Choose the type of lower receiver you want (mil-spec or commercial)
Make sure the lower receiver is compatible with the upper receiver you plan to use
Dig through your parts bin for a stripped lower receiver, or purchase one from an online retailer
2.
Upper receiver
Choose the type of upper receiver you want (mil-spec or commercial)
Make sure the upper receiver is compatible with the lower receiver you plan to use
Dig through your parts bin for a stripped upper receiver, or purchase one from an online retailer
3.
Barrel
Choose the length of barrel you want
Choose the twist rate you want
Choose the barrel material you want
Dig through your parts bin for a barrel, or purchase one from an online retailer
4.
Bolt carrier group
Choose the type of bolt carrier group you want (mil-spec or commercial)
Make sure the bolt carrier group is compatible with the lower receiver you plan to use
Dig through your parts bin for a bolt carrier group, or purchase one from an online retailer
5.
Charging handle
Choose the type of charging handle you want
Make sure the charging handle is compatible with the upper receiver you plan to use
Dig through your parts bin for a charging handle, or purchase one from an online retailer
6.
Buffer tube
Choose the length of buffer tube you want
Choose the type of buffer tube you want (mil-spec or commercial)
Dig through your parts bin for a buffer tube, or purchase one from an online retailer
7.
Buffer spring
Choose the type of buffer spring you want
Dig through your parts bin for a buffer spring, or purchase one from an online retailer
8.
Buffer weight
Choose the weight of buffer weight you want
Dig through your parts bin for a buffer weight, or purchase one from an online retailer
9.
Stock
Choose the type of stock you want
Make sure the stock is compatible with the buffer tube you plan to use
The AR-15 is a popular rifle for many reasons. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to shoot, and customizable. If you are thinking about building your own AR-15, there are a few things you need to know.
This guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right parts, building the rifle, and testing it out. By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of how AR-15s work and how to build your own.
Choosing the Right Parts
The first step in building your AR-15 is choosing the right parts. There are a wide variety of parts available, so it can be helpful to have a plan in mind before you start shopping.
Some of the most important parts to consider include:
Barrel: The barrel is responsible for propelling the bullet down the rifle. There are many different barrel lengths and profiles to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Barrel length: The barrel length of an AR-15 can range from 10.5 inches to 24 inches. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable, but they have less velocity and range. Longer barrels are more accurate and have more velocity, but they are less maneuverable.
Barrel profile: The barrel profile refers to the shape of the barrel. There are two main types of barrel profiles:
Government profile: Government profile barrels are the most common type of barrel profile. They are round in cross-section and have a constant diameter from the chamber to the muzzle.
Heavy profile: Heavy profile barrels are thicker than government profile barrels. They are more durable and accurate, but they are also heavier.
Receiver: The receiver is the backbone of the rifle and houses the trigger mechanism, bolt carrier group, and other essential components. There are two main types of receivers:
Mil-spec: Mil-spec receivers are made to military specifications and are typically more durable than commercial receivers.
Commercial: Commercial receivers are less expensive than mil-spec receivers, but they may not be as durable.
Trigger: The trigger is responsible for firing the rifle. There are many different triggers available, each with its own feel and performance.
Single-stage trigger: Single-stage triggers are the most common type of trigger. They have a short, crisp pull with a clean break.
Two-stage trigger: Two-stage triggers have a first stage that takes up some of the slack in the trigger and a second stage that releases the sear. Two-stage triggers are often considered to be more precise than single-stage triggers.
Stock: The stock is the part of the rifle that you shoulder. There are many different stocks available, each with its own length, weight, and adjustability.
Fixed stock: Fixed stocks are the most common type of stock. They are attached to the rifle permanently and cannot be adjusted.
Adjustable stock: Adjustable stocks can be adjusted for length of pull and cheek height. They are more versatile than fixed stocks, but they are also more expensive.
Building the Rifle
Once you have chosen the parts for your AR-15, you can begin building the rifle. The assembly process is relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
Some of the most important steps in the assembly process include:
Installing the barrel: The barrel is installed by threading it into the receiver and tightening the barrel nut.
Installing the bolt carrier group: The bolt carrier group is installed by inserting it into the receiver and tightening the castle nut.
Installing the trigger: The trigger is installed by attaching it to the lower receiver and tightening the trigger guard screw.
Installing the stock: The stock is installed by attaching it to the lower receiver and tightening the stock screw.
Testing the Rifle
Once you have built your AR-15, it is important to test it out to make sure that it is functioning properly. Here are a few things to check:
Make sure that the rifle is cycling properly. The bolt should smoothly cycle from the rear to the forward position and the magazine should feed ammunition reliably.
Make sure that the trigger is functioning properly. The trigger should have a smooth, crisp pull with a clean break.
Make sure that the rifle is accurate. Shoot the rifle at a target at 25 yards and see how well you can group your shots.
If you have any problems with your AR-15, it is important to take it to a qualified gunsmith for repairs.
Building your own AR-15 is a rewarding experience. It is a great way
2. Choosing the Parts
The first step in building an AR-15 is choosing the parts. There are a wide variety of parts available for AR-15s, so it can be helpful to have a plan in mind before you start shopping.
Here are some of the most important parts to consider when choosing parts for your AR-15:
The lower receiver: The lower receiver is the heart of the AR-15. It is the part that contains the trigger assembly, the magazine well, and the fire control group.
The upper receiver: The upper receiver is the part that contains the barrel, the bolt carrier group, and the gas system.
The barrel: The barrel is the part of the rifle that propels the bullet. The length of the barrel, the twist rate, and the material of the barrel can all affect the performance of the rifle.
The bolt carrier group: The bolt carrier group is the part of the rifle that cycles the action. It is responsible for loading the next round into the chamber, firing the round, and ejecting the spent casing.
The gas system: The gas system is the part of the rifle that uses the energy from the fired round to cycle the action. There are two main types of gas systems: direct impingement and piston.
In addition to these major components, there are a number of other parts that you may need to consider, such as the handguard, the stock, the trigger, and the sights.
When choosing parts for your AR-15, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with each other. For example, you will need to make sure that the upper receiver and the lower receiver are compatible, and that the barrel is compatible with the gas system.
You can find a wide variety of AR-15 parts available online and at local gun stores.
3. Assembling the Rifle
Once you have chosen the parts for your AR-15, you can start assembling the rifle. The assembly process is relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Here are the basic steps involved in assembling an AR-15:
1. Assemble the lower receiver.
2. Install the trigger assembly.
3. Install the bolt carrier group.
4. Install the barrel.
5. Install the handguard.
6. Install the stock.
7. Install the sights.
The assembly process can be completed in a few hours, but it may take longer if you are not familiar with firearms.
If you are not comfortable with assembling your own AR-15, you can have a qualified gunsmith do it for you.
4. Testing the Rifle
Once you have assembled your AR-15, it is important to test it to make sure that it is functioning properly.
Here are some of the things you should check when testing your AR-15:
The safety should be able to engage and disengage properly.
The trigger should be smooth and consistent.
The bolt carrier group should cycle smoothly and without any binding.
The barrel should be free of any obstructions.
If you find any problems with your AR-15, you should have it repaired or replaced before you use it.
5. Accessorizing the Rifle
Once you have built and tested your AR-15, you can start accessorizing it to meet your individual needs.
Here are some of the most popular accessories for AR-15s:
Optics: Optics such as scopes, red dots, and holographic sights can help you to improve your accuracy.
Lights: Lights can be used to illuminate your target in low-light conditions.
Lasers: Lasers can be used to help you aim your rifle.
Grips: Grips can help you to improve your control of the rifle.
Stocks: Stocks can help you to customize the length and weight of the rifle.
You can find a wide variety of AR-15 accessories available online and at local gun stores.
Building your own AR-15 can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following these steps, you can build a rifle that is customized to your individual needs and preferences. However, it is important to note that building an AR-15 is not a simple task. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and to take your time. If you are not comfortable with working with firearms, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith build your rifle for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed the steps involved in building your own AR-15. We have covered everything from choosing the right parts to assembling and testing your rifle. We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you are now confident in your ability to build your own AR-15.
Building your own AR-15 is a rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. It is a great way to learn about the inner workings of firearms and to customize your rifle to your specific needs.
However, it is important to remember that building an AR-15 is not without risks. It is important to follow all safety precautions and to use the proper tools. If you are not comfortable working with firearms, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith assemble your rifle for you.
With a little time and effort, you can build your own AR-15 that is both reliable and accurate. This is a great way to get into the world of firearms ownership and to enjoy the many benefits of owning an AR-15.
Key Takeaways
Building your own AR-15 is a rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels.
It is important to follow all safety precautions and to use the proper tools.
If you are not comfortable working with firearms, it is best to have a qualified gunsmith assemble your rifle for you.
With a little time and effort, you can build your own AR-15 that is both reliable and accurate.
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