First AR-15 Build Tips Needed

[rg115]

Been thinking about building my first AR-15 for a bit now and actually started looking at parts. I'm realizing there are some pretty good deals, but honestly, I'm still trying to figure out what's worth buying and what's a waste.

For my first build, I'm leaning towards a basic rifle setup. Sticking with 5.56 for now, but I'm open to other calibers if anyone thinks I should try something else as a newbie.

What parts brands do you guys recommend? Are there any I should totally steer clear of? I've heard there can be sneaky costs that pop up along the way too. Any rookie mistakes to watch out for?

I'm kind of torn between building my own and just buying a pre-built one. The idea of building is nice, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I'd appreciate any advice or even just some lessons learned from your own first builds. Thanks!

 

[TX-Dennis]

Lower assembly is much easier than is upper assembly. For a first timer, you might consider a complete upper and a stripped lower and LPK. Watch some instructional videos and decide how comfortable you are with doing that.

 

[Deleted member 85]

Lower assembly is much easier than is upper assembly. For a first timer, you might consider a complete upper and a stripped lower and LPK. Watch some instructional videos and decide how comfortable you are with doing that.

I agree. After reviewing what it takes to correctly and safely build an upperfrom parts, my first (and only) build I bought a complete upper from Palmetto State Armory in .223 Wylde. Bought a lower locally and bought all the parts to complete it.

 

[LDB]

If I were doing it I'd go with the .223 Wylde for compatibility reasons and maximum ammo availability. Unless you've got a specific need requiring a different caliber all the rest are just more expensive mouths to feed.

 

[Kodiak01]

I would recommend at least one upper in 300 blackout, I have had really good luck with the ones from Bear Creek Armory. They are very reasonably priced and function like they should. Palmetto State Armory is a great source for AR parts and supplies. I've bought several of their lower receiver "blems" and have yet to find a blemish.

 

[GaryS]

Watch videos, work slowly, buy a good basic set of gunsmith tools. Be careful to protect surfaces from scratches and gouges.

Also springs go in FIRST, then detents. Buy extra springs and detents.

I placed the lower in a plastic tub to reduce the chance small parts would disappear.

 

[Mschroeder40]

It's pretty simple to put a decent ar together. But if you want really simple build or buy a lower from PSA and Brovo company makes some really decent complete uppers. Here's one of my builds.

 

[Wendell Reich]

Are you building one to save money? To make a high quality rifle? Or just because you can, and it's fun to build something yourself?

You can buy a very cheap AR on a few sites. ($400 or less). Just be careful that the lower and uppers are aluminum and not poly/plastic. It's hard to build one cheaper than what you can buy.

For what it's worth, I have built 18 and I have never built one to save money. They were always purpose driven and I didn't worry about saving a penny here or there.

If you are building a quality rifle for hunting or long range, Buy a good quality bolt carrier group. Buy a good trigger. Buy a nice handguard. Depending on your use, a budget barrel is fine, unless you want longer range accuracy, then you need a good barrel.

Lower parts kits are probably all about the same (I'm sure the internet will correct me on this, but I haven't found a big difference). Lower receivers are all also about the same. You can go inexpensive on those and not really sacrifice any quality. There are also some nicer ones if you are after looks.

Upper receiver, same. I look for "blems". I have used a dozen blemished upper receivers and not noticed any difference.

There are a few tools you will need. YouTube will be your best friend on this and instructions on putting one together.

My biggest tip is that you will likely loose a spring or two. There are parts of the build that have a bit of a learning curve. Tiny springs under tension can fly a long way!

I'd probably buy an extra spring kit. It's frustrating to have to stop a build and wait for a 99¢ spring with $8 shipping to show up.