just built an ar lower for first time
 

I've done plenty of other take apart/put together "gunsmithing" type things - various 10/22s, complete tear down and rebuilds of some old bolt action single shot 22s, de-cosmoline-ing SKSs and AKs etc.

Today I assembled my first bare AR lower from a parts kit. $*#$%!! The little springs, detents, and tiny little roll pins are insane to deal with. Would probably help if I had a better work area and some specific tools but the only real easy one is the buffer stop pin and spring.

Figured some stuff out that will make #2 (if that ever happens, which is always possible but unlikely) easier to do. But still what a pain!

Upper is tomorrow - maybe. I looked at it and the first thing to do is install another one of those ##*$% 1/16" roll pins that are 1/2" long ... May call in the armorer and go visit a friend with a workbench ...

Post pictures.

$10 that preserves sanity.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019647417?pid=657544

Yeah. A sealed room with just a desk and the tools! SmileWavy

For the front take down pin/spring I put the spring in, put the pin in part way held with a pair of needle nose, then used the flat of a large razor blade box cutter (I guess some shim stock might be safer...) to actually push the pin in all the way, allowing the take down pin to basically drop in once I got the orientation right.

Pix up next ...

Whatcha gonna do with it?

Yes, that works well, except when you slip and the spring jumps out, accelerates past the speed of light, forms a small wormhole, and lands on the other side of the universe where it annoys a race of beings who are constantly bombarded by small AR-15 springs.

I beg you, buy the tool before they destroy us!

I sold my FAL 'cause feeding it was getting to cost too much. I don't have space for reloading set up, etc. and 50c/r is a tad much to really enjoy shooting much.

So building an AR to shoot 762x39. Thought briefly about the PSA KS-47 (AR that takes AK mags) but while I could've gotten my desired config built up, it would've been rather costly. So economics overruled, and I went with a standard AR lower. I'll be running mags from CPD.

PSA standard lower, "Enhanced" LPK from JoeBobsWarehouse w/ the Ergo grip option (well worth it - nice trigger for a "milspec" type and I'd order an Ergo grip anyway). DoubleStar ACE ARFX stock finishes off the lower.

Upper starts with a Spartan non-reciprocating side charging upper, think they are made by Gibbz - certainly same design. Barrel is from bearcreekarsenal.com - they guarantee MOA or better from all 16"+ barrels with whatever ammo they specify (Hornady SST 123grn in the case of my barrel). Toolcraft bolt carrier group. Handguards are a no-logo deal I got from Primary Arms on a killer sale at just the right moment, KAC low-profile gas block and stainless gas tube, some UTG "slim" fixed sights (I have a set already - they are nice), a standard A2 style muzzle device, and a inexpensive red dot (AT3 RD50 - under $100, 2moa, and lifetime warranty).

https://itsjustcrap.com/scar/3.jpg

As you can see the charging handle doesn't stick out too far - pretty cool set up. Manual of arms is VERY familiar if you are used to the FAL type :) For those of you that play with tax stamps, the gate that is where the charging handle gap would normally be is supposed to do a better job of blocking gasses than a standard upper w/ charging handle in place.

https://itsjustcrap.com/scar/2.jpg

Closer up

https://itsjustcrap.com/scar/1.jpg

Good job on your first build.
Now you know what tools you will need for the next built.
Go to https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/index.htm?avs%7CMake_3=AR-15

If I may also suggest, unless you already know:

• Sweets 762 bore cleaning solvent. Has ammonia in it so be aware of ventilation.
• One-piece cleaning rod. Multi-piece rods can scratch the bore if the junctions don't align perfectly.
• Jags, brushes, patches to fit the bore. An AR-15 chamber cleaning brush.
• Kroil penetrating oil. Great product for getting under stubborn dirt and such in the bore
• Break-Free lubricating oil. Great stuff for pivoting parts
• Moly grease for those surfaces that rub together. Just a dab.
• Even Brake Kleen spray cleaner for disc brakes. This can blow out loose stuff in the bore before you go after the tough stuff.
• Air compressor and accessories.

Cheers.

Lowers aren't that bad. Start with quality parts. I've gotten made in America parts that were out of spec and thrown in the scrap bin.

Either way I think building an AK, or cemte kit is way technical/harder.

It's never been cheaper to build ARs and 80% lowers up to 100%. I've done a few builds and it's fun to shop for the best deals and then see it all come together.

Yeah the cost is what got me. I bought my first AR in '92 for $500 - an Olympic carbine. Sold it in '94 for enough to get into a basic FAL. Sold and bought FAL over the years, making enough on the Century and get into kit builds on Imbel and DCI and DSA receivers when the '94 ban sunset.

Then the Obama years and AR prices went through the roof and then Trump got elected and prices dropped like the proverbial rock. I couldn't turn something down at those prices, so $400 here, $500 there and next thing you know I have 3 ARs (a 9mm carbine, a 556 carbine and a 556 rifle).

And here I am spending almost 800 on a fourth... since I got out of 762x51 for cost reasons I don't see ever getting into the AR10 world thankfully...

Yeah, definitely a learning curve there.

The right tools will make life easier (and not nearly impossible in some cases). A good set of roll pin punches and roll-pin "starter" (holder) punches are almost compulsory.
A specific bolt-catch punch/tool and a front pivot pin install tool certainly help as well.

If you don't have dedicated tools for barrel nuts or receiver extension castle nuts, then a quality "combo" armorers tool is OK, but most of them are junk. The only decent (and reasonably-priced) one I've personally seen/used is the Magpul one.
Same goes for their vice block tool (especially for installing barrels to uppers, as it engages the barrel extension...much better than the cheap "clamshell" designs).

Along with the right tools, a quality parts kit is a must, IMO. I typically source Colt or LMT LPKs for everything. They are a bit more expensive and harder to find, but I've never had any parts out-of-spec with them. The only other ones I've used that were excellent quality were from White Oak Armament. Just beware there is a lot of re-branded/made-in-China garbage out there. If it comes in "color-coded" baggies, I'd stay away. YMMV...

And no carpeted floors, lol...

If there is any chance whatsoever of losing little parts, I usually assemble or disassemble inside of a pillow case. Most of this can be done by feel.

OK, I nominate this for the Best Original Script on Pelican for 2020!

If the mag release is 1 turn out from tight the rifle will jam.

If the trigger group upper spring is in upside down it will be a single shot rifle. Been there, done that.