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First AR-15 build advice
- Thread starter LEIBO99
- Start date
Awesome, thanks. I was just looking online for the LPK w/o trigger and grip. Found the Aero one for like $35. I'm still back and forth on stripped vs complete, now starting to think complete just saves me the hassle if all I'm gonna do is get a new trigger later on and maybe change the grip for like $30.
For me the lower is the boring part and the upper is the fun part. My advice would be make sure you have a goal in mind and build everything out toward that. Or you’ll end up with a bunch of crap that doesn’t work well together and you’ll eventually swap it all out and end up with something that doesn’t even resemble what you set out to build.
Actually, there’s nothing really wrong with that either. You’ll learn a lot along the way and end up with multiple rifles for multiple purposes, most likely. But do have an idea in mind as far as what you want to accomplish, and select each part with that in mind. Don’t go hanging all the super trendy cool wiz bang shit off of it. Keep it simple, very simple, until you know what you’re doing and can shoot proficiently. There are some complete abortions out there that suck for any practical use but look sort of cool if you’re into it. It’s like the people who drive a shit box Honda civic with thousands of dollars of body upgrades and fart pipes on it. You’re driving a clown car that’s miserable to drive around in for any purpose or conditions and everyone knows it but you.
Actually, there’s nothing really wrong with that either. You’ll learn a lot along the way and end up with multiple rifles for multiple purposes, most likely. But do have an idea in mind as far as what you want to accomplish, and select each part with that in mind. Don’t go hanging all the super trendy cool wiz bang shit off of it. Keep it simple, very simple, until you know what you’re doing and can shoot proficiently. There are some complete abortions out there that suck for any practical use but look sort of cool if you’re into it. It’s like the people who drive a shit box Honda civic with thousands of dollars of body upgrades and fart pipes on it. You’re driving a clown car that’s miserable to drive around in for any purpose or conditions and everyone knows it but you.
for the videos on step by step builds - look from there
How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver
Building a standard AR-15 Lower Receiver is pretty straightforward. Watch as Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA shows how it’s done. Starting with an explanation of the tools required, from the lower receiver action block to all the taps and drill bits, the use of each tool is...
www.midwayusa.com
tools - you need SPECIFICALLY this vise block and not the stoner version:
Wheeler Delta Series Upper Receiver Action Block, Picatinny Rail Vise
The Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Vise Block is an innovative and versatile tool that is designed for compatibility with almost any AR-15, AR-10 or...
www.midwayusa.com
as for lower/upper - go with aero m4e1 and you will have no issues. good luck.
for a very first build i would recommend to buy a complete upper of aero or BA from primary arms or other, and a stripped aero m4e1 lower you can finish yourself.
for a second build you can try to make your own upper but it will need extra tools and it will help to have for a reference your first rifle.
and, do not buy cheap shit - it will make your life easier.
faxon makes some barrels with integrated brakes for those who are concerned.
i never tried and did not look how the gas block is supposed to be fit on there.
Muzzle Device | AR 15 Parts | AR Accessories
For any shooter that wants the maneuverability of a shorter barrel length, but keep the versatility of an AR-15 build, these are the best muzzle devices available.
faxonfirearms.com
EMTDAD
NES Member
Lower Build Tips/Lessons Learned
Finally got all my parts for my first lower build.. not using anything fancy or pricey just in case I royally screw something up for my first build.. Stripped receiver✅ Lower parts kit w/trigger group ✅ Buffer tube assembly ✅ pistol grip✅ stock ✅ I know I need to either pin the stock, or use...
www.northeastshooters.com
Upper Build Tips/Lessons Learned
Ok.. last year built my first lower, and bought a complete upper.. This year I'm trying to build my first upper... working on getting all the parts together... you all had such good advice on the lower build, I figured I'd ask again about the upper build. Just waiting for a few ordered...
www.northeastshooters.com
it was told many times - best bang per buck will be anything in mid-tier, and to go lower usually means you need to be skilled enough to identify and remedy any possible imperfections with the parts you are dealing with. therefore a default advice to buy aero.
cheapest 'safe' stock for MA is this one, i think. can be found close to $20 at sales, works fine and sits on the CARBINE tube. which is somewhat important.
- Strike Industries Modular Fixed Stock - AR15Discounts
The Strike Industries Modular Fixed Stock combines the versatility and adjustability of a collapsible stock with the strength, ergonomics, and solid fit of
ar15discounts.com
Are you really sure you want a cheap first build? Most people will probably end up getting something fancier later on and then the cheap build goes unused.
Just get an aero m4e1 lower and complete upper if you’re sticking to your decision and you might have $200 leftover for an optic.
Just get an aero m4e1 lower and complete upper if you’re sticking to your decision and you might have $200 leftover for an optic.
I more so just want it to have it before it's gone. I probably spend money down the road upgrading, but I can't be spending too much now. I'm only 25, need to save for a ring, a house, kids, and retirement... good old American dream lol
I was thinking of buying two because they're cheap enough. Can I order those online? I've seen them at KAG Arms which is where I was planning to go tomorrow, but I emailed them and it sounds like they're gone except for the complete which I'll prob buy anyways.
pastera
NES Member
$1k budget? - Dude that's like 2 or three AR's
www.northeastshooters.com
Making Skinflint look Gucci
80% budget build Lowest bidder on all parts The only place I 'splurged' is for a 20" stainless heavy barrel upper Rattle can paint 20 minutes with the whet stones to clean up the garbage trigger Pulled the stock apart to remove the adjuster machined a new locking pin and made a plastic plug...
www.northeastshooters.com
pastera
NES Member
What's below destitute
Shop AR Firearms, Uppers, Lowers, Barrels, Parts and more! | Bear Creek Arsenal
Come shop high-quality AR-15 and AR-10 rifles, complete uppers, lowers, barrels, bolt carrier groups, and other parts from Bear Creek Arsenal at great prices!
www.bearcreekarsenal.com
Me testing my new $300 build...$1k budget? - Dude that's like 2 or three AR's
Making Skinflint look Gucci
80% budget build Lowest bidder on all parts The only place I 'splurged' is for a 20" stainless heavy barrel upper Rattle can paint 20 minutes with the whet stones to clean up the garbage trigger Pulled the stock apart to remove the adjuster machined a new locking pin and made a plastic plug...
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pastera
NES Member
ARs are pretty much LegosMe testing my new $300 build...
Pick up one of these - BC-15 | .223 Wylde Right Side Charging Upper | 20" Non-Threaded Parkerized Heavy Barrel | 1:8 Twist | Rifle Length Gas System | 15" MLOK
Pull the BCG to clean it up and lube
Slap it on a decent lower, put a $300 optic on it and have a blast
Stop over thinking it with the buy once, cry once shit - it's an AR, likely not your first and definitely not your last. Figure out what you like and don't like for the next build.
Yeah I might, not gonna get too caught up on it though. I was wondering if maybe it was some sort of fee or like an FFL thing but I really don’t know. I’m assuming it’s only 6.25% MA sales tax though. $240 complete, paid $270 and change
