AR15 build--what tools are required?

[JRD77VET]

Thinking about an AR15 build. Maybe a varmint type build, flat top with a 20" barrel.

What tools are required? I know I'll need a barrel wrench ( multi tool ). What else? If "soft" vise jaws are needed, I can make them

Suggestions on who has good prices on good parts would be appreciated too.

Thanks

[69camfrk]

How in depth will you get? Are you going to do a custom barrel and mate it to the receiver? Unless it is just something you want to put together yourself, it is still really economical to buy the barreled assembly already put together.

You will need a spanner wrench for the buffer tube nut. They are cheap online, or your gun store may have them. I use a brass punch for the dowel pins (painters tape on the receiver to avoid marring) and a small hex key to hold the bolt release latch in place as you drive in the dowel pin. An Xacto knife or a plain ol' one sided razor blade to put the forward take down pin detention spring and detent pin in place. Trust me, if you are not careful with that one, it will shoot across your work area/house like a rocket, probably never to be found again.

[JRD77VET]

Sounds like the assembled barrel is the way to go.

I did a FN-FAL ( L1A1 ) build a few years ago, that worked out great, this is new territory so I'm asking questions.

The wrench is about $20 on ebay, I'll just grab one now so I have it when I start the build.

[69camfrk]

Originally Posted by JRD77VET

Sounds like the assembled barrel is the way to go.

I did a FN-FAL ( L1A1 ) build a few years ago, that worked out great, this is new territory so I'm asking questions.

The wrench is about $20 on ebay, I'll just grab one now so I have it when I start the build.

If you do just a basic build, it is super easy. I like the uppers already put together. There are just too many good selections out there, for every need. There are a few tricks to the lower to make it easy to put together.

[StaticCling]

Installing a parts kit into a lower is a piece of cake, no tools required that you wouldn't already have. As James mentioned, just buy a ready made upper, no reason to assemble that.

[markids77]

Whether or not you assemble from parts or purchase subassemblies get the barrel wrench and a receiver block to go in the mag well and in your bench vise. I find working on most any part is simpler if the weapon is securely held and I do not need to hold it with one hand and wish a buddy was here to hold the punch while I tap on it. The investment is small, and if you decide to change handguards, or change calibers or build several because you will want more than one you will be equipped.

[Rotorhead]

Originally Posted by 69camfrk

If you do just a basic build, it is super easy. I like the uppers already put together. There are just too many good selections out there, for every need. There are a few tricks to the lower to make it easy to put together.

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by 69camfrk

If you do just a basic build, it is super easy. I like the uppers already put together. There are just too many good selections out there, for every need. There are a few tricks to the lower to make it easy to put together.

I've been checking out PSA and now I'm not exactly sure what I want. Too many choices

I have a 20" barrel on my Bushmaster DCM, maybe I'll go with a 16" or 18"

[markids77]

Delta Team Tactical dot com. Not affiliated in any way, just a satisfied customer. You're welcome.

[markids77]

I might recommend starting small and light... 16 inch "pencil" profile barrel, all polymer furniture and collapsible stock. Your choice of A2 upper and front sight or A3 upper (flattop) and the open or optical sight you prefer. The result will be a lively handling easy to carry piece which is fun to shoot and collapses short enough to be easily concealable, and will work OK (in a pinch) in a vehicle. Target weight is 6 pounds sans magazine or optic... the Mrs. will like that too!

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by markids77

I might recommend starting small and light... 16 inch "pencil" profile barrel, all polymer furniture and collapsible stock. Your choice of A2 upper and front sight or A3 upper (flattop) and the open or optical sight you prefer. The result will be a lively handling easy to carry piece which is fun to shoot and collapses short enough to be easily concealable, and will work OK (in a pinch) in a vehicle. Target weight is 6 pounds sans magazine or optic... the Mrs. will like that too!

I currently have a Bushmaster DCM ( 20" barrel ) that I was using for NRA High Power matches. Competition wise, it's all tricked out. I also have a S&W MP15 ( 16" ) that shoots well.

[markids77]

Originally Posted by JRD77VET

I currently have a Bushmaster DCM ( 20" barrel ) that I was using for NRA High Power matches. Competition wise, it's all tricked out. I also have a S&W MP15 ( 16" ) that shoots well.

Pistol caliber next then? 9mm shoots soft, and is cheap to load!

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by markids77

Pistol caliber next then? 9mm shoots soft, and is cheap to load!

I don't have a 9mm handgun. If I go flat top with this build, I can mount a scope

[markids77]

Originally Posted by JRD77VET

I don't have a 9mm handgun. If I go flat top with this build, I can mount a scope

Longer range then? A 6.8 or perhaps 30 caliber?

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by markids77

Longer range then? A 6.8 or perhaps 30 caliber?

Building another 5.56 this time

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...516446780.html

PSA 16" 5.56 NATO 1:7 MIDLENGTH NITRIDE 13.5" LIGHTWEIGHT M-LOK MOE EPT RIFLE KIT W/ MBUS SIGHT SET

Barrel Length: 16"
Gas System: Midlength
Barrel Profile: A2
Barrel Steel: 4150 Chrome-Moly Vanadium
Barrel Finish: Nitride
Chrome Lining: None
Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
Chamber: 5.56 NATO
Twist Rate: 1:7
Barrel Extension: M4
Diameter at Gas Block: .750
Gas Block Type: Low-profile
Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Receiver Material: Forged 7075 T6
Receiver Type: M4
Handguard Type: PSA 13.5" Lightweight M-Lok Rail
Bolt Carrier Group Included: Yes
Bolt Steel: Carpenter 158
Bolt Carrier Profile: Full-auto
Charging Handle Included: Yes
Optics: Magpul MBUS Front and Rear Flip-Up Sights, Black
Fire Control Group: PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger (EPT) FCG
Overall Length: 24.5"
Weight: 4.0 lbs
Barrel Marking: "5.56 NATO 1/7 FREEDOM"

[Brett K]

I am near Hazleton, PA. I can loan you whatever tools you need if you wanted to pick them up. I have an armorers wrench, mag block, and roll pin punches. If that PSA set is the premiun set with the FN CHF barrel, go for it. I like Aero Precision components myself. Not much more when on sale.

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by Brett K

I am near Hazleton, PA. I can loan you whatever tools you need if you wanted to pick them up. I have an armorers wrench, mag block, and roll pin punches. If that PSA set is the premiun set with the FN CHF barrel, go for it. I like Aero Precision components myself. Not much more when on sale.

They have a blem stripped receiver for cheap

[JRD77VET]

[JRD77VET]

Just waiting for my armorer's wrench to arrive and it'll be assembly time

The lower is a blem. On the inside of the magazine bevel is an extremely small mark ( like a slip of a file ) that Aero Precision deemed to be an imperfection. That saved me $27 ( almost a third ). Pricewas $63

The lower is forged 7075 aluminum

[Brett K]

I highly recommend a Larue trigger. I have one in every build. The best $87 you will spend on an AR. The bolt catch roll pin is the only tricky one. I use the starter and punch built specifically for this with one side flattened. I also tape the area on the receiver. I use some 220 grit sandpaper on one end of the pin and some Oil. I can usually get it in pretty far and then I use a set of straight jaw tongue and groove pliers wrapped in electrical tape to pull it the rest of the way through.