JCV's First AR Build (DONE)

[JCV]

DONE! Thanks to everyone on this board who gave me advice and helped me out!

Hey guys!
I'm working on my first build, still in the process of getting all the parts together but I'm almost there!! I've definitely learned a lot in the past few months thanks to everyone on this board! This gun's primary use will just be target shooting down at the range and possibly home defense. Really just looking forward to having a good time shooting it. I'm going to try to assemble it myself by reading and watching as many videos online which I think I should be good if I do.

I am open to all tips, suggestions, advice and criticism.

What I've got so far:
-I've got uppers and lowers coming in from the recent group buys.
Lower:
-Doublestar LPK
-Hogue rubber grip
-Extended trigger guard
-ACE ARFX skeleton stock
-A2 stock completion kit

BCG:
-Baer Precision BCG

Upper:
-Rainier Arms 14.5" Barrel
-BCM Gunfighter charging handle
-Charging Handle roll pin
-Ejection port cover pin
-Ejection port cover spring
-Ejection port dust cover
-Pin retaining ring
-Forward assist assembly round (looking at it I may have bought the wrong item. Is this for .308's only or is the site saying it can be used in .308's with the use of another additional part? I'm using it for a 556. DPMSward Assist Assembly Round AR-15 LR-308 Matte)

Barrel Assembly:
-12" Midwest industries gen 2 SS series one piece free float handguard rifle length
-YHM low profile gas block
-Magpul MBUS
-Barrel nut
-Peel washer
-Delta ring
-Gas tube roll pin
-Muzzle brake
-gas tube


What is missing from this list that I need?
What kinds of tools will I need? I know I need a vise for some part to be installed and I've got vise blocks.

I feel like I'm missing some question's but that is what this thread is for.

Thanks in advance for all answers to these questions and then some.

(not pictured, mags&ammo)



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[JCV]

Just pulled the trigger on this barrel JoeBobOutfitters 16" Gov Contour 5.56 4140 Chrome Moly- 1/8 Twist

Given the parts listed in the OP and the specs of this barrel I would use a mid length gas system, correct?

 

[dropride]

Yes you'll need a mid length gas tube. Your forward assist will work, the description just says you need a different spring for 308 uppers.

Just pulled the trigger on this barrel JoeBobOutfitters 16" Gov Contour 5.56 4140 Chrome Moly- 1/8 Twist

Given the parts listed in the OP and the specs of this barrel I would use a mid length gas system, correct?

 

[JNP24]

Yes you'll need a mid length gas tube

And a gas tube roll pin.

 

[JCV]

Yes you'll need a mid length gas tube. Your forward assist will work, the description just says you need a different spring for 308 uppers.

The hunt is on for a mid length gas tube!!!

And a gas tube roll pin.

Unless the roll pins are specific to the gas tube size I've got one.

 

[dropride]

Mid Length Gas Tube w/ pin

 

[JNP24]

Nope, its just to secure the tube to the gas block

Here you go:
DPMS Gas Tube AR-15

Unfortunately, the roll pin is out of stock at midway

EDIT
Dropride beat me

 

[JCV]

Mid Length Gas Tube w/ pin

purchased. damn you guys are good.

 

[dropride]

As far as tools you might be able to find someone near you that has an armorers wrench or buy one. Also a set of punches for the roll pins.

 

[ColdDayInHell]

purchased. damn you guys are good.

Thanks, we try.

 

[JCV]

anyone recommend a specific brand for an armorers wrench?
I'm going to need my own because this won't be my only build.
Good call on the punches, forgot about them.

 

[dropride]

Mine looks similar to this AR Armorers Wrench - Gem State Armory LLC Store but i think any brand you buy is going to work fine.

 

[KMM696]

I've been using a DPMS Multi-Tool for the last 6 years or so - no complaints. Does everything I need on an AR. There are some really nice tools out there, but unless I lose this one....

 

[Knicks]

if you're using a free float rail you wont need the delta ring. did you rail come with a proprietary nut? you will also need a muzzle brake since the barrel you linked is threaded(I could be wrong) and a torque wrench

 

[ntomsw]

I bought my vise last week at Harbor Freight for $39, and I have already used it 3 times. It's actually pretty solid. Unless you are using it 100 times a day, it will hold up just fine.

4" Swivel Vise with Anvil

I also bought these last week:

Headspace Gages (Gauges), Rimless Headspace Gages (Gauge), Rimmed and Belted Headspace Gages (Gauge)

And this:

Action Block Combo Kit, for Upper and Lower Receiver

- - - Updated - - -

Also, I use the DPMS armorers wrench as well. It's solid.

 

[Canndo]

JCV. If you need any help, tools, or any questions feel free to PM me. I've got a couple new mid length gas tubes & pins also. I was gonna offer you one but saw you bought one. I'm right in Saugus.

 

[JCV]

Thanks for the helpful info everyone.

Are there any specific brakes i should look at? Also what size punches will I need?

 

[Knicks]

Thanks for the helpful info everyone.

Are there any specific brakes i should look at? Also what size punches will I need?

depend on your budget. they can be as low as 25 or into the hundreds.

heres a guide from arfcom. i build a few lowers without punches. it can be done with a shoe and a hammer, really.

:: Guides

 

[ntomsw]

I didn't use any punches on ym first 2 builds. It makes it easier, but you don't need them.

For my 3rd build though, I bought a set from Grainger.

 

[Hwy Htr]

Just remember that when putting in the pins, the springs will give resistance. Sometimes they want to fly away while trying to install them. I try to build when it's quiet, so if they do fly, I can hear them hit something or when they land. They are small parts so just take your time and watch some of the videos to assist you. Some good info out there for sure.

 

[dropride]

Just remember that when putting in the pins, the springs will give resistance. Sometimes they want to fly away while trying to install them. I try to build when it's quiet, so WHEN they do fly, I can hear them hit something or when they land. They are small parts so just take your time and watch some of the videos to assist you. Some good info out there for sure.

FIFY

 

[ntomsw]

The key is to always have extra detents, springs, etc on hand. You are bound to lose some at some point.

 

[icyclefar]

The key is to always have extra detents, springs, etc on hand. You are bound to lose some at some point.

Try using an XL zip-loc freezer bag when it comes time for spring installs.

Place the lower in the bag and compress the springs while in there.

If something goes flying, it should remain in the bag.

 

[Coyote33]

... you will also need a muzzle brake since the barrel you linked is threaded(I could be wrong) and a torque wrench

Well, you don't NEED a muzzle break.

 

[JCV]

Aesthetically, I'd like one.
What are the differences betwee different brakes, as they do range from $25-$200+ there has to be some major differences, correct?

 

[JCV]

Thinking about optics. Now this is going to be used mainly for just target shooting on the range. 100-300 yards max.
I'd like tp spend less than $300. I'm on the fence between something like a reflex (which probably isn't something you'd use out to 300yds) or something like this:
Burris AR-332 3x32 AR-15 Tactical Prism Sight - $283 shipped after coupon | Slickguns

 

[JCV]

Just ordered a brake.
Today I received my barrel and my pin retaining ring.

I BELIEVE I have every part needed to have a complete AR15. Going by my parts list on the first page can anyone confirm this? Did I miss anything?

 

[dropride]

Just ordered a brake.
Today I received my barrel and my pin retaining ring.

I BELIEVE I have every part needed to have a complete AR15. Going by my parts list on the first page can anyone confirm this? Did I miss anything?

Mags and ammo

 

[Duece]

Lots of good info here.

I was going to ask about a parts list but here we are.

I have lower coming, just ordered a stripped DPMS upper, going to start cobbling together the rest of the parts for my first build

 

[dropride]

There's plenty of deals out there on parts if you look around enough.