I had to sell my RRA rifle for a mortgage payment back in 2008 or 2009 and haven’t had one since. So I ordered a Palmetto blem kit and lower. Should be here in a couple days.

It’ll be my first build so I’m just going to use the stock parts, no upgrades. I’ll be bothering you all for tips, I’m sure.

When I launch a detent into the ether, do I post my expletives here or in What’s Your Deal?

Large plastic bag!

The AR that I was given by a friend for helping him with a house project came that way, a nice thing that PSA does is to use separate zip lock bags for parts for the trigger group, bolt release, etc. I used very basic hand tools when I assembled mine. There are any number of internet sites detailing how to put one together, I used the one that Pew pew Tactical did, if I remember correctly.

quote:

When I launch a detent into the ether, do I post my expletives here or in What’s Your Deal?

That is why PSA includes extras - ask me how I know.

PC

quote:

Originally posted by pootie:
Large plastic bag!

This. Installing the front detent with the lower and your hands inserted inside of a large clear plastic bag, like a 1 or 2 gallon Ziploc, can help prevent the need to swear (as much) or post in the WYD section when the detent goes sproing.

I also like to use a 3/16 Allen Wrench to aid the installation process, as shown and described here:
(The vice is optional, but does make it easier.)

https://www.itstactical.com/wa...ot-pin-installation/

Using a 1/4 inch clevis pin makes the front detent way easier.

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Originally posted by Voshterkoff:
Using a 1/4 inch clevis pin makes the front detent way easier.

quote:

Using a 1/4 inch clevis pin makes the front detent way easier.

This is how I do it. Easy Peasy.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
I had to sell my RRA rifle for a mortgage payment back in 2008 or 2009 and haven’t had one since. So I ordered a Palmetto blem kit and lower. Should be here in a couple days.

It’ll be my first build so I’m just going to use the stock parts, no upgrades. I’ll be bothering you all for tips, I’m sure.

When I launch a detent into the ether, do I post my expletives here or in What’s Your Deal?

order a few extra detents for the pins that hold the upper and lower together. They are really easy to launch into nothingness.

ETA, i see some other guys have already addressed this issue!

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Originally posted by bald1:

quote:

Originally posted by Voshterkoff:
Using a 1/4 inch clevis pin makes the front detent way easier.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7sZwieYAa0Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

That's a simple and smart way to do it.

Do the detent while the lower is in a gallon ziplock. You can thank me later

After launching a few pins, I agree with the bag comments. The hardest part for me is setting the bolt carrier pin without having a vice and a block. I would grind/file the one side/edge of the pin on the concrete or metal file, to make it easier to go in initially.

The upper and parts came in yesterday. The lower is to be delivered to my LGS today. Unfortunately, LGS is closed on Wednesday. Bah!!

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
The upper and parts came in yesterday. The lower is to be delivered to my LGS today. Unfortunately, LGS is closed on Wednesday. Bah!!

Oh, man! That's the sort of luck I typically have. Gives you some more time to look over lower assembly guides on the internet, I suppose.

I have found that clamping a small, strong magnet (like found in a crashed hard disk drive) adjacent to the detent recess tends to keep the steel pins from going quite so far. This magnet, when attached to a string, and swung across the floor can also find small steel objects that the eye cannot discern. Unfortunately, these magnets have shrunk in size as the drives themselves have grown in capacity so an older drive would be the sacrificial lamb of choice.

The drive platters are also handy for calling in an air strike, if your signal mirror has been shattered by a stray .308 round.

quote:

Originally posted by patw:
After launching a few pins, I agree with the bag comments. The hardest part for me is setting the bolt carrier pin without having a vice and a block. I would grind/file the one side/edge of the pin on the concrete or metal file, to make it easier to go in initially.

I've never had an issue with the detent pins. I like the razor blade method...just hold the detent in place with a thin piece of metal (like a razor blade) and then slide the pin in place. Works like a charm. What I've always hated is dealing with the bolt catch pin. Then I was shown this in an armorer's class. It will change your life!

https://www.brownells.com/tool...olt-catch-pin-punch/

Another very common problem is that AR-15s multiply.

When you get a combo wrench and a vise block, the fecundity rises an order of magnitude.

I already had a pile of clevis pins so I just used a 1/4" one.
I have regular roll pin punches but the Wheeler set is much better, comes with a starter and driver punch.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1017289666

This is pretty much all I used on my first PSA kit.


I still use the large pliers for pressing in the trigger guard pin, I use a hammer and punch to finish seating it when it's almost flush.

quote:

Originally posted by patw:
After launching a few pins, I agree with the bag comments. The hardest part for me is setting the bolt carrier pin without having a vice and a block. I would grind/file the one side/edge of the pin on the concrete or metal file, to make it easier to go in initially.

The what??

I'll second that question. And add what kind of neanderthals can't just use a clevis pin (or really anything 1/4" with a hole (I make mine)) and still use plastic bags or magnets or whatever!. seriously.