How to Install the AR-15 Lower Parts Kit

https://www.80-lower.com/blogs/80-lower-blog/how-to-install-the-ar15-lower-parts-kit/ ^ | Black_Rifle_Gunsmith

[Black_Rifle_Gunsmith]

HOW TO INSTALL THE AR-15 LOWER PARTS KIT

Installing the lower parts kit in your AR-15's lower receiver should take less than two hours for first-time builders. This guide will illustrate how to perform each assembly and install step with pictures and written instructions. We strongly recommend finding the right tools before you get started, lest you end up with missing roll pins and springs that flew off into the carpet, never to be found again (you don't want to put a pause on your install half-way through). This guide is applicable for both a finished 80% lower (AR-15, AR9, and 300 BLK builds) and a "retail" stripped lower receiver.

Parts Required

Reference this visual chart to ensure you have all components required in the LPK. Many parts kits do not include the grip, castle nut, or latch plate.

Tools Required

• Roll Pin Punches. You'll want three punches: 3/32", 1/8", and 5/32". The last two are optional but helpful, while the first is essential: You'll need the 3/32" punch to install the roll pins for the bolt catch and trigger guard.
• Gunsmithing Hammer. To be used with your punches, the hammer will also help with installing the pins for the hammer and trigger, which make for a tight fit.
• Needle-Nose Pliers. Useful for handling the tiny detents and springs that retain the takedown and pivot pins.
• Masking Tape. Useful for covering up your receiver's finish to prevent damage while hammering and using the punches. This is of particular concern when installing the bolt catch roll pin.
• Razor or Knife. Useful for keeping the spring-loaded detent compressed when installing the front takedown pin.
• Lubricant. Essential for making pins slide in easily, lubricant will also help protect your anodized finish.
• 3/16" Allen Key. Required to install the pistol grip's screw and washer.

[Yo-Yo]

Two hardest pins to install: Bolt Latch roll pin, and trigger guard roll pin.

The rest of the assembly is a piece of cake.

[rktman]

Pffftttt. Even nannie bloomer could show us how in 5 minutes because he knows EVERYTHING. Just ask him. LOL! Farming, meh. Coding, meh. Curing corona virus, meh. If we could only get him to the offal office. :-)

[real saxophonist]

Get one of these.

[The Pack Knight]

Yes! I have yet to drive one in without marring the finish on the lower.

[OKSooner]

I suggest you compile this into a ping list, and please add me to it when you do, gracias.

[mad_as_he$$]

Yup, some gadgets more than pay for themselves. If you don’t buy or have one buy extra parts! lol....voice of experience here - somewhere in my shop there are several springs and pins that I will never find.

[real saxophonist]

That's when you need a roll pin punch of the right size, and one of these:

And a carpeted table so you don't lose anything.

[wastoute]

Pro Tip: some 80% lowers have the hole for the front pivot pin drilled. Some don’t. Find ones that do.

[Vermont Lt]

Is there a reason why the AR15 has the pistol grip?

I understand it’s useful in CQC, but for most os us that trained on an M14, does it make that much difference?

I know it might sound like a stupid question...but here in MA it is a AwB State. I can get a mini 14, but not an AR15.

Never thought about it. Anyone ever see that?

[real saxophonist]

I lost all my tools in a...

[IndispensableDestiny]

Yes! I have yet to drive one in without marring the finish on the lower.

Use a roll pin starter punch. Those are missing from the list of tools provided in the OP.

[Magnum44]

For defensive shooting, its first’est with the most’est. The pistol grip for most people is an ergonomic advantage that provides efficiency of motion getting from several of the relaxed ready positions to sights on target. But like many things its personal preference. Time yourself from ready, high ready, and slung rifle positions to shots on target with an AR pistol rip config and again with a conventional stock config. If you can convince yourself you are faster on target with the conventional stock, go for it.

[pierrem15]

That will help, but I just use an allen key to hold the detent and push the pin in while allowing the allen key to be pushed out the other side.

[Charles Martel]

The AR has a pistol grip because that was the trend in military rifle design, post-WWII (actually beginning with the StG-44 Sturmgewehr during the war). Actually, that original "assault rifle" and the AR share a lot of design elements - foremost being an in-line bolt/bolt carrier/recoil spring directing the recoil impulse straight back into the buttstock. The trigger packs were just easier to hang underneath all that, so the pistol-style grip was an ideal solution. Besides, we knew from the Germans that the overall concept worked. The Germans were just trying to make it cheaply and efficiently, so parts of the design were modified from existing weapons parts already in production - see the trigger and grip assemblies on the MG-42 and FG-42 for some of the Sturmgewehr's DNA.

As for why rifles with pistol grips are sometimes unavailable when functionally identical rifles with "traditional" stocks are allowed, that's 100% anti-gun political activists driving wedges wherever they can.

[Charles Martel]

Two hardest pins to install: Bolt Latch roll pin, and trigger guard roll pin.

Lots of lowers now have a full trigger guard already cast in place. For those that still have the original style casting "ears", the MagPul trigger guards can be installed with screws - no worries of breaking off a mounting ear when tapping in the roll pin.

[ShadowAce]

bkmk

[Lurker]

Thanks.

L

[Vermont Lt]

Thanks.

It was more of an academic question. I have both an AR 15 and regular rifle (Remington 700.) I feel comfortable with both. But getting it up from a at rest position to ready...the AR wins every time for me. The Remington is for stuff at the end of the street. The AR is for stuff at the end of the driveway.

[Vermont Lt]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I appreciate it.