My first AR build

[duchoaaz]

Hello,

I need help put together a list of components for a fixed mag AR-15.

I just bought couple Aero Precision AR15 Gen 2 Stripped Lower Receivers from Gander. I'm going to build a fixed mag now, and may be a featureless later. I never build an AR-15 or own a gun before. So this is going to be a great experience. This is my first build and I'm going to have lots of stupid questions, so please forgive me .

I like quality parts, however I would like to keep this build at a budget from $500 - $800. I also need some tools for the build. So please help me put together a list of parts and tools for my first build. Include links if you can.

Thank you,
duchoaaz

 

[squib]

shameless plug. tools parts optics

DONE - Ar-15 parts and acessories clothes Arc'teryx Gander Mtn. Patagonia

All Prices FTF, Will ship at buyers expense. Located In So. Dutchess Co. AR Parts: price as shown OBO 1. Lightly used 14.5 5.56 barrel upper (MB pin&welded) $500 2. New Foxtrot Mike FM9 upper parts kit $250 **SOLD** 3. (2) milspec safety (3) milspec trigger guard $10 4. CAA flaslight...

nygunforum.com

It would help if you posted what type of black rifle you want to build. battle, service, carbine, or Other

 

[FRB]

DD's Ranch MAG Lock: AR-15 MAGAZINE LOCK

Tools:
Punch set
Armors wrench
Brass / Plastic Hammer
Hex Bit Set
Vice Block for lower receiver
Torque wrench if building upper too.
min 4" Vice

Parts:
Upper:
Barrel (Get 16" mid length gas without m4 profile)
Flash Hider
Upper receiver w/ dust cover , forward assist (UnbrandedAR has a decent one for decent bang for the buck value)
Handguard (tons of options I like the current one unbrandedAR has right now)
Gas Block - low profile do not get aluminum one
Gas Tube

Lower:
Lower Parts Kit w/ trigger- tons of options CMMG being a good one
Bolt Carrier Group
Buffer Tube Kit - I like Aero Precisions, good price and quality and is avail able.
Stock - BCM or Magpul you pick

Iron sites - UTG for inexpensive or Magpul for mid range

 

[Fightingfish]

I started two threads here that are filled with great information on building both featureless and fixed mag carbines. The folks here were super helpful and patient with me!

Building a featureless AR

HI, folks. Quarantine has got me restless, and we just had our first child, so I wanna start a project. I’d like to put together a featureless AR with a Thordsen stock. I’ve shot my friend’s, and didn’t mind the ergonomics, plus I want to retain the ability to change mags/reload without...

nygunforum.com

You guys were right...build #2-fixed mag

Several of you stated that I’d quickly begin another build after completing my first, and you were right! My goals for this one are as follows: Fixed mag ”range toy,” so I can enjoy the features. Light! My first build, with its 18” SPR profile, 15” handguard, and Thorsen stock, is quite heavy...

nygunforum.com

 

[Fightingfish]

Hello,

I need help put together a list of components for a fixed mag AR-15.

I just bought couple Aero Precision AR15 Gen 2 Stripped Lower Receivers from Gander. I'm going to build a fixed mag now, and may be a featureless later. I never build an AR-15 or own a gun before. So this is going to be a great experience. This is my first build and I'm going to have lots of stupid questions, so please forgive me .

I like quality parts, however I would like to keep this build at a budget from $500 - $800. I also need some tools for the build. So please help me put together a list of parts and tools for my first build. Include links if you can.

Thank you,
duchoaaz

And btw, great choice on the lower! The threaded bolt catch roll pin really helps. Just remember that you do need to buy a set screw if you want to take advantage of the retained takedown spring. Aero parts kits come with one.

 

[FRB]

And btw, great choice on the lower! The threaded bolt catch roll pin really helps. Just remember that you do need to buy a set screw if you want to take advantage of the retained takedown spring. Aero parts kits come with one.

I am wondering about this. I have built 4 AR's so far, three with a threaded bolt catch, one without. The roll pin was simple to install with longer punches designed for it. On one of the threaded ones it was murder. Hex is so small and easy to strip, it did some, had to improvise and use a torex bit to finish the install.

 

[Depick]

Good choice on lowers aero precision has quality parts. This may be a little dated but it helped me with my first build and should answer most questions.

DIY AR-15 Build Archives - ITS Tactical

Imminent Threat Solutions

www.itstactical.com

They have another series on the upper build as well.

 

[duchoaaz]

Thank you all for inputs and comments.

I'll use it mainly for range shooting and hopefully never have to use it for home defense.

It would help if you posted what type of black rifle you want to build. battle, service, carbine, or Other

It is going to be black carbine rifle.

 

[FRB]

Two parts source places that have done me well (there are hundreds of places online):

https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/

AR-15 Parts, Accessories & Upgrades | RightToBear.com

Veteran-owned and operated, we utilize a live inventory system to give you the latest and best in replacement AR-15 parts and accessory upgrades as well as Glocks. Choose from the most reputable brands to build an AR-15 or Glock pistol that's entirely your own. Free shipping available on select...

www.righttobear.com

 

[FRB]

also AR-15 & AK-47 Parts & Accessories | Primary Arms

 

[dwa12479]

The threads posted above are great resources, take the time and go through them. I'd suggest buying a complete upper with a BCG for your first build. Itll be ready to pin onto the lower right out of the box and shoot. Get familiar with the platform and what you want out of it. Subsequent builds you can then tailor to your specific needs.

 

[dwa12479]

Oh, and NEVER feed black rifles after midnight... they multiply.

 

[duchoaaz]

Oh, and NEVER feed black rifles after midnight... they multiply.

hahaha... I'll remember this.

 

[Calculon]

Tons of build videos on YouTube. I like Brownells and ITS Tactical for some good step by step vids.

 

[duchoaaz]

Because of parts scarcity, I have hard time find all the parts that I need.

What do you think if I get a kit something like this.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/rifle-kits/railed-rifle-kits.html?stock_filter=Show+Only+In+Stock

Thanks again for all your inputs and comments,
duchoaaz

 

[squib]

your shopping in the wrong place

shop here :F/S - Squibs Spring Tag Sale, , NV, AR parts, Ammo Blow out SALE 2/27 update

 

[Saltwater60]

Because of parts scarcity, I have hard time find all the parts that I need.

What do you think if I get a kit something like this.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/rifle-kits/railed-rifle-kits.html?stock_filter=Show+Only+In+Stock

Thanks again for all your inputs and comments,
duchoaaz

Try primary arms. I hate palmetto state armory. Hate them and will never buy from them again.

Too bad you were closer I’d come over and let you use my tools for the build to save you some $$

 

[Modean]

Don't be discouraged by the PSA haters. I built 3 rifles using PSA parts and have had no issues whatsoever.

 

[Calculon]

I have used PSA as well with good results but they are getting squirrelly about shipping things to NY. Try Primary Arms, Joebob outfitters, Aim Surplus, squib’s tag sale.
Aim has a decent price on LPKs

AimSurplus, LLC

aimsurplus.com

 

[dwa12479]

Because of parts scarcity, I have hard time find all the parts that I need.

What do you think if I get a kit something like this.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15/rifle-kits/railed-rifle-kits.html?stock_filter=Show+Only+In+Stock

Thanks again for all your inputs and comments,
duchoaaz

PSA gear is serviceable, especially in these times where parts are scarce. Those kits are nice for a first time build. They have everything you need except the lower. Its a good start to building your next one.

I will say that PSA does take a long time to ship. I've had "In Stock" items tske 10 days.

Primary Arms, Midwayusa, and Joe Bob Outfitters are also great sources for gear. Enjoy!

 

[Will556]

And btw, great choice on the lower! The threaded bolt catch roll pin really helps. Just remember that you do need to buy a set screw if you want to take advantage of the retained takedown spring. Aero parts kits come with one.

The retained takedown spring and threaded bolt catch is only on the M4E1 lower. He said he has the Gen 2, which sounds like he has the X15 lower receiver. Also for me personally for my own builds, I don’t install the set screw to retain the takedown spring. Doing it without the screw works just as well and that spring and detent isn’t coming out unless you take off your castle nut and end plate. Even if you did take it off, the spring doesn’t just go flying across the room if you are careful and pay attention when disassembling. The main reason I don’t use the takedown pin spring set screw is the spring length that they ship the kit with is made for the normal method of installation but by utilizing it you are now compressing that spring more than it’s supposed to be and it actually causes increased pressure up against the detent which causes more friction against the takedown pin. I’ve had it push up against the detent with such increased pressure that it practically made the takedown pin impossible to be used by hand and was only able to be moved when tapped out with a small polymer hammer. To use the takedown pin set screw properly on an M4E1 lower, you actually have to cut off some of the spring to compensate for the amount of room that the set screw will now be displacing inside the recess.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Here this may help with the lower a bit

Lower Receiver Small Parts Kit | AR15 Style

Wilson Combat® AR15 Style Lower Receiver Small Parts Kit

shopwilsoncombat.com

And then toss in

LaRue Tactical MBT-2S Trigger - LaRue Tactical

And scoop up a pistola grip of your choice.

Before grip you are now about 150 into the lower give or take and won't have to worry about the parts you put in or break the bank

 

[Fightingfish]

The retained takedown spring and threaded bolt catch is only on the M4E1 lower. He said he has the Gen 2, which sounds like he has the X15 lower receiver. Also for me personally for my own builds, I don’t install the set screw to retain the takedown spring. Doing it without the screw works just as well and that spring and detent isn’t coming out unless you take off your castle nut and end plate. Even if you did take it off, the spring doesn’t just go flying across the room if you are careful and pay attention when disassembling. The main reason I don’t use the takedown pin spring set screw is the spring length that they ship the kit with is made for the normal method of installation but by utilizing it you are now compressing that spring more than it’s supposed to be and it actually causes increased pressure up against the detent which causes more friction against the takedown pin. I’ve had it push up against the detent with such increased pressure that it practically made the takedown pin impossible to be used by hand and was only able to be moved when tapped out with a small polymer hammer. To use the takedown pin set screw properly on an M4E1 lower, you actually have to cut off some of the spring to compensate for the amount of room that the set screw will now be displacing inside the recess.

Yep, all I did was trim the spring the approximate length of the set screw, and it worked fine. To each their own!

 

[Will556]

Yep, all I did was trim the spring the approximate length of the set screw, and it worked fine. To each their own!

Yeah, you definitely have to trim the spring down. It’s kind of common sense, but it’s a little annoying that Aero doesn't mention that you need to do that all in any way. I’ve talked with multiple people that have attempted to use it or did use it without trimming it. It would be nice if they supplied the already proper length spring for the job if you do choose to use the set screw. But I also understand that they most likely don’t want to spend the money on including an additional spring with each lower.

 

[Fightingfish]

Yeah, you definitely have to trim the spring down. It’s kind of common sense, but it’s a little annoying that Aero doesn't mention that you need to do that all in any way. I’ve talked with multiple people that have attempted to use it or did use it without trimming it. It would be nice if they supplied the already proper length spring for the job if you do choose to use the set screw. But I also understand that they most likely don’t want to spend the money on including an additional spring with each lower.

I agree with you there. Also kinda frustrating that they don’t include the set screw with the lower.

 

[dwa12479]

AG-43 - AR15 / M4 / M16 Tactical Ergonomic Pistol Grip - FAB Defense - EXPECT MORE

AR15 / M4 / M16 Tactical Ergonomic Pistol Grip - AG-43 F.A.B. Defense | KEEP IT REAL

www.fab-defense.com

PTK - Ergonomic Angled Grip - FAB Defense - EXPECT MORE

Ergonomic Angled Grip - PTK F.A.B. Defense | KEEP IT REAL

www.fab-defense.com

I've taken a liking to this grip combo from Fab Defense. Incredibly comfortable for me personally. Both have nice storage compartments that keep extra batteries in for lights and optics.

 

[PutnamCharlie]

PSA parts are okay it's the company that sucks.

 

[Will556]

Try primary arms. I hate palmetto state armory. Hate them and will never buy from them again.

Too bad you were closer I’d come over and let you use my tools for the build to save you some $$

I agree. I won’t ever use any PSA parts on my own builds. If a customer wants to use them, that’s a different story but I always suggest nicer options.

 

[FRB]

AG-43 - AR15 / M4 / M16 Tactical Ergonomic Pistol Grip - FAB Defense - EXPECT MORE

AR15 / M4 / M16 Tactical Ergonomic Pistol Grip - AG-43 F.A.B. Defense | KEEP IT REAL

www.fab-defense.com

PTK - Ergonomic Angled Grip - FAB Defense - EXPECT MORE

Ergonomic Angled Grip - PTK F.A.B. Defense | KEEP IT REAL

www.fab-defense.com

I've taken a liking to this grip combo from Fab Defense. Incredibly comfortable for me personally. Both have nice storage compartments that keep extra batteries in for lights and optics.

Wow, thanks for posting that up, they look great. Will have to give that grip a go!

 

[duchoaaz]

Here are the parts that I ordered so far:

• AR-15 MAGAZINE LOCK
• MAGPUL PMAG 10 ROUND 5.56mm GEN 3 MAGAZINE FOR AR-15
• Rock River Arms Complete Lower Parts Kit with (Two-Stage National Match Trigger)
• Magpul MOE Stock + 6 Position Buffer Tube Kit - Black (Commercial)
• AO Precision Premium Nitride Bolt Carrier Group - HPT/MPI
• Davidson Defense "Glaucous" AR-15 Upper Receiver 16" 5.56 NATO 4150 CMV QPQ Nitride 1-8T Barrel 15" M-Lok Handguard

I also interest in the Lantac M-SPEC .223/5.56 Black Nitride BCG - Bolt Carrier Group with good discount, but decided to go with the AO Precision.