Another AR-15 noob

Hey guys, I have a Remington 870 and a Ruger American .17 hmr. Now I'm looking at gettin an AR-15 and I'd like to build my own. Now I do not know all the parts or tools that I will need. If somebody can point me toward a good guide for first time AR builders or a parts list, it would be much appreciated.

I've been doing some research and am probably going to go with the aero precision lower receiver and a 16" 1:7 twist barrel (not sure which brand). I'll pick up the stock, grip, charge handle, etc as I move along with the build.

What I really want to know is what some good brand are for uppers and barrels. I want the best bang for my buck. I'll be using the gun for going out and shooting targets and having fun. Also what other inner parts do I need? Is there much variation by brand for bolt carriers?

 

pretty basic to build them. Lots of kits out there but, if you're going for best bang for the buck buy one already made. LMT, Colt, ect. Usually to build to similar quality you'll spend about the same or more.

 

Mainly, I want to build one to learn about all the different parts and I think it'd be more fun and rewarding to pick out all the parts and piece it all together. My brother bought a pre-assembled one about a year ago. Him and I were talking about it and I decided that I'd rather build it.

 

Very easy to do. I built my first. But if you only building one it kinda isn't worth it since you have to buy your tools.

I'd buy a stripped lower and assemble it. It can be don't with a punch and hammer. Then buy completed upper. And install your own bcg and charge handle. This way you don't have to buy vice block barrel but wrench etc.

My .02. If you want to assemble your own bcg it can also be done

 

+1 that's they say I went.

 

With the price of Colt's so low,it is crazy to build one from parts & have questionable quality!

 

Noveske BCM and others are questionable products?

 

You and I have different definitions of "little". It's fairly easy to get a good deal on a Sig 516 for $1200-$1300. I haven't seen a HK MR556 below $2,500. Both great riffles, but the HK seems significantly heavier.

 

This is your first build and these guys are throwing out brands that are well known but really just a name. Take it from a guy that has a M4 with well over 4K invested along with a $500.00 build from Palmetto state armory. Pick up a basic kit, watch a YouTube video and have fun. I have way more fun with my Palmetto than high end and have built well over 50. What ever you do don't start with any of the brands listed above. If you need help PM me and I will send you a parts list and can walk you through the build over the phone. I can have you shooting for less than $600.00.

PS. I am not fan of the Colt!

 

I was also considering building one to save money, but ar15s now are so inexpensive. I see them online for less than $500.

 

I also have built a few ARs in my day

Do some research as suggested above (and what you are doing). Given you will need some tools you probably won't save a ton of cash over a pre built rifle but you can make it your own and if you like to tinker then have fun

Don't get hung up on big brand names, PSA is a good place to start, and many of the parts are made in only a few factories and then rebranded anyway

You tube has a ton of videos. I personally liked the midway series. It's well done, thorough and it appears to be as detailed as any videos out there

If you have all the stuff and all goes smoothly expect an evenings worth of work

 

FYI my first AR build had a set of DPMS receivers, PSA lower parts kit, RRA barrel, magpul stock and came in under $600

And is a great shooter

 

I have a factory SBR from Noveske/BCM uppers & complete AR's from Colt/Bushmaster/Eagle Arms-Armalite/PWA/S&W/LWRC and a few others.

I have assembled more AR's than I can count & have had bad(out of spec) parts from all of them.

When you can get a Colt (as close to mil spec without FA) for $725 without stock/trigger guard & forend (the most common replaced parts), why would you skimp?

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=LE6920-OEM2

 

That colt looks like a great deal especially if you are changing parts anyway!

They have a built colt with sights and stock for 799, still a good deal

I can't speak for the OP, but I got all the tools and built my own AR because I wanted to learn more and like to tinker.

 

I'm with mdcmn7, i think it is fun to build things and I'd like to learn about all the parts before buying and assembling everything. If I were to buy one pre-assembled I'd be a lot less motivated to research all the parts on it. My brother has a colt and also has a few of the tools.
JJ Customs, why don't you like the colt? Is it the quality or what? I didn't think about looking around on youtube for some tutorials. I'll have to do that.

What are some of the good brands that are on the cheaper side of things? I don't want to be spending extra money just to have a fancy name on it. I could care less what brand it is, just so long as it does the job and makes me happy.

Is it pretty easy to assemble the upper with very little knowledge on it? I'd like to put my own together rather than buying a pre-assembled one.

 

Very easy.

http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/how-to-build-ar-15-rifle

 

Thanks for the link! This is pretty much exactly what I was looking for.

 

What kind of triggers do you guys have? I like a little lighter pull. What do you guys suggest? I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on one now. Down the road, I may swap it out for a nicer one.
Has anyone used the ALG Defense Combat trigger?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/46...ar-15-lr-308-small-pin-154-single-stage-matte

 

The ALG DCT is the best trigger for the buying dollar in AR15's. Great place to start.