Building your own AR can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize every aspect of your rifle to suit your needs and preferences. Knowing how to build an AR from scratch requires understanding the parts and tools needed, as well as the steps involved in assembling both the upper and lower receivers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process to help you create your own personalized AR.
What Are the Parts Needed To Build an AR
Before we dive into the assembly process, it's essential to gather all the parts needed to build an AR. Here’s a comprehensive list of components:
Upper Receiver: Includes the barrel, gas system, handguard, and bolt carrier group.
Lower Receiver: Contains the trigger group, pistol grip, magazine catch, and buffer tube assembly.
Stock: Provides stability and comfort for shooting.
Barrel: The metal tube through which the bullet is fired.
Gas Block and Gas Tube: These parts channel gas from the fired cartridge to cycle the action.
Handguard: Protects your hand from the barrel’s heat and offers attachment points for accessories.
Bolt Carrier Group: Responsible for chambering rounds and ejecting spent cases.
Charging Handle: Used to manually cycle the action.
Trigger Group: Includes the trigger, hammer, and related springs and pins.
Magazine: Holds the ammunition.
Sights or Optics: Essential for aiming accurately.
Having all these parts ready is crucial before you start the assembly process.
What Are the Tools Needed To Build an AR
Knowing the tools needed to build an AR is just as important as having the right parts. Here’s what you’ll need:
AR-15 Armorer's Wrench: For various nuts and bolts.
Torque Wrench: Ensures proper tightness of critical components.
Punch Set: For driving pins in and out.
Roll Pin Punches and Roll Pin Holders: Specific for roll pins to prevent damage.
Vice and Vice Blocks: To hold the upper and lower receivers in place while you work.
Allen Wrenches and Screwdrivers: Various sizes for different screws and adjustments.
Needle-Nose Pliers: Useful for small parts and springs.
Hammer and Rubber Mallet: For tapping parts into place without causing damage.
Lubricant: To keep moving parts operating smoothly.
With these tools on hand, you’re prepared to begin the assembly process.
How To Build an AR Upper
Learning how to build an AR upper involves assembling the barrel, gas system, handguard, and bolt carrier group. Follow these basic steps (In order to complete these steps, additional training utilizing the vice blocks and tools will be required):
Install the Barrel: Secure the barrel to the upper receiver using the barrel nut. Use the torque wrench to tighten it to the specified torque.
Attach the Gas Block and Tube: Slide the gas block over the barrel and align it with the gas port. Insert the gas tube and secure it with the roll pin.
Install the Handguard: Slide the handguard over the barrel and attach it to the upper receiver, ensuring it’s secure.
Assemble the Bolt Carrier Group: Insert the bolt into the carrier, then place the firing pin and secure it with the retaining pin.
Insert the Charging Handle and Bolt Carrier Group: Slide the charging handle into the upper receiver, followed by the bolt carrier group.
With these steps, your upper receiver is now assembled.
How To Build an AR Lower
Next, let's cover how to build an AR lower, focusing on the trigger group, pistol grip, and buffer tube assembly (In order to complete these steps, additional training utilizing the vice blocks and tools will be required):
Install the Trigger Group: Insert the trigger and hammer into the lower receiver, securing them with the pins. Make sure the springs are properly positioned.
Attach the Pistol Grip: Slide the pistol grip into place and secure it with the screw provided.
Install the Magazine Catch: Insert the magazine catch and spring into the lower receiver, securing it with the magazine catch button.
Attach the Buffer Tube Assembly: Slide the buffer tube into the lower receiver, insert the buffer and spring, and secure it with the retaining pin.
Install the Stock: Attach the stock to the buffer tube, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
Your lower receiver assembly is now complete.
How To Assemble an AR
Finally, we’ll discuss how to assemble an AR by combining the upper and lower receivers:
Join the Upper and Lower Receivers: Align the pivot and takedown pins of the lower receiver with the corresponding holes in the upper receiver. Push the pins through to secure the receivers together.
Function Check: Ensure that all parts move and function as they should. Check the trigger, safety, and charging handle.
Lubricate: Apply lubricant to the moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
Building your own AR can be a fulfilling project, giving you a sense of accomplishment and a rifle that meets your specific needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance on how to build an AR, don’t hesitate to contact Right to Bear Arms in Albuquerque. Our leading gun store in Albuquerque has experts who are here to help you with AR building services.
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