New to AR builds

[Mono1]

Just looking for Ideas on my build.

I'm not sure anyone here has provided much helpful info, bro.

I would start by deciding if you want to just build the Lower and then buy a complete Upper/Barrel combo to add to it.




Uppers are more difficult and require more precision. So, for your first one you might want to buy the Upper complete.

Lowers are simpler. There are many Youtube Videos out there that take you step-by step.

I would suggest you start with a Lower build first. Don't be afraid of Polymer Lowers, I have a couple of FMK's and they are flawless, all the parts fit perfectly and they are excellent guns at much lower cost:

Lower Receivers - FMK Firearms

Get the right for your custom AR-15 build from AT3 Tactical. Shop with us and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $99!

www.at3tactical.com

Once you have a Lower, you will need a "Lower Parts Kit". Available most places, I recommend MidwayUSA:

Shop Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Products | MidwayUSA

MidwayUSA.com sells Just About Everything® for Shooting, Hunting and the Outdoors; our Nitro Express™ provides Super-Fast, Low-Cost Shipping.

www.midwayusa.com

Once you watch a few videos, you will see that there are special tools you will need. Brownells has them all:

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

Add your Upper/Barrel Combo, and you're Good To Go! Tackle the Upper Build on your 2nd try

Good Luck! and...

See you at the Range!

PS: PM me if you need help

 

[rjmt]

the only acceptable outcome for an AR15.....

View attachment 1179307

it depends on the objective of your build - a barn wall at 100 yrds or bullseye at 600 yrds
I have both and they each have a place in your shooting objectives
my preference is an AR mid gas piston system with 16" bbl in 6.5 Grendel
the best barrel you can afford
free float tube
Tubb buffer spring, H2 buffer weight
Geissele trigger without doubt

 

[GrayGoose]

This one has a 2" barrel:

 

[Heyjoe]

^this. Build your lower if you want to but as a new guy I would not recommend building an upper. It will cost more and be less valuable should you decide to sell it. I'd recommend BCM for important parts like barrel and bolt/carrier.

 

[rjmt]

This one has a 2" barrel:

View attachment 1179312

what's your accuracy at 600 yrds?

 

[TTSX]

what's your accuracy at 600 yrds?

2

 

[rjmt]

2

2 minute of barn door?

 

[Koda]

it depends on the objective of your build - a barn wall at 100 yrds or bullseye at 600 yrds
I have both and they each have a place in your shooting objectives
my preference is an AR mid gas piston system with 16" bbl in 6.5 Grendel
the best barrel you can afford
free float tube
Tubb buffer spring, H2 buffer weight
Geissele trigger without doubt

The OP didn't state an objective for his build. For a infantry rifle... which both are designed for by intent they are both pretty much equals and both are highly accurate for infantry needs.
But to clarify, my comment was mostly to joke around but hopefully he will be more specific in what he wants.
The one advantage of an AR is its way more modular and can be built for precision

 

[TTSX]

2 minute of barn door?

just 2

 

[Caveman Jim]

what's your accuracy at 600 yrds?

MOM. Minute of Mile…

 

[rjmt]

The OP didn't state an objective for his build. For a infantry rifle... which both are designed for by intent they are both pretty much equals and both are highly accurate for infantry needs.
But to clarify, my comment was mostly to joke around but hopefully he will be more specific in what he wants.
The one advantage of an AR is its way more modular and can be built for precision

granted
I'm an old High Power shooter, I judge my rifles in MOA out to 600 yrds
but these are pampered target rifles, carried in padded cases
not an infantry rifle used in the Ukraine mud
I have an old Mosin that someone threw on a barb wire obstacle, and soldiers ran over it, leaving barb wire scars in the stock
this is not happening with my AR builds

 

[Koda]

leaving barb wire scars in the stock
this is not happening with my AR builds

not yours and mine AR builds but for an infantry manufactured rifle yes.

The OP really needs to clarify what he needs here. If he needs precision then the AR excels, if he needs a basic self defense rifle then he can build virtually any AR he wants.

Note: The OP joined just yesterday and this is his only contribution to the group. Hopefully he will reply.

 

[rjmt]

not yours and mine AR builds but for an infantry manufactured rifle yes.

The OP really needs to clarify what he needs here. If he needs precision then the AR excels, if he needs a basic self defense rifle then he can build virtually any AR he wants.

Note: The OP joined just yesterday and this is his only contribution to the group. Hopefully he will reply.

then I'll kickback and wait for this new member to specify what they want
I have been known to overload individuals with technical data, even before I retired
but an AR in 6.5 Grendel is not only a good self defense firearm, target rifle, but legal for hunting Elk in Washington state
try that with your AK

 

[Koda]

then I'll kickback and wait for this new member to specify what they want
I have been known to overload individuals with technical data, even before I retired
but an AR in 6.5 Grendel is not only a good self defense firearm, target rifle, but legal for hunting Elk in Washington state
try that with your AK

An AK47 is legal for elk too....
they both have their merits but Ive always wanted to build an AR with the Grendel and am continuously teetering on that idea. This is where the AR is way more versatile and wins.

 

[TTSX]

then I'll kickback and wait for this new member to specify what they want
I have been known to overload individuals with technical data, even before I retired
but an AR in 6.5 Grendel is not only a good self defense firearm, target rifle, but legal for hunting Elk in Washington state
try that with your AK

.30 caliber is legal if .264 is, so is this a jab at the AK platform? I'm sure they can be made to be minute of elk just fine.

 

[Koda]

Just to clarify my comment about the AK was in jest to incite the OP to respond. He joined yesterday and this is his only contribution so far and its so vague its pointless unless he clarifies.

 

[Koda]

edit to add...
but by all means if the OP doesnt reply I think it would be more fun to compare the 6.5 Grendel vs the AK47 (7.62) for hunting elk....
at least thats a caliber war Ive never seen yet anyways.

 

[Mono1]

This one has a 2" barrel:

Oh Jesus!

 

[rjmt]

.30 caliber is legal if .264 is, so is this a jab at the AK platform? I'm sure they can be made to be minute of elk just fine.

I have owned and shot my AK platform since 1989 - I know the strengths and weaknesses of the AK
and hunting elk is not one of it's strengths
what is the closest you ever got to and elk during hunting season?
will your AK accurately shoot that far with the energy and accuracy to bring down an Roosevelt Elk?
at 300 yrds, your 7.62x39 will give you 550 lbs of energy and drops 27"
at the same range a good Grendel hunting bullet will give you 1150 lbs and drop only 8"
which one do you want to try?

 

[DirectDrive]

edit to add...
but by all means if the OP doesnt reply I think it would be more fun to compare the 6.5 Grendel vs the AK47 (7.62) for hunting elk....
at least thats a caliber war Ive never seen yet anyways.

Cartridge wars are fun, but for a first AR go 5.56/.223