I have built several ARs from scratch, but I have never installed a lower receiver parts kit before. With my current build, I started with a stripped lower.

I fully field strip my ARs after every shoot, but after installing a lower receiver parts kit it gives me even more understanding of my rifle. I think everyone who owns an AR should completely build an AR from scratch to further understand the rifle.

I enjoyed it! I just like building things.

I realise I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but how can you build several ARs from scratch and not install lower receiver parts?

quote:

Originally posted by Sig685:
I realise I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but how can you build several ARs from scratch and not install lower receiver parts?

Yes.............do tell.

Those other ARs were built with completed lowers and finished as I bought each next part. I guess I still considered that "from scratch" because I still had to put on each other part individually. I didn't just take a completed lower and attach it to a completed upper.

It is a good feeling taking a bunch of parts and assembling them into a reliable, accurate firearm. Good job with it.

I have done amy myself over the years for friends and myself and it does give you a sense of accomplishment and help on the understanding. Once you do it it really makes you wonder why everyone does not do it. Happy Shooting!

Just my two cents but there's a difference between building and assembling.

Unless you start with a raw forging or at least a 80% lower receiver, all you're doing is putting parts together. Anyone armed with basic hand tools can do this, which is what makes the design of the AR15 so ingenious.

Building an AK, HK style rifles on the otherhand truely takes skill.

I have done several 80% AR builds in the past and indeed it is a great feeling. It's a lot more work and $$ than buying a complete factory lower, but the result is truly yours.