AR15 gun stand from GUNCREED® displaying an AR15 rifle and magazine in a sleek, organized setup.

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Building Your Own Ar-15: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Introduction: Understanding The Ar-15 Platform

The AR-15, a versatile and highly customizable rifle, has gained popularity among firearm enthusiasts for its modularity and reliability. Assembling your own AR-15 can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. However, before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to understand the fundamentals of the AR-15 platform. Originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950s, the AR-15 was adopted by the U.S. military as the M16 rifle.

Since then, it has become one of the most widely used rifles globally and has found its place in civilian hands as well. The AR-15 is known for its gas-operated system that utilizes direct impingement or piston-driven mechanisms to cycle ammunition. One of the key advantages of building an AR-15 is its modular design. The rifle consists of upper and lower receivers that can be easily separated and reassembled with minimal tools.

This flexibility allows users to swap out different components such as barrels, handguards, triggers, stocks, and optics based on their preferences or intended use. Understanding how each part interacts with others within the platform is essential for successful assembly and customization. From selecting a suitable receiver set to understanding barrel twist rates or gas system lengths—these decisions will impact your firearm’s performance characteristics like accuracy, recoil management, range capabilities, and more.

In this step-by-step guide on building your own AR-15, we will cover all aspects of assembling this iconic rifle from scratch while delving into various considerations during each stage.

Required Tools And Materials For Building An Ar-15

Building your own AR-15 can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it requires the right tools and materials to ensure a successful build. Before embarking on this project, it is important to gather all the necessary equipment needed to assemble your firearm accurately and safely. Here are the essential tools and materials you will need:

1. Lower Receiver: Start by obtaining a stripped lower receiver, which is the foundation of your AR-15. It is crucial to purchase one that complies with all local, state, and federal laws. 2. Upper Receiver: The upper receiver houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and other critical components. Ensure you select an upper receiver that matches your desired specifications. 3. Barrel: Choose a barrel that suits your intended use – whether it’s for target shooting or hunting – based on length, caliber, twist rate, and material.

4. Handguard: The handguard provides stability while protecting your hand from the heat generated during firing. Choose one that fits comfortably in your grip and accommodates any accessories you plan to attach. 5. Gas System Components: Depending on whether you choose a direct impingement or gas piston system for operation, you will need gas blocks, tubes, and other associated parts. 6.

Bolt Carrier Group: This component houses the firing pin assembly and moves back-and-forth within the upper receiver during cycling. 7.

Step 1: Selecting The Lower Receiver And Parts

Building your own AR-15 can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, allowing you to customize your firearm to your exact preferences. The first step in this process is selecting the lower receiver and its accompanying parts. The lower receiver is the main component of the firearm that houses the trigger group, magazine well, and stock attachment point. It serves as the foundation for your AR-15 build, determining its caliber, configuration, and overall performance.

When choosing a lower receiver, you have two options: buying a stripped lower or an assembled one. If you opt for a stripped lower receiver, it will provide you with more customization options as you can select each individual part that goes into it. This allows for greater flexibility in terms of aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality. On the other hand, purchasing an assembled lower receiver saves time and effort since all necessary components are already installed.

When selecting parts for your lower receiver assembly, ensure compatibility with each other to avoid any complications during assembly. Pay attention to factors such as caliber compatibility (e.g., .223/5.56mm or .308/7.62mm), pistol grip style preference (A2 or modern ergonomic designs), and stock type (fixed or collapsible). Additionally, consider whether you want ambidextrous controls or specialized features like enhanced mag release buttons.

Remember that when building an AR-15 from scratch, it is crucial to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding firearms ownership and modifications.

Step 2: Assembling The Lower Receiver

Once you have gathered all the necessary components, it’s time to start assembling the lower receiver of your AR-15. This critical step is where you lay the foundation for the rest of your rifle. While it may seem daunting at first, with proper guidance and attention to detail, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Begin by carefully inspecting all the parts to ensure they are free from any defects or damage.

Next, insert the magazine catch into its designated slot on the receiver’s left side, ensuring that it is securely held in place. Attach the bolt catch assembly to its corresponding holes on both sides of the receiver. Moving on, install the trigger guard by aligning it with the two holes located near the front of your lower receiver and secure it using a roll pin punch.

Then, insert a pivot pin through its designated hole on one side of your lower receiver and attach a takedown pin through its corresponding hole on the opposite side. Next, carefully insert your chosen trigger assembly into its appropriate location within the lower receiver. Ensure that it is properly aligned before securing it with pins or screws depending on your specific model.

Finally, attach your pistol grip by aligning its screw hole with that of your lower receiver and tightening it securely using an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Remember to consult detailed guides or video tutorials specific to your AR-15 model during this process for precise instructions tailored to your firearm. Take your time and double-check each step along the way for accuracy and safety purposes.

Step 3: Choosing The Upper Receiver And Barrel

When it comes to building your own AR-15, selecting the right upper receiver and barrel is crucial for achieving optimal performance. The upper receiver houses important components such as the bolt carrier group, charging handle, and forward assist. It also plays a significant role in determining the overall weight, balance, and functionality of your firearm. One key consideration when choosing an upper receiver is whether to opt for a stripped or complete version.

A stripped upper receiver allows you to customize your build by individually selecting each component, giving you greater control over the final product. On the other hand, a complete upper receiver comes fully assembled with all necessary parts, offering convenience and potentially saving time. Equally important is selecting the appropriate barrel for your AR-15 build. Factors like length, twist rate, material composition, and chambering must be taken into account.

Barrel lengths can vary from short 10.5-inch options for compact builds to longer 20-inch barrels for increased accuracy at longer ranges. The twist rate refers to how many inches it takes for a bullet to make one full revolution within the barrel; this affects stability and accuracy depending on bullet weight. As for materials used in barrels, stainless steel offers durability while reducing heat buildup during rapid-fire sessions.

Lastly, chambering determines which caliber ammunition can be safely fired from your AR-15. The most common chamberings are .223 Remington/5.56 NATO due to their widespread availability and versatility.

Step 4: Installing The Upper Receiver And Barrel Assembly

Once you have completed the lower receiver assembly, it’s time to move on to one of the most critical steps in building your own AR-15: installing the upper receiver and barrel assembly. This step requires precision and attention to detail to ensure a secure and reliable firearm. To begin, gather your upper receiver, barrel, barrel nut, gas tube, and handguard. Start by sliding the barrel into the upper receiver’s barrel extension until it is fully seated.

Ensure that it is aligned properly with the index pin. Next, carefully thread the barrel nut onto the upper receiver until it aligns with the gas tube hole. Use an armorer’s wrench or a suitable tool to tighten the barrel nut securely. Take care not to over-tighten as this can cause damage or affect accuracy. Once tightened, insert and align your gas tube into its respective hole on both the upper receiver and gas block.

Ensure that it is fully inserted without any obstructions or misalignment. Now is an ideal time to attach your chosen handguard system onto the upper receiver. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a free-floating or drop-in handguard design. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully for proper installation. With all components securely in place, perform a final inspection of your upper receiver assembly before proceeding further.

Double-check all connections for proper alignment and tightness. Congratulations! You have successfully installed your AR-15’s upper receiver and barrel assembly.

Step 5: Installing The Handguard, Gas System, And Bolt Carrier Group

Once you have completed the previous steps of assembling your AR-15, it’s time to move on to installing the handguard, gas system, and bolt carrier group. These components are crucial for the proper functioning of your firearm. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth installation process:

1. Begin by attaching the handguard onto the barrel nut. Most handguards will come with their own mounting hardware or a proprietary attachment system. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.

2. Align the gas tube with the gas block and slide it into place beneath the handguard. Ensure that it is properly seated and securely attached using roll pins or set screws.

3. Next, insert the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver. Make sure that it slides in smoothly without any obstructions or resistance.

4. Once inserted, secure it in place by pushing in and rotating clockwise until it locks into position.

5. To complete this step, close the upper receiver by pushing down on its hinge until it snaps shut with a satisfying click.

It is important to note that while these instructions provide a general guideline for installing these components, variations may exist depending on your specific AR-15 build or manufacturer specifications. Always refer to your rifle’s manual or consult an expert if you encounter any difficulties during this process.

With these essential components installed correctly, your AR-15 is one step closer to being fully functional and ready for use at the range or in other shooting applications.

Final Steps: Installing Accessories, Testing, And Troubleshooting

Once you have successfully assembled the main components of your AR-15 rifle, there are a few final steps to complete before it is fully functional. This section will guide you through the process of installing accessories, testing your firearm, and troubleshooting any potential issues that may arise. Firstly, it is time to personalize your AR-15 by installing accessories such as optics, grips, slings, or bipods.

Ensure that these accessories are compatible with your rifle’s platform and securely attach them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care not to over-tighten screws or damage any delicate parts during this process. Next comes the crucial step of testing your newly built AR-15 for functionality and safety. Before loading live ammunition into the magazine, perform a thorough function check by cycling the bolt carrier group multiple times to ensure smooth operation.

Check that the safety selector functions properly in both safe and fire modes. Once you have confirmed the basic functionality of your rifle, proceed with a comprehensive range test using only quality ammunition. Start by firing a few rounds in a controlled environment while maintaining proper safety precautions. Pay close attention to how well each round cycles through the firearm and if there are any signs of malfunction or irregularities.

In case you encounter any issues during testing or regular use, troubleshooting becomes essential. Common problems might include failure to feed or extract rounds properly or malfunctions with specific accessories. Refer back to manufacturer manuals and online resources for guidance on diagnosing and resolving these issues safely.

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