Taking A Whack At Assembling My Own Ar

[STYER]

Hi guys,
I have decided to take a whack at building an AR lower myself. I have nearly NO experience at this kind of thing but figured this would be the best way to learn. I picked up a stripped receiver yesterday and am anxious to get going on it. Does anyone know anything about NOVESKE receivers? This one is a model N4. I know I kind of put the cart before the horse but I am hoping this is a decent quality one.
Does anyone have suggestions on complete lower parts kits? What to get? What not to get? Who has the shortest backlog on orders? Although I want a decent quality firearm when I am done, I know it will be mostly a plinker my son and I can take out and enjoy.

[Bill Hollinger]

I don't know anything about them. I would suggest however that you buy the same brand upper. If for no other reason other than they will match colorwise and fit. Model1 seems to be the only company out there that doesn't have a six month back order however I don't care for their parts. If you're outside of Kaliforiev, go with an Olympic Arms barrel kit. Any of the lower patrs kits will do. CMMG has a lot of nice stuff also.

Whatever you do get a good manual and all the right tools to put it together.

Good luck with your project.

[irishsteve]

Do purchase the tool for assembling the front pivot pin.Its got a spring that goes in the front of the receiver with a very small detent.The pin then slides in,and holds it.There are guys who can do this blind folded using a single edged razer blade,but im not one of them.The spring,and detent shot across the room 5,or 6 times with my patience wearing ever thinner.I made a tool after seeing a picture of one,and it went right together.Right now lots of AR stuff is on back order so call,and ask if they really have it before ordering.

[Litt'le Lee]

is a card board box with a towel draped IN the box..assemble directly
in front of that box--it will catch it every time

[Bill Hollinger]

I have mentioned this before but for the front pin I use an allen wrench that will just go in the hole. The flat of the allen wrench works perfect and every time!

[edlmann]

Hi guys,
I have decided to take a whack at building an AR lower myself.

Read this excellent thread (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782) on arfcom before proceeding.

[A square 10]

that was going to be my recomendation as well for good photos and great explanation , parts are parts , get what you can find available , uppers and lowers on the other hand look better if matched and same mfgr is a plus , but with some mfgrs quoteing upward of 2 years lead at this point i agree with looking for readily available bits

[Liftrat]

I'd also recommend the Rock River match trigger (I believe it's now their standard) when doing a lower. Easy to install, and lots better than stock.

[albud3]

I would suggest you get a copy of the Army or Marine Technical manuals that takes you step by step through assembly of the rifle. It also gives you pointers on how to index the rear sight, and the correct steps and torque values when assembling the barrel. They also cover troubleshooting procedures if you have any problems.
I'd recommend the Army/Air Force TM as it also covers the M-4 carbine series.
I've built a number of ARs using these manuals and have never had any trouble putting an AR together.
HTH

[A square 10]

oh - then get a 22cal conversion bolt so you can shoot it cheap , just for fun

[cmichini]

Also, take a look at the brownell's website. I think under their guntech link.

There is a complete series of videos (2-3 minuters per) of one of their guys doing a complete (and I mean complete) assembly, including fixed buttstock and adjustable, standard handguards and freefloating.

They start with some background on the variants (A1, A2, A3, etc).

It doesn't cost anything to watch them online and you can print out the text as instructions.

I did and have my complete lower ready for an upper. I didn't want to build the upper so I'll buy that complete.

HTH, and good luck.

[natlmatch]

Read this excellent thread (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782) on arfcom before proceeding.


I used that thread coupled with this video to assemble my new Rock River kit rifle:

YouTube - Assembling an AR-15 Stripped Lower 1 of 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w)

I encountered zero problems and the rifle functions flawlessly. I might add the new standard NM trigger is as smooth as butter wrapped in silk. :beerchug:

[PsyopsE6]

AR's and AK's are very easy to assemble if you have the proper tools, a good TM and the patience to follow instructions..I build a AK in about 1 1/2 hour now, not including demilling...A AR in about the same if from scratch...enjoy the results and have fun....

[zertouche]

AR's are a very basic, straight forward rifle. Do your homework, assemble it on a workbench with good light and a good manual. If you are just doing the lower, its a cinch. The pivot pin can be a challenge without the proper tool, but it can be done.

The upper gets tricky. Just take your time. If you dont feel confident about the headspace, invest a few bucks and buy gauges to check it. Its not rocket science.