Building an ar-15
- Thread starter alexm14
- Start date
I'd start by checking out some of the videos available on YouTube and Brownells on AR builds to get a basic understanding of the parts and tools that you will need along with how A's function. After that set your budget and start shopping. Lots of the site sponsors carry AR parts. Arms East, SFRC, Freedom Ventures, Questar, One Shot, S&J, CTCS..... And many others have a variety of parts.
You should be able to find most of what you need in Canada and I've had my best luck with Brownells for the more difficult to find bits and tools.
Happy shopping
You should be able to find most of what you need in Canada and I've had my best luck with Brownells for the more difficult to find bits and tools.
Happy shopping
I was going down this path and started to collect parts however, the price for complete ARs have decreased significantly over the last few months and I`m now thinking that it would be cheaper to buy something near what I want and upgrade or switch-out the few parts that might not exactly fit what I want. My cost to build from scratch was significantly more than the buy-and-upgrade option and while I would have ended up with a pretty nice build, it I`m not sure it would be that much nicer than the alternative.
OK great! And now about the tools, what type of tools should I need for this build, from what I've seen, I'll need punches, vise block and wrenches aswell as a torque wrench. Any feedback on what brand to buy would be appreciated! Thanks
I've got the weaver deluxe gunsmith kit, it comes with punches, a hammer with brass and plastic heads, and many sizes and types of bits. Also have the weaver fat grip torque screwdriver, goes up to 80 in/lb and comes with some bits.
They've done good so far for me.
I built an AR between December & March of this year. I was doing it at a bad time due to the shortages of parts all over, but what I would very strongly suggest is that unless you are local to either One Shot Tactical or Questar, you'll end up paying more in shipping to get multiple shipments of small parts than you will to just buy a rifle. Since its just for plinking, go buy an NEA or Norinco rifle for a cheap price and spend the several hundred dollars you've saved on ammo.
SFRC has a sale on them now http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_24_284&products_id=1104
My build has an NEA stripped lower that I got on sale, and an NEA BCG, and NEA barrel, so its basically an NEA and I'm quite happy with it. The thing is that what should have cost me $1000 to buy as a full rifle probably cost me closer to $1800 between extra shipping, and the fact that I had to buy the parts I could find, so got DD railed forend etc. During the worst of the parts shortages there was almost nothing to be had. That railed forend alone cost me $385 plus tax and shipping. I'm very happy with it, but that money would have been better spent on a case of ammo, or the Ruger 10/22 takedown I want now.
..building one would be pretty fun...kinda a labor of love thing...Ive been looking into that way as well...there is soo much info online..lots of manufacturers .. If you arent in a hurry, I think in the long run you would appreciate your AR possibly more if you did put it together yourself.. And kinda learn the ins/outs on that firearm . Either way.. Enjoy!!
The Windham Weaponry SRC AR's are a very good buy; incredible fit and finish, mil spec (save for the commercial buffer tube), life time warranty. I would also highly recommend Daniel Defense; IMO, the best quality AR you can buy in that price range. I purchased both a WW and DD after having tested the budget Norinco & NEA rifles, and I was very glad I did, you will see and feel the difference, don't settle.
Of course, building your own AR from quality parts is quite rewarding.
