Need help putting a AR-15 together

[Rick Mason]

Hi guys...

I have a complete AR 15 kit from PSA, with a stripped Anderson lower, that needs to be put together. I have neither the knowledge or setup to do so. If anyone could help me out with the build out it would be greatly appreciated. I'll be happy to slip you a twenty or a six-pack, which ever comes first.

I live in the Crown Point area, and can travel a bit to get to you. I am available most days and nights.

Thanks

Rick

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I'm not close to you, but have you checked youtube? That's how I learned to build my first one. Not a lot of specialized equipment required really.

What kind of kit? Complete lower/complete upper? Stripped lower and lower parts kit with a complete upper (that's what I started with)? Totally from scratch (stripped upper, barrel, stripped lower, LPK, etc.)?

They're fun to build. I'm no gunsmith so that's why I went with the complete upper. It's like Lego for grownups! Best of luck to you, and enjoy!

 

[JeepHammer]

The best advice I can give,
Find someone with proper headspace gauges, proper bolt gauges, an upper face alignment tool, etc.

Putting parts together is a LONG way from "Correctly Assembled", proper & safe firearm.

 

[bwframe]

Youtube has instructed many a rifle builder out there. Brownell's has a lot of informative videos also.

Don't get hung up on any one source of info. There are plenty of places to go verify, as you should.

Be wary of those who view themselves as cornering the market on smart.

 

[Rick Mason]

Stripped lower and lower parts kit with a complete upper

Yes... this is what I have...

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Yes... this is what I have...

That's what I started with and it's really pretty easy, and I'm not super mechanically inclined. Check out youtube, seriously and see if it's something you could take on. But beware... it can get addicting!

 

[DadSmith]

Found this video. This is just the Lower assembly.

How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a standard AR-15 Lower Receiver is pretty straightforward. Watch as Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA shows how it’s done. Starting with an explanation of the tools required, from the lower receiver action block to all the taps and drill bits, the use of each tool is...

www.midwayusa.com

This is Larry Potterfield lower assembly instructions. Video inside the link.


Assembling the upper. Larry Potterfield

 

[BigRed]

The best advice I can give,
Find someone with proper headspace gauges, proper bolt gauges, an upper face alignment tool, etc.

Not necessary if dealing with a complete upper.

 

[Cameramonkey]

As I recall these are good videos.

Just dont fall for the armload of tools Larry says you need. You dont. I did mine with a handful of tools.

How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a standard AR-15 Lower Receiver is pretty straightforward. Watch as Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA shows how it’s done. Starting with an explanation of the tools required, from the lower receiver action block to all the taps and drill bits, the use of each tool is...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Cameramonkey]

And my recommendation is buy a complete upper unless you need something super specific. That requires lots of specialty tools and gauges.

Kinda wish I was north. I'd love to help. Its like Legos for adults.

 

[JEBland]

I'm not so close to Crowne Point, but I did my first lower a few weeks back. It wasn't too bad if you can get the couple of tools needed. Menards sells Wylde punches - Made in the US and affordable punches. Can even find non-marring plastic hammers. Your LGS should have the wrench needed for the castle nut. There are many articles and videos on it, but here's the one I used:

How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver [Ultimate Visual Guide]

Don't want to mess up? Learn how to build an AR-15 lower receiver with 80+ pictures, tricks I learned the hard way, and recommendations of the best parts.

www.pewpewtactical.com

If each of those steps seems doable to you, give it a go.

I find the Midway videos extremely informative even if you just want to watch people work on guns.

There is a small FFL with light armory services up in your neck. I don't think he does AR assembly, but you could ask: https://www.dbgfirearms.com/
I emailed him once for a firearm on his site (sadly he had just sold it). He seemed very polite from the singular interaction.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Oh and my recommendation. When driving the pin for the bolt release, put several layers of masking tape down the side of the lower. That way you dont scratch it up trying to drive that pin.

 

[DadSmith]

Hi guys...

I have a complete AR 15 kit from PSA, with a stripped Anderson lower, that needs to be put together. I have neither the knowledge or setup to do so. If anyone could help me out with the build out it would be greatly appreciated. I'll be happy to slip you a twenty or a six-pack, which ever comes first.

I live in the Crown Point area, and can travel a bit to get to you. I am available most days and nights.

Thanks

Rick

Is it a complete upper or does it need assembled also? The upper imo is easier than the lower to put together. Again that's just me.

 

[Rick Mason]

Is it a complete upper or does it need assembled also? The upper imo is easier than the lower to put together. Again that's just me.

It's a complete upper.

 

[DadSmith]

It's a complete upper.

Okay so just need to learn how to do the lower. I posted two videos on lowers. It shows you what you need to have. Larry goes overboard on tools but it's nice to have the right tools.

 

[Hookeye]

Good roll of masking tape....works as an OK benchblock too ( just sayin )

 

[two70]

As I recall these are good videos.

Just dont fall for the armload of tools Larry says you need. You dont. I did mine with a handful of tools.

How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver

Building a standard AR-15 Lower Receiver is pretty straightforward. Watch as Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA shows how it’s done. Starting with an explanation of the tools required, from the lower receiver action block to all the taps and drill bits, the use of each tool is...

www.midwayusa.com

Yes, a pair of vice grips, some punches, a roll of duct tape and a castle nut wrench are about all you need for a lower. I usually find a second pair of needle nose vice grips helpful and there are a few tools specific to ARs that can make life a bit easier but you can make do with less.

 

[DadSmith]

Get a 4oz brass hammer instead of a rubber mallet.

 

[Expat]

Oh and my recommendation. When driving the pin for the bolt release, put several layers of masking tape down the side of the lower. That way you dont scratch it up trying to drive that pin.

I always used two layers of black electrical tape.

 

[rooster]

If you can build legos you can build a lower. I personally like the aero lowers bc no roll pins to drive.

that’s the hardest part IMO. Don’t let anyone tell you it takes fancy tools. I built many of mine with tools out of my carpenter apprenticeship tool box.