Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

How to Build an AR-15 (The Complete Parts Guide)
https://www.ar-15lowerreceivers.com/blogs/80-lower-news/how-to-build-ar-15-the-complete-parts-guide/ ^ | Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

Posted on 07/11/2019 11:53:18 AM PDT by Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

There is too much gun control legislation being proposed lately. As the election cycle heats up, Presidential hopefuls are making big promises about banning guns, gunsmithing kits, and of course, the venerable and much-loved AR-15.

I'm taking a small departure from the regular newsreel and discussions about gun control, to instead talk about something a little more fun in the blog section: Anti-gun control. Politicians have said too much, and you want to build an AR-15 from scratch. You might have no idea where to begin. This guide's going to teach you everything you need to know to get started.

The rifle we’re piecing together in this guide is a typical AR-15 with a 16" barrel, chambered in 5.56/.223. That’s the gold standard for nearly all black rifles (you can customize later). If you want to keep your rifle un-registered (which is perfectly legal in most states), you'll also want to consider an 80 percent lower - a receiver blank with no serial number. First, we’ll look at the relevant gun laws and answer some questions you probably have. Next, we’ll explain every part you need to build your own AR-15 kit, including which parts are best for a well-rounded, affordable rifle.

Lastly, we’ll go over the different types of ARs and calibers you can build (a rifle, pistol, or a short-barreled rifle/SBR). If you're interested, keep reading. Questions? Feel free to comment and I'll do my best to help you out and answer any questions you might have.


TOPICS: Hobbies; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: 80percent; 80percentlower; ar15; banglist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 next last
To: G Larry

Agreed.
Buy once, cry once.
Most expensive part of building an AR is having to buy the required tools at the same time.


41 posted on 07/12/2019 4:37:52 AM PDT by RandallFlagg (Fact: Gun control laws kill innocents.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

Great blog. I am 90% done with building an AR-9. I notice you are very new to FreeRepublic (welcome). How did you find the site? Always nice to have 2A supporters here. You may want to start a ping list down the road.


42 posted on 07/12/2019 5:09:01 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: G Larry
I agree G Larry. As long as you own a decent drill press / router and a good vise (and you take your time), you're gonna be okay. It's also important to invest in a good 80 lower jig (I used this one, it's simple with a nice pilot hole template). You want to get one that's heavy and stable with good cutting and drilling templates. Most builders run into issues because they try to use the drill press too much like a mill, or they machine too quickly. I've seen instances of someone trying to drill just one pilot hole before trying to mill out the entire fire control cavity using and end mill on their press. Chuck will quickly fail, bit will deflect. Others try to drill the pin holes clear through one side, only to have their bits walk (you should drill the holes only half way through each side).
43 posted on 07/12/2019 6:30:46 AM PDT by Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: thefactor

Thanks for the welcome! I’m just a writer, editor, and military veteran. I happened upon the site while browsing news feeds and getting a pulse on some gun control news.

I’m completely ignorant, what is a ping list?


44 posted on 07/12/2019 6:32:50 AM PDT by Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
A ping list is when a poster (you) "pings" a bunch of other like-minded individuals on this site who want to remain informed on certain topics, such as guns.

For instance, there is a user named Swordmaker who pings me (and a lot of other users) who are all interested in news concerning Apple and its products. You can search Swordmaker's posts and see where he "pings" large volumes of users to specific Apple articles that we may not have found on our own.

It'll take time, but as you post gun articles you'll see users who comment over and over and you'll get to know them.

45 posted on 07/12/2019 6:59:27 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

A Pinglist,,,
A group Here on Freerepulic
That All get notified that
You have posted
An article.
.
Welcome!


46 posted on 07/12/2019 7:01:59 AM PDT by Big Red Badger (Despised by the Despicable!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 44 | View Replies]

To: thefactor

Thank you very much for the information, thefactor. I appreciate it. I’m happy that you and others are enjoying the content, I enjoy writing it.

How would I go about setting up one of these ping lists?


47 posted on 07/12/2019 8:54:02 AM PDT by Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith; Swordmaker
I'm not sure how users maintain ping lists. It may be as easy as copying a list of users separated by semi-colons and pasting it in the "To" box when writing a comment on a thread.

I have pinged Swordmaker in this comment in the hope he can explain how he maintains his Apple ping list.

48 posted on 07/12/2019 10:02:07 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: bobby.223
Stay away from that weenie .223 though.....LOL!

The .350 Legend from Winchester is right around the corner.

49 posted on 07/12/2019 11:50:57 AM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: BipolarBob
Does one need a milling machine for the 80% or will a drill press or even a hand held electric drill work?

A drill press will work, and is a whole lot easier, But you do not necessarily need one, even for a 0% receiver forging. I've done it.

However, at circa $40, an AAO 80% lower saves a lot of time. AAO Mfg.com

50 posted on 07/12/2019 11:55:59 AM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: kaintucky
Military is suppose to be going to a non-spc 6.8.

The military has been playing with the 6.8 SPC from Remington since I first fired an Australian F89 Minimi in that chambering in early 2000, its primary consideration being the arrangement of suitable links for feeding in full-auto SAWs and in the then-popular H&K XM-8.

Of late, SOCOM has given the .300, often silenced, a good workout, especially with night scopes, and has reportedly made in excess of 1000 kills in Afghanistan and Syria with it. It's main disadvantage is its ability to have the .300-diameter bulleted cartridge chamber in a regular 5.56mm M4, pushing the bullet back into the cartridge case and then firing, the .30 bullet NOT going down the smaller diameter barrel. Special Forces and other SOCOM users are well-enough trained that this is not usually a problem for them, but general service-wide issue would be too likely to cause problems. The 7.65 Wilson is an improvement that avoids this, but though it too is being tried, it's still a test case.

And then there is the .350 Winchester Legend. Too new to tell, but offering promise, we'll see. I want one with a gas-operated piston system in an AR-18 upper.

51 posted on 07/12/2019 12:13:14 PM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: ShadowAce
Actually—hunks of aluminum. Not steel. Sorry about that.

Unless you get one of the old AAOrd [No relation to the curre4nt AAO} Steel AR-15 lowers, or a stamped sheet metal 80% lower from The Flat Spot. They're steel.

52 posted on 07/12/2019 12:18:17 PM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: Robert357
Another thing not discussed is the Delta ring that holds the stock AR upper and lower handguard together. You really need a friend or a special tool to take it off. I have gotten one off with a vinyl padded jar opener, but they have better tools.

Four screwdrivers works. So does the *handguard tool* which resembles a coathanger, but is heaverier, and usually runs between $10-$20. We had the tapered slip ring on the XM177 *Car 15*, too.


53 posted on 07/12/2019 12:24:15 PM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
Once the FCG is milled out, all you need to do is drill the hammer, trigger, and safety selector lever holes.

IMHO, drill the holes for the trigger and hammer pins and the safety/selector first, and only about 3/8 of an inch deep, from both sides. That way, when you drill out the FCG well, it'll clear out their holes and avoid chips and burrs where their holes come out.

It'll work either way. But drilling the pin and selector holes first is easier, neater and more elegant.

54 posted on 07/12/2019 12:28:03 PM PDT by archy (Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears, they'll kill you a little, then eat you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith; All

Over the last few years, I’ve been asked what the toughest “finish” is for AR rifles/carbines (that get hard use in the field) & magazines is.

My answer is always the same: EPOXY APPLIANCE PAINT or EPOXY AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST PAINT from a “spray can”.
(It comes in several colors but my favorite is “low gloss black”.)

WARNING: Once thoroughly cured, both are hard to remove with sandpaper. - Btw, my BBQ pit is painted with EXHAUST MANIFOLD PAINT (from O’Reilly’s) & even heat doesn’t seem to remove it.

Auto supply stores (like NAPA) & the “big box stores” sell both at reasonable prices.

Just my OPINION, TMN78247


55 posted on 07/12/2019 2:25:36 PM PDT by TMN78247 ("VICTORY or DEATH", William Barrett Travis, LtCol, comdt., Fortress of the Alamo, Bejar, 1836)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: archy
I knew DOD had experimented with the spc but my understanding is that they had developed a 6.8 that could push a 135 gr pill at 3500. I've been fooling with the spc for 10 years and can't do that. I've read that they are calling it the 6.8 gp. They are using some proprietary powder or witches brew to get that performance.

I've had good success with the 300. Probably the best subsonic i’ve ever worked with. Cycles well using a pistol gas tube. Have my glass zeroed for subsonic then dial it to the stop for my supersonic. 220’grain for sub and those long black tipped Barnes 110 for super.

56 posted on 07/13/2019 4:17:34 AM PDT by kaintucky
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: archy

I finally broke down and bought one of those. Got tired of scratching things on my the rifles Mrs. L and I spent a considerable amount of cash on. She’s especially twitchy about her handguard.

https://offhandgear.smugmug.com/Hand-Guard-Gallery/i-BQzTCnS/A

Can’t imagine why.....

L


57 posted on 07/13/2019 4:23:17 AM PDT by Lurker (Peaceful coexistence with the Left is not possible. Stop pretending that it is.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: archy
Almost forgot. I've got. Bison barrel with a 1:7’twist sitting on the shelf for my 6.8 spc. Gonna work up some subsonic loads for it this winter. Might make me want to get rid of my blackout. I have been very careful to avoid switching my 300 for 5.56 but stuff happens.
58 posted on 07/13/2019 4:27:52 AM PDT by kaintucky
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 51 | View Replies]

To: Magnum44; All

Forged or polymer? Which is best for durability?


59 posted on 07/13/2019 1:20:42 PM PDT by Glad2bnuts (“If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, then society is absolute.” Francis Schaeffer)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

Polymer or forged?


60 posted on 07/13/2019 1:21:27 PM PDT by Glad2bnuts (“If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, then society is absolute.” Francis Schaeffer)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-66 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson