Looking for Tips on My First AR Build

[rg115]

Been kicking around the idea of building my first AR-15, and I finally dove into the parts search. I’m finding some decent deals, but honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming. Just trying to figure out what’s actually worth it and what’s not.

I’m thinking of sticking with a basic rifle build, probably going with 5.56 to start. I’ve heard it’s a good choice for beginners, but I’m open to any suggestions if there’s something better.

Are there any brands you all would say to avoid? And what about those sneaky hidden costs that pop up? I’ve read about some rookie mistakes, but it’s hard to know what to watch for without actually going through it.

Part of me wonders if I should just buy a pre-built one instead. I know it saves time, but I’m really interested in understanding how it all works.

Any advice or stories about learning the hard way would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[DAVE B]

If you already have an AR-15 in 5.56, you might consider the .223 WYLDE chambering for your project. It would be compatible with 5.56 NATO and .223 REM ammunition and is supposed to offer better accuracy than 5.56 NATO.

 

[CentralFLMike]

Been kicking around the idea of building my first AR-15, and I finally dove into the parts search. I'm finding some decent deals, but honestly, it's a bit overwhelming. Just trying to figure out what's actually worth it and what's not.

I'm thinking of sticking with a basic rifle build, probably going with 5.56 to start. I've heard it's a good choice for beginners, but I'm open to any suggestions if there's something better.

Are there any brands you all would say to avoid? And what about those sneaky hidden costs that pop up? I've read about some rookie mistakes, but it's hard to know what to watch for without actually going through it.

Part of me wonders if I should just buy a pre-built one instead. I know it saves time, but I'm really interested in understanding how it all works.

Any advice or stories about learning the hard way would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

5.56 is a good choice because of the availability of parts and ammo. Also you can use the cheaper .223 Rem in a 5.56 chamber.

As far as brands, check reviews. It seems everyone hates or loves a brand for one reason or another regardless of validity. Lots of reviews give a better cross-section to make your choice. You are looking for Milspec dimensions.

Watch a lot of videos on gun friendly platforms. Brownell's has a good video series on their website and School of the American Rifle (SOTAR) on youtube is your friend.

If you want hands-on experience building an AR but don't want to experiement on your brand new uppers/lowers, take an armorer course and pound on their guns.

Good luck!

 

[EMcM2]

Take your time and Google Google Google lol when I built my first one I broke it down into 2 lines upper & lower then broke them into 2 more I went with matched upper & lower then I started Google searches on barrels once I decided what barrel I liked and the lenght I wanted i went checking company's and reviews then I set out deciding the handguard I liked I can tell you aint but two bcg's I run either a wilson combat -auto or a BCM Bolt Carrier Group - Auto
The lower is basically up to you I prefer magpul for stock And grip the lower inter section is all based on what you want to spend. Almost all my builds I use Spikes Tactical enhanced lower parts kits. Google is your friend check out a few builds and really ask questions.

 

[WooD 714]

I've got 7 AR's of different makers. For a first time buyer, I'd go with one from Palmetto State Armory. You can usually get one for under $500. If you want to learn how they work, watch a YouTube video and take yours apart and put it back together. There are a few tools you'll need, Vice block, AR wrench and a decent punch set.

 

[rmc51]

I am going to follow up on WD714.
I am under the impression that you do not have experience in the AR field. Correct?

Us guys down here have a saying, The KISS principle.
Keep It Simple Stupid, Please don't be offended. It has been said/used on all of us one time or another.

You do not have enough information/ knowledge to make the right choices for yourself at this time, you will get much better with practice, but we need to get you on the path.

PSA has a very good starter lower.
PSA AR-15 COMPLETE STEALTH LOWER MOE EPT, BLACK $419.99$159.99
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-stealth-lower-black.html

BC-15 | 5.56 NATO Upper | 16" Black Nitride Cold Hammer Forged M4 Barrel | 1:7 Twist | Carbine Length Gas System | Talon 15" MLOK Split Rail | with BCG & Charging Handle $219.95
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/55...5-handguard-rc-nrail-hammer-forged-upper.html

That will get you a starter KISS AR15

Put a set of flip up sights on it
CDNN
https://www.cdnnsports.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=FLIP+UP+SIGHTS
$20-$45
Magpul makes Mbus for about $80-$90

PSA most of the time have Magpul pmags on sale for 10 for $80
https://palmettostatearmory.com/magpul-pmag-30-5-56x45-magazine-mag571-blk.html
Free shipping on10+ use code PMAG

Get 1000-2000 rounds and go shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot some more.
Every time you go to the range you will find something that you like or dislike. After you have shot 1k+ rounds you will start to know what you like and want.

 

[WooD 714]

If you're anything like me, buy a couple of these! Saved me a few times.

If you never bend a safety detent spring, you're a better man than me. Or launch a buffer tube detent across your garage at 0200.

A spring out a BIC lighter will work.

 

[rmc51]

If you're anything like me, buy a couple of these! Saved me a few times.

If you never bend a safety detent spring, you're a better man than me. Or launch a buffer tube detent across your garage at 0200.

A spring out a BIC lighter will work.

Or a pivot pin detent.
My safety glasses say they have never done that, but they have been known to lie once or twice. so maybe!

I am not going to be working on anything at 2am but rest, it will be done well before then or "mañana"

 

[Keith.303]

If you're anything like me, buy a couple of these! Saved me a few times.

If you never bend a safety detent spring, you're a better man than me. Or launch a buffer tube detent across your garage at 0200.

A spring out a BIC lighter will work.

I still have no idea where mine went.

 

[Fodderwing]

Buy uppers.

Build lowers.

My motto.

YMMV

 

[Rusty_Buketz]

I am going to follow up on WD714.
I am under the impression that you do not have experience in the AR field. Correct?

Get 1000-2000 rounds and go shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot some more.
Every time you go to the range you will find something that you like or dislike. After you have shot 1k+ rounds you will start to know what you like and want.

To add to rmc51, make sure you follow break in with a new rifle. The AR platform is fairly standard, but if you don't allow for break in, you may break it. (my opinion) After a good break in period, then you can go crazy and dump a lot of ammo through it and learn about the types of ammo that the rifle likes/dislikes. and that also brings up another point, don't just try 1 brand, grab a few, get some ball ammo, military FMJ stuff, and others. every gun has its quirks, especially when it comes to ammo. DO NOT USE STEEL CASE DURING BREAK IN!! I made that mistake and it took me 3 weeks to get the casing out of the chamber. Use only brass cased as the tolerances are too tight in a new rifle. and above all, Have FUN!!

 

[oncewas]

Wow that's a loaded question. A lot depends on how much you want to spend. I'm budget minded but I want a good product. Than said.
Lowers I always go Areo Precision I like that they have a bumper that you can tighten your fit to the upper. I've used their uppers and Bravo Co. Like both, I usually just get complete because I don't want to mess with all the little parts but up to you. Trigger I go with AGL Defense combat or Rise Armament drop in. I like the 154 but I'm cheap. Barrels I like Ballistic Advantage and Faxon. Be sure you go mid-length, I use Superlative Arms adjustable gas block but I run suppressors on all my rifles. Gas tubes just be sure you go with one that matches your barrel length. Stocks and Grips I like Bravo Co. But Magpuls and B5 are nice also. I would go with a complete one that includes buffer tube kit or build your own. I like Troy Iron sights but magpuls are a lot cheaper but I'm not a big plastic fan and have never used them. Foregrip Midwest Industries is my preferred. BCG I use Palmetto State Armory Phosphate or Toolcraft which is what PSA's is just without the markings, but highly recommend the phosphate ones. Flashhider or what ever you want to stick on the end of your barrel is your choice. You need to go sixteen inch unless you want to pin and weld your flashhider. My last build I did go .223Wylde and I like it a lot. On my 14.5 and 16 inch rifles I run 1x6 glass but Red dots on my 10.5 pistol. I'm sure I left something out but I hope this helps at least a little. Good luck.

 

[gonepostal10309]

Lost a barrel bushing spring from a 1911 once. No where it went

 

[oncewas]

Lost a barrel bushing spring from a 1911 once. No where it went

I lost a brand new Stainless Steel main spring for a 1911 I was changing out. Just flew away and I live in a fifth wheel not a lot of room.