freakintoguns
New member
how hard is this for someone thats never done it before? any books and/or DVDs out there to look to for help?
building a AR from scratch
- Thread starter freakintoguns
- Start date
rantingredneck
New member
The lower is fairly easy to build. I did mine sitting in my easy chair watching Mythbusters. Took me about 30 mins using one of the online guides at AR15.com.
The upper is a little more complicated and requires a bench vise and some more specialized tools.
I built my lower and bought my upper and came in around 700 bucks total.
The upper is a little more complicated and requires a bench vise and some more specialized tools.
I built my lower and bought my upper and came in around 700 bucks total.
freakintoguns
New member
yeah, i plan on buying a upper thats already put together. was lookin at that and thats way to compilacated for my 10000000 mph ADD mind! 
You should be able to find a kit with the upper fully assembled & tested that comes with all the lower parts needed to flesh out the project. I just did one from Del-Ton. It went very smoothly and resulted in a properly functioning flat top middy that I am quite satisfied with ...
Nick
Nick
freakintoguns
New member
sounds good how much did it cost you?
Another fan of the Del-ton kits, just add your lower. Very easy to put a lower together and slap the upper on it. http://www.del-ton.com/AR_15_Rifle_Kits_s/1.htm
I'm not a big fan of www.ar15.com but there is a REALLY good guide on building an aR15. Pretty darn complete. I've used it twice when I first started building them. All of my kits come from www.model1sales.com and www.m-aparts.com.
Here's a link to the guide on AR15.com Props to user "FALARAK" for putting this together.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
Here's a link to the guide on AR15.com Props to user "FALARAK" for putting this together.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
The cost of my Del-Ton kit was $465 for the basic middy flat top kit + $45 for the chrome lined barrel option + $20 for shipping = $530 delivered to my door. I already had a Double Star lower I had picked up for $119 (+ $7 tax) at a gun show, so total w/ all tax & delivery included, for a working DIY flat top 16" middy, was $656.
+1 on the arfcom DIY guides, they were very helpful. Also, I fully recommend using the "vise grip & painters tape" approach mentioned there to start roll pins in tight locations & on the trigger guard, though in my opinion a tool like the craftsman robogrips works even even better since they can re-adjust automatically ...
Nick
+1 on the arfcom DIY guides, they were very helpful. Also, I fully recommend using the "vise grip & painters tape" approach mentioned there to start roll pins in tight locations & on the trigger guard, though in my opinion a tool like the craftsman robogrips works even even better since they can re-adjust automatically ...
Nick
LOL When I read the topic subject line I thought you were talking about building the lower on a mill. I have the plans but havent got around to doing it yet, I have too may projects started and not finished but I am gonna try it.
Anyway, as metioned AR.com had the info you are looking for and those guys will provide any help you might need. Its not near as hard as you think.
Anyway, as metioned AR.com had the info you are looking for and those guys will provide any help you might need. Its not near as hard as you think.
freakintoguns
New member
cool guys thanks for all the help. building one on my own seems to be the way to go and saves a couple hundred bux that i can throw towards all the cool optics and lights and what not