Anyone here put together an AR lower?

[GMThunder]

I want one of those evil black rifles. Any special tools needed? It's fairly easy and straight forward I take it?

Also are all lower parts kits created equal?.... minues the trigger of course.

[CAR-AR-M16]

I have done it about 10 times. Very easy, no special tools needed unless you are using a collapsible stock (you need a special wrench to properly tighten the nut that holds it on). Step by step instructions are available on AR15.com. (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782)

[DrBaker]

If you need the collapsible stock wrench they can be found cheap at CDNN etc. I got mine for a few bucks.

[Scott_In_OKC]

I bought the super-mondo barrel/stock/flash suppressor installing wrench at a gun show for $20 I think. It's well worth it.

Assembling an AR lower is a snap, just read the instructions on AR15.com and you'll have no problems. The upper is just as easy, you will need a few extra tools however (namely, barrel wrench, vise and a receiver block), if you want to do it right.

[billpete]

I second, third, and fourth what everybody here has said already...

ar15.com really helps, and me and a buddy built two lowers with common tools....in the absence of all the "nice" stuff to have, a second pair of hands really helps!

good luck, and you can do it!

[c10bonanza]

Okay okay I am intrigued! I know that there are a million different AR set ups, but realistically what would it cost me to build my own?

I think my only requirements would be that it have a flat-top, battle iron sights, collapsible stock, and chrome lined barrel. All do-daads and accessories would be much farther down the road.

It would be used for mainly plinking (no need for match accuracy, but it should be accurate) and a SHTF rifle.

What am I looking at? Could it be done for $600? Even $500? What are some good kits to go for? I am a complete newb to black rifles. I have heard RRA are good quality pieces.

[GMThunder]

Okay okay I am intrigued! I know that there are a million different AR set ups, but realistically what would it cost me to build my own?

I've been researching this lately aswell..... and I'm looking at 650-ish with a stag lower, cmt parts, and an RRA upper.

[billpete]

i built mine with a stag lower, and then went with a del-ton upper...

it runs like a champ, went together easy, and ran me about $600ish

you might be able to find some deals on the EE at ar15.com as well

[blake711]

best prices I have seen online is www.eaglefirearms.net have heard lots of good stuff about them. I just purchased a new Stag lower from someone here and plan to get a Stag or RRA Upper from eagle firearms soon. Just haven't decieded what option to get for rear sights. A Dominator mount or an Arms 40L Buis.

[c10bonanza]

I have done it about 10 times. Very easy, no special tools needed unless you are using a collapsible stock (you need a special wrench to properly tighten the nut that holds it on). Step by step instructions are available on AR15.com. (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782)


I'm going to go forward with a build as soon as everyone gets items back in stock. Dang Californians! :censored:

I'll get the stock wrench for the collapsible stock. Do I really need the "roll pin punches" or will my ordinary punches do the same trick just as easy?

[CAR-AR-M16]

I'm going to go forward with a build as soon as everyone gets items back in stock. Dang Californians! :censored:

I'll get the stock wrench for the collapsible stock. Do I really need the "roll pin punches" or will my ordinary punches do the same trick just as easy?

The roll pin puches make it easier to start the pins and then you finish with a regular flat punch. If you are careful (or can get an extra set of hands) you can do it with regular punches.

[c10bonanza]

The roll pin puches make it easier to start the pins and then you finish with a regular flat punch. If you are careful (or can get an extra set of hands) you can do it with regular punches.


Where is the best (cheapest) place to buy some of these? I am on an extremely tight budget.

thanks! :thumb:

[CAR-AR-M16]

Where is the best (cheapest) place to buy some of these? I am on an extremely tight budget.

thanks! :thumb:

I bought mine from Brownells years ago. They should still carry them, but probably not very cheap. You might call Sears and see if craftsman makes these.

[DrBaker]

Where is the best (cheapest) place to buy some of these? I am on an extremely tight budget.

thanks! :thumb:

Check eBay. Sometimes you can find it on the cheap.

[GMThunder]

I tried to find some at Sears awhile back and couldn't find any..... anyone know the sizes?

[blake711]

you can find them normally at the chinese tool places. Also I have seen them before I thought at places like Big Lots. Mind you these aren't SnapOn qaulity but they are ok for occasional use.

[GMThunder]

Ok what's a "chinese tool place"?

[blake711]

Ok what's a "chinese tool place"?
Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/retail_stores.taf?f=detail&Retail_Store_ID=63) for example. Steves wholesale places like that. Where they sell all chinese cheap-O-tools.

[c10bonanza]

I guess I am confused. I thought you were telling me that I should use the specific "roll pin punches" and not the normal punches I already have.

Am I misunderstanding everyone to say that all these cheap stores carry "real" roll pin punches?????

[CAR-AR-M16]

C10, you can put together the lower with standard punches. You just need to take your time and have an extra set of hands to help. The roll pin punches just make it easier to keep from messing up. There are actually two types of roll pin punches (roll pin starter punches and roll pin punches).

Here is a link to the roll pin punches http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5551&title=ROLL+PIN+PUNCHES

Here is a link to the roll pin starter punches http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=20640&title=ROLL+PIN+STARTER+PUNCHES

There are also roll pin holders http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=781&title=ROLL+PIN+HOLDERS

[c10bonanza]

Thanks CAR!