Another AR-15 noob

Hey guys, sorry for not replying for so long. I've been working a lot of overtime lately and haven't gotten a chance/remembered to post. I appreciate all the input from everyone. I'll have to go back through and read some more into it. I just skimmed over it all. I got an Aero Precision lower. They're made locally in Tacoma, WA. Magpul grip. ALG trigger. I have put a couple more parts in since this picture was taken but I'm missing the disconnector for the trigger.

I still want to get a stripped upper and assemble the whole thing on my own. That's the only reason I'm building an AR. I like tinkering with things and building stuff. Thanks for all the info guys!

I'll post some more pictures once I get more parts.

 

looks good, and you'll be glad you didn't go w/ the crappy stock handgrip

...a tip for when you assemble the lower, ...seating the roll pin for the bolt catch can be a pain, ..it's wise to use a pair of vice grips (duct-tape the jaws for sufficient padding) to force it into place by advancing the screw, ...trying to hammer it in w/ a punch is tricky and can damage the receiver...

 

Yeah, my brother has the stock grip on his and I hate it after handling this one. My brother actually just ordered this same one in black for his ar.

That would've made it a lot easier to install the bolt catch. I wish I thought of that. I just taped it up and was extra careful.

I ordered the buffer assembly/stock and the disconnector for the trigger that I missed on my last order. Its all supposed to arrive next week so I'll be able to get the whole lower together next weekend I hope!

 

I'm sure you're excited to build, but the grip has to come back off to install the safety selector detent and spring, so I hope you didn't locktite it and make life harder on yourself. So on that note, you said you ordered your buffer tube - the receiver endplate captures the rear takedown pin detent and spring - so if you install the tube and stake the castle nut without having the takedown pins you're in for more annoyances. If you were aware of this, my apologies, just trying to save you some headaches. Enjoy our build.

 

Sub'd

 

I just through the grip on there since it was the only part I had at the time. I have already installed the safety, mag release, bolt catch, pivot pin, and reinstalled the grip. Also I did know about the takedown pin, detent and spring but I appreciate the advice. That sounds like something I would do too. I've been watching various tutorials on building it before diving into it.

 

...if you're going to use locktite, use the blue, not the red... I think the only thing I used Loctite on was the castle nut threads, if you'd rather not do that, or try to stake it properly, there is also a buffer tube assembly by PWS that does away w/ the castle nut altogether...

 

I've seen those one. I think it's called an enhanced buffer or something of the sorts. It looked pretty nice but I decided on the AR stoner one. No particular reason. It had good reviews Nd it seemed like most people liked it a lot. I put it on today along with the buttstock.
As for the buttstock, I went with the Magpul ACS. It feels pretty comfortable. I guess I must have forgot to add the trigger pins to my last order too so I'll have to hold off on installing it until this weekend. It's supposed to be here on Friday. Here is a new picture of it.

 

Oh and by the way, Wileyc, I did end up staking it myself. I watched a couple videos of it then went for it. Torqued it down to 40 lbs and used a regular center punch. Worked out well and looks half way decent.

 

Still waiting on my trigger pins. I guess they didn't ship them until last night even though they haunted them to be here today. Oh well though...

I went ahead and got my upper receiver and installed the dust cover and forward assist. I'm looking t different BCGs now. I did a little research on my own and have an idea of what I want. What do you guys suggest? Has anyone used the APF Armory BCG?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/32...3-remington-nickel-boron?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

I'm starting with a couple of these!

 

looks good! ...I've got the ACS stock on my most recent build, ..I think you'll like it, ...having the friction lock mechanism to eliminate the annoying "stock rattle" is reason enough

 

Check out http://palmettostatearmory.com/
They have quality parts and good prices. I built both my ar's using them

 

Also for a BCG check out http://aresarmor.com/

 

Yeah, I like that a lot. Like I said before, my brother had the standard stock when he bought his and that rattle is pretty bothersome. This stock looks and feels nice. I think I'll like it a lot! I can't wait to finish this up so I can get out and run some rounds through it

 

Ah man, I wasn't getting any replies so I decided to just go ahead and order that APF Armory one. I think it will be a decent one though especially for how much I go shooting. Most reviews I've read have been good. I'll see how it goes.

 

I got my KNS trigger pins in the mail and installed them. It turns out my trigger came with standard pins but I didn't realize that until I went to install it. Oh well.. Now I have extras. Got my upper receiver, forward assist and dust cover. It's coming along pretty nicely. Ordered my BCG and charge handle. They're supposed to be here next week.

As far as the barrel goes, I know the basics of it but the only part I'm stuck on is the gas port location. How do I know which to get? My guess is mid length but I'd rather not just guess. Could you guys explain that to me?

I've already decided on:
-1:7 twist
-government contour
-16 inch
-chrome lined

 

Do you have m4 feed ramps in your upper receiver? The first ar I built did not have them and depending on the ammo i used I would sometimes get a jam. Mostly 62gr green tips because the tip of the bullet is a tad bit longer and pointy. I sold that upper and got a upper with m4 feed ramps and a barrel to match the upper..

 

The build is looking good tho man.

My latest build was a carbine.
-palmetto state armory upper w/ m4 feed ramps
-FN heavy 16" barrel 1/7 twist with m4 feed ramps
-palmetto quad rail
-seekins precision lower
-magpul pistol grip and carbine stock
-spikes tactical heavier buffer and spring
-anti walk trigger pin
-cmc 4lb trigger (very awesome trigger definitely worth the money)
-ares armor BCG
-gun fighter bmc charging handle

Ever since I got the new upper and barrel with the m4 feed ramps I haven't had any jams or hikups yet. If u have any questions lmk man iv built to many of these for friends and myself. I'm starting to get into building ak47s now and I gotta say it's alot more intricate

 

KNS trigger pins are worthless on a semi-auto AR15 and even limit the fire control groups you can use on your rifle. They're meant for FA systems and I'm not sure why so many AR15 owners think they need them. At best it's a waste of money. If you decide you want a better trigger it's actually going to prevent you from doing so as most good trigger manufacturers state not to use them on their FCGs.