1st build help.

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ForsakenConservative

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+1 on the Anderson stuff...... I built a few and have not been disappointed. Perfectly functional, affordable, and we’re talking about ARs, not custom walnut and steel.....fit and function is the goal! A co-worker spent big $ on Spikes Tactical lowers and after waiting forever to get them, some pin hole were mis-drilled! High cost is no guarantee.....
The advice for tools is also on the spot, but you might ask around. Many in my circle have the once-in-a-while tools, and are willing to lend the tools and some help. Aside from Anderson, I’ve used DelTon kits, been happy with function and accuracy, but their nitride work could be better.
One thing I learned is many advertise “MilSpec” bolts that are not High Pressure Tested and Magnetic Particle Inspected, meaning they do not meet the specification. The argument can be made about modern materials and processes negating the need, but the spec still stands for a reason, right?
My last thought would be a book by Patrick Sweeney “Gunsmithing the AR-15”. He discusses stuff that may not occur to some involving timing, gas systems and the effect of different buffer weights, to start.....
Beginning with a “rifle kit” that has the barrel installed already is a good way to start and avoid some mis-matched parts problems, and doing an “80%” lower is rewarding in itself-at that point, it truly is “your gun”! Good luck, don’t spend a fortune (you don’t need to) and have fun!
 

dennishoddy

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+1 on the Anderson stuff...... I built a few and have not been disappointed. Perfectly functional, affordable, and we’re talking about ARs, not custom walnut and steel.....fit and function is the goal! A co-worker spent big $ on Spikes Tactical lowers and after waiting forever to get them, some pin hole were mis-drilled! High cost is no guarantee.....
The advice for tools is also on the spot, but you might ask around. Many in my circle have the once-in-a-while tools, and are willing to lend the tools and some help. Aside from Anderson, I’ve used DelTon kits, been happy with function and accuracy, but their nitride work could be better.
One thing I learned is many advertise “MilSpec” bolts that are not High Pressure Tested and Magnetic Particle Inspected, meaning they do not meet the specification. The argument can be made about modern materials and processes negating the need, but the spec still stands for a reason, right?
My last thought would be a book by Patrick Sweeney “Gunsmithing the AR-15”. He discusses stuff that may not occur to some involving timing, gas systems and the effect of different buffer weights, to start.....
Beginning with a “rifle kit” that has the barrel installed already is a good way to start and avoid some mis-matched parts problems, and doing an “80%” lower is rewarding in itself-at that point, it truly is “your gun”! Good luck, don’t spend a fortune (you don’t need to) and have fun!

Good advice on the timing issues with buffers and springs.
For the OP, There are a lot of idiosyncrasies in tuning the rifle. Most factory uppers are over gassed on purpose to increase reliability, but adjustable gas blocks and the correct buffer along with a brake on the muzzle can reduce the recoil to zero. If your going to be taking one aimed shot at a time, a standard AR upper will do the job. If tuning one for competition where fast target acquisition is the key, you will need to make those mods.
One building a rifle wonders why a 55 grain is accurate in their rifle while a heavier bullet is not?
It's all about the rifling. 1:9 shoots the lighter bullets great, 1:7 is for heavier bullets.
Lots of factors in other calibers to determine the right twist for the bullet to be used, but this is for the .223/5.56.
Good luck on your build!
OSA is a good place to look for used parts. People buy an entire rifle, decide they want to mod it and put the parts up for sale at a reasonable price. I built my first with this method. When $400 DPMS AR's were going for $1000+ during the obama days, I built one with used parts under $500.
You can get a good deal on some parts from folks that know your looking to actually build to use vs some on here that are gouging for prices in this new more expensive world to resell and make a profit.
 

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