Thoughts before starting an AR-15 build...

[jcabin]

You should be able to "build" an AR yourself for under 1k.

Stripped lower receiver = $100-150
Lower Parts Kit + Stock = $100-150
Now you can assemble this stuff yourself by reading a guide or checking out a ton of videos you can find on youtube. Just ask around, people here can probably direct you to the right ones. If you live close enough or are will to drive I'm sure someone will walk you through it step by step. All you need that you won't find in a tool box is a basic AR15 tool which should cost only a few dollars.

Try to order these two/three items off the same site, and save yourself on shipping, it might even be free if you combine and meet the right price.

Assembled upper = $500-800

order this complete and you literally put it on top of the lower and push a pin or two to lock the lower and upper in place and it's ready to run!

[mythaeus]

Nowadays, you can buy a fully assembled basic AR for under $700. For example, the complete DPMS Sportical is $655 here: http://www.jsesurplus.com/dpmspanthe...stock5108.aspx

Building is for the sake of having fun or when you don't have the cash to buy everything at once. Since you are restricted by the $150 to $200 monthly, here's how I would do it.

LOWER
1. Get your lower, Mega lowers are fine, they are mil-spec just like almost any other lower out there. You can also get a Del-ton, Stag, or YHM lower for really cheap: http://www.jsesurplus.com/stripped.aspx. Lower + transfer ~ $150 or less.

2. Get a lower parts kit. They run below $70 now: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...LPK&groupid=53

You don't really need many tools for putting the lower together. Get yourself a cheap set of roll pin punch (these are what I used to build 4 of my ARs): http://cgi.ebay.com/9-Pc-Roll-Pin-Pu...item5885602448

You will need a hammer and that's pretty much it. A bench vise helps to free both for your hands for some of the steps. No need for a lower receiver vise block....or anything else.

STOCK
1. Get a stock kit for $35: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...ABK&groupid=57

2. Get a cheap, but decent mil-spec stock $55: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...Blk&groupid=57

You will need a castle nut wrench for the stock. A bench vise is going to help a bit more here since you have to tighten it. Since you are eventually going to need to barrel nut wrench and flash hider wrench, may as well get one of these multi-tools: http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...ool&groupid=55

UPPER
1. Get a barrel, pick your carbine poison for $150 (be sure the barrel comes with a flash hider): http://www.jsesurplus.com/556-223.aspx along with a carbine gas tube & pin for an extra $10: http://www.jsesurplus.com/ar15carbin...stubewpin.aspx

2. Get a Del-ton upper with FA & cover installed for $95: http://www.jsesurplus.com/flattopupperm4feedramps.aspx

3. Get a mil-spec BGC for $105: http://www.jsesurplus.com/milspecbol...rrierassy.aspx . The charging handle is another $15: http://www.jsesurplus.com/ar15charginghandle.aspx

4. Get a set of MOE handguard for $30: http://www.jsesurplus.com/magcarbinehandguard.aspx

Assemble the parts. A bench vise is a must and an upper receiver vise block is very helpful, but I have done without one. Since you already got the barrel nut tool from above, you don't really need anything else.

Don't worry about head-spacing too much. As long as the barrel and BGC are new and that they are in specs (as all manufacturers should have them made that way), you will be fine.

If you want to be safe with all the parts, beg and borrow to get some $ and get a complete kit assembled, minus the lower: http://www.jsesurplus.com/dpms16insp...dreceiver.aspx . Then all you would need are the roll pin punches and a castle nut wrench to assemble the LPK and stock.

Al

[nomad48]

I've caught the AR-15 bug. Unfortunately, money is extremely tight. I might be able to set aside 150-200/month towards a rifle. Rather then watch a pile of money grow, I thought it might be fun to buy the rifle part-by-part, and put it together myself. I can field strip my pistols, but that is all the experience I have with gun assembly at this point. I'd like to build an AR-15 for STHF as well as plinking at the range (does not need to be a precision build). I have found a TON of info out there, and have settled on some of the following points

1.) I want a flat-top (railed) upper reciever
2.) 16" barrel
3.) post-ban ok (don't need a ton of features for my first build)
4.) standard 5.56 mm

Are there any parts I should just buy already assembled? I was looking at starting with something like a stripped MEGA lower reciever. I've heard everything on the web from "if you can turn a screwdriver and use a hammer, you can build an AR-15" to "you'll need over $400.00 worth of tools plus a press and good workbench". If I need to spend close to $1,000.00 in tools and equipment, I'll realistically never get around to building this rifle. I've also heard that I shouldn't put the "upper" together if I don't know how to headspace the weapon. Is a "complete upper" a good idea? I look forward to the advice/recommendations from others on here with experience.

AR'S are fairly easy to build. Your best place for knowledge is AR15.com, They have step by step instructions on building lowers and uppers. you will find out what twist rate you want , what length and type of barrel you will need for the type of ammo you want to shoot. Plus all the vendors are at your finger tips there.

[arjohnson]

So far, I am planning the following process (for my first build).

1.) Obtain stripped lower reciever
2.) Obtain rifle kit (probably del-ton)-involves pre-assembled upper w/barrel.
3.) Obtain tools (drift punch set, needlenose pliers, hammer, screwdriver, and appropriate reference materials).

-Are most stripped lower recievers like MEGA (I like the design) compatable with del-ton rifle kits, or would I be better off going with a del-ton lower + rifle kit?

Mega lowers are very good lowers.

[Lycanthrope]

If you really want to build the whole thing and don't mind driving an hour, you can use my tools and I'll walk you through it.

For beer.


LycanhatestoseenewARguysgetnervousthrope

[Tomcat088]

If you really want to build the whole thing and don't mind driving an hour, you can use my tools and I'll walk you through it.

For beer.


LycanhatestoseenewARguysgetnervousthrope

Lycan, you're the man. As always, pulling through for a new guy that needs some help. The things that we'll do for beer, lol. Why just tonight I took apart a rifle, cleaned it, and put it back together for no more than beer and good company. I tried to rep you, but had to spread the love.

[NikeBauer21]

Thanks for giving more info on the Mega lowers Al... I'm not very familiar with them...

[mojo]

If you really want to build the whole thing and don't mind driving an hour, you can use my tools and I'll walk you through it.

For beer.


LycanhatestoseenewARguysgetnervousthrope

Do this ... ^^^

A number of us have made the pilgrim up to Lycan's house.

As mentioned buy others, if you buy a "kit" the only special tools that you need are:

Hammer
Brass punch
Electrical tape
Razor blade (optional but helps)

If you don't buy the kit, and you buy pieces just drive to Lycans. Bring the following items with you.

1. All your parts
2. At least one mage
3. Some ammo for test firing and sighting in if you want
4. Case of beer.

[mythaeus]

Thanks for giving more info on the Mega lowers Al... I'm not very familiar with them...

Rainier Arms sells them and RA generally sells more premium parts. A little over-priced though: http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=sho...product_id=121. They are cheaper here: http://www.ddsranch.com/cart/index.p...cturers_id=170

Al

[Last Resort]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the help. Lycan, thanks for the generous offer. I'm going to keep that in mind as I begin my AR pilgrimage.