

Wish Me Luck!
View attachment 2042556
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lol....me yesterday...




I've done at least two dozen over the years, it's not rocket science by any means. I did launch a detent pin into orbit like a rookie though.. Good thing Curts is close....

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Even I assembled one....
If a guy who owns and shoots guns like these....

IMG_3596.jpeg

• Andy54Hawken
• Aug 13, 2024

Can put together one of these....

AR15 and a 100 yard target , shot off hand

• Andy54Hawken
• Apr 10, 2020

You can too...
Just be sure to keep extra pins and springs on hand.
Andy

 

[Lazyfaire]

You're gonna learn the pain of flying pins/springs and the inevitable loss of them into your carpet forever.

OP -- you can buy what is called an OOPS kit. Has extra springs and detents for when you do lose them.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

I shouldn't have installed that trigger guard, I could have gotten an aluminum or steel with spring loaded.
The other thing is the springed guided pin on the castle nut. When I wrench it to the max, it locks the the pin and I cant put the buffer springs and piston properly. So I have it back it up a hair so the springed pin starts moving. So far everything seems to be set right including the trigger. It snaps and releases properly when I back the trigger.
Other than that it seems like its ready to rock!

 

[3MTA3]

Wish Me Luck!
View attachment 2042556
View attachment 2042557

This nifty "tool" will make that front take down pin a lot easier to install. There is a good chance you can find one at your local hardware store.Way easier to use than the razor blade method.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJNaTjvQaVQ&pp=ygUTY2xvdmlzIHBpbiBhciBsb3dlcg%3D%3D

 

[ilikegunspdx]

You're gonna learn the pain of flying pins/springs and the inevitable loss of them into your carpet forever.

New on the market. Spring containment system.

 

[Lazyfaire]

I shouldn't have installed that trigger guard, I could have gotten an aluminum or steel with spring loaded.
The other thing is the springed guided pin on the castle nut. When I wrench it to the max, it locks the the pin and I cant put the buffer springs and piston properly. So I have it back it up a hair so the springed pin starts moving. So far everything seems to be set right including the trigger. It snaps and releases properly when I back the trigger.
Other than that it seems like its ready to rock!

View attachment 2042929

You'll learn by doing. Never be afraid to ask questions.

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

This nifty "tool" will make that front take down pin a lot easier to install. There is a good chance you can find one at your local hardware store.Way easier to use than the razor blade method.

View attachment 2042956

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJNaTjvQaVQ&pp=ygUTY2xvdmlzIHBpbiBhciBsb3dlcg%3D%3D

I have to push the metal magazine more to click and snap. Hopefully its just a break in.

Hopefully it will be my last....

 

[Lazyfaire]

The store bought pivot pin tool is plastic and it works just fine for AR-15s but does not work for AR-10s (spacing is wider on the 10). I should buy a Clevis pin for both. This is a good alternative.

 

[TTSX]

I have to push the metal magazine more to click and snap. Hopefully its just a break in.

Hopefully it will be my last....
View attachment 2042977
View attachment 2042978

What's the other side look like? Did you put a neat ol scratch in it?

 

[titsonritz]

This nifty "tool" will make that front take down pin a lot easier to install. There is a good chance you can find one at your local hardware store.Way easier to use than the razor blade method.

View attachment 2042956

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJNaTjvQaVQ&pp=ygUTY2xvdmlzIHBpbiBhciBsb3dlcg%3D%3D

Launch prevention is all about correct technique. This is the proper tool designed specific specifically for that purpose.

BROWNELLS AR-15 FRONT PIVOT PIN ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY KIT | Brownells

Check out BROWNELLS AR-15 FRONT PIVOT PIN ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY KIT | Brownells available Online at Brownells Today and many more Rifle Tools products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.

www.brownells.com

 

[HiFi Magnetics]

What's the other side look like? Did you put a neat ol scratch in it?

So far I haven't dropped it in the field yet. The stock one was a darling to fire. I hope this new polished trigger would change a bit...