Building a featureless AR

[Will556]

Yeah the buffer tube is fine with German specs (goodentite). Honestly so are most muzzle devices grip screws etc. On a 556 at least. A barrel nut is where I would really try to follow torque specs. For obvious reasons.

The barrel nut is definitely the most important for following proper torque specs. You can get away with just snugging down a castle nut. But the way I look at it, why not go through the few extra steps of using the proper grease (or Loctite depending on what you’re tightening down like the rail or accessories) and torquing parts down as close to the way it should be. When I think of my builds, I don’t like to look at them and say to myself “Eh, that should be good enough”. I like knowing I did everything that I possibly could to make sure the rifle runs as well as it could and will last. When you buy a quality rifle say for an example a BCM or Daniel Defense; would you be ok with when they are made that they decided to just snug down parts and they’ll “hopefully” be good to go? At least that’s just how I look at it. Everyone has their own philosophy on it...that’s what’s so great about these adult legos.

 

[Fightingfish]

The barrel nut is definitely the most important for following proper torque specs. You can get away with just snugging down a castle nut. But the way I look at it, why not go through the few extra steps of using the proper grease (or Loctite depending on what you’re tightening down like the rail or accessories) and torquing parts down as close to the way it should be. When I think of my builds, I don’t like to look at them and say to myself “Eh, that should be good enough”. I like knowing I did everything that I possibly could to make sure the rifle runs as well as it could and will last. When you buy a quality rifle say for an example a BCM or Daniel Defense; would you be ok with when they are made that they decided to just snug down parts and they’ll “hopefully” be good to go? At least that’s just how I look at it. Everyone has their own philosophy on it...that’s what’s so great about these adult legos.

Yeah. I’ve tried to hit the mark at each step in this build, so, needless to say, there’s some aviation/mil-spec grease showing up tomorrow, haha.

Btw, finally picked up my lower! Gonna get together tomorrow with my buddy who’s built a few already and put it together!

 

[Will556]

Yeah. I’ve tried to hit the mark at each step in this build, so, needless to say, there’s some aviation/mil-spec grease showing up tomorrow, haha.

Btw, finally picked up my lower! Gonna get together tomorrow with my buddy who’s built a few already and put it together!

The Aero Enhanced receivers are nice. They’re definitely user friendly. Especially when it comes to installing the bolt catch on the lower and the forward assist on the upper since they use threaded pins instead of having to use punches.

 

[BDinPutnam]

The Aero Enhanced receivers are nice. They’re definitely user friendly. Especially when it comes to installing the bolt catch on the lower and the forward assist on the upper since they use threaded pins instead of having to use punches.

Big fan of the set screws here, too.

 

[dwa12479]

The Aero Enhanced receivers are nice. They’re definitely user friendly. Especially when it comes to installing the bolt catch on the lower and the forward assist on the upper since they use threaded pins instead of having to use punches.

My least favorite part of the lower build is the bolt catch roll pin. I bought a kit of starter punches off Amazon just for that purpose. And it came with a roll pin punch that's long and flattened on one side to sit flush with the lower. Made the job WAY easier for $10.

Gotical Gunsmithing Roll Pin Starter Punch Set: Hand Tool Pin Punches: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Gotical Gunsmithing Roll Pin Starter Punch Set: Hand Tool Pin Punches: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

 

[Will556]

My least favorite part of the lower build is the bolt catch roll pin. I bought a kit of starter punches off Amazon just for that purpose. And it came with a roll pin punch that's long and flattened on one side to sit flush with the lower. Made the job WAY easier for $10.

Gotical Gunsmithing Roll Pin Starter Punch Set: Hand Tool Pin Punches: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Gotical Gunsmithing Roll Pin Starter Punch Set: Hand Tool Pin Punches: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

Yeah, having the right tools makes all the difference. I don’t have a hard time doing it either way, it’s just much easier with the threaded option. If it’s my build, a small knick on the anodizing doesn’t bother me. But if I’m building someone else’s rifle, that’s a different story. Especially when I’m trying to avoid scratching fresh Cerakote around the roll pins. Roll pin starter punches are great. And the flattened ones that help get close to the receiver for the bolt catch are nice. Wheeler makes a set as well that have a protective wrap around the punch to prevent the side of the metal punch from scratching the receiver.AR Bolt Catch Install Punch Kit | Wheeler

 

[Will556]

Yeah, having the right tools makes all the difference. I don’t have a hard time doing it either way, it’s just much easier with the threaded option. If it’s my build, a small knick on the anodizing doesn’t bother me. But if I’m building someone else’s rifle, that’s a different story. Especially when I’m trying to avoid scratching fresh Cerakote around the roll pins. Roll pin starter punches are great. And the flattened ones that help get close to the receiver for the bolt catch are nice. Wheeler makes a set as well that have a protective wrap around the punch to prevent the side of the metal punch from scratching the receiver.AR Bolt Catch Install Punch Kit | Wheeler

When installing those pesky roll pins, masking tape is your friend. I’ll tape up the receiver with some blue masking tape. Put a layer or two between the receiver and the punch to really help from unwanted scratches and dings.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I don’t have a hard time doing it either way, it’s just much easier with the threaded option.

It is easier with the threaded option. Plus, even though things are supposed to be interchangeable, in my experience not all lowers are finished to the same degree (not always because they are inexpensive) and lower parts kits are not always equal. I've had pins and parts that fit fine in one lower but are a struggle to fit into another.

 

[dwa12479]

Yeah, having the right tools makes all the difference. I don’t have a hard time doing it either way, it’s just much easier with the threaded option. If it’s my build, a small knick on the anodizing doesn’t bother me. But if I’m building someone else’s rifle, that’s a different story. Especially when I’m trying to avoid scratching fresh Cerakote around the roll pins. Roll pin starter punches are great. And the flattened ones that help get close to the receiver for the bolt catch are nice. Wheeler makes a set as well that have a protective wrap around the punch to prevent the side of the metal punch from scratching the receiver.AR Bolt Catch Install Punch Kit | Wheeler

That's a nice looking set too. Cheap at $15 as well. As an Auto Tech for 20 some years, I dont mind spending $$ on tools that I know I'll use and make a job easier. I've done WAY too many jobs over the years cobbling something together that'll "work". Haha. Get a few knuckle assemblies in a 10 ton press with some sketchy mounting a few times and you'll know what I mean.

 

[Fightingfish]

I finally put it all together! I got restless and did it without the help of my friend. The only thing I have left to do is mount the optic, which I’m going to do with my friend, because he has the necessary hardware.

Within 30 seconds, I almost lost an eye. The magazine catch spring...didnt expect that to come out with such ferocity.

The front takedown detent and spring almost broke me. I ended up finding a useful video on YouTube that showed how to use a pair of needle nose pliers to get it going. I actually lost a detent, but luckily I had the extra oops/field repair kit. Then I lost THAT detent, but found both. I even used a Sterilite bin placed sideways in the path of an errant detent. It hit the bin and flew out at Mach 2.

The threaded pin for the bolt catch was money. Every video and tutorial I watched and read warned specifically about this. It was nice to just thread in.

I can’t wait to get the 1-6x mounted up for some paper killing! Sorry for the bad pic...I snapped it after hours of working on it, and as I finished, my now three month old started howling, so I had to move quick. Speaking of which, I started this when she was just born! I want to thank the community here. From day one, you folks have been nothing but honest and helpful with every infantile question and curiosity. I appreciate that, and I hope to someday know enough to give back.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Congrats! Wouldn't be a proper first build without a bucket of swear words and almost losing an eye.

 

[Will556]

I finally put it all together! I got restless and did it without the help of my friend. The only thing I have left to do is mount the optic, which I’m going to do with my friend, because he has the necessary hardware.

Within 30 seconds, I almost lost an eye. The magazine catch spring...didnt expect that to come out with such ferocity.

The front takedown detent and spring almost broke me. I ended up finding a useful video on YouTube that showed how to use a pair of needle nose pliers to get it going. I actually lost a detent, but luckily I had the extra oops/field repair kit. Then I lost THAT detent, but found both. I even used a Sterilite bin placed sideways in the path of an errant detent. It hit the bin and flew out at Mach 2.

The threaded pin for the bolt catch was money. Every video and tutorial I watched and read warned specifically about this. It was nice to just thread in.

I can’t wait to get the 1-6x mounted up for some paper killing! Sorry for the bad pic...I snapped it after hours of working on it, and as I finished, my now three month old started howling, so I had to move quick. Speaking of which, I started this when she was just born! I want to thank the community here. From day one, you folks have been nothing but honest and helpful with every infantile question and curiosity. I appreciate that, and I hope to someday know enough to give back.

Which 1-6x did you go with? What mount are you putting it on?

 

[scooter86]

Congrats! Looks good. Can't wait to hear back after you get that glass mounted and sighted in. I just assembled my first upper last weekend, the suspense to get to the range is killing me, hang in there.

 

[Will556]

I finally put it all together! I got restless and did it without the help of my friend. The only thing I have left to do is mount the optic, which I’m going to do with my friend, because he has the necessary hardware.

Within 30 seconds, I almost lost an eye. The magazine catch spring...didnt expect that to come out with such ferocity.

The front takedown detent and spring almost broke me. I ended up finding a useful video on YouTube that showed how to use a pair of needle nose pliers to get it going. I actually lost a detent, but luckily I had the extra oops/field repair kit. Then I lost THAT detent, but found both. I even used a Sterilite bin placed sideways in the path of an errant detent. It hit the bin and flew out at Mach 2.

The threaded pin for the bolt catch was money. Every video and tutorial I watched and read warned specifically about this. It was nice to just thread in.

I can’t wait to get the 1-6x mounted up for some paper killing! Sorry for the bad pic...I snapped it after hours of working on it, and as I finished, my now three month old started howling, so I had to move quick. Speaking of which, I started this when she was just born! I want to thank the community here. From day one, you folks have been nothing but honest and helpful with every infantile question and curiosity. I appreciate that, and I hope to someday know enough to give back.

Did you happen to headspace it? Most of the time with AR’s their good to go but every once in a while you can run into tolerance stacking or a part being out of spec and it can cause an issue. It can cause an out of battery detonation (Kaboom!)

 

[jw816]

Haha, I didn't have too much trouble installing the takedown pivot by luck. But I had some trouble installing the enhanced buffer tube. I am a very picky person and wanted the enhanced buffer tube all the way into the buffer retainer. The retainer and the spring flew out three times. Finally, I couldn't find it. So, I ordered three more sets. I sat in the shower and closed the shower doors so even the retainer flew out, I could still find it. Finally I got the job done.

 

[Fightingfish]

Did you happen to headspace it? Most of the time with AR’s their good to go but every once in a while you can run into tolerance stacking or a part being out of spec and it can cause an issue. It can cause an out of battery detonation (Kaboom!)

You know, I didn’t. I intentionally went with Aero Precision/Ballistic Advantage upper/lower/BCG to hopefully minimize the issue of tolerance stacking. I actually shot BA a tech question asking about the head spacing of their assembled uppers. They ensured that the headspace is checked upon assembly, but did suggest that a double check is always good insurance. I asked my LGS when I had my barrel pinned and welded, they said it would be fine as assembled, but didn’t check it.

As far as optic, I went with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x. It was on the list of lower/mid tier LPVO’s that I was looking into, and the right deal popped up with an included cantilever mount, so I jumped on it.

 

[Will556]

You know, I didn’t. I intentionally went with Aero Precision/Ballistic Advantage upper/lower/BCG to hopefully minimize the issue of tolerance stacking. I actually shot BA a tech question asking about the head spacing of their assembled uppers. They ensured that the headspace is checked upon assembly, but did suggest that a double check is always good insurance. I asked my LGS when I had my barrel pinned and welded, they said it would be fine as assembled, but didn’t check it.

As far as optic, I went with a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x. It was on the list of lower/mid tier LPVO’s that I was looking into, and the right deal popped up with an included cantilever mount, so I jumped on it.

Oh, you went with a Ballistic Advantage assembled upper that came with a BCG. If that’s the case you should be good. Fully assembled uppers usually are checked for proper headspace with the included BCG. When building an upper from scratch it’s a good practice to check headspacing. The Strike Eagle is a good quality budget LPVO. I know that Vortex just recently released their new versions of the Strike Eagle also. Not sure if you picked up one of their newest versions. Either way, it’s definitely a good start into LPVO’s.

 

[Fightingfish]

Oh, you went with a Ballistic Advantage assembled upper that came with a BCG. If that’s the case you should be good. Fully assembled uppers usually are checked for proper headspace with the included BCG. When building an upper from scratch it’s a good practice to check headspacing. The Strike Eagle is a good quality budget LPVO. I know that Vortex just recently released their new versions of the Strike Eagle also. Not sure if you picked up one of their newest versions. Either way, it’s definitely a good start into LPVO’s.

Yup, it’s the Gen 2. Here it is mounted up!

also, quick question. Upon assembling the rifle and giving it a once over, I noticed that the cap that was pinned and welded by a local shop has a little bit of play to it. Is this typical, or should I head back to the shop?

 

[BDinPutnam]

Yup, it’s the Gen 2. Here it is mounted up!

also, quick question. Upon assembling the rifle and giving it a once over, I noticed that the cap that was pinned and welded by a local shop has a little bit of play to it. Is this typical, or should I head back to the shop?

Take it back. Be nice about it but yeah that's not right in my book. Should be no play at all if done properly.

 

[Calculon]

Looks good!

 

[Fightingfish]

Take it back. Be nice about it but yeah that's not right in my book. Should be no play at all if done properly.

Just called the shop, they’re taking it back today. Literally picking it up from me. Thanks for the advice. It doesn’t seem like I’d want something rattling around the crown.

 

[Will556]

Just called the shop, they’re taking it back today. Literally picking it up from me. Thanks for the advice. It doesn’t seem like I’d want something rattling around the crown.

Good call. Yeah, if something is supposed to be pinned and welded...it shouldn’t move at all.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Just called the shop, they’re taking it back today. Literally picking it up from me. Thanks for the advice. It doesn’t seem like I’d want something rattling around the crown.

No worries, glad they're doing the right thing. Sounds like they "get it." Been enjoying watching your thread.

 

[Fightingfish]

If anyone is still tuned in, I got my upper back yesterday, complete with an appropriately immobilized thread cap. It took them one day, and the picked it up and dropped it off, with profuse apology. Would I rather it have been done right the first time? Of course. Can I really complain? Not really. People make mistakes.

Here’s one more shot of it assembled, just because it’s pretty, despite its fugly stock. Now, the great question of our time: do I take it out and pop off a few hundred, or do I save my ammo?

 

[dsdmmat]

If anyone is still tuned in, I got my upper back yesterday, complete with an appropriately immobilized thread cap. It took them one day, and the picked it up and dropped it off, with profuse apology. Would I rather it have been done the first time? Of course. Can I really complain? Not really. People make mistakes.

Here’s one more shot of it assembled, just because it’s pretty, despite its fugly stock. Now, the great question of our time: so I take it out and pop off a few hundred, or do I save my ammo?

Nice Build. Shoot it like you stole it. I am going to start shedding my compliance parts soon. My ARs are yearning to be free.