Hey guys. I've just started learning about the so called black guns, and I found a video series on Brownells. Anybody know any other good resources that talk about the types of parts, list of brands, etc? Brownell's link: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/guntechdetail/How_to_Build_An_AR-15_Video
Here's a great addition to the videos: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Assembly-Guide-AR-15-Vol/dp/1888722126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245609895&sr=1-1
Thanks for the tip on the book. It'll be my new coffee table book. Those brownell videos were a decent introduction, I'm looking forward to more detail in the book.
Here's another great read on the rise of the AR 15 in competitive shooting...it's loaded with tips on how to get the most out of your AR. http://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Ultra-Accurate-AR-15/dp/1931220018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245638791&sr=1-1
I used those videos combined with some information from http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=4 They have a helpful schematic of what all the little pieces in the Lower parts kit are. and built 2 lowers in about an hour or so. It probably would have taken less, but I kept double checking things and making sure it was really this easy. A couple of punches, and a hammer was all it took. I'm really looking forward to finishing off those 2 and maybe building another. One is my first, and the other is for my Father in-law.