Build an AR-15: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Gunsmiths
Building your own AR-15 rifle can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. It allows you to customize your firearm to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional gunsmith, this guide will walk you through the process of building an AR-15 from start to finish.
Choosing the Right Parts
Before you begin, it’s important to select the right parts for your build. Here’s a list of essential components you’ll need:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Receiver | The receiver is the frame of the rifle and houses the trigger group, magazine well, and bolt carrier group. |
| Barrel | The barrel is the tube through which the bullet travels. It determines the rifle’s caliber and barrel length. |
| Upper and Lower Receiver | The upper receiver holds the barrel and the upper parts of the rifle, while the lower receiver holds the trigger group and magazine. |
| Bolt Carrier Group | The bolt carrier group is responsible for cycling the action of the rifle, including feeding, extracting, and ejection of the rounds. |
| Handguard | The handguard is the tube that covers the barrel and provides a place to hold the rifle. |
| Stock | The stock is the part of the rifle that you hold against your shoulder to aim and fire. |
| Trigger Group | The trigger group includes the trigger, hammer, and sear, which are responsible for the firing mechanism. |
| Magazine | The magazine holds the rounds of ammunition and feeds them into the chamber when the rifle is fired. |
When selecting parts, consider the following factors:
- Caliber: The most common calibers for AR-15s are .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO.
- Barrel Length: A longer barrel will provide better accuracy and velocity, but it may also be heavier and more difficult to maneuver.
- Handguard Material: Aluminum handguards are lightweight and durable, while polymer handguards are lightweight and offer more customization options.
- Stock Material: Aluminum stocks are lightweight and durable, while synthetic stocks are lightweight and offer more customization options.
Assembling the Upper Receiver
Once you’ve selected your parts, it’s time to start assembling the upper receiver. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Install the barrel into the upper receiver. Make sure it’s properly aligned and secured with the barrel nut.
- Install the bolt carrier group into the upper receiver. Make sure the bolt is fully seated and the charging handle is in place.
- Install the handguard onto the upper receiver. Secure it with the appropriate hardware.
- Install the gas block onto the barrel. Make sure it’s properly aligned and secured with the appropriate hardware.
- Install the gas tube into the gas block. Make sure it’s properly seated and secured with the appropriate hardware.
- Install the ejection port cover onto the upper receiver.
- Install the forward assist onto the upper receiver.
- Install the charging handle onto the upper receiver.
Assembling the Lower Receiver
Now it’s time to assemble the lower receiver. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Install the trigger group into the lower receiver. Make sure the trigger is fully seated and the hammer is in place.
- Install the magazine release into the lower receiver. Make sure it’s properly aligned and secured with the appropriate hardware.
- Install the bolt catch into the lower receiver. Make sure it’s properly aligned and secured with the appropriate hardware.
- Install the selector
