Bump for later.
All AR parts are universally interchangeable. Go for it.
The lower receiver is the serialized part that has to come through an FFL. The rest can be purchased/made/scrounged whatever.
Yes you can buy all the parts sparately and assemble your own.
Just do a search or visit AR15.com
3D printed AR15 3rd Generation Ready for Download (600 rds, no wear)
http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2013/02/3d-printed-ar15-3rd-generation-ready.html
I have a DelTon lower bought from them and shipped to my FFL, completed the build with all DPMS parts (complete upper, buttstock, lower parts kit) from Midway USA. The problem you’re going to have right now is finding the lower receiver (from anyone, let alone DelTon) and parts kits.
80% lowers. Go from there.
Or you could buy a 3D printer and make your own lower receivers.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2991782/posts
Rule number one never talk about “Gun Club”
The problem is not ability, but supply. It’s tough to get some of the bits and pieces; could take months to gather everything.
Also, check your private messages.
Curious if anyone’s found an “affordable” (I realize that’s a relative term since Sandy Hook) source for decent barrels. That seems to be the single largest expense putting an AR together.
It’s so easy a metrosexual caveman can do it.
A couple of sites that have instructional videos you will find very useful – the first one is especially useful in that is has a series of short instructional videos of the whole assembly process.
How to Build An AR-15 Video
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11004/guntechdetail/How_to_Build_An_AR-15_Video
Build Your Own Custom AR-15: Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfH9sRLdRwc&feature=player_detailpage
Yes, AR parts are interchangeable. But keep one thing in mind, viz. if you ever want to sell your piecemeal AR (in a normal economy), make sure your frankenAR is assembled with brand name recognizable components. I notice that such weapons on Armslist, etc, don’t get sold as well as others.
I’m thinking about doing this. I might buy a complete rifle if I can get the right price. If not, I’m going to build one. There are a lot of videos on YouTube on how to do this. Anyone can do it with just a few tools.
Don’t pay what people asking for stripped lowers right now. I think they’ll be available for regular prices soon. I’ve been watching “slick guns” and they show up on there from time to time. There was a PSA lower for 119.00 yesterday but they sold out as I was putting my CC info in.
As long as the front and rear takedown pins match on the top and bottom receivers, you’re good.
There are “large pin” and “small pin” lower receivers, but if the pin diameters for the hammer and trigger are different, that’s shouldn’t have any bearing on the upper receiver.
Where you find a difference between uppers and lowers from different manufactures is in the AR-10/LR-308 product space. AR-10 lowers accept only AR-10 uppers, and LR-308 lowers can take many different uppers (that are compatible with LR-308 lowers). If you’re ever looking at building a .308 AR, I’d recommend you look strongly at the LR-308 (ie, DPMS) design, not the Armalite AR-10 design.
Where you need to exercise some caution is in the area of bolts and barrel extensions, since that’s where the headspace issue comes to bear. But most people don’t put on their own barrel extension (if you do, follow the torque specs of 150 ft-lbs for how firmly you torque on the extension onto the barrel) and check the bolt for headspace with a “go” gage.
Lots of luck finding a stripped lower anywhere.
If you do, lower parts kits and bolt carrier assemblies are also impossible to find.
I doubt that Windham Weapondry has many full uppers avilable right now, either.
Your best bet is to continue to stay on your gun shop buddy’s good side.
Check out AR15.com for anything and everything about building your own.
Also check out Palmetto State Armory. They sell everything and are very reasonably priced. I bought a complete upper and their lower parts kit for my carbine. Their cold hammer forged barrels are made by FN.
Colt Ar’s don’t play well with others. Different sized pins.