The barrel is going to be the hardest part to get without going the route of a purchasing a complete upper. The benefit of a complete upper is that the builder will make sure the bolt has the correct headspace for the barrel, otherwise you (if you have the proper go/no go/field gauges) or a gunsmith will need to check. If you go the barrel route, look for one that already has the front gas block installed and pined, having not to mess with the FGB to install a handguard will make your like alot easier.
As for tools you will need at least a barrel wrench, pin punches/allen wrenches, and a receiver block (this will make things going easier when installing your barrel, barrel nut, FGB and handguard) if youy are planning on building up an upper, if not and are only going to build up the lower you cabn get away with only pin punches and allen wrenches.
Installing the LPK is fairly simple - the hardest part would be installing the roll pin for the bolt release (and even that is not that hard once you know how, I installed 3 in 5 minutes yesterday), the mag release and the selector switch are simple bolt/screw setups. Also installing the springs and detents for the pivot and take down pins can be tricky, but there are lost of tutorials on how to it.
As for the LPK in general, if you are looking for ambi controls, I don't know of any that include them as part of the kit, so you will need to look at getting those parts separate, which will add to the build cost. As for the grip, get a LPK that includes the one you want, otherwise that's another part you will need get.
As for the stock, you will need a buffer tube and the associated parts including a spring and buffer as well as the stock itself.
As for the barrel twist 1.9 is common and will work well with 55g bullets, if you want to shoot heavier bullets, then look at 1.8 or 1.7 twist.
I dunno about saving any money by building up an AR, but you can guarantee that you get exactly what you want.
I just finished building 3 AR's (with 2 more to go!) and I can attest that acquiring the small parts can be the hardest and the most frustrating part of building up your AR, and like someone also mentioned regarding their build, I also went the complete upper route.
I hope this helps...
/cl
As for tools you will need at least a barrel wrench, pin punches/allen wrenches, and a receiver block (this will make things going easier when installing your barrel, barrel nut, FGB and handguard) if youy are planning on building up an upper, if not and are only going to build up the lower you cabn get away with only pin punches and allen wrenches.
Installing the LPK is fairly simple - the hardest part would be installing the roll pin for the bolt release (and even that is not that hard once you know how, I installed 3 in 5 minutes yesterday), the mag release and the selector switch are simple bolt/screw setups. Also installing the springs and detents for the pivot and take down pins can be tricky, but there are lost of tutorials on how to it.
As for the LPK in general, if you are looking for ambi controls, I don't know of any that include them as part of the kit, so you will need to look at getting those parts separate, which will add to the build cost. As for the grip, get a LPK that includes the one you want, otherwise that's another part you will need get.
As for the stock, you will need a buffer tube and the associated parts including a spring and buffer as well as the stock itself.
As for the barrel twist 1.9 is common and will work well with 55g bullets, if you want to shoot heavier bullets, then look at 1.8 or 1.7 twist.
I dunno about saving any money by building up an AR, but you can guarantee that you get exactly what you want.
I just finished building 3 AR's (with 2 more to go!) and I can attest that acquiring the small parts can be the hardest and the most frustrating part of building up your AR, and like someone also mentioned regarding their build, I also went the complete upper route.
I hope this helps...
/cl
