AR Doctrines 101 Class

[Grizzman]

I'll guess I'll add that I'll be participating in this endeavor also.

Luckily in most cases, the principles behind the build process are identical no matter which manufacturer makes the components. All barrels are attached in the same manner. All lower parts kits (triggers, safeties, take down pins, etc) are installed the same, with exceptions for some aftermarket units.

It shouldn't be overly difficult to show the installation of both a carbine length 5 position buffer tube (with any mil-spec stock sliding onto it) and an A2 stock. The same should be true with a standard front sight post gas block in addition to a low profile gas block to be installed under free float hand guards.

Speaking of hand guards, this will likely be the most challenging aspect of the class. Except for standard hand guards, each design is installed differently. Directions are included with the hand guards, and they're all pretty easy to install....just different.

[tubbs]

Im not in but will help if you guys need it. In my opinion ARs are pretty straight forward. I think the biggest thing will be getting "adequate" tools for people to use. If you get all of the proper tools to build one you are looking at $100 to start off. Trust me buy the best out there I bough cheap then bought again. I have some various tools that I would be willing to lend out like a lower block and stock wrench. My uncle has the upper block and barrel wrench.

I think the hardest part will be streaming video somehow. But a good set of detailed directions would help. I think it would also be beneficial to show some helpful tips like using vice grips to push certain roll pins in to avoid marring your finish, watch out for flying detents, and make sure the disconnector spring is installed right to avoid full auto things like that.

You surely dont have to have the right tools, hell I put my first lower together with vice grips, a screw driver, claw hammer, razor blade, and cutting board but having the right tools sure does help.

[alazgr8]

I am in no way an expert on AR's, and I hope I don't come across as a know-it-all, but I built 4 AR's (and I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express once) last year with my four sons. I bought complete uppers, so my comments regard the lowers only.

If you look on AR15.com you can find pretty explicit directions, and photo's. It would be a good idea to read as much as possible, and familiarize yourself with the lower reciever parts kit, as some of the springs look pretty similar.

Of the things that can go wrong and is probably the worst thing that can happen during the build is appying too much force on the rear ears of the lower reciever where the trigger guard goes. When you are driving the pin in, you could actually break an ear off.

When driving in the bolt catch pin, if you aren't careful or don't use masking or duct tape to protect the finish you could scratch the lower reciever. Don't ask me how I know. "Nuff said.

If you aren't familiar with the springs or don't use a photo that shows the spring/name you could install a spring in the wrong location, then you will have to drive out the pin that most likely retains the spring to get the springs in the right locations.

To me the most important tools to own are are a small hammer and roll pin punch's. Everything else you can probably borrow.

I think this is a great thing Bass is doing and I will be interested in his lesson on building the upper reciever.

Regards,

Rick

Originally Posted by Bass Ackwardz

If you want to buy the tools to make an AR build easier, heres the rundown...

Upper vise block $49.95
Multi wrench tool $24.95
Roll pin punches $4.99-49.99

You can do it without those tools, but they make it easier. You will need a small hammer, set of pliers/channel locks, painters tape, some sort of punches, and a castle nut wrench. A vise can be a life saver, with or without the upper vise block.

Bill

[titanse05]

Well considering that the last post was May of last year I don't think that this is going to happen.

[Big Smoke]

This thread seems to be a bit played out, but I'm hoping to revive it. I've always wanted an AR, but it was not at the top of my priority list, so I don't have one yet. However, since land is banning the sale and import of AR's on 10/1, the necessity to build one rose to the top of my list. I just bought 2 Lower receivers which I have in my hand, and 2 parts kits, one of which I already installed. Pretty straight forward build, YouTube helps a lot.
But now I'm concentrating on gathering parts for the upper receiver and barrel assembly, and not sure exactly what I want, or how to do it. So many ways to build it, and so many different parts and manufacturers, it's a nightmare for a newbie to AR's.
I said I bought 2 lower receivers. I want one for short range rifle with a Red Dot sight, or EOT, or something, and the other I want for a long range rifle. If and when the SHTF, I want to be ready for whatever comes along.
Any takers in explaining, or helping me out, or anyone else with the same idea?

[Roverron]

There's about any option, caliber, length, etcetcetc. BARREL has to be 16.1" min or you get to apply for stamp. Here's a link: http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_3/4_Build_It_Yourself.html

You will probably have to sign up for membership but there's also most of the mfgr's on this site too.

Goo luck, uppers are only a little more diff to build than a lower. Probably takes longer to figure out/find what you want

[Deleted]

Originally Posted by Roverron

There's about any option, caliber, length, etcetcetc. BARREL has to be 16.1" min or you get to apply for stamp. Here's a link: http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_3/4_Build_It_Yourself.html

You will probably have to sign up for membership but there's also most of the mfgr's on this site too.

Goo luck, uppers are only a little more diff to build than a lower. Probably takes longer to figure out/find what you want

Ron, you can have a 14.5 inch barrel as long as the flash hider/comp is pinned to the barrel. That is what I have on mine.

[douglas_knott]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

This thread seems to be a bit played out, but I'm hoping to revive it. I've always wanted an AR, but it was not at the top of my priority list, so I don't have one yet. However, since land is banning the sale and import of AR's on 10/1, the necessity to build one rose to the top of my list. I just bought 2 Lower receivers which I have in my hand, and 2 parts kits, one of which I already installed. Pretty straight forward build, YouTube helps a lot.
But now I'm concentrating on gathering parts for the upper receiver and barrel assembly, and not sure exactly what I want, or how to do it. So many ways to build it, and so many different parts and manufacturers, it's a nightmare for a newbie to AR's.
I said I bought 2 lower receivers. I want one for short range rifle with a Red Dot sight, or EOT, or something, and the other I want for a long range rifle. If and when the SHTF, I want to be ready for whatever comes along.
Any takers in explaining, or helping me out, or anyone else with the same idea?

Check out psa. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ you can get complete uppers if your wanting to. I have bought 3 or 4 from them. Plus they have a great deal on ten pmags and a lpk. I have two of my rifles topped with aimpoint comp m2's bought off ebay for decent prices.

[titanse05]

I only have one AR that I bought complete and would be interested in building one from the ground up. However, before I'd commit I would be interested in knowing what parts would be used. I would hope that the end product would be a AR that is as durable as possible.

[bvkdphillips]

I'm in on this one too! Sounds like a great opportunity to learn something new!