Introduction
If you’re a gun enthusiast, you may have considered building your own AR15 at some point. Whether it’s for personal satisfaction or customization purposes, building an AR15 can be a fun and challenging project. An AR15 is a popular semi-automatic rifle that has a modular design, made up of multiple interchangeable parts. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to build an AR15, as well as provide tips on customization and troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before we get into the details of building an AR15, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the process involved. Building an AR15 involves assembling several modular parts, such as the lower receiver, upper receiver, barrel, gas system, bolt carrier group, and handguard. Here are the steps you need to follow to build your AR15:
1. Installing the Lower Receiver
The first step in building your AR15 is installing the lower receiver. This is the part of the gun that houses the trigger and magazine. To do this, you will need to have a vise, an AR15 lower receiver vise block, and some punches. It’s important to take your time and be careful when installing the lower receiver, as it’s a critical part of the gun.
2. Installing the Upper Receiver
Next, you’ll need to install the upper receiver. This is the part of the gun that houses the bolt carrier group and the barrel. To do this, you will need to have a vise, an AR15 upper receiver vise block, and some punches. Just like with the lower receiver, take your time and be careful when installing the upper receiver.
3. Installing the Barrel
The next step is to install the barrel. This involves threading the barrel into the upper receiver, and then tightening it with a barrel nut. You will need to use a torque wrench to ensure that the barrel nut is tightened to the correct specifications.
4. Installing the Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is the heart of the AR15, responsible for loading and firing ammunition. To install the bolt carrier group, you will need to place it inside the upper receiver and secure it with the charging handle. Make sure you apply a thin layer of lubrication to the bolt carrier group to aid in its operation.
5. Installing the Gas System
The gas system is responsible for cycling the bolt carrier group and reloading the gun after each shot. To install the gas system, you’ll need to attach the gas tube to the gas block, and then secure it to the barrel. Make sure all the components are tightened and aligned properly.
6. Installing the Handguard
Finally, you’ll need to install the handguard. This is the part of the gun that surrounds the barrel and gas system. To install the handguard, you’ll need to slide it over the barrel and gas system, and then secure it to the upper receiver. Make sure all the screws are tightened to the correct specifications.
Tips for Success
Building an AR15 can be a challenging project, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help ensure your success:
- Invest in quality tools – Having the right tool for the job can make all the difference.
- Take your time – Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes and safety hazards.
- Seek help if necessary – Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek guidance if you need it.
Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to building guns, it’s important to understand the basic components of an AR15. Here are the main components you’ll need to assemble:
1. Lower Receiver
The lower receiver is the part of the gun that provides the housing for the trigger and magazine. It also provides attachment points for other components, such as the stock and grip.
2. Upper Receiver
The upper receiver is the part of the gun that houses the bolt carrier group and the barrel. It also provides attachment points for the handguard and other components.
3. Barrel
The barrel is the part of the gun that provides the path for the bullet to travel through. It’s important to choose the right barrel length and caliber for your specific needs and preferences.
4. Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is the heart of the AR15, responsible for loading and firing ammunition. It’s important to choose a quality bolt carrier group for reliability and safety.
5. Gas System
The gas system is responsible for cycling the bolt carrier group and reloading the gun after each shot. It’s important to choose the right gas system for your specific needs and preferences.
6. Handguard
The handguard is the part of the gun that surrounds the barrel and gas system. It provides attachment points for accessories and can also affect the gun’s accuracy.
Advice for Assembling Components
Assembling an AR15 requires some basic tools, such as a torque wrench, punch set, and armorer’s wrench. You can find information on how to assemble the specific components of your AR15 online or in instructional manuals. You can also seek guidance from gun shops and experienced gun enthusiasts.
Cost Comparison Guide
Building an AR15 can be expensive, but it can also be a cost-effective way to get the gun you want. Here’s a comparison of the major component prices:
1. Lower Receiver
The price of a lower receiver can vary, depending on the manufacturer and quality. You can find lower receivers starting at around $50, but high-quality receivers can cost over $200.
2. Upper Receiver
The price of an upper receiver can also vary, depending on the manufacturer and quality. You can find upper receivers starting at around $80, but high-quality receivers can cost over $400.
3. Barrel
The price of a barrel can vary based on the material, length, and caliber. You can find barrels starting at around $100, but high-quality barrels can cost over $500.
4. Bolt Carrier Group
The price of a bolt carrier group can vary based on the quality and manufacturer. You can find bolt carrier groups starting at around $50, but high-quality ones can cost over $200.
5. Gas System
The price of a gas system can vary based on the length and quality. You can find gas systems starting at around $50, but high-quality ones can cost over $200.
6. Handguard
The price of a handguard can vary based on the material and length. You can find handguards starting at around $30, but high-quality ones can cost over $300.
Tips for Finding Deals and Discounts
- Buy in bulk – Many manufacturers offer discounts for bulk purchases.
- Buy used – You can sometimes find quality components for a lower price from individuals or online marketplaces.
- Sign up for email newsletters – Gun shops and manufacturers often offer deals and discounts to their email subscribers.
Customization Guide
One of the benefits of building an AR15 is the ability to customize it to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some customization options:
1. Stock Options
There are various stock options available for the AR15, such as adjustable stocks and fixed stocks. The type of stock you choose can affect your shooting accuracy and comfort.
2. Barrel Lengths
The length of your barrel can affect your gun’s accuracy and mobility. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable but may sacrifice accuracy, while longer barrels are more accurate but less mobile.
3. Magazine Sizes
The standard AR15 magazine size is 30 rounds, but you can find magazines with different capacities, such as 10 rounds or 60 rounds. The magazine size you choose can affect the weight and balance of your gun.
Advice for Choosing and Installing Customized Components
When choosing customized components, make sure they are compatible with your AR15. You should also ensure that they meet safety and legal requirements. When installing customized components, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and seek guidance if necessary.
Troubleshooting Guide
Even with proper care and assembly, AR15s can experience malfunctions. Here are some common issues to look out for:
1. Misalignment
Misalignment can occur when the gun’s components are not properly installed or tightened. This can lead to accuracy problems and safety hazards.
2. Malfunctions
Malfunctions can occur when the gun fails to cycle or fire properly. This can be caused by various factors, such as dirty components or faulty ammunition.
3. Other Issues
Other issues can include magazine misfeeds, bolt carrier group friction, and gas system leaks. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors and may require professional assistance to fix.
Tips for Addressing Common Problems
- Always follow safety guidelines – Safety should always be your top priority when troubleshooting your AR15.
- Consult an expert – If you’re unsure how to fix a problem, seek guidance from a professional gunsmith or experienced gun enthusiast.
- Maintain your gun – Proper maintenance can help prevent malfunctions and other issues.
Conclusion
Building your own AR15 can be a challenging and rewarding experience. We’ve covered the step-by-step guide, beginner’s guide, cost comparison guide, customization guide, and troubleshooting guide for building an AR15. We encourage you to do your own research and seek guidance if necessary, and to enjoy the process of building and customizing your own gun.