AR build
- Thread starter boombag13
- Start date
Brownells videos are great resources for your first build. The only really need to know info is torque values for different pieces. For the most part you could guess where all the parts go and you'll probably get it right. These rifles are stupid simple to put together.
Aprilia Man
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Canadian "WET" Coast (Raincouver)
Lots of how-to's in Youtube as well.
I built my first AR on my first "workbench" (an old low dresser with the drawers removed). I had no vise or punches, no AR tools, and no instructions. Today I still own that AR, I did build more with the correct tools but the first one will always be mine, Motiuk did write my initials on the side after all.
What I'm saying is, if I can do it, anyone can. I'll also let you borrow my tools if you need them, you just pay the shipping both ways.
Buy an "AR armorers wrench". It has all the basics which makes life a fair bit easier. Aside from that, you will NEED punches which can be bought from princess auto, basic around the house tools like a small hammer and a screwdriver(or Allen key set(or both)).
The only real important part of building an AR is torquing on the barrel nut. If you're doing it yourself, I strongly recommend a decent torque wrench and a geissele reaction rod. That being said that's about 200 bucks in tools right there and a gunsmith will usually only charge you a few bucks to do so.
Alternatively, there's a few gun nuts here that will loan out tools for a small price (myself included) if that's an option you'd want to take.
30-80 ft/lbs on the barrel nut, at least that's what I was taught. Quite a variance but you have to line up the gas tube hole usually, depending on nut. Also there are tons of articles and videos now. Don't think much else is torqued, except scope rings. I stake my castle nuts, but not everyone does. Loctite is a debated issue as well. Read up and make your own informed opinions as well, know what you're doing and why you're doing it.
Other then that, have fun and be safe. Any tools you want to try out before buying just pay shipping both ways and you can borrow mine.
Greenhorse six
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
And to save a lot of swearing , a roll pin starter punch is a must have .
playinghooky
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Mainland
If you have channel lock pliers it'll help putting rollpins in without hammering.
Recently built my first AR too; it's a very enjoyable project - the research and hunt for parts is half the fun. I already had a pretty good stock of small hand tools and picked up a few specific parts at decent prices on the EE. Lots of great vids on YT as already mentioned, it's not a difficult job at all - just paying attention to the details and having patience is key.
Just built my first AR as well, I picked up the following tools:
- Armourer's wrench
- Magpul BEV Block
- Roll pin punches
- Roll pin starter punches
- Aeroshell grease
True North Arms usually carries most of this stuff and their prices are great. I bought my punches from Brownell's as they seemed to be of higher quality.
Ballistic Advantage has a decent series of AR-15 assembly videos on YT. I ran into a few bumps along the way and there always seemed to be an answer only a Google query away.
Go slow, "measure thrice and cut once" and have fun!
- Armourer's wrench
- Magpul BEV Block
- Roll pin punches
- Roll pin starter punches
- Aeroshell grease
True North Arms usually carries most of this stuff and their prices are great. I bought my punches from Brownell's as they seemed to be of higher quality.
Ballistic Advantage has a decent series of AR-15 assembly videos on YT. I ran into a few bumps along the way and there always seemed to be an answer only a Google query away.
Go slow, "measure thrice and cut once" and have fun!
