How hard is it to put together an upper receiver for AR

[Tony617]

I have a third lower receiver that I still need to build and so how hard is to build an upper receiver? I have a mid-length gas tube and bought a BCM low profile gas block which is .750" set screw style. I know I need an upper receiver, barrel and hand guards set still. I have a few forward assist assemblies and few spare ejection doors. What else do I need?

Thank you.

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[Mister Bisley]

Not hard at all...I just made a pretty decent build with not much prior AR knowledge or experience.

I found this video to be helpful...

 

[DirectDrive]

I have a third lower receiver that I still need to build and so how hard is to build an upper receiver? I have a mid-length gas tube and bought a BCM low profile gas block which is .750" set screw style. I know I need an upper receiver, barrel and hand guards set still. I have a few forward assist assemblies and few spare ejection doors. What else do I need?

Thank you.

Not that difficult if you have decent tools.

You need a fixture to hold the upper.
You need a bench vice to hold the fixture.
Wrench for your particular barrel nut.
Torque wrench is best for first time builders.
Roll pin punch for forward assist and gas tube install.

The best, free AR Build videos are here :
https://www.brownells.com/guntech/how-to-build-an-ar/index.htm

 

[Diamondback]

The hardest part is correctly torquing the barrel nut. Other than that, the rest is practically Shake The Box.

 

[Tony617]

Not hard at all...I just made a pretty decent build with not much prior AR knowledge or experience.

I found this video to be helpful...

Informative video. The only thing I fault him for is not wearing gloves when he is cleaning and lubricating everything. I did not wear gloves to begin with either but I buy the nitrile gloves from Costco. I have a cordless drill but no drill press so not sure if have the ability to holding my drill steady to drill a hole for securing the gas block. I guess I can do the drilling in stages for the gas block so I do not over drill the barrel.

 

[Mister Bisley]

Oh...you're doing an 80%? A little more difficult.

 

[Tony617]

The hardest part is correctly torquing the barrel nut. Other than that, the rest is practically Shake The Box.

I do I have a 3/8" torque wrench but need an adapter to torque my barrel down. If the adapter is 1/2" then I would need to be a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter which is really cheap.

 

[Tony617]

Oh...you're doing an 80%? A little more difficult.

No I have a stripped lower receiver but I want to try my hand at building an upper receiver too, Right now I have built two lower receivers and bough fully assembled upper receivers.

 

[ZA_Survivalist]

You can't assemble one from a toilet.
You can however build a complete lower while on the toilet.

 

[Wombat of Doom]

Magpul wrench makes it easy. If you buy a full BCG it is stupid easy.

 

[DirectDrive]

If you buy a full BCG it is stupid easy.

Wut ?

 

[Wombat of Doom]

Wut ?

I don't know if you consider it differently, but for me it has been easy. And being a lefty I typically buy full BCGs.

I do find the magpul wrench helpful.

 

[Cerberus Group]

You won't need a drill to build an upper, and from your first post, seems you know what you need to finish it.

 

[Tony617]

You can't assemble one from a toilet.
You can however build a complete lower while on the toilet.

I already built two complete lowers and have all of the tools. I just want to build a complete upper receiver at least once.

 

[DirectDrive]

[QUOTE

I already built two complete lowers and have all of the tools. I just want to build a complete upper receiver at least once.

You know you can't do just one.

 

[Tony617]

Magpul wrench makes it easy. If you buy a full BCG it is stupid easy.

I have a Brownell's AR wrench already.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...renches/ar-15-armorer-s-wrench-prod80294.aspx

 

[Wombat of Doom]

Well then, should be easy. I have enjoyed building mine. Though, I must confess that it inspired me to rebuild my right handed alternative calibers as lefty.

 

[DirectDrive]

There are several types of fixtures for your upper available.
Everyone has a favorite type.
This one is about the lowest cost solution that will not damage your upper if used correctly and it can be used for billet uppers.
Do not use it for barrel work in the vertical position.
NO-S.C.A.R. 223 upper RECEIVER vise block ARMORERS 4/15 barrel nut tool | eBay

Brownell's has probably the nicest clamshell but it won't work for a billet upper.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx

The Geissele Reaction Rod is yet another solution.
Geissele Reaction Rod AR-15 Vise Block Steel - MPN: 10-169

 

[Tony617]

There are several types of fixtures for your upper available.
Everyone has a favorite type.
This one is about the lowest cost solution that will not damage your upper if used correctly and it can be used for billet uppers.
Do not use it for barrel work in the vertical position.
NO-S.C.A.R. 223 upper RECEIVER vise block ARMORERS 4/15 barrel nut tool | eBay

Brownell's has probably the nicest clamshell but it won't work for a billet upper.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...16-upper-receiver-action-block-prod22385.aspx

The Geissele Reaction Rod is yet another solution.
Geissele Reaction Rod AR-15 Vise Block Steel - MPN: 10-169

I have a Brownell's vise block set already as well.

 

[B5Ben]

A buddy has the magpul wrench and I was a bit disappointed by it. The closed ends on it really limit the applications it can be used on. I think the wheeler wrench is better due to the open ends. I like the fact that the magpul is cast for strength, but it has its short comings. Uppers are easy. If you've done a lower, you can likely do an upper with the proper tools and tips.