AR parts kit

[1911 Junkie]

How tight of a fit do you want?

As long as they go together it will work (and I haven't heard of anything that doesn't go together). A little play between upper and lower isn't going to hurt anything, if you don't like it and think there is too much play get one of those silly rubber pieces that fit between upper and lower to give it a tighter feel.

Tightness of the upper and lower really won't affect accuracy. Wherever the sights are when the trigger breaks is where the round is going.

[cjwise5]

I have built a handful of AR types too.  They are so simple to build and work on, but there are some tricks that will make your first build a little easier.  For the most part, if you buy the right tools for the job, you will have far fewer headaches.  Some of the biggest "issues" arise with the front takedown pin detent (there is a tool specifically for this job that keeps the detent and the spring from flying into outer space), the rear roll pin for the trigger guard (you can break your lower receiver if you aren't careful pounding this one in), and the bolt catch roll pin (cover your receiver with duct tape before tapping this one in to protect it from getting nicked and scratched by your punch and/or hammer).  This AR armorer has personally experienced each of these issues and highly recommends that you heed his advice.    lol

[nupe]

Does anyone have any experience with ZM4 uppers from DSA? I know that DSA has a good reputation and their uppers are pretty well price, but I have never seen or herd of anyone with one.

[blackwolfe]

I have built a handful of AR types too.  They are so simple to build and work on, but there are some tricks that will make your first build a little easier.  For the most part, if you buy the right tools for the job, you will have far fewer headaches.  Some of the biggest "issues" arise with the front takedown pin detent (there is a tool specifically for this job that keeps the detent and the spring from flying into outer space), the rear roll pin for the trigger guard (you can break your lower receiver if you aren't careful pounding this one in), and the bolt catch roll pin (cover your receiver with duct tape before tapping this one in to protect it from getting nicked and scratched by your punch and/or hammer).  This AR armorer has personally experienced each of these issues and highly recommends that you heed his advice.    lol

CJ, What do you recommend to do to keep this from happening?  Is there a block or something available to support and protect this area when installing the roll pin?

[tombogan03884]

Check www.ARbuilder.com You can get there through Brownell's site as well.
In the help video they just cautioned you to be careful.
As for the "pivot pin detent and spring"   First, I put the receiver in a large freezer bag  to contain flying springs, I did not have the tool, or the patience to wait for it so I used an Allen wrench  (3/16ths IIRC) to hold everything in place until I could get a putty knife blade between the wrench and the detent, using the putty knife to cover the hole with spring AND detent,  (this is where you DEFINITELY want that Freezer baggy ) there is clearance to push the pin into the hole.

[Sponsor]

[carlosrod]

This is great stuff. It will come in handy when I put my Grendel together in a few weeks when everything gets in. I went with a 20" J&T Distributing upper. I hope I did well. I hear they use  Double Star stuff. I had a Double Star set up On a AR15 223 and it shot great and great groups.  Good luck and keep your powder dry.

[scottr]

The advice here and the online tutorials are about all you will need. If the parts are to spec and the upper already assembled, there is nothing to tweak. If not in spec, you'll be frustrated and could end up with an unsafe gun. If this AR absolutely must be perfect and unscratched, realize that putting your first AR together is likely to be a failure, and buy a factory gun.

Go to AR15.com and find and ** print out ** the tutorial on how to put together a lower parts kit and receiver. Watch the Brownell's videos, if you want. They are great, but you shouldn't need to.

Order a complete kit (less lower) that has the options you want. You should be able to spec the items you mentioned. I used Del-Ton for my last build that ended up being my wife's big Christmas present. The upper/barrel/front sight was put together straight, and the M4 ramps matched the barrel and were anodized correctly, not dremeled or cut in afterwards. The Del-Ton LPK just about fell into the S&W lower, it went together so easy. I haven't seen the DSA AR parts, but their FALs are awesome.

If you want your kit right away, verify that the company you buy from has the exact config in stock and not already allocated before ordering. Carlosrod mentioned J&T, and they were really good about this when I was looking for a lightweight barrel (and J&T is Doublestar).

You will want a pin punch or two, a small hammer, a buffer extension wrench, and a long blade flat screwdriver from Midway, your local Ace hardware, or even a pawn shop (buck apiece for tools). Yep, that's it.
The putty knife mentioned is a great choice, and easier than when I used the flat blade screwdriver for the same job.
Tape the receiver for the bolt release pin. I used a big slip-joint/Channellock pliers (with the jaws also taped) to squeeze in the bolt release pin instead of driving it with a punch.
You will need a bench block to safely install the trigger guard roll pin. You can buy the awesomely cool and correct block from Midway, or use a scrap of wood.
I prefer the slotted grip screw so I can use the ever available flat blade screwdriver instead of a Allen wrench that i can never find.
Wrench the receiver extension on and then choose to crank it really hard, Loctite it like RRA, or use the screwdriver to stake it (you paid a buck, who cares?).

Function check.
Fire.

[brosometal]

Alright so I got the bright idea to try and build an AR from scratch.  I already have the stripped lower lined up, but I need to find a full parts kits.   I'm thinking that I'll go with a dissipator setup with an A3 upper, chrome lined barrel and chamber, and a standard 6-position stock.  I'm not looking for anything fancy.  I just want something handy that will go bang when I pull the triger.  I've been looking at Model 1 Sales and I like their setup, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other sources for about the same price (600).

Here's an all in one type kit:  http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=611283

[scottr]

J&T lists $600 for what you want. I don't see a Dissipator option from Del-Ton, but I didn't spend a lot of time looking on their site.

[cjwise5]

CJ, What do you recommend to do to keep this from happening?  Is there a block or something available to support and protect this area when installing the roll pin?

just a poly block or wood block will work fine.  If it sticks or is hard to get in - don't be a typical man and force it.  That's my advice.