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Why you should build America’s rifle: the AR-15
American Thinker ^ | 6 Jul, 2026 | D. Parker

Posted on 07/06/2026 7:38:18 AM PDT by MtnClimber

Celebrate America 250 and Firearm Freedom month by building a modern-day musket and America’s Rifle, which is in common use.

SNIP

Brownells , the parts suppliers to shooters, professional gunsmiths, hobbyists, military/law enforcement armorers, hunters, and gun tinkerers for over 75 years, recently produced a short video entitled: Why You Should Build An AR15.

They listed out a number of very good reasons why you should roll up your sleeves, and get yourself a lower receiver and parts kit, and build what Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor termed as “commonly available” and as Supreme Court Justice Kagan referred to as “the most popular rifle in the country”.

The video had a number of very good reasons you will want to endeavor to build one of these fine instruments of freedom, but we have our own list in no particular order (sure, Dave, whatever you say).

1. America's Rifle: It’s like the proverbial Barbie doll for adults.

The AR-15 is modular in construction, giving you many options for its final configuration. In most cases, if you so choose, you can just build the lower receiver portion, and then opt for retail parts for the upper receiver.

2. There are plenty of resources on how to build an AR.

Certain video sites are retentive of what they will show you, but there are plenty of resources to help you along the way.

3. You get to know the rifle, inside and out.

There is something about selecting all the modular parts for your build and assembling them together that gives you an intimate knowledge of the firearm, far above that of just buying a completed rifle off the shelf.

4. If you want, you can build it from the ground up.

Meaning that it is possible to produce a lower

(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...


TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: americasrifle; banglist
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To: Rinnwald
"Common use" protects what we've got, but stifles future innovation.

We have Justice Thomas to thank for some carefully worded opinions. I don't have the sources readily available this morning, but I would bet that Thomas was careful to word the Heller decision so as to indicate that "common use" is simply one of perhaps many criteria for qualifying an arm as not being "unusual and dangerous".

Muskets, for example, are not in common use today, but I doubt that Thomas would support banning them.

21 posted on 07/06/2026 9:40:35 AM PDT by William Tell
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To: MtnClimber

Point number (3) is absolutely correct, and a good reason for building at least one upper, as well as the lower. It’s possible to install some parts wrong, to the detriment of reliable functioning.


22 posted on 07/06/2026 9:43:18 AM PDT by NorthMountain (... the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed)
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To: MtnClimber

Until the SC wipes out the Leftist States illegal laws against it, many people are unable to do so...


23 posted on 07/06/2026 9:59:54 AM PDT by Democrat = party of treason
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To: GingisK

I built an AR10 variant (with the DPMS style receiver instead of Stoner’s original Armalite design). I also have a M1A Natl Match which is really great. I have never fired a FN.


24 posted on 07/06/2026 10:08:14 AM PDT by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
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To: T.B. Yoits

I went with the 80% lower route. I have the jig and the milling/drilling was not difficult.


25 posted on 07/06/2026 10:13:32 AM PDT by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
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To: MtnClimber

The original FN FALs made in Belgium are very nice. I assembled an Stg58 from a parts kit and an Imbel receiver but it’s been nerfed for Kali; fixed 10 rnd mag, stripper clip top cover and a muzzle brake. It’s essentially an updated mixmaster FN49.🙄


26 posted on 07/06/2026 10:21:56 AM PDT by tony549 (Stuck in SoCal)
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To: MtnClimber

So if I could find a smooth bore barrel, it could never be classified as an assault rifle. Not a very accurate arrangement but just fine for up close and personal social work.


27 posted on 07/06/2026 10:23:07 AM PDT by muir_redwoods (You choose; a world without dogs or a world without muslims.)
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To: TheThirdRuffian
It’s an impressive rifle.

I like it.

28 posted on 07/06/2026 10:28:39 AM PDT by GingisK
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To: muir_redwoods

Grab a reamer, do it to it.


29 posted on 07/06/2026 10:29:55 AM PDT by GingisK
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To: MtnClimber

The author left out one warning: building these things is addictive as hell. The gun cabinet industry will thank you.


30 posted on 07/06/2026 10:31:25 AM PDT by Billthedrill
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To: faithhopecharity

You Raise some Good Points...
Chuck Norris has to many syllables so it’s
.
“Rocky”
Thanks


31 posted on 07/06/2026 11:16:29 AM PDT by Big Red Badger (Good SCIENCE is Not Faith BUT Curiosity. )
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To: All
Some Useful information:

Best Bolt Carrier Group for your AR-15 Rifle ~ Bonus VIDEO

Excerpt from Brian (Rev) Norris article:

With so many Bolt Carrier Groups to choose from, gun writer Rev. Brian Norris deals us his picks for the best AR-15 rifle Bolt Carrier Group or BCG parts.

You hear guys say all the time that all AR-15s are all made in the same factory anyway (which isn’t the case). Those same gents are sure to think that any BCG is a Bolt Carrier Group and any Bolt Carrier Group is a BCG, find the best deal, and plug her in. While there are some great budget BCGs on the market, there are also BCGs out there (like any other AR 15 part) to steer clear of.

Generally, in bolt carrier groups, you should look for Carpenter 158 steel, well-secured gas (using grade 8 fasteners), chrome-lined and nickel boron, and shot-peened. In addition, pay attention to whether the Bolt Carrier Group has been magnetic particle inspected and high pressure tested or not (MPI and HPT for short). These tests assure you that the BCG you purchase has been proven processed correctly. After these tests reveal no fractures, the BCG will prove to be durable for your use.

Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) We live in an option-rich world. Sometimes those options can become a bit overwhelming. Allow me to guide you to some proven BCG options.

For most users, a standard M16-style BCG will do nicely. That doesn’t quite narrow the field enough, though. Let me point you to some solid budget options that are not the cheapest bolt carrier groups, some mid-range options that have been time-tested and shooter approved, and a standout model.

So my cut list of the best BCG goes like this:

- Brownells 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group Nitride MP

- COLT M16 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

- Bravo Company M16 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

- Spikes Tactical 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

- Aero Precision 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

- Battle Arms Development Enhanced BCG

- Faxon Firearms AR-15 Lightweight 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group

End of Excerpt. Details and photos of each BCG follow in the article.

I use the Aero Precision Bolt Carrier Group as well as the Aero Precision A4E1 AR15 upper and A5E1 AR10 Upper.

32 posted on 07/06/2026 11:45:24 AM PDT by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
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To: MtnClimber

All true. I have only built a few, before the unfortunate boating accident.


33 posted on 07/06/2026 12:03:06 PM PDT by Pennsyltucky Boy (bitterly clinging to our constitutional rights in PA)
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To: MtnClimber

My son has one and is now building two for good measure - just the way he wants them.


34 posted on 07/06/2026 12:12:31 PM PDT by iontheball (, )
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To: MtnClimber

My FN Fal disagrees


35 posted on 07/06/2026 12:50:56 PM PDT by South Dakota (Vance / Trump...2028 )
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To: MtnClimber

B4L8r


36 posted on 07/06/2026 1:22:53 PM PDT by AFreeBird
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To: MtnClimber; iontheball
I went with...

The first rule of Fight Club is that we don't talk about it.

37 posted on 07/06/2026 1:55:57 PM PDT by T.B. Yoits
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To: Rinnwald

The M-16: Action by Colt, handle by Mattel!


38 posted on 07/06/2026 2:01:29 PM PDT by MortMan (That's a horrible idea! What time?)
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To: Rinnwald

Ahhhh! The “Mattie Mattel Special”! Takes me back to the good ‘ol days!


39 posted on 07/06/2026 3:29:07 PM PDT by Redleg Duke (“Time to Play Cowboys and Snowflakes!”)
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To: Rinnwald

Ahhhh! The “Mattie Mattel Special”! Takes me back to the good ‘ol days!


40 posted on 07/06/2026 3:29:57 PM PDT by Redleg Duke (“Time to Play Cowboys and Snowflakes!”)
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