building an AR

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Nordland

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noob here.

I'm embarking on my first AR-15 build!
...yippee!

I would like to build a CQB/assault style AR. I would like to build mine from scratch.

These rifles appear to be relatively simple to slap together.. I am wondering about tools, what tools do I need? where can I get them(for cheap!)? what are things to look out for when installing the barrel, as this seems to be the most daunting of the entire process?

I would also like some barrel/forend recommendations. I'm looking for either a 10.5" or 14.5" barrel... I know questar had some made recently, that fit the bill... they are however, a little pricey. what rate of twist should I be looking for?

I am looking to have a quadrail system with a hidden gas block. I will utilize a folding battle-sight system. LaRue makes ###y expensive ones... any other suggestions?

the end product is to have a rifle that looks similar to this:

noveske_diplomat.jpg


thanks in advance!
 
Get Brownells catalogue. Get Brownells AR-15 catalogue. LOTS of information. You can get good books and videos detailing all sorts of AR assembling options.
You want to buy first class components for low prices. Everyone would like to do that. Good luck!
A friend of mine rides a Harley. He has mentionned the "chrome don't get you home" section at Harley dealerships. You know, where they sell all the shiney gimcracks that contribute nothing that is actually useful.
ARs are like that, too. Lots of bells and whistles. An AR can be accessorized ad infinitum.
 
Any decent barrel up here will cost $$ . The Questar shorty is actually not a bad price. Even when you could get 10.5s easily over the border, a good 10.5 like a WOA or Noveske would cost you over $500 by the time you got it up here

As far as forend goes, with a carbine gas system you will want a low profile gas block ( everyone makes one now ) with a 9 or 10" forend. You can get Daniel Defense from Wolverine. Harder to get Larue , or KAC etc

AS far as tools, you need a upper reciever block ( I use it all the time to hold my upper even when I am not install barrel ) you plan to do more than one upper buy a good barrel wrench

If you plan to use a railed forend then I wouldn't bother with the standard AR gunsmithing armourer wrench. For the Larue, KAC , PRI that uses their own barrel nuts the holes for the tube, the PRI wrench is far far far better

Here is a link that shows typical tools you need for install. You can see the PRI wrench there

I buy all my AR tools from Brownells

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463

If you go Daniel Defense, you should buy their proprietary wrench ( different for M4 and Lite ). You can get away without it but the wrench is cheap. Same thing for PRI ( proprietary forend retaining nut that requires a C spanner )

Do yourself a favor and try to look for cheap armorour tools. I have thrown out lots of cheap tools over the years.

Although you its not necessary but you should have a torque wrench. I use one for barrel installs all the time.

If you want, I can install your barrel / check headspace and install FF handguard if you are ever in the Lower Mainland

You should price out the components and verify your budget first. I think you will be suprised how quickly it adds up
 
Set a budget on how much you want to spend first or plan it to be a long term project and build as you go to spread out the money over time, base on what you have in mind, you are still looking about 2K by using lower cost parts.

If you want to keep the cost of the build down, watch the Equipment Exchange section like a hawk, keep track of the going rates of what parts are going for, that is the only way to find good prices on parts, plus the additional saving from not having to pay taxes on private sales.
 
We have DPMS 11.5", 1:9, heavy profile, chrome lined barrels in stock. They come with a standard front sight/gas block and a barrel nut. Price is $300.

We can produce a match grade stainless barrel in any length or profile you desire. We have Rock Creek 1:7 blanks in stock and can offer several different chamber options. Price is $550 regardless of configuration.
 
Great thread guys, thanks for all the links. I've got a lower coming and I'm going to give building an AR from scratch a shot over the next year or so. Just have to decide if I want a shorty, or if I'm going to go for a target rifle. Sort of thinking about 6.8. Why oh why must there be so, so many AR parts to pick from?! :)
 
i put together my first ar about two months and aside from the lower (new from dlask) i found all my parts new from the EE. i'm very happy with the build and this has led me to buy two more ar's 6940 and 6920. be careful this could happen to you!
 
Just go buy Arms East N8 Upper. Then you are done. No special tools needed.
You buy whatever lower you want, throw in an LPK and you are shooting the same day.

Cost you like $1500. Screw the builds until you shoot alot and know exactly what will fit your shooting style (and budget).
Why base a build on what looks cool in a magazine?
Building your own will NOT save you money.

I went through 3 AR15's and 2 AR 10's before I decided to build what I want.
I have started...$1000 into the lower alone....and when I get more coin I will start the upper.

Just make sure before you spend alot of money you are buying what you would actually enjoy shooting....and not trying to achieve mall ninja status.

Have fun Assaulting those paper targets:D


Both ATRS and Questar both offer fantastic product - A.E was my example
 
rivetc78 said:
Just go buy Arms East N8 Upper. Then you are done. No special tools needed.
You buy whatever lower you want, throw in an LPK and you are shooting the same day.

Cost you like $1500. Screw the builds until you shoot alot and know exactly what will fit your shooting style (and budget).
Why base a build on what looks cool in a magazine?
Building your own will NOT save you money.

I went through 3 AR15's and 2 AR 10's before I decided to build what I want.
I have started...$1000 into the lower alone....and when I get more coin I will start the upper.

Just make sure before you spend alot of money you are buying what you would actually enjoy shooting....and not trying to achieve mall ninja status.

Have fun Assaulting those paper targets:D


Both ATRS and Questar both offer fantastic product - A.E was my example
Click to expand...

Very true, I went through 3 ARs and I finally know what I want... 6000$ later :(
Got to admit they are fun as hell to build, but unless you;re rich in the coin unlike me..

I've been saving up for a while now, hopefully next year I'll have my build finished.
 
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