Necessary parts for an AR build

Love2shoot

Love2shoot

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So I am thinking I really would love to have an AR pistol, but like most, and on a budget. I think it would be fun to do it piece by piece as I can get something, or find a good deal. My question is, I have never built any AR before. Researching and finding alot of things, but can you guys confirm what exactly makes up a full AR build from parts? I am thinking from what I see

Lower
Upper ( I plan to buy an upper complete 10.5 like from PSA when they go on sale)
lower parts kit
buffer tube and some type of brace for the buffer
BCG w chg handle

Am I missing anything? Also have you guys built them and have any good quality budget friendly name suggestions? Thanks.
 
I'm sure lots of people will help with the parts list.

Have you shot a 556 pistol? They are very loud, lack performance, use alot of powder for short distance.

Consider a 9mm or 45acp ar pistol.
 
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I built mine with an Anderson lower, PSA parts kit, Radical .556 complete upper and Blade brace. The blade is nice because it has a set screw that allows for some adjustments. Bought the components on sale at different times. I'm in it for about 450.
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Here's a video of my budget AR15 pistol build:

Everything minus the RMR and mount cost approx. $550. The gun functions perfectly and is surprisingly accurate. I can ring 10" steel plates consistently at 200 yards. Muzzle velocity with my reloads averages 2130 FPS. PSA did a great job choosing the combination of parts for this pistol kit.
 
I think I have a tube, spring and buffer, I also have a fire control group I think. I also have a 300 BLK upper. Let me know if this is any of the stuff you need. Thanks Tommy I also have some springs/detents and stuff but if you buy a lower part kit those should all come with it.
 
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Magdump said:
Here's a video of my budget AR15 pistol build:

Everything minus the RMR and mount cost approx. $550. The gun functions perfectly and is surprisingly accurate. I can ring 10" steel plates consistently at 200 yards. Muzzle velocity with my reloads averages 2130 FPS. PSA did a great job choosing the combination of parts for this pistol kit.
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I'm really liking that SB arm brace, I'm still looking around but I think that's what I'm going to end up using myself. Any issues with pulling the charging handle back and hitting the SB?
 
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So just to confirm also, I can build a 556 pistol, and then to make it 300BO all I need to do is get a new 300 upper correct? same BCG, same everything exceptthe barrerl? That would be nice beause i could then go for a supressor on the 300BLK.
 
Love2shoot said:
So just to confirm also, I can build a 556 pistol, and then to make it 300BO all I need to do is get a new 300 upper correct? same BCG, same everything exceptthe barrerl? That would be nice beause i could then go for a supressor on the 300BLK.
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the only other thing would be the muzzle device if your barrel doesn't come with one. 556 is threaded 1/2x28 vs 300 at 5/8x24.
 
Love2shoot said:
So just to confirm also, I can build a 556 pistol, and then to make it 300BO all I need to do is get a new 300 upper correct? same BCG, same everything exceptthe barrerl? That would be nice beause i could then go for a supressor on the 300BLK.
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Yes, the only two parts that are 300 blk are the barrel and the muzzle device.

Another issue you "might" run into is that some magazines have issues with some 300 blk loads, so far during my research the more expensive Lancer mags are the only ones that work with all 300 blk rounds.

You can watch youtube vids of guys butchering their magpul mags to make them work, or wait until the new magpul 300 blk mags get released this summer.

And as far as building a pistol all you need is the Lower as long as it has never been bought as a complete rifle or built and registered as a rifle. The lower has to start as a pistol when you first buy it.
 
Love2shoot said:
Thanks. Theres no special designation you have you make though right at your ffl?
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No, if your buying a stripped or 80% lower your good. If your buying a used complete lower it can not have been on a rifle previously. Same if your buying a used stripped lower, just make sure it didn't come from a factory built rifle.
 
Stripped lower, LPK, buffer tube, buffer, and spring, and a complete upper. All you need to build an AR.

IF you're doing a pistol, decide if you want a brace, and what kind first, because it may effect what buffer tube you need.

I have an 11.5" 5.56 pistol with a PSA upper, Anderson "don't tread on me" lower, and Shockwave brace. Its a lot of fun!
 
Love2shoot said:
Thanks. Theres no special designation you have you make though right at your ffl?
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when you get a lower at your FFL, they should always select other on the form. i've never bought a lower where they didn't, but you should make sure
 
Zedhound said:
when you get a lower at your FFL, they should always select other on the form. i've never bought a lower where they didn't, but you should make sure
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Correct, if your guy across the counter doesn't then you need to walk out. It will be block 16, should say Rifle-Pistol-Other. They should check off "Other" and then on the next page they will put AR lower.
 
Just thought about this.... what TOOLS would I need? I have the ar multi tool for the castle nut etc but thats about it. Any other special tools?
 
Building from ground up or complete upper swap? Lower just requires needle nose pliers to hold masking tape (to prevent maring) roll pins, mallet and punches.


CD
 
Love2shoot said:
Just thought about this.... what TOOLS would I need? I have the ar multi tool for the castle nut etc but thats about it. Any other special tools?
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A punch set and mallet
Castle nut wrench
Maybe Allen wrenches depending on the lower
Torque wrench for barrel nut if you're doing a free float barrel
Long screw driver for grip
 
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You could probably do it with basic hand tools, but the easiest way is with the correct tools.

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Love2shoot said:
Just thought about this.... what TOOLS would I need? I have the ar multi tool for the castle nut etc but thats about it. Any other special tools?
Click to expand...

I have punches and the crazy wrench; you are welcome to borrow them.

Assembling an AR is dead easy; I put together one in 2h watching youtube videos. What you should be mindful is any little piece that gets shoved with a spring, like the balls on the detent pins. Take your time to figure out a way to hold them in place as you put the parts in or they will fly all over the place.
 
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