building a AR-15 from stripped reciever, suggestions?

[HAWKFISH]

I just bought a new stripped lower DPMS reciever from the gunshow. I gonna buy a complete parts kit and build up a standard AR-15 in .223. I've never assembled one before, nor do I have any of the tools for handguards etc.. so does anybody know any good "first time builder" information sources out there, i.e. good books or videos, etc that will show me how to put the rifle together once I get a parts kit. ** Also does anybody know if the DPMS recievers are totally mil-spec? and would they fit with a non-DPMS parts kit? ..  I am familiar with AR's and have shot several. I've just not assembeled one from scratch. So, this will be a new adventure/hobby to work on once I can get everything I need. I don't want to screw it up and I want it to be done right and legal ...so I'm looking for any info or suggestions to help me get started.. Thanks..

HAWKFISH

[Pathfinder]

I just bought a new stripped lower DPMS reciever from the gunshow. I gonna buy a complete parts kit and build up a standard AR-15 in .223. I've never assembled one before, nor do I have any of the tools for handguards etc.. so does anybody know any good "first time builder" information sources out there, i.e. good books or videos, etc that will show me how to put the rifle together once I get a parts kit. ** Also does anybody know if the DPMS recievers are totally mil-spec? and would they fit with a non-DPMS parts kit? ..  I am familiar with AR's and have shot several. I've just not assembeled one from scratch. So, this will be a new adventure/hobby to work on once I can get everything I need. I don't want to screw it up and I want it to be done right and legal ...so I'm looking for any info or suggestions to help me get started.. Thanks..

HAWKFISH

Doing the same thing here, as a 6.8. I'm using this site:

http://www.ar15.com/content/index.html#guides

and especially this one:

http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

since I had no idea what the difference was between a takedown pin detent and a selector detent.

My assembly is stalled due to a move and a few domestic issues. Good luck with yours.

[m25operator]

Hawkfish, Pathfinder gave you some good info, I would also print the schematics for the rifle, there are some tricky things on a lower. 1st, any spring/detent should be oriented upward, not sideways, and be very careful on assembly as several of them have a tendency to fly away if not captured in some fashion. Especially the front pivot pin spring and detent. Go slow and keep a clean area so if anything flies away, you can find it. Next you will probably have to fit the safety, once again, go slow, and you will have to remove the trigger several times to accomplish this, it's just practice, get used to it..  Have fun on your build. You should have some roll pin punches to seat the roll pins for the bolt release and the lower trigger guard.

Best of luck, M25

[someguy]

Having just done the very same thing not long ago, I highly recommend the lower parts kits from Rock River.  You can buy them online, specify which trigger setup you want, and it's all there.  It's a fun project.

[DDMac]

I admire your confidence Hawkfish. I was trying a simple modification project the past week and had to run for help. Good luck and take pictures.
Mac.

[Sponsor]

[m25operator]

New tip. I was helping a newbie build his first and he read a great idea online that helped him, ASSEMBLE THE LOWER IN A SEE THROUGH PLASTIC BAG. It will catch anything that tries to get away, and maybe save an eye or 2.

[DesertMarine]

I have completly taken my AR apart both upper and lower receivers.  There are so many good sites to get parts from that it hard to make a choice.  Since mine is an Olympic Arms, I have stayed with their parts and everything great.  As the other guys have said get as much information as you can and print out whatever you can.  Have fun.

[Bidah]

When I started to build mine, I got the correct tools to do the job as I *knew* I would be building more.  While it can be done without the right tools, it certainly helps.  If nothing else, roll pin punches and starters are the best place to start.

-Bidah

[1776 Rebel]

When I built my lower I found these books to be invaluable. (especially since I was installing a Jewell trigger)

The AR-15 Complete Owner's Guide, Volume 1 by Walt Kuleck and Scott Duff, (2nd Edition)

The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide, Volume 2 by Walt Kuleck and Clint McKee

The North Cape publications are terrific books for  all things service rifle oriented. If you should so happen to get thru the AR, I am sure you will eventually make the move to a good old Garand or M1 Carbine.

Brownells is just a tad expensive but worth it for tools. As any first timer you will either get too few or too many tools and gadgets. Expect to spend as much on tools as the lower at least. As my old man used to say "got to have the right tool for the job". This is what I wound up buying. Some useless, others I could not have done the job without. This was to build a Match grade Service rifle.

Brownells   1   AR-15 Front Sight Bench Block   080-000-252
Peace River Arms   1   AR-15/M16 Upper Receiver Action Block   702-003-015
Peace River Arms   1   AR-15/M16 Lower Receiver Vise Block   702-004-015
Brownells   1   Roll Pin Punch Kit AR-15/M16 Kit   230-112-105
Lyman   1   Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge   7832248
Brownells   1   AR-15 Hammer Drop Block   080-953-000
Brownells   1   M16 Pivot Pin Detent Depressor   080-216-010
Brownells   1   M16 Pivot Pin Detent Installation Tool   080-216-011
Loctite   1   Thread Locker BLUE 242   24200
Tetra    4   Tetra Gun Grease    1oz
Fulton Armory   1   Armorer's Multi Wrench   FA-AR-600-108
Hoppe's   1   Gun Cleaning Pad   
Tipton   1   Best Gun Vise   
DecoColor   2   White Fine Line paint pen   
   1   Allen wrench 3/16" - 4 1/2" long   
   1   Brass Punch set - labeled #1 #2 #3   
   1   GTS Handguard Removal Tool AR-15   
Wisdom   1   Wisdom Heavy Duty Bench Vise 3"   
JP   1   JP Enterprises Bore Guide AR-15   

Jewell   1   Small Pin Jewell Trigger   100-002-557
Rock River Arms   1   Lower Receiver Parts Kit   AR0120
Rock River Arms   1   A2 Buttstock Kit   AR007K
Superior Shooting Systems   1   AR15 CS Buffer Spring - Std Length   
Superior Shooting Systems   1   AR15 CS Trigger/Hammer Spring Set   
Creedmoor   1   Accu-Wedge   

[Big Frank]

I joined the army and spent 8 weeks learning how to do things like that, but I wouldn't recommend anyone else try it. Get an army or marine corps TM technical manual at least level 3 maintenance, like TM 9-1005-249-23&P. The 23&P on the end means it has 2nd and 3rd level plus parts. Buy or make all the special tools that you'll need. It shows them in the appendix in the back of the TM. You'll need them if you build an upper too. There is also a TM available free online as epaper. Just Google M16A2 Technical Manual.