I’m a Noob too; I’m really interested in doing a build of my own.

[JackRyan]

Where should I start? I don't have any of the tools mentioned on other threads. Is this possible? Help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

[SideShow Bob]

First, you need the parts to build an AR. Good Luck with that. If you find the parts in stock, post it up in the Buyer Intel thread so that other members can get in on the parts they need. Of course after you ordered what you need first.

[Sharpienads]

Best thing would be to gather all the parts, and then get with somebody who has the tools/knows what they're doing and have them help you out.

If somebody walks you through your first build, they're not too bad after that.

[aryntha]

I went from noob to two complete lowers recently. I can help out; it's not that hard. Springs and detents are a PITA but just assemble in a big clear plastic bag incase they go flying. :)

Still waiting on uppers, but things you'll need:

1) Your lower, of course. Find a stripped lower. I did build one New Frontier polymer lower but they are NOT worth the 3 digits people are charging for them. Avoid.
2) A Lower Parts Kit. Palmetto State Armory seems to have been getting them in lately; raising their price by about $5 every time they come in. $140-$200
3) Buffer, buffer spring, buffer tube and stock if the LPK doesnt contain those. (Some do not.)
4) Look for "AR Punch kit" on Midway USA; you'll need really only 5/32nds and 3/32nds sizes.
5) A small hammer (brass perhaps, 10 oz) to drive the roll pins with the punches
6) A castle nut wrench. (Just look for AR Castle nut tool on Midway or Brownells - again probably backordered.)
7) Roll pin punch 'starter tubes' help, too. They help you get the roll pins inserted.
8) A pivot detent tool, if you can find one. Makes life easier.

Gather those, and we can go from there; I can help. Backorders for uppers with BGCs and charging handles: Windham Weaponry seems to have the shortest backorder time for uppers right now. They're still telling me 90 days which isn't too bad. I have an order in with CMMG too, but theyre saying 6 months.

But, get the lower + LPK and tools first...

[Sharpienads]

I'll add, if this is something you're gonna keep doing, invest in some quality punches. Starter punches and the punches with the little nipples on the end will save you a lot of frustration and scratched receivers.

[HoneyBadger]

I have all the tools you'll need, but I'm moving in about a month up to Research and Powers, so my workbench is pretty much disassembled right now and most of my tools are packed away. if you don't mind waiting about 2 months (you will probably have to wait at least this long for your parts to show up), then I'll gladly show you the ropes. I've built almost a dozen ARs in the past 5 years.

[BPTactical]

What you invest in the tooling would be more than the cost of having it assembled correctly.
Come see me, I know somebody[pick-me]

[rbeau30]

^ I heard BPTactical has a guy that does this sort of thing. ^
I have work that needs to get done, I just haven't been able to hook up with him as I work nights, but I have not heard any bad things from anyone here.

Keep the questions coming as well, there are many experienced fellers here. I built 5 including 1 LR-308. Don't have em anymore... prices were too tempting. [panic]

[JackRyan]

Awesome. Ill keep it in mind. As soon as I figure out what I want to Build. I know I want an M-4 style, as far as parts go. IDK yet. I want new and great quality. I plan on having it forever. Thanks for the help.

[muddywings]

Awesome. Ill keep it in mind. As soon as I figure out what I want to Build. I know I want an M-4 style, as far as parts go. IDK yet. I want new and great quality. I plan on having it forever. Thanks for the help.

These guys have lowers in stock and not completly unreasonable: http://www.fulton-armory.com/lowerreceiverstrippedfultonarmoryfar-15fflreqd.aspx

That would be a good place to start.

[JackRyan]

So I made my first purchase. I found some pmags. Now to find a good stripped lower receiver. I know it will take forever to find stuff, but that's the adventure. So who makes a good Lower?