First AR build - XDTalk Forums

R/T Rick · 10-06-2009, 07:16 PM

Where do most people start once they figure out what they want? I would like something that would primarly a target shooter, but no so far gone that I couldn't use it in self defense matters. No particular budget, this is will be one of those long term builds where you buy high quality peices here and there and it eventually just comes together and finished. What pieces do I need to buy through a FFL? Those are what I want to get first because I'll likely be leaving Georgia for Illinois and I don't want to deal with IL's bs. Are parts interchangible between manufactures or is it like Ford vs Chevy?

R/T Rick · 10-06-2009, 07:21 PM

Oh and please keep the non-internet standard acronyms to a minimum please!

reidic · 10-06-2009, 07:38 PM

The only piece you'll have to purchase through an FFL is a lower receiver, as that is the serialized portion of the rifle. As far as where to go, well you have the important part understood, and that's what you want to accomplish with the rifle. If you're talking about what components go into a rifle, I can post up my build list which kind of gives you a really easy overview of what parts are actually involved, but it's basically all the parts that go into the lower receiver assembly (stock, grip, lower receiver, lower parts kit, trigger etc.) and the upper receiver assembly (barrel, upper receiver, bolt carrier group, gas system, charging handle and other incidentals). If you want any more specifics, there's tons of valuable info here and there, and I'd be glad to share what I've learned in my research the past few months. As for parts interchangeability, apart from some things I've heard about Colt lowers having different parts that aren't compatible with other mfg's stuff (I don't know more, Colt stuff is above my budget, so I don't pay much attention) but other than that most things are interchangeable.

BlackMesa · 10-06-2009, 07:38 PM

Start with a stripped lower and a lower parts kit. The stripped or complete lower is the only part that requires an FFL. All the rest of the parts you can just order and have shipped to your house. From what I understand almost all parts will come together regardless of who made it. With exception of military spec and consumer spec. Both are different sizes and will not go together. Thats usually just for the buffer tube and stock. As for brands? That's where the research comes in. Take a look at other people's builds and see how they like them. Which builds worked and which ones turned into crap. AR15.com and AR15armory have loads of resources. Be careful at arfcom though. Some over their are kinda snooty about brands and what not. Hope this helps.

R/T Rick · 10-06-2009, 07:52 PM

A build list would be nice so I can get an understanding of what goes into an AR. Thanks!

reidic · 10-06-2009, 08:30 PM

R/T Rick · 10-07-2009, 07:39 AM

Did you make that list on your own in excel or was there somewhere you made it on the internet?

reidic · 10-07-2009, 07:57 AM

I used OpenOffice's spreadsheet program, took a screen shot and then resized it in PS so I could post it online.

reidic · 10-07-2009, 08:09 AM

R/T Rick · 10-07-2009, 11:30 AM

That is AWESOME!!!

10-06-2009, 07:16 PM	#1
R/T Rick XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austell GA Posts: 142	First AR build Where do most people start once they figure out what they want? I would like something that would primarly a target shooter, but no so far gone that I couldn't use it in self defense matters. No particular budget, this is will be one of those long term builds where you buy high quality peices here and there and it eventually just comes together and finished. What pieces do I need to buy through a FFL? Those are what I want to get first because I'll likely be leaving Georgia for Illinois and I don't want to deal with IL's bs. Are parts interchangible between manufactures or is it like Ford vs Chevy? __________________ -Rick
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10-06-2009, 07:21 PM	#2
R/T Rick XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austell GA Posts: 142	Oh and please keep the non-internet standard acronyms to a minimum please! __________________ -Rick
	Share

10-06-2009, 07:38 PM	#3
reidic XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 371	The only piece you'll have to purchase through an FFL is a lower receiver, as that is the serialized portion of the rifle. As far as where to go, well you have the important part understood, and that's what you want to accomplish with the rifle. If you're talking about what components go into a rifle, I can post up my build list which kind of gives you a really easy overview of what parts are actually involved, but it's basically all the parts that go into the lower receiver assembly (stock, grip, lower receiver, lower parts kit, trigger etc.) and the upper receiver assembly (barrel, upper receiver, bolt carrier group, gas system, charging handle and other incidentals). If you want any more specifics, there's tons of valuable info here and there, and I'd be glad to share what I've learned in my research the past few months. As for parts interchangeability, apart from some things I've heard about Colt lowers having different parts that aren't compatible with other mfg's stuff (I don't know more, Colt stuff is above my budget, so I don't pay much attention) but other than that most things are interchangeable. Last edited by reidic; 10-06-2009 at 07:42 PM.
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10-06-2009, 07:38 PM	#4
BlackMesa XDTalk Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Decatur,AL Posts: 59	Start with a stripped lower and a lower parts kit. The stripped or complete lower is the only part that requires an FFL. All the rest of the parts you can just order and have shipped to your house. From what I understand almost all parts will come together regardless of who made it. With exception of military spec and consumer spec. Both are different sizes and will not go together. Thats usually just for the buffer tube and stock. As for brands? That's where the research comes in. Take a look at other people's builds and see how they like them. Which builds worked and which ones turned into crap. AR15.com and AR15armory have loads of resources. Be careful at arfcom though. Some over their are kinda snooty about brands and what not. Hope this helps.
	Share

10-06-2009, 07:52 PM	#5
R/T Rick XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austell GA Posts: 142	A build list would be nice so I can get an understanding of what goes into an AR. Thanks! __________________ -Rick
	Share

10-06-2009, 08:30 PM	#6
reidic XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 371
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10-07-2009, 07:39 AM	#7
R/T Rick XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austell GA Posts: 142	Did you make that list on your own in excel or was there somewhere you made it on the internet? __________________ -Rick
	Share

10-07-2009, 07:57 AM	#8
reidic XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 371	I used OpenOffice's spreadsheet program, took a screen shot and then resized it in PS so I could post it online.
	Share

10-07-2009, 08:09 AM	#9
reidic XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 371
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10-07-2009, 11:30 AM	#10
R/T Rick XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austell GA Posts: 142	That is AWESOME!!! __________________ -Rick
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