First Build - Brotherhood input appreciated

[Combatmatt]

Finally getting off my 4th point and building a long rifle. Not looking to build anything super sexy, basically just build a 5.56 carbine that'll hit paper at 3-400 (65gr or lower) and serve mostly as a defense/camping/plinking platform. That and take out zombies (commies/nazis/terrorists) once the hordes appear.

So far I've decided on the following;
Lower-
Tactical Innovations Inc Forged lower with Stainless Trigger Bushing Assembly and a PSA MOE Lower Build Kit (MOE Stock, MOE grip, MOE Trigger Guard, Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Parts Kit and Mil-Spec buffer tube assembly). Magpul BAD lever. Maybe do it up in Flat Dark Earth for the composite components.

Upper-
Aero Precision Forged Upper with Surplus arms and ammo BCG and Charging handle. YHM diamond FF Forearm, YHM 14.5" Fluted, 1:9" Twist barrel with Pinned 5C2 Flash Hider, (I want see if I can pull this off in a mid-length gas system).

Since i cant really afford optics right now i was going to use an old Matech USGI backup sight from a few deployments ago and a standard AR front sight/gas block. Reason for the front is i dont like the possibility of a wibble being introduced into the front sight by having moving pieces in a popup and I cant stomach the idea of the front sightpost being mounted to a FF rail instead of the barrel.

Now seeing as how ive never done this, and though the internet has alot of resources/pictures/write-ups on putting it all together, what am i getting myself into and is there anything im overlooking (except a gas tube which im probably goping to have someone(or some shop) help me put the upper together).

That and if anyone out there in the interweb has any input/criticisms/experience with any of the parts I'm assuming will fit together id appreciate it. Nothing like getting all the parts together for a project and finding out you know absolutly nothing about what you're trying to accomplish (ASS-u-ME).

One question i have so far is where to get and what size to get for a standard front sight block?
Thanks,
- Matt

[rbeau30]

Heya Matt,

When I first got all my parts together on my first build I watched Brownells "How to build an AR" video and I watched it several times, Then I watched it while I assembled my rifle. Don't get caught up ion all the specialized tools they have you really don't need all that stuff... With a little creative ingenuity and determination you can get by with minimal tools.

The above videos helped me a lot when trying to organize all the parts and also the order in which to tackle my project.

my .02

Robert

[def4pos8]

Brownell's also offers a wonderful bench-top assembly guide from Glenn Zediker: The Competitive AR-15 Builder's Guide. --or something like that. I'm at work and can't grab the thing right now.

Zediker shows how to build numerous variations, from basic bullet hoses to 1,000-yard hot rods, with useful discussion of tools, techniques and avoiding expensive mistakes. It was the best money spent on my project.

[Combatmatt]

I went with the instructions on AR15.com and it turned out rather well. Albeit some of the pins are a PITA im really surprised at how easy the assembly on the lower was.

Now just waiting on Black Hole Weaponry to get me my barrel and then to decide on the FSB setup, once its complete ill post some pics.

[WBAR]

Sounds like you're coming along fine- keep up the good work. Thanks for your service. WB

[Guylee]

Heya Matt,

When I first got all my parts together on my first build I watched Brownells "How to build an AR" video and I watched it several times, Then I watched it while I assembled my rifle. Don't get caught up ion all the specialized tools they have you really don't need all that stuff... With a little creative ingenuity and determination you can get by with minimal tools.

The above videos helped me a lot when trying to organize all the parts and also the order in which to tackle my project.

my .02

Robert

I used a shaved down pencil with a hole drilled through it to put the takedown pin detents in. I was pretty proud of myself for that little ghetto rig...

[ray1970]

I used a shaved down pencil with a hole drilled through it to put the takedown pin detents in. I was pretty proud of myself for that little ghetto rig...

Dang. Simplicity at its best. I used an old toothbrush and whittled it down. Never even thought about a pencil.

[Combatmatt]

I used a shaved down pencil with a hole drilled through it to put the takedown pin detents in. I was pretty proud of myself for that little ghetto rig...

Dang. Simplicity at its best. I used an old toothbrush and whittled it down. Never even thought about a pencil.

I used pliers and whole box of patience, wish i would have figured those options out. You guys have any pics of you invent-a-tools?

[ray1970]

You guys have any pics of you invent-a-tools?

No pictures currently but next time I have the thing out if I remember I will take a picture and post it up.