AR Build Questions

Conte said:
That's where buying quality name brand components comes in to play.

This is true tho'. You don't have to worry about headspace, IF, the manufactures did their job right. If you happen to end up with the one bad apple that slipped past QC you could be in trouble. That's a worst case scenario tho', the way AR's work, I figure something would have to be quite grossly out of spec for a disaster to happen.

If the headspace is too tight, the bolt won't close, and if it won't close, it "shouldn't" fire.
If the headspace is a bit too loose, the brass will stretch to fit, and will otherwise function safely. The danger comes from reloading where accelerated wear will cause head separation a few reloadings down the line.
If the headspace is WAY too loose, depending on how the bolt engages the round, and how the round indexes in the chamber, it may not fire, if it does, that when a gun becomes a grenade.

You'll likely be fine. I would also recommend not loosing sleep over it, you're just as likely to win the lottery.
If you're placing an order with someone who has the tool in stock, go for it if you feel the need.

I don't have a headspace tool, but know some tricks as a reloader that I've used.
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Agreed.

A field gauge is $16.99 at brownells. Just saying.

Heck a couple layers of black tape on a casehead is free.

Anyways my point was that you can't assume headspace is good just because the bolt closes.
 
rgv said:
Agreed.

A field gauge is $16.99 at brownells. Just saying.

Heck a couple layers of black tape on a casehead is free.

Anyways my point was that you can't assume headspace is good just because the bolt closes.
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Yeah, theoretically, that will only tell you if the headspace is too tight.

You can get away with it in a pinch. Someone with experience can make a rough judgement of headspace using that trick if they know what to look for.
 
So, the consensus is that a no-go guage measures if headspace is too loose, if its too tight the bolt won't close securely, and any other problems are not a safety concern? I'm seriously considering an AR tool kit that includes all three headspace guages, but don't want to waste much money if I don't need it. I've already dropped a ton of money on this rifle.....got a Daniel Defense M4A1 hand guard ordered now, that was more than the upper and lower combined lol. Magpul STR stock, DD LPK, NEA 12.5" barrel. I believe BCG, gas block and gas tube are my only remaining purchases to come. I bought a cheap COI carbine buffer and spring on Amazon, so ideally I'll find a nicer setup and replace those to keep them as spares.

I think I'm going to order a Motiuk custom lower and put that on this build since most of the rest of the build ended up being nicer brand names than NEA....might as well have a custom lower with all the Daniel Defense parts etc. Then I'll do a new build with mostly NEA parts to help support our Canadian manufacturers. Really, its just an excuse to build another rifle lol.
 
i bought a AR Multi-tool and borrowed a DPMS upper vise block. Only specialty tools I used to build half a dozen AR's.

All ran flawless.

These Stores WANT to sell you these tools. They tell you you need them. Just like any sport.......
 
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rivetc78 said:
i bought a AR Multi-tool and borrowed a DPMS upper vise block. Only specialty tools I used to build half a dozen AR's.

All ran flawless.

These Stores WANT to sell you these tools. They tell you you need them. Just like any sport.......

*Edited to reflect edition by original poster*
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*Edited to reflect edition by original poster* The AR multi tool is already in the mail, along with a handguard removal tool as the package deal had them together, however with the handguard I got having a proprietary barrel nut etc, I don't know that the hand guard removal tool will be much use.

I will get the upper vise block, and can take the upper to my father's house to his vise without an ATT. I'm curious how you held the lower to attach the receiver extension properly? I don't have a set of punches, did you need those for your builds?
 
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my_2_cents said:
I will get the upper vise block, and can take the upper to my father's house to his vise without an ATT. I'm curious how you held the lower to attach the receiver extension properly? I don't have a set of punches, did you need those for your builds?
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A set of punches is really helpful. Someone suggested Anti-Seize in a previous post, I like using grease for my pins so I don't force them; and risk a punch slipping away and scratching the anodizing. Masking tape around the bolt stop pin installation is recommended. When I do the bolt stop pin install, I like to use a pair of (correct name here?) channel-lock pliers adjusted to the correct leverage-length that will now SQUEEZE in that pin into position.

I've used a (cannot remember the size/diameter now) 1/8" or 5/32" pin punch as a 'slave' pin to align the trigger/disconnector assembly from the right/starboard side of the receiver. This 'slave' pin or 'slave' punch ensures that all are in alignment before the pin is inserted smoothly. It should have to be forced. I also lightly grease these 2 pins, an old habit from the M14 skill set.

Good luck and good fun with the build!

Cheers,
Barney
 
Ok, so I installed my Daniel Defense LPK in my NEA lower yesterday, and everything went smoothly. The only tool I used was a screwdriver and my pocket knife. All of the pins slid in with just a light tap using the plastic handle of the screwdriver, the only one that needed a bit more prodding was the bolt catch pin, and that was more because of the awkward angle than anything. I got everything installed without scratching the receiver, and function checking the trigger/hammer and safety work great. I was amazed how easy this was given that it is my first AR build, and I don't own an AR.

My receiver extension tube isn't here yet, so that's the only part for the lower not yet installed. My spike's tactical upper fit snugly, but required only a tap of my hand on the flat top to seat. It took a bit more force to get it off again, but that was with no barrel or pivot pin, so no leverage. A snug fit also means better accuracy from what I understand.
 
The thread I've been looking for...... starting my first AR build. I've used em, owned em, but never built one. Want to go high end but getting parts is a b***h.
 
So far, SFRC and One Shot Tactical have been my two best sources of parts. For SFRC, some of their stuff isn't on the website yet, so you have to call and beg for it. I wanted a 12.5" barrel, so I emailed NEA who told me SFRC was getting three in the mail that morning, so I pestered SFRC repeatedly until they added it to my order. So far as I know, the other two barrels are not yet up on the website.
 
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