What are some of the main differences in putting together a lower at home vs buying say a factory LMT? I assume you can do it all your self other than staking the castle nut? Anything else they can do with special tools that you cannot do at home?
Home Build vs Factory
- Thread starter kmc0929
- Start date
Re: Home Build vs Factory
It is a lot more fun to put it together yourself. You will also better understand its operation and diag its problems if you ever actually have one.
It is a lot more fun to put it together yourself. You will also better understand its operation and diag its problems if you ever actually have one.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kmc0929</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anything else they can do with special tools that you cannot do at home? </div></div>
There is nothing you can't do at home.
The difference is YOU are the Quality Control. How tight or loose the QC is, is up to you and your wallet.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kmc0929</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anything else they can do with special tools that you cannot do at home? </div></div>
There is nothing you can't do at home.
The difference is YOU are the Quality Control. How tight or loose the QC is, is up to you and your wallet.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
And fyi, having the RIGHT tools is one of the most important things. The correct punches (roll pin holder, roll pin punch, alignment punch), bench block, brass hammer, barrel nut wrench and torque wrench.
It's not at all complicated but just be aware you need to get the right tools or you risk damaging it (or being very aggravated)
And fyi, having the RIGHT tools is one of the most important things. The correct punches (roll pin holder, roll pin punch, alignment punch), bench block, brass hammer, barrel nut wrench and torque wrench.
It's not at all complicated but just be aware you need to get the right tools or you risk damaging it (or being very aggravated)
Re: Home Build vs Factory
I am looking at 2 options, LMT complete lower $250 shipped w/single stage trigger, or buying an armalite stripped lower for $85.
The LMT means I will have to get rid of the trigger, which I assume has no value and buy a 2 stage for 100+
I wanted to do the stripped lower and build it my self, however I dont have the tools.
I am looking at 2 options, LMT complete lower $250 shipped w/single stage trigger, or buying an armalite stripped lower for $85.
The LMT means I will have to get rid of the trigger, which I assume has no value and buy a 2 stage for 100+
I wanted to do the stripped lower and build it my self, however I dont have the tools.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
What tools do you need to "build" (read assemble) a lower at home?
You need a vice, and anything else you need is very easily improvised (the vice is for pressing the bolt catch pin into place.)
Build you own lower but unless you know someone that has built an upper assembly, I would hesitate to suggest that you build that, and there are some tools, and knowledge required, so you might want to save that for later on in your AR building "career".
Good luck...
What tools do you need to "build" (read assemble) a lower at home?
You need a vice, and anything else you need is very easily improvised (the vice is for pressing the bolt catch pin into place.)
Build you own lower but unless you know someone that has built an upper assembly, I would hesitate to suggest that you build that, and there are some tools, and knowledge required, so you might want to save that for later on in your AR building "career".
Good luck...
Re: Home Build vs Factory
Bolt catch pin can be done with Visegrips with taped jaws however, proper tools do make the job easier.
Bolt catch pin can be done with Visegrips with taped jaws however, proper tools do make the job easier.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
You will have pride in what you built compared to what you just picked up. Yours will be built by no other than you.
You will have pride in what you built compared to what you just picked up. Yours will be built by no other than you.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
I just got done putting a lower and upper together, then after much research and talking with some gunsmiths, i released how simple it is. And it truly is simple compared to how complicated i thought it would be. Point being my 18" SPR will be built from scratch to my liking. And its much more fun IMO to build it yourself. You pick out every single part customizing every detail to the way of your liking and then there is the sense of pride that comes afterwards.
Build log for the SPR upper includes:
BCM SS410 18 SPR" barrel
BCM rifle length gas tube
Larue Low profile gas block
Vltor Upper receiver
KAC or larue rails haven't decided yet
Surefire MB556K muzzle break
Barrel nut and all the little accessories need to put it together
I just got done putting a lower and upper together, then after much research and talking with some gunsmiths, i released how simple it is. And it truly is simple compared to how complicated i thought it would be. Point being my 18" SPR will be built from scratch to my liking. And its much more fun IMO to build it yourself. You pick out every single part customizing every detail to the way of your liking and then there is the sense of pride that comes afterwards.
Build log for the SPR upper includes:
BCM SS410 18 SPR" barrel
BCM rifle length gas tube
Larue Low profile gas block
Vltor Upper receiver
KAC or larue rails haven't decided yet
Surefire MB556K muzzle break
Barrel nut and all the little accessories need to put it together
Re: Home Build vs Factory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kmc0929</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking at 2 options, LMT complete lower $250 shipped w/single stage trigger, or buying an armalite stripped lower for $85.
The LMT means I will have to get rid of the trigger, which I assume has no value and buy a 2 stage for 100+
I wanted to do the stripped lower and build it my self, however I dont have the tools. </div></div>
Yes, it's a sense of pride and accomplishment, but $250 for a factory LMT is a great price. You can throw the FCG in a box or sell it. Check out the cost of an LMT LPK and value of the LMT lower. It's a good deal. I'm used to that looking like $325.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kmc0929</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking at 2 options, LMT complete lower $250 shipped w/single stage trigger, or buying an armalite stripped lower for $85.
The LMT means I will have to get rid of the trigger, which I assume has no value and buy a 2 stage for 100+
I wanted to do the stripped lower and build it my self, however I dont have the tools. </div></div>
Yes, it's a sense of pride and accomplishment, but $250 for a factory LMT is a great price. You can throw the FCG in a box or sell it. Check out the cost of an LMT LPK and value of the LMT lower. It's a good deal. I'm used to that looking like $325.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got done putting a lower and upper together, then after much research and talking with some gunsmiths, i released how simple it is. And it truly is simple compared to how complicated i thought it would be. Point being my 18" SPR will be built from scratch to my liking. And its much more fun IMO to build it yourself. You pick out every single part customizing every detail to the way of your liking and then there is the sense of pride that comes afterwards.
Build log for the SPR upper includes:
BCM SS410 18 SPR" barrel
BCM rifle length gas tube
Larue Low profile gas block
Vltor Upper receiver
KAC or larue rails haven't decided yet
Surefire MB556K muzzle break
Barrel nut and all the little accessories need to put it together </div></div>
The upper seems like something I would get factory built, but I think at this point the lower is definitely possible.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got done putting a lower and upper together, then after much research and talking with some gunsmiths, i released how simple it is. And it truly is simple compared to how complicated i thought it would be. Point being my 18" SPR will be built from scratch to my liking. And its much more fun IMO to build it yourself. You pick out every single part customizing every detail to the way of your liking and then there is the sense of pride that comes afterwards.
Build log for the SPR upper includes:
BCM SS410 18 SPR" barrel
BCM rifle length gas tube
Larue Low profile gas block
Vltor Upper receiver
KAC or larue rails haven't decided yet
Surefire MB556K muzzle break
Barrel nut and all the little accessories need to put it together </div></div>
The upper seems like something I would get factory built, but I think at this point the lower is definitely possible.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
Build the whole thing yourself. It is very easy and it feels great when you are done thay you did it all yourself. Plus, you can put the amount of money into it as you have it and not throw down a big chunk all at once. You cannot just built a bolt gun yourself at home without some pretty expensive tools. AR15s and AR.308 platforms are great.
Build the whole thing yourself. It is very easy and it feels great when you are done thay you did it all yourself. Plus, you can put the amount of money into it as you have it and not throw down a big chunk all at once. You cannot just built a bolt gun yourself at home without some pretty expensive tools. AR15s and AR.308 platforms are great.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
Simple lower guide
http://www.calguns.net/OLL/assembly.html
video
http://www.jcweaponry.com/videos/AR15_Assembly.wmv
Simple lower guide
http://www.calguns.net/OLL/assembly.html
video
http://www.jcweaponry.com/videos/AR15_Assembly.wmv
Re: Home Build vs Factory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacBlade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Build the whole thing yourself. It is very easy and it feels great when you are done thay you did it all yourself. Plus, you can put the amount of money into it as you have it and not throw down a big chunk all at once. You cannot just built a bolt gun yourself at home without some pretty expensive tools. AR15s and AR.308 platforms are great. </div></div>
+1 on this. The Upper actually requires less work than the lower IMO. Although i wish i had the skills and tools to build my own bolt gun that would be freaking awesome.
<span style="font-weight: bold">AR 15 build guide</span>
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
<span style="font-weight: bold">Building upper video</span>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwqhYQInvY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYSgiYN6Q4&feature=related
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacBlade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Build the whole thing yourself. It is very easy and it feels great when you are done thay you did it all yourself. Plus, you can put the amount of money into it as you have it and not throw down a big chunk all at once. You cannot just built a bolt gun yourself at home without some pretty expensive tools. AR15s and AR.308 platforms are great. </div></div>
+1 on this. The Upper actually requires less work than the lower IMO. Although i wish i had the skills and tools to build my own bolt gun that would be freaking awesome.
<span style="font-weight: bold">AR 15 build guide</span>
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
<span style="font-weight: bold">Building upper video</span>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwqhYQInvY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYSgiYN6Q4&feature=related
Re: Home Build vs Factory
Help me on this upper build idea. I haven't done that, and it seems to me it is a little more sensitive, since I bought one upper in which the barrel was canted (windage), three uppers couldn't BSZ at 50 without the post going above the protective wings or far recessed into the FSB...I sent back 2, and one came back right, the other came back with another issue. Never had a problem with a lower going bang, except when I had a trigger guy work over the trigger (twice), then it wouldn't pass the safety test. SO at this point I: a) build my own lowers, b) install mil or quality aftermarket triggers (no modifying), and c) buy already-built factory uppers. BUT I am happy to learn...
Help me on this upper build idea. I haven't done that, and it seems to me it is a little more sensitive, since I bought one upper in which the barrel was canted (windage), three uppers couldn't BSZ at 50 without the post going above the protective wings or far recessed into the FSB...I sent back 2, and one came back right, the other came back with another issue. Never had a problem with a lower going bang, except when I had a trigger guy work over the trigger (twice), then it wouldn't pass the safety test. SO at this point I: a) build my own lowers, b) install mil or quality aftermarket triggers (no modifying), and c) buy already-built factory uppers. BUT I am happy to learn...
Re: Home Build vs Factory
Build it yourself it's no big deal.If you have simple tools and basic mechanical ability you won't have a problem.There's many places to go for step by step pictures or ask here most will be glad to help.PM me if you want I'll walk you thru it....
Build it yourself it's no big deal.If you have simple tools and basic mechanical ability you won't have a problem.There's many places to go for step by step pictures or ask here most will be glad to help.PM me if you want I'll walk you thru it....
Re: Home Build vs Factory
I was nervous for my first build, but with the right tools and very little research it went very well. I could now assemble a complete rifle form stripped receivers blindfolded. I think a home build will leave you feeling better about the finished product too.
I was nervous for my first build, but with the right tools and very little research it went very well. I could now assemble a complete rifle form stripped receivers blindfolded. I think a home build will leave you feeling better about the finished product too.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
DO IT YOUR SELF!!!!
1 You can tkae pride that you put it together (Sorta)
2 You have exactly what you want how you want..
3 I saves almost $100 building my lower than going and buying one.
4 Its fun as hell!
5 You'll have less of a chance of seeing your exact build down the line.
DO IT YOUR SELF!!!!
1 You can tkae pride that you put it together (Sorta)
2 You have exactly what you want how you want..
3 I saves almost $100 building my lower than going and buying one.
4 Its fun as hell!
5 You'll have less of a chance of seeing your exact build down the line.
Re: Home Build vs Factory
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carbinero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Help me on this upper build idea. I haven't done that, and it seems to me it is a little more sensitive, since I bought one upper in which the barrel was canted (windage), three uppers couldn't BSZ at 50 without the post going above the protective wings or far recessed into the FSB...I sent back 2, and one came back right, the other came back with another issue. Never had a problem with a lower going bang, except when I had a trigger guy work over the trigger (twice), then it wouldn't pass the safety test. SO at this point I: a) build my own lowers, b) install mil or quality aftermarket triggers (no modifying), and c) buy already-built factory uppers. BUT I am happy to learn...</div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold">AR 15 build guide</span>
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
<span style="font-weight: bold">Building upper video</span>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwqhYQInvY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYSgiYN6Q4&feature=related
These guides ought to help you a good bit. I found them very help at least.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: carbinero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Help me on this upper build idea. I haven't done that, and it seems to me it is a little more sensitive, since I bought one upper in which the barrel was canted (windage), three uppers couldn't BSZ at 50 without the post going above the protective wings or far recessed into the FSB...I sent back 2, and one came back right, the other came back with another issue. Never had a problem with a lower going bang, except when I had a trigger guy work over the trigger (twice), then it wouldn't pass the safety test. SO at this point I: a) build my own lowers, b) install mil or quality aftermarket triggers (no modifying), and c) buy already-built factory uppers. BUT I am happy to learn...</div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold">AR 15 build guide</span>
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782
<span style="font-weight: bold">Building upper video</span>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwqhYQInvY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYSgiYN6Q4&feature=related
These guides ought to help you a good bit. I found them very help at least.
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