I have previously built 2-3 lowers over the last 20 years and had purchased complete uppers. I had always used my tools (geared towards automotive) out of the garage.

In the last several years I have purchased or been gifted gunsmithing tools. Wow what a difference it makes having the correct tools. I have built 3 from scratch in the last year. Now the only way I buy ARs is in parts. Of course they tend to get expensive this way......

quote:

Originally posted by am94pm:


Wow what a difference it makes having the correct tools.

quote:

Originally posted by am94pm:
I have previously built 2-3 lowers over the last 20 years and had purchased complete uppers.
<SNIP>

For me it's been interesting watching the evolution of the AR

I started shooting Service Rifle matches in the late 80's when M14 clone's dominated at our local range, very few people used the "Mouse Gun" and the really good shooters kind of looked down their nose at the AR. Even though I reloaded it was still an expensive hobby with child support and one of my own at home from a previous marriage. Then in the early 90's I was talking with a buddy that had built a couple AR's and I decided to make a change. I flipped through the pages of ShotGun News, called M&A Parts,bought a 20" fixed carry handle kit and my FFL buddy got me a Sendra receiver. Then the passion set in!

quote:

Originally posted by kimberkid:

quote:

Originally posted by am94pm:
I have previously built 2-3 lowers over the last 20 years and had purchased complete uppers.
<SNIP>

For me it's been interesting watching the evolution of the AR

I started shooting Service Rifle matches in the late 80's when M14 clone's dominated at our local range, very few people used the "Mouse Gun" and the really good shooters kind of looked down their nose at the AR. Even though I reloaded it was still an expensive hobby with child support and one of my own at home from a previous marriage. Then in the early 90's I was talking with a buddy that had built a couple AR's and I decided to make a change. I flipped through the pages of ShotGun News, called M&A Parts,bought a 20" fixed carry handle kit and my FFL buddy got me a Sendra receiver. Then the passion set in!

I was late to the high power game,
had an AR since 1982 or so, built on a Sendra lower,

got an Eagle lower, Colt A2 small pin upper, and a SGW heavy barrel I had on hand,,

wore that barrel out and got an Eagle HB to replace it,
both were SS, 1:9,

I still have the rifle with the Eagle barrel,
got about 8K our of the SGW, this Eagle has maybe 4K thru it, if that,

the old SGW was better barrel group wise,


BTW

learned to build AR's in the early 80's from a Reserves Small Arms Tech

aluminum barrel blocks,
GI barrel wrench/torque wrench
flat blade screwdriver (grip screw/butt screw)
few punches and ball peen hammer,
grease,
CLP

all the tools you need, for a basic build,

I don't mess with all those new snazzy foreend etc

Roll pin starting punches...a godsend IMHO ...and pretty much anything from these guys...

https://www.plastixrevolution....ons/ar15-vise-blocks

quote:

Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
Roll pin starting punches...a godsend IMHO ...and pretty much anything from these guys...

https://www.plastixrevolution....ons/ar15-vise-blocks

I modified my own punch for the bolt stop pin ... There wasn't anywhere to buy one then ... It was pre-Internet!

Aluminun barrel vise jaws to receiver clam shell to chamber wrench ... Whoda thunk it?

Of course, who ever thought there would be a $300 trigger for a mouse gun ... or people that would pay it?

Ive heard it said that the work goes faster and easier with better results when the correct tools are employed.

but at the other end ,

some say that Paul Klee with a tooth brush and butter knife could paint rings around others with thousands of dollars worth of artistic tools.

There is a certain amount of self satisfaction gained from assembling AR platform rifle, and having the right tools and tactics (such as taping the lower when assembling the bolt catch to avoid the inevitable ding) is a big part of it.

Having the right tools is paramount.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
and having the right tools and tactics (such as taping the lower when assembling the bolt catch to avoid the inevitable ding) is a big part of it

Similarly, the 3/16" Allen wrench trick for installing the front pivot pin and detent helps prevent frustration and lost parts from that step of the lower assembly: https://www.itstactical.com/wa...ot-pin-installation/

(To make it even more secure, do this part of the assembly inside a clear gallon-sized Ziploc bag, which will trap the detent if you slip and it gets launched, preventing it from flying across the room and disappearing.)

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
and having the right tools and tactics (such as taping the lower when assembling the bolt catch to avoid the inevitable ding) is a big part of it

Similarly, the 3/16" Allen wrench trick for installing the front pivot pin and detent helps prevent frustration and lost parts from that step of the lower assembly: https://www.itstactical.com/wa...ot-pin-installation/

(To make it even more secure, do this part of the assembly inside a clear gallon-sized Ziploc bag, which will trap the detent if you slip and it gets launched.)

I use an slightly undersized Allen wrench to do the afore mentioned bolt catch install; the roll pin pushes the Allen out nicely and removes the need for the third arm to do the job. Another conventional tool in and unconventional usage.

I'm going to find out soon. Back in December, I ordered 3 receivers. Hadn't done anything with them yet until this week when I ordered:

Red dot optic
Magpul armorer's wrench
ERGO armorer's block
PSA 10.5" .223 Wylde M-Lok upper with BCG & CH
PSA classic pistol lower build kit with brace
Magpul MOE+ grip

That takes care of one receiver. Looking to build my next one in .223 Wylde with an 18" barrel.

Was considering a .300 but the cost of ammo may deter that idea for now.

Might go with another 16" AR even though I already have one. Would build it for my wife, who is left handed.

Really considering CMC 2 stage triggers for all of them...

It's bad for me, I've only bought 1 factory rifle, built up everything else. Look, I found a roll pin or a detent, better build another gun! Now, I only buy parts and yes, it is expensive!

The 1/4" clevis pin trick also works well to install the front takedown pin...I still use the 1 gallon plastic bag just in case ...

https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar...56K_death/4-362116/?

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:

Magpul armorer's wrench

PSA classic pistol lower build kit with brace

Edmond...one thing to keep in mind is that due to it's closed design, the Magpul armorers wrench will not work on the castle nut on pistol buffer tubes...you will need an open wrench that slips onto the castle nut...the larger diameter of pistol buffer tubes will not let the Magpul slide down to engage the castle nut...they also will not work on AERO barrel nuts if using an AERO handguard.

quote:

Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
Roll pin starting punches...a godsend IMHO .]

YES THEY ARE!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
There is a certain amount of self satisfaction gained from assembling AR platform rifle, and having the right tools and tactics (such as taping the lower when assembling the bolt catch to avoid the inevitable ding) is a big part of it.

Having the right tools is paramount.

With the roll pin starters no need for tape.

I bought some roll pin punches from BRD Engineering:

https://brdengineering.com/t/punches

I also bought a Gas Block Roll Pin Tool from Geissele:

https://geissele.com/roll-pin-tool.html

These tools are not expensive.

quote:

Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:

Magpul armorer's wrench

PSA classic pistol lower build kit with brace

Edmond...one thing to keep in mind is that due to it's closed design, the Magpul armorers wrench will not work on the castle nut on pistol buffer tubes...you will need an open wrench that slips onto the castle nut...the larger diameter of pistol buffer tubes will not let the Magpul slide down to engage the castle nut...they also will not work on AERO barrel nuts if using an AERO handguard.

Bisleyblackhawk,

Thanks for looking out. Looks like I'll have to order an open end wrench. Of course, I can't just order that by itself...

I did forget an ambi safety and ambi charging handle.

quote:

Originally posted by lkdr1989:
I also bought a Gas Block Roll Pin Tool from Geissele:

https://geissele.com/roll-pin-tool.html

These tools are not expensive.

Gas blocks are using roll pins now? What happened to using solid taper pins?

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
and having the right tools and tactics (such as taping the lower when assembling the bolt catch to avoid the inevitable ding) is a big part of it

Similarly, the 3/16" Allen wrench trick for installing the front pivot pin and detent helps prevent frustration and lost parts from that step of the lower assembly: https://www.itstactical.com/wa...ot-pin-installation/

(To make it even more secure, do this part of the assembly inside a clear gallon-sized Ziploc bag, which will trap the detent if you slip and it gets launched, preventing it from flying across the room and disappearing.)

The 3/16 allen wrench is a nice touch, but a short piece of hacksaw blade to hold the detent back works well for me.