Quote:
Originally Posted by id10t
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!
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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...