Built my first AR - Lessons learned

[philchau]

So I've been slowly collecting parts over the last little while intending to join the AR club. It's pretty addictive finding all the little bits and pieces together and finding out what goes with what.

Here are some pictures of my build

Details

Lower
- Aero Precision stripped lower
- Daniel Defense lower parts kit
- TangoDown Battlegrip
- Magpul ASAP sling mount
- VLTOR Emod stock

Upper
- VLTOR MUR-1
- 10.5" White Oak Armament Stainless Steel Barrel (1/7 twist)
- VLTOR Gas Block
- VLTOR Short Compensator
- VLTOR CASV-S Free-float Handguard
- BCMGUNFIGHTER Charging Handle w/ Mod 4 (MEDIUM) Latch 556
- CMMG F/A BCG w/ Spike's Tactical Bolt Upgrade Kit

Assembly tools
- DPMS panther claw upper mounting block
- Roll pin punch
- Ball-pein hammer
- AR multi wrench
- Propane torch
- Loctite
- Screwdrivers, Hex wrenches

Lessons learned
- Roll pins are a pain in the ass, go gently and lubricate - a roll pin starter punch is a good investment
- I really need a brass hammer - steel hammers will mar your finish if you miss hit your roll pin
- If you put the barrel in the freezer and the gas block in the oven, a really cold barrel will heat up the gas block quicker than you can slide the gas block on
- VLTOR gas block + WOA barrels = TIGHT fit - a blow torch and a wooden dowel was needed to tap the gas block back - ended up scratching the barrel
- I had to eyeball the gas system and the delta ring assembly - wish there was an easier way to line everything up

- AR building is addictive!

 

[Antoine22]

Really nice build. I see that you are a VLTOR whore. But they do make outstanding products though.

 

[polskadude]

Im inlove with your handguard.... Ive never seen that before and I must have one!

Nice build!

 

[50calshooter]

This is a sick Vltor build! Congrats, it's nice to see something differant...

 

[Suputin]

Where did you get the VLTOR brake? I have been trying to get one of those for a couple of years but was under the impression they are ITAR controlled and not exportable being a flash suppressor.

 

[heckler]

Nice build,...AR addicts meetings are every Sat. at range of choice. Welcome

 

[philchau]

Where did you get the VLTOR brake? I have been trying to get one of those for a couple of years but was under the impression they are ITAR controlled and not exportable being a flash suppressor.

Post a couple of WTB ads on the parts section, you'd be amazed at what people have in extra parts kicking around

 

[9x19p]

ARs; never had one, never will.
But your looks fooking awesome.

 

[jono_619]

Where did you get the VLTOR brake? I have been trying to get one of those for a couple of years but was under the impression they are ITAR controlled and not exportable being a flash suppressor.

Fabsports has it on their site.

 

[ESQ]

Great looking rifle.

But I have to ask:

What are the little ears on the rail for? To catch on slings and be annoying, or is there a real use, like as takedown levers?

 

[philchau]

Great looking rifle.

But I have to ask:

What are the little ears on the rail for? To catch on slings and be annoying, or is there a real use, like as takedown levers?

The CASV handguard is a clamshell-type handguard. You squeeze the little ears in on the handguard and pull down on the handguard and the lower part comes off.

 

[Hokus Grey]

Veddy niiiice!!

 

[MasterMC]

It's a one cool looking custom built AR!
I like your VLTOR Emod stock. Where do you get it from?

 

[philchau]

It's a one cool looking custom built AR!
I like your VLTOR Emod stock. Where do you get it from?

They show up from time to time on EE. That's where I got mine.

Some of the "tactical" stores get them in from every so often too.

 

[themarauder]

Very cool build! Wow.

 

[Paulinski]

Nice build...

Vltor products are top notch...