SIGforum
Holy AR building Batman
April 05, 2018, 04:45 PM
am94pmHoly AR building Batman
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......
April 05, 2018, 04:49 PM
ARMT Guyquote:
Originally posted by am94pm:
Wow what a difference it makes having the correct tools.
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I, send me."
April 05, 2018, 06:18 PM
kimberkidquote:
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!
If you really want something you'll find a way ...
... if you don't you'll find an excuse.
I'm really not a "kid" anymore ... but I haven't grown up yet either April 05, 2018, 06:53 PM
lymanquote:
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
https://www.chesterfieldarmament.com/
April 05, 2018, 07:37 PM
BisleyblackhawkRoll pin starting punches...a godsend IMHO
...and pretty much anything from these guys...
https://www.plastixrevolution....ons/ar15-vise-blocks
********************************************************
"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches
Making the best of what ever comes our way
Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition
Plowing straight ahead come what may
And theres a cowboy in the jungle"
Jimmy Buffet
April 05, 2018, 08:48 PM
kimberkidquote:
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?
If you really want something you'll find a way ...
... if you don't you'll find an excuse.
I'm really not a "kid" anymore ... but I haven't grown up yet either April 06, 2018, 08:12 AM
bendableIve 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.
Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.
Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
April 06, 2018, 10:07 AM
gearhoundsThere 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.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown April 06, 2018, 10:15 AM
RogueJSKquote:
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.)
April 06, 2018, 10:23 AM
gearhoundsquote:
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.
“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown April 06, 2018, 10:50 AM
EdmondI'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...
_____________
April 06, 2018, 12:56 PM
tlbailey1It'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!
_____________________________________________
Welcome to Idaho, now take a wolf and go home!
April 06, 2018, 01:25 PM
BisleyblackhawkThe 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/?
********************************************************
"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches
Making the best of what ever comes our way
Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition
Plowing straight ahead come what may
And theres a cowboy in the jungle"
Jimmy Buffet
April 06, 2018, 01:44 PM
Bisleyblackhawkquote:
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.
********************************************************
"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches
Making the best of what ever comes our way
Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition
Plowing straight ahead come what may
And theres a cowboy in the jungle"
Jimmy Buffet
April 06, 2018, 04:09 PM
am94pmquote:
Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
Roll pin starting punches...a godsend IMHO
.]
YES THEY ARE!!!!
April 06, 2018, 04:11 PM
am94pmquote:
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.
April 06, 2018, 06:15 PM
lkdr1989I bought some roll pin punches from BRD Engineering:
https://brdengineering.com/t/punchesI also bought a Gas Block Roll Pin Tool from Geissele:
https://geissele.com/roll-pin-tool.htmlThese tools are not expensive.
...let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. Luke 22:35-36 NAV
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 NASV April 06, 2018, 08:11 PM
Edmondquote:
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.
_____________
April 06, 2018, 08:17 PM
kimberkidquote:
Originally posted by lkdr1989:
I also bought a Gas Block Roll Pin Tool from Geissele:
https://geissele.com/roll-pin-tool.htmlThese tools are not expensive.
Gas blocks are using roll pins now? What happened to using solid taper pins?
If you really want something you'll find a way ...
... if you don't you'll find an excuse.
I'm really not a "kid" anymore ... but I haven't grown up yet either April 07, 2018, 02:44 AM
badcopnodonut!!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.
________________________
Hi,I'm Buck Melonoma,Moley Russels' wart.