AR15 Experience?

[jrhudgins]

So maybe this is a bit extreme, even for this forum, but I am interested in venturing into the purchase of an AR15, and don't really know where to start to build information about choices and the like.

In the Navy, I shot 45ACP 1911s competitively(which I why I feel so comfortable with them), as well as some high power with an M1 in .308---I think that I wanted to actually USE an M1, rather than just drill with it and run with it over my head like we did in AOCS. Then later, for years, I shot trap and sporting clays. But no M16/AR15/.223Rem experience.

Any advice?

JR

[ramblin-wreck]

I'm not sure if you'd be interested in building one but I could steer you towards some good sites if you are. I recently built a 16" carbine with an A2 upper and it came out as good or better than any one you could buy.

[airplanedoc]

When I was in your position, I asked a buddy of mine who had been a Armor in the US Army. I was told a 8th grader could build one, and he was pretty sure I could handle it.

First time the lower took me about 45 Min to build. I shot 1 detent pin across the room My buddy said he could do one from parts in about 20 min. Building a lower requires a machinist soft blow hammer, needle nose pliers, a pair of visegrips, brass drift pin set, and some electrical tape to keep from scratching the surface.

Here is a Link
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782


Building a Upper requires a couple special tools and is a little more tricky (headspace and timing), so I elected to purchase one (ok 2)

I built a rock river lower, rock river 2 stage match 2lb trigger, standard small parts kit, Also put a better grip and shoulder stock on mine.

My uppers are White Oak Armory target, and a Colt H-bar for fun plinking

There are only 3-4 manufacturers of the upper and lower casting, which are sent to everyone under the sun for branding and reselling. Over all it is pretty easy and a lot of fun for a few hours

[petr]

A guy can get as geeky as he wants over an AR build.

How do you want to spend? Price matters.

Go handle a few and feel the difference for yourself to find what you like. They are a lot of fun. I was surprised at how much quality is built into the S&W rifle. Personally I have a thing for Wilson Combat because I like them and the high resale value should I find myself switching gears.

[ramblin-wreck]

When I was in your position, I asked a buddy of mine who had been a Armor in the US Army. I was told a 8th grader could build one, and he was pretty sure I could handle it.

First time the lower took me about 45 Min to build. I shot 1 detent pin across the room My buddy said he could do one from parts in about 20 min. Building a lower requires a machinist soft blow hammer, needle nose pliers, a pair of visegrips, brass drift pin set, and some electrical tape to keep from scratching the surface.

Here is a Link
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782


Building a Upper requires a couple special tools and is a little more tricky (headspace and timing), so I elected to purchase one (ok 2)

I built a rock river lower, rock river 2 stage match 2lb trigger, standard small parts kit, Also put a better grip and shoulder stock on mine.

My uppers are White Oak Armory target, and a Colt H-bar for fun plinking

There are only 3-4 manufacturers of the upper and lower casting, which are sent to everyone under the sun for branding and reselling. Over all it is pretty easy and a lot of fun for a few hours

Man, right there with you on shooting the detent across the room. The front takedown pin was the one that gave me the most issues but I have since figured out that oddly enough, an old DE blade is thin enough to keep it depressed while allowing the pin to slide in. Also I always use the vise grip method rather than the roll pin punch. I just feel that I have a little more control with that method.

[jrhudgins]

This is providing much to learn about. I didn't know enough to even know what to ask.
I doubt that I would ever get back into Highpower, but do like target shooting as well as "End of Days" equipment. At least that narrows it down on both ends: I don't need a high-end accuracy rifle, nor a raced close-quarters assault weapon. That leaves a pretty big middle to investigate, and more reasonable prices to consider.
And building one from parts... Looks like a good idea to consider.

JR

[ramblin-wreck]

This is providing much to learn about. I didn't know enough to even know what to ask.
I doubt that I would ever get back into Highpower, but do like target shooting as well as "End of Days" equipment. At least that narrows it down on both ends: I don't need a high-end accuracy rifle, nor a raced close-quarters assault weapon. That leaves a pretty big middle to investigate, and more reasonable prices to consider.
And building one from parts... Looks like a good idea to consider.

JR

AR15.com has a ton of info and is the B&B of ARs. Also if you are considering a build you might want to check out Del-Ton. They make full kits as well as completed weapons and the quality is very good. I used one of their kits to build one a few months ago and was very impressed.

[teamacacia]

JR, I'd recommend checking out bravocompanyusa.com. I have used them for a few miscellaneous parts and also know of numerous others who have had good experiences with them. You can buy both uppers and lowers in various stages of completeness and build as much as you desire. Personally, I purchased a complete upper (not from BCM) and then built up a stripped lower.

[Hansel]

I've built five AR-15's now, including four of my own uppers. Barreling an upper isn't really that hard.

I CAN tell you that standard "Heavy Profile" or "HBAR" barrels like Del-Ton and almost everyone else put on their rifles are, as the name suggests, HEAVY.



Just a little of my handy-work. If you want some help, I'll be glad to help you out, just send me a private message on here and I'll get back to you with an answer.

[Hansel]

I don't need a high-end accuracy rifle, nor a raced close-quarters assault weapon.

A2 clone, maybe with a 'Flat-top' upper. They're light enough to pass for a high-speed tactical rifle, but accurate enough to be good target shooters.
Edit: That's the upper-half across the couch in the above photo, it's now a complete rifle.

[Mazeman]

AR15.com has a ton of info and is the B&B of ARs...

That's funny. I found B&B through AR15.com where someone said it was "the ARFCOM of shaving".

Anyway, that is THE site for ARs. It's huge, so take some time to explore. There's great technical info, as well as the insanity of General Discussions.

Here's my relatively simple Colt LE 6920:

[ramblin-wreck]

Here's my relatively simple Colt LE 6920:

[/QUOTE]

Nice!!! And BTW, there's no such thing as a "relatively simple" Colt......love 'em just can't keep from doing the math. One $1,200 weapon or x amount shaving goods!!

[ramblin-wreck]

I've built five AR-15's now, including four of my own uppers. Barreling an upper isn't really that hard.

I CAN tell you that standard "Heavy Profile" or "HBAR" barrels like Del-Ton and almost everyone else put on their rifles are, as the name suggests, HEAVY.



Just a little of my handy-work. If you want some help, I'll be glad to help you out, just send me a private message on here and I'll get back to you with an answer.

Definitely correct about the heavy barrels, although compared to a bull barrel bolt they still seem light. BTW, looks like someone likes full length A2s a lot!!

[yuppiejr]

Here's my relatively simple Colt LE 6920:

Nice!!! And BTW, there's no such thing as a "relatively simple" Colt......love 'em just can't keep from doing the math. One $1,200 weapon or x amount shaving goods!![/QUOTE]

Great build, love the short profile + quality holosight with iron backups and not a whole lot else in terms of options...

[Hansel]

Definitely correct about the heavy barrels, although compared to a bull barrel bolt they still seem light. BTW, looks like someone likes full length A2s a lot!!

Actually, there's only a single A2 in that photo!
I'm honestly more of a retro fan...Hehe...

From left to right you'll see an 'A4gery' (M16A4 replica, the carry handle detaches and optics can bolt to the rail), a Colt Model 715 (That's an M16A2 with M16A1 rear sight), an M16A1 retro-rifle, and a "Slickside" M16 retro-rifle built using an original USGI top half from the 1960's and a new A2 lower half. The top half on the couch is a (now complete) A2.
I'm using A2 lower halves on my because they're a bit stronger than the A1's and the extra stock length makes them more comfortable for me.

[duck]

Once you start with the AR's, you will fast be addicted.
Mild to Wild..........Pistol Power

[Hansel]

Once you start with the AR's, you will fast be addicted.
Mild to Wild..........Pistol Power

Rolf...I always wonder why they don't use A1 uppers for those...It's not like the A2 sights get used much, do they?

[kg4ghn]

Here's my baby:

Rock River with Aimpoint Comp ML3, Surefire G3 light, Magpul handguards and grip. I have since taken off the cheap vertical foregrip b/c the Magpul handguards are a little loose and cause too much movement with the vertical grip. Second picture is Magpul PMags, some generic mags, SS109 ammo, and some more cheap ammo and a few spare parts.

[Blondie]

Stag Arms is worth a look. If you are a left handed shooter, they are the only company that makes a left handed weapon. Also, those Eotech scopes are tits. Super cool fun little gadget. You can get the one with magnification for around $850, and it is primed for night vision if you desire.

[Walker]

Here's my baby:

Rock River with Aimpoint Comp ML3, Surefire G3 light, Magpul handguards and grip. I have since taken off the cheap vertical foregrip b/c the Magpul handguards are a little loose and cause too much movement with the vertical grip. Second picture is Magpul PMags, some generic mags, SS109 ammo, and some more cheap ammo and a few spare parts.

That's some nice hardware you have there.