Rolling Your Own AR15... My Ongoing Issues... (lol)

[BigDanInTX]

Well, I decided early in the Summer that I wanted to buy an AR.  I'm not big on rifles, fired a couple but never owned one.  Did some research and finally bought a Spike's lower a Stag upper.  Then, bought a Magpul UBR stock.  I figured I'd be good to go at that point, but due to missing parts from Spike's Tactical, I didn't have some of the parts, so I ordered them from Brownells along with a Buffer Spring and Buffer.  I got everything in but the spring was too long.  Turns out it was for a fixed stock, not a collapsible stock.  I ended up ordering a new spring, which came in yesterday.  I put it in last night and low-and-behold...  They also make different buffers for collapsible stocks.  (*sigh*)

Lesson to be learned...  If you've never purchased or owned an AR15 before, do yourself a huge favor and pay the premium and buy one that is pre-made.  You pay the additional cost because it is a full firearm, but you get the manufacturer to properly fit the upper and lower (yes, there are variances).  You also get a warranty, which is invaluable.  Lastly, you also get a rifle fully assembled.  This means you can start shooting with it right away and not spend 2 months getting the right parts for it.

I'll probably order a new buffer next week.  At least I have spare parts for when I get my next one!!  ;-]

[minrlwtr]

well like the rest of the soldiers here we learned in basic a bolt is not interchanageable amongst the same weapon,opps i did the old ones 1974 if thier is something new i do not know about

[Patriot:Ex Machina]

I learned a similar lesson this past year in trying to build an AK from the ground up.
Granted,  if I had access to a good decent machine shop, things might've turned out differently. But unfortunatly, The receiver didn't bend properly, (we found out later that the jig we were using was a tad bit off), the metal didn't heat treat properly, missing parts due to my own negligence, and so forth.
If I had more time to apply to the project, I'm sure it would've been just fine. But with the work schedule that I have, and limited funds and access, I should've just saved the money and bought the rifle pre-built.
I've got a few AKs, but I thought it would be cool to have one I made with my own hands.
I'm not bashing kit-built guns, mind you, I'm simply saying that it wasn't somthing that I personally should've tackled.

[derajer]

I have to disagree, having built my own and several others without trouble and significant cost savings, I would say my any AR-15 lower as these are all identical and then buy a complete kit from somewhere like http://www.m-aparts.com/productsDetail.asp?id=76. This kit includes EVERYTHING you need except the lower itself. You will save a lot of money and all the parts are matched. I do not recommend buying your first AR in pieces, as it turns out you actually save a lot of money buying a complete kit vs buy it in all separates.

[BigDanInTX]

I do not recommend buying your first AR in pieces, as it turns out you actually save a lot of money buying a complete kit vs buy it in all separates.

QFT!!

However, things are looking up as I just picked up an Eotech 512.  =-D

[Woahhs]

However, things are looking up as I just picked up an Eotech 512.  =-D

Now THAT is sayig a serious mouthful!

My first experience with an EOTech was on top of a .223 pistol, and WOW...what a performance enhancer! Follow-up shot aquisition was like the difference between broadband and dial-up.

I had a twenty ounce water bottle "dancing" from fifty yards away!

I was told these new holo-sights were the greatest thing in CQB since the invention of the rock, but I didn't realize the half of it.

Now, I'd rather have a smaller caliber with a holo-sight, than a larger one without.

[jeremya]

I am really glad I got in the CMMG Bargain Bin M4.

-- Jeremy

[Spamity Calamity]

Hmmm sorry to hear about your trouble building your rifle. I had alot of fun building mine. I built mine from a stripped Bushmaster lower. Bought the parts kit to assemble it and I followed some instructions I printed off the internet went slow and I didnt have a problem. Then it sat on my shelf for oh...6 years if you can believe that. Fast forward to 06 and I bought one of those Colt M-16 uppers they were selling on CDNN a while back and I guess I lucked out cuz they matched up perfectly. Bought a fixed RRA buttstock kit that came with the buffer and spring and a CMT boltgroup and now I have my super sweet Bushmaster/Colt/RRA/CMT AR-15 lol. I must say was an enjoiyable experience for me. When I took it to the range I only had to make one click up and one click left and she was right on.

Of course maybe its just me. I also Built an Ak from a russian (yep you heard me actual russain) milled parts kit and with a lot of welding and cutting and cussing I was able to attach it to a stamped receiver. Its ugly as hell but works just fine. Got a romy ak I need to assemble some day too. Also got a Sten, PPSH, and 1919 parts kit. I guess I just like messing with this stuff though.

[Patriot:Ex Machina]

Hmmm sorry to hear about your trouble building your rifle. I had alot of fun building mine. I built mine from a stripped Bushmaster lower. Bought the parts kit to assemble it and I followed some instructions I printed off the internet went slow and I didnt have a problem. Then it sat on my shelf for oh...6 years if you can believe that. Fast forward to 06 and I bought one of those Colt M-16 uppers they were selling on CDNN a while back and I guess I lucked out cuz they matched up perfectly. Bought a fixed RRA buttstock kit that came with the buffer and spring and a CMT boltgroup and now I have my super sweet Bushmaster/Colt/RRA/CMT AR-15 lol. I must say was an enjoiyable experience for me. When I took it to the range I only had to make one click up and one click left and she was right on.

Of course maybe its just me. I also Built an Ak from a russian (yep you heard me actual russain) milled parts kit and with a lot of welding and cutting and cussing I was able to attach it to a stamped receiver. Its ugly as hell but works just fine. Got a romy ak I need to assemble some day too. Also got a Sten, PPSH, and 1919 parts kit. I guess I just like messing with this stuff though.

I would LOVE to see a PPSH done froma kit. I drool over those babies.

[wbo3]

I have built several, mostly for other people.  I have found the key to a pleasant experience is purchasing good quality parts, and I ALWAYS purchase my lower and LPK from a local dealer.  I have tried to build one from mail-order lower parts, and 1 of the 2 I have assembled for people had defective parts.  I am currently waiting on a replacement FCG from one company now to repair the broken one.  My personal AR-15 is built on a Stag lower with a standard Stag LPK, Magpul CTR, LMT 16" upper, YHM Rifle length rail,  though my avatar does not show it, I have LMT iron sights as well.  I am a firm believer in irons.  I do not own any rifle that is truly effective much past 200 yards, I figure if I can't hit it at 200 with irons I probably should not be shooting at it.  Not to mention target acquisition with irons is much faster.

I am currently contemplating my next build...I have a stripped DPMS lower in the safe begging for attention.  I also want to build a SBR, but I will do that on an LMT lower, and they are only available fully asembled.  I am going to have to buy one so I can send the paper work to the BATFE.  If none of you have ever tried LMT, I can't recommend them enough.  Awesome parts.

As for the AKs, I am in the middle of a Romanian kit build now.  It will probably be my only AK, as I prefer the AR-15.  To me it is just a superior weapon.  If I want to shoot 7.62x39, I will order some SKSs.  I have had quite a few people tell me they are more acurate anyway, I personally have never shot either over about 50 yards, so I do not have a real good point of reference on that.

[DeltaEchoVictor]

I have a complete DPMS lower that's been hanging out without an upper for a while.  I've now remedied that problem.  I posted a trade, my 870 for a complete upper over on ZS & someone had an extra.  I got an even swap for my 870, it's an older complete upper & I figure I'm going to swap out the carry handle upper for a flat top upper.

I don't have much experience with AR's either.  I bought my wife a Bushmaster carbine & liked it so well I've wanted one of my own.  Hopefully the upper matches up with my lower okay.  I'm thinking about building one from scratch now.

[millerized1]

Just as you'd expect in todays world, there are a panel of experts out there just waiting to help you.

http://www.ar15.com
So many different venue you can spend hours there and accomplish nothing.....daily!  Don't ask how I know.
They've got a "build it yourself" forum, literally thousands of folks that have done just that.
I've built 10 lowers, and 6 uppers using information gleaned from them, and a bit of natural ability.

[Spamity Calamity]

Hmmm sorry to hear about your trouble building your rifle. I had alot of fun building mine. I built mine from a stripped Bushmaster lower. Bought the parts kit to assemble it and I followed some instructions I printed off the internet went slow and I didnt have a problem. Then it sat on my shelf for oh...6 years if you can believe that. Fast forward to 06 and I bought one of those Colt M-16 uppers they were selling on CDNN a while back and I guess I lucked out cuz they matched up perfectly. Bought a fixed RRA buttstock kit that came with the buffer and spring and a CMT boltgroup and now I have my super sweet Bushmaster/Colt/RRA/CMT AR-15 lol. I must say was an enjoiyable experience for me. When I took it to the range I only had to make one click up and one click left and she was right on.

Of course maybe its just me. I also Built an Ak from a russian (yep you heard me actual russain) milled parts kit and with a lot of welding and cutting and cussing I was able to attach it to a stamped receiver. Its ugly as hell but works just fine. Got a romy ak I need to assemble some day too. Also got a Sten, PPSH, and 1919 parts kit. I guess I just like messing with this stuff though.

I would LOVE to see a PPSH done froma kit. I drool over those babies.

Actually I just ordered a receiver blank for it a few minutes ago. But I wouldnt hold your breath, Im not terribly good at this and it takes me forever to do anything. I just wanted to make sure I had the receiver for it in case they stopped making them or something.

Also I did what wbo3 did and I bought my lower and parts kit for the lower from a local gunsmith. Mebbe that makes a difference I dunno. And I guess Im gonna have to learn to like iron sights because the carry handle on my upper is not removable and I havent had much luck with those dumb carry handle scope mounts. Id like to buy a fancy Eotech someday too but I would put it on my PLR-16 or buy my woman a little carbine and stick it on that.

First im gonna build a greenhouse though, I got enough mantoys lol.

[BigDanInTX]

FWIW, I got my buffer this weekend at the range and was able to break her in.  =-]

[wbo3]

...I got enough mantoys lol.

That is impossible, there are never enough "Man Toys" around the house...

[kaiservontexas]

...I got enough mantoys lol.

That is impossible, there are never enough "Man Toys" around the house...

+1 nothing is ever enough! 

[Hellboy]

I have built about 6 AR's and 4 AK's from kits with good to bad results. My worst was this:



I did not have enough support under the lower and broke off the trigger guard tab hammering in the retaining pin!

Here is one of my better builds, Cav Arms lower with Bushmaster CF upper. It weighs almost nothing!!!

[BigDanInTX]

OMG, that was you with the busted trigger guard tab?  I remember seeing that on ar15...  I think that's the only reason I'm hesitant to install the bigger MagPul guard.

I'm considering that exact build for my next one (well, not the carbon fiber part...I heard that those aren't as durable as they are marketed to be)!

[Spamity Calamity]

...I got enough mantoys lol.

That is impossible, there are never enough "Man Toys" around the house...

lol im trying to be responsible and you arent helping. 

[BigDanInTX]

LOL...  Woman Toys take batteries.  Man Toys take bullets!!

[Hellboy]

OMG, that was you with the busted trigger guard tab?  I remember seeing that on ar15...  I think that's the only reason I'm hesitant to install the bigger MagPul guard.

I'm considering that exact build for my next one (well, not the carbon fiber part...I heard that those aren't as durable as they are marketed to be)!

Yeah that was be I actually just installed one of the MagPul guards last week on a RRA lower and the pin went in like butter. I found out that the kit I was using for the lower was a DMPS and they are know to have larger roller pins. I ended up ordering some of those weld rods to fix the old lower, but have not had time to attempt a repair yet. I am one upper short for that build anyway.

I have not had any issues with the CF upper it operates fine.

[millerized1]

From thisto this.
Gotta love it!

[DeltaEchoVictor]

From thisto this.
Gotta love it!

Okay, someone here is a Spike's whore.  It's not fair hoggin' all the cool Spike's stuff, they have the coolest toys. 

[millerized1]

$100 each for lowers, I couldn't go wrong. Stag right handed upper, Stag left handed upper,complete homebuilt righty in the middle.

Yep, Stag Whore.  Wait, I represent that remark