First AR Build

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Taz1357

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This may be kind of long, not sure if I should have made multiple threads for this. I'm looking to build my first AR. I have a neutered (Fixed Mag) Armalite Eagle 15 which I got about 2 months ago. Now I want to try my luck in building one. I'm going to build a neutered (FIxed Mag) AR because you gotta look tacticool. I'm probably going to get a completed upper unless someone can convince me otherwise. I found one that has everything I think I'm looking for. But first I'm going to buy all the tools I would potentially need to completely build an AR, I plan on building more in the future so better to get it all now I think. So thats my first question. There are a ton of sources on what tools you NEED. Thought I should ask anyways, what I need and what I don't need but would help especially if I am planning on building multiple ARs. I'm looking to build a .223/5.56 AR for plinking/self defense. I have a completed upper in mind and a stripped lower. Right now I just have questions on trigger, buffer, and optics and I want to know ya'lls opinions on the upper and lower. Let me know if I should make a new thread or post it here, I didn't want to put too much in one thread and have confusion. Thanks!
An hour or so after posted I decided to just post everything here. So here it is. Not sure if I'm allowed to post links, I looked around a bit and didn't see anyone else posting links. If you want me to just Let me know.

Lower: Spikes Tactical stripped lower from Primary arms
Upper: Bear Creek Arsenal 16 inch .223 wylde 1/8 twist. 15 inch keymod & A2 flash hider Carbine length gas system (Not sure if this is what I would want for my intended purposes-Different length barrel/different gas system)
Trigger: Triggertech AR-15 TT AR-15 Trigger Adjustable Flat or curved (May change. Not sure about trigger yet.)
BCG: FailZero Exo Coated M16 Bolt Carrier Group. (Not sure if M16 or AR 15 BCG. Only difference I can tell from looking is the weight of BCG)
Buffer/Buffer Tube ETC. Not too sure what to look for.
Probably going to go for Magpul pistol grip and 10 round mag. (Will be doing Fixed Mag)
Does it really make any difference what lower kit I get?
 
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BDinPutnam

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What is your budget and what do you mean by "neutered"?

If you are only building the lower, and slapping a completed upper on it, you won't need much in the way of tools.
 
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Taz1357

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BDinPutnam said:
What is your budget and what do you mean by "neutered"?

If you are only building the lower, and slapping a completed upper on it, you won't need much in the way of tools.
Click to expand...
Fixed mag is what i mean by neutered XD. I think around 800 is my budget, I want to have a decent quality, not looking for the best stuff. I'm pretty new to this stuff so i'm not sure if 800 will get me decent build.
 
BDinPutnam

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Ah, ok. Wasn't sure if you meant featureless or fixed mag. Fixed mag will give you flexibility in the build. Personally, I would not use a fixed in the HD/SD role, but that is a different thread. I would assemble a lower and buy a complete upper. CMMG lower parts kit with trigger. 80 bucks. Most LPKs are basically the same shit -except the trigger- the stock CMMG trigger is very nice for the money.

Personally I like 16-18" barrels, mid-length gas systems, with 1:8 twist. Gives good reliability and flexibility in stabilizing heavier and lighter bullets (IE 55, 62 grain and up).

Tools, let's see. Pin punches, Hex wrenches, screw drivers, hammer, painter's tape. If you don't have three hands, a bench vise is nice to have but not essential. I like to work on top of a white towel or drop cloth, makes it easier to organize and see all your parts.

800 bucks should be a decent rifle. As has been stated elsewhere, you will pay more for greater accuracy.
 
dsdmmat

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To build an upper you will need an upper clamshell or a reaction rod, a torque wrench and a crows foot or wrench for the barrel nut, a pair of needle nose pliers( for the e clip on the dust cover) a set of punches and a hammer.

For a lower you need a punch set, and a wrench for the buffer tube.

https://www.brownells.com
 
BDinPutnam

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Ah yeah forgot about the wrench. I've also found an xacto knife is helpful in installing the front pivot detent.
 
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Bear creek has a reputation for being hit or miss.

The only bolt I ever had issues with was a fail zero bolt. It was out of specs and would not close on a go gauge. They did replace the bolt after I contacted them though.

Personally I would go with a normal bolt and use the money you save for a better trigger.
 
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Taz1357

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BDinPutnam said:
Ah, ok. Wasn't sure if you meant featureless or fixed mag. Fixed mag will give you flexibility in the build. Personally, I would not use a fixed in the HD/SD role, but that is a different thread. I would assemble a lower and buy a complete upper. CMMG lower parts kit with trigger. 80 bucks. Most LPKs are basically the same shit -except the trigger- the stock CMMG trigger is very nice for the money.

Personally I like 16-18" barrels, mid-length gas systems, with 1:8 twist. Gives good reliability and flexibility in stabilizing heavier and lighter bullets (IE 55, 62 grain and up).

Tools, let's see. Pin punches, Hex wrenches, screw drivers, hammer, painter's tape. If you don't have three hands, a bench vise is nice to have but not essential. I like to work on top of a white towel or drop cloth, makes it easier to organize and see all your parts.

800 bucks should be a decent rifle. As has been stated elsewhere, you will pay more for greater accuracy.
Click to expand...
Thanks. 16-18 inch barrel seem to be the way to go. the completed upper I was interested in has a carbine length gas system. What is gonna be the difference in that and mid-length gas system.
As for tools. Thanks, everywhere i've seen pretty much said the same thing. Probably the way I will go.
 
dsdmmat

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Taz1357 said:
Thanks. 16-18 inch barrel seem to be the way to go. the completed upper I was interested in has a carbine length gas system. What is gonna be the difference in that and mid-length gas system.
As for tools. Thanks, everywhere i've seen pretty much said the same thing. Probably the way I will go.
Click to expand...
Mid length will be easier on your entire firing system, it won't beat the crap out of the reciol system and will be less violent on your brass during the extraction sequence. If you go carbine gas system you will want an adjustable gas block or gas key.
 
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Taz1357

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dsdmmat said:
Bear creek has a reputation for being hit or miss.

The only bolt I ever had issues with was a fail zero bolt. It was out of specs and would not close on a go gauge. They did replace the bolt after I contacted them though.

Personally I would go with a normal bolt and use the money you save for a better trigger.
Click to expand...
I'm probably not going to start my build for a month or two. Gathering all my info still. Mostly was looking at Primary arms website. Just started looking at PSA, I know nothing about what brands are good. The BCG was just for the coating. From what I read it functions better (dry) and easier to clean, maybe more durable.
 
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Taz1357

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dsdmmat said:
Mid length will be easier on your entire firing system, it won't beat the crap out of the reciol system and will be less violent on your brass during the extraction sequence. If you go carbine gas system you will want an adjustable gas block or gas key.
Click to expand...
AH, gotcha. Thanks I'll start looking around. I know there are a ton of brands out there and this list could get rather long. Any brands I may want to avoid or look into.
 
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Taz1357 said:
I'm probably not going to start my build for a month or two. Gathering all my info still. Mostly was looking at Primary arms website. Just started looking at PSA, I know nothing about what brands are good. The BCG was just for the coating. From what I read it functions better (dry) and easier to clean, maybe more durable.
Click to expand...
I have a couple of fail zero bolts and a couple of the nitrated bolts and feel the nitrated bolts are about the same when it comes to maintenance and reliability.
 
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Taz1357 said:
AH, gotcha. Thanks I'll start looking around. I know there are a ton of brands out there and this list could get rather long. Any brands I may want to avoid or look into.
Click to expand...
Really depends upon what you plan on doing with it. Brownells and Midwayusa Stoner barrels are ok for the money and they back thier products with good warantees. The bolt and barrel are the heart of your system the better they are the better it will shoot.
 
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Taz1357 said:
I'm probably not going to start my build for a month or two. Gathering all my info still. Mostly was looking at Primary arms website. Just started looking at PSA, I know nothing about what brands are good. The BCG was just for the coating. From what I read it functions better (dry) and easier to clean, maybe more durable.
Click to expand...
He who hesitates is lost.
 
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Taz1357

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dsdmmat said:
Really depends upon what you plan on doing with it. Brownells and Midwayusa Stoner barrels are ok for the money and they back thier products with good warantees. The bolt and barrel are the heart of your system the better they are the better it will shoot.
Click to expand...
Mainly for just plinking, some drills. I like the idea of a rifle for self def. Going to be looking for a different upper and BCG now. M16 vs AR 15 BCG, you have any preference or opinion on them.
 
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