Introduction:
The AR-15, a symbol of precision and versatility, is not just a firearm but a canvas for personalization. This guide is your roadmap to assembling your own AR-15, blending technical know-how with creative freedom. We’ll cover everything from legal requirements to the intricacies of selecting and assembling components, ensuring you’re well-equipped to embark on this rewarding journey.
1. Understanding the AR-15:
1.1. History and Popularity:
- The AR-15, originally designed by ArmaLite in the 1950s, has evolved into a modular platform beloved by enthusiasts for its adaptability.
- Its popularity stems from its versatility in various applications, including sport shooting, hunting, and home defense.
1.2. The Basic Anatomy of an AR-15:
- Upper Receiver: Houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and is integral in aiming and accuracy.
- Lower Receiver: The core of the AR-15, containing the trigger assembly, magazine well, and stock attachment.
- Barrel: Choices vary in length and material, affecting accuracy and maneuverability.
- Stock: Adjustable stocks provide ergonomic comfort and stability.
- Gas System: Essential for the semi-automatic operation, with lengths affecting recoil and cycling.
2. Legal Considerations:
2.1. Federal Regulations:
- Compliance with the Gun Control Act is mandatory, ensuring serial numbers are registered.
- Background checks are required for purchasing receivers or complete rifles.
2.2. State and Local Laws:
- AR-15 regulations vary significantly between states. Always consult local laws before beginning your build.
- In some states like Illinois it is now illegal to buy/build an AR-15.
- For most people in most places a fully automatic firearm is illegal so only consider semi-auto options.
- Some common restrictions include magazine size, barrel length and weight, and your age.
- Some states will treat an AR-15 differently based on the size and weight. For example in Maryland if you have a heavy barrel that is atleast 16 inches it is treated as a rifle but if it is a normal barrel or under 16″ it is treated as a handgun.
3. Planning Your Build:
3.1. Purpose and Preferences:
- Decide whether the rifle is for close-range defense, long-range shooting, or general-purpose use. This will help determine your barrel length, gun weight, sight and in some cases legal hoops you will need to go through.
- Ergonomics and aesthetics play a crucial role in personalizing your AR-15. All AR-15s function pretty much the same way so its the smaller things that make it yours.
3.2. Budgeting:
- A typical build can range from $500 to over $2000. Establishing a budget is crucial.
- Investing in quality parts, especially in the barrel and trigger, can significantly enhance performance. However, if you are not an expert marksman and are not planning on taking the gun on rough journeys you probably won’t need the highest quaulity parts. My friends and I have built many great AR-15s for under $700 dollars.
4. Selecting Components:
4.1. The Lower Receiver – The Foundation:
- Stripped lower receivers offer a blank slate for custom builds, while complete lowers reduce assembly complexity. If you want to find the absolute cheapest options going with a stripped lower allows you to pick how much you spend on each component but will add more work in shopping and putting it together.
- Note: You will rarely encounter any compatability issues if you buy parts specifically for AR-15s.
4.2. The Upper Receiver – Customizing Performance:
- As will lowers you can buy complete uppers or buy each part seperatly.
- Barrel length options range from 14.5 inches for maneuverability to 20 inches for long-range accuracy. You can find some shorter or longer, however, those will be rare and tend to have negative side effects.
- The bolt carrier group and gas system’s quality directly influence the rifle’s reliability and recoil management. Don’t short change its importance.
4.3. Other Essential Parts:
- Stocks and grips from Magpul are popular for their durability and comfort.
- Optics choice depends on intended use; red-dot sights for close range and scopes for long-range and iron sites are always a cheap option.
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5. Assembly Process
- 5.1. Tools
- Basic tools include a vise, punch set, and AR-15 armorer’s wrench. However, for most builds you can make it with common house holdtools and a partner.
- Specialized tools might be needed for certain customization options.
- You will want a sturdy surface to work on.
- 5.2. Basic Steps:
- If you bought an assembled upper and lower.. just put them together its not that hard start with the stock on the lower.
- If not, begin with the lower receiver, installing the trigger assembly, followed by the buttstock.
- Next assemble the upper.
- The combine the two.
- Detailed assembly Guide
- 5.3. Safety Checks and Testing:
- You should not load the rifle until you have it at a proper shooting range and are ready to shoot.
- Perform function checks:
- Check that (empty) magazine clicks into place. Then remove.
- Insure there are no loaded rounds in the chamber.
- Put the saftey on and pull the trigger. It nothing at all should happen.
- Switch off saftey and pull trigger all the way back. You should hear a click.
- While holding down the trigger cycle the bolt. (done by pulling the charging handle) this “cocks” the gun
- Release the trigger and you should here a pop
- Turn on the safty and securely store firearm until next use.
- Any noises or strange sounds should be investigated.
- Next would be test firing at a range this is crucial to verify the proper operation of your build. My first build had a bent pin in the bolt carrier that caused an issue when discharging a round.
Conclusion:
Creating your AR-15 is more than just assembling parts; it’s a journey into firearm mechanics. Your finished rifle will be a testament to your skill and dedication. Remember, safety and legality are your guides throughout this process.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Follow all manufacturer instructions and comply with all local laws. Information may be outdated or incorrect. Writer and blog owners are not resposible for any injuries experienced while following any of the information here in.