[scott7278]

One of my New Year's resolutions is to build my own AR-15, and I came across this treasure trove of information. I wanted to post it here for you all as well, and to get feedback if you think there are better options out there (please let me know why). There are PLENTY of pictures at the link!

Happy New Year!

[Last Dakotan]

...or at least want a rifle CAPABLE of being taken onto a "two-way" range.

Is that where the targets can shoot back?

[Doomonyou]

BFL

[gov_bean_ counter]

Army Regulation???

[umgud]

I’ve never owned an AR, but would like to get one. I did carry an M16 back in the 60’s, early 70’s. I’m in CA so we’re also pretty restricted as to what we can have here.

[dagogo redux]

http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinHumor.htm

Actually, I'd prefer something chambered in .308 (or a Garand in 30-06).

[Eureka_Lead]

Happy New Year to ALL,

as for the AR-15

I have looked into the semi auto history and mechanical issues of many semi auto’s and made my choice, this was not to go with the AR platform. I shall not mention my choice but suffice to say I am happy we still have a choice, not only as to what we buy, but being able to buy and own it in the first place.

Regards
EL

[The Comedian]

As long as it's .308, it's serious. Otherwise, it's just fun.

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[KoRn]

Outstanding thread!!!!

I totally LOVE my AR. They are the sweetest shooting rifles ever made. A real pleasure to shoot.

[Stayfrosty]

If you are going to waste your money at least go with quality, and get a GALIL.

[RC one]

I have had good luck with Bushmaster AR15s. They seem better then the service rifles I carried. I have an Armalite AR10 as well. It seems pretty nice. Gonna work up some target loads for it this summer and I hope to see 1 MOA. We’ll see. I have seen a bushmaster xm15e2s (Bushmaster’s standard AR15) with a trigger job and a nikon scope shoot about .25 moa incidentally (it might have been closer to .223 moa-hole for hole actually).

[airborne]

My kids are amazed at how scary accurate I am with mine.

With standard issue open sights.

[PubliusMM]

I love my Bushmaster. Accurate, comfortable, and it does what I need it to do, when I need it done. Ammo was cheap for a long time, and the stockpile is still cool and dry...inside the waterproof boxes that all fell overboard when I was boating last summer...
The AR, along with the 1911-A1’s, and the Mossberg 500, is a respectable home arsenal, IMO.

Great Thread!

[BuffaloJack]

> Regardless, you will need a rifle that is DEAD NUTS RELIABLE, and made to a degree of quality assurance...

I was issued a really nice M14 when I arrived in VietNam. 5 months later they took it away from me and gave me a piece of crap M16. Twice the damn thing jammed on me, once on the firing range and once during a fire fight.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Question: Why do you want a weapon that fires a 223 caliber bullet and is weak at long range. Also one that builds up debris in the bolt and breech?

If you are working close, a 7.62 AK-47 variant might be better. If you are working out at a distance, perhaps an M-14 variant.

You need hitting power and accuracy in varying degrees depending upon the distance you are working from your target.

I will go get my flame suit on now.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Best recommendation is to also get a set of dental picks and a dental mirror. This will help you get into all those little tiny spaces that collect carbon.

That type rifle also needs to be cleaned four times after use. The first time when you have finished shooting, then 48 hours later, then 72 hours after that. And the fourth time, before you take it out shooting again.

A friend called it a “carbon sponge”, because after it has been cleaned, carbon tends to “leech out” over time, so even if your patches are clean, wait a while and they’ll be dirty again.

It’s tempting to use a rifle dip, but don’t. It’s also not a good idea to put on a blank adapter, fill the barrel full of solvent, and fire a few blanks. Which gets out an amazing amount of carbon, by the way.

Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or other volatile solvents, either.

[cowboyway]

One of my New Year's resolutions is to build my own AR-15

Here's something you might be interested in: How to build an AR-15

Something else you might be interested in: AR15.COM

[bandit123]

I believe this to be a better option , why build it when you can just buy one , the 308 ar10 can hit and kill at 600 to 1000 yards . The bull barrel 18” is an excellent all around use gun , the 16” ap4 is lighter if you need to carry it alot
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=209447424
or
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=209577241
the main reason for the choice is its ability from 500-1000 yards is much better than .223 round , also they cost about 1000 dollars ( fairly reasonable price ) both would transition instantly from sniper use to up close battle well,
p.s. I have owned several dpms rifles and find the quality to be outstanding , never a problem with any of them

[Dayman]

An AR-15 will give you a near-unlimited number of options. I have numerous and love the platform. Instead of buying an off-the-shelf AR you might consider building the lower (it's really easy and you can polish the trigger, insert non-rotating pins, winter trigger guard, a better butt stock, etc. while you're building it).

Once you have built the lower as far as the upper is concerned the world is your oyster. If you want a carbine length I would strongly suggest looking into a mid-length. Don't just get any upper. BCM, Noveske, and Danial Defense makes very good ones, as do a few other.

Here's a comparison chart that you may find helpful. It's geared towards M4, but much of the info is applicable to even 20" rifles.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pwswheghNQsEuEhjFwPrgTA&hl=en#gid=2

Once you have the lower you can get any caliber AR upper you want, including: 7.62x39, 9mm, 7.62x25, .45acp, .40s&w, 5.45x39 (great for super-cheap ammo, although the surplus stuff is corrosive), plus many more.

[smokingfrog]

Bravo Company USA

One of the best build your own AR-15 sites.

Also check out Model 1 Sales and Spikes Tactical.

[doorgunner69]

PFLTR