I hope I’m not creating a lot of noise by starting this thread. I’m assembling my first AR and have what I believe to be a basic setup that can transition and grow as I become more familiar with the platform. I am not new to black guns and have enjoyed many rounds through my FAL. However, I know much less about AR’s.
So why not just go by a Colt? Because I want to put one together and I’m having a lot of fun doing all the research. In fact, looking through all the stickys made me want to build one. Notice I am not building one, just assembling one. Maybe I’ll build my next one.
So I’m going with a BCM blem complete lower - minus stock I just received from Grant at G&R Tactical.
Just received my BCM auto BCG and Gunfighter mod 4 charging handle from BCM.
I will be getting the BCM BFH 16” mid length light weight upper with magpul MOE hand guards.
I’m holding out for the new Magpul STR stock and BCM’s new pistol grip.
I’m going to run with iron sites for a while and leaning towards Matech – BU.
Other than a bunch of Pmags that’s about it. No slings, no lights, lasers or other gadgets. I will eventually make this a HD gun but I want to put a few thousands round through first.
Am I missing anything for this very basic assembly or possibly going down the wrong road with part of the configuration?
You must have some disposable cash or know the right people if you can go from assembling your first rifle then straight into building your second one. If you want to put up the money for all the machinery / start up costs, I will partner with you and build some of the finest AR/M4’s to hit the market.
Well, I know that on a few other gun forums assemble and build are enter changeable. However, while I have been absorbing the knowledge on this site for the last three months it is clear that most people here view the putting together of a completed upper to a completed lower as simply assembling a gun while putting all the parts together on a stripped upper and lower would be building a gun. I’ll save the manufacturing to others.
Just curious why a sling is a priority at this point? Do you use a sling on your rifle when at a range?
I was trending towards the Victory/Blue Force but didn’t think a sling was important just yet. Thanks for your time and input. I’ll make sure to include a sling when I get the upper.
As far as I am concerned, a sling for a rifle is akin to a holster for a handgun. It’s a necessity for anything but a dedicated bench gun. Period.
Further, it’s my opinion that if you’re heading the way of using this rifle for HD, even if you’re at, “just the range,” you should be practicing more than just bench shooting. Offhand, prone, kneeling and a sling is important. I prefer the BF VCAS for my rifles.
As far as I can tell, your list of parts and assemblies looks good. It should result in a very solid basic carbine. I like your plan to shoot the rifle before going with any upgrades. For example, railed handguards are very popular, but realistically, what’s the average shooter going to do with all that rail estate? At first, I wanted a free float rail on my carbine, but decided to follow the advice rob_s gives: “Go shoot it”. I started with a MOE handguard instead and so far, have found no need for the extra rail space.
Building an AR is said to be as easy as Legos. Yes and no. Yes, if you pay attention to details and know what details to pay attention to. No if you don’t know what you don’t know. For example, if you don’t take time to figure out what torquing the barrel nut feels like, it’s a good chance it won’t come out right. Not that it’s complicated, but tightening a large aluminum nut on an aluminum part has a feel completely different than smaller diameter steel. Getting the threads started correctly is critical with aluminum. They will easily distort or cross thread and by the time you feel it, the damage is already. Aluminum on aluminum will gall. It’s imperative to use thread lube prior to assembly. Aluminum threads are either good or they are bad. There is very little margin between the two.
The shortest distance from Point A to “Oh crap!” is a short cut. Use plenty of tape to protect surfaces from damage, especially when assembling the lower. Most of the time a slip of the tool means the finish is scarred. No big deal. But it also means if you slip big enough, you could deform, crack or break something. Using tape will help prevent that even if it’s just a little. Use the right tool. A long punch will go a long way to making the installation of the bolt release paddle easier. A barrel vise mounted as close to the muzzle as practical will make clocking the muzzle device easier. Using the right hammers will prevent unnecessary damage and frustration. A magnet will help hold pins in place.
Take your time and pay attention to details. Over clocking or under clocking the barrel nut will push the gas tube to one side or the other which will in turn, push the gas key and the whole BCG. The gas tube must float freely where is enters the upper. If the barrel nut needs to be re-aligned, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be able to turn it just a little with the gas tube in place. This is one of those short cuts to “Oh crap!” Make sure you remove the gas tube before attempting to re-align the barrel nut.
Do not use Locktite. Do not install anything dry (I did not install my gas key. This may be an exception). Always use thread lube. Torque smoothly. Torque the barrel nut and receiver extension castle nut at least twice before final torque. Do not over torque. Do not over stake. Staking is a mechanical locking method used to keep things from vibrating loose once they have been properly torqued, nothing more. Over-staking can damage the underlying parts.
Don’t let any of this intimidate you. Take your time, pay attention to detail, stay focused, don’t over-think it. Only you know if you’re ready to assemble an AR. If not, admit it to yourself and do what’s right. If you do take the plunge, it’s up to you to do what’s needed to make sure it’s right. Your plan to start with a simple basic carbine is a good one
I recommend building it yourself as well. Even if you just do the lower, you will be happy you did. It is actually very easy and there are plenty of guides that walk you through each step.
If you do build your own, enjoy the forward pivot pin detent. It was truly the only challenging part, other than that easy day.
I was planing on getting a few of each then stocking up on them. Any issues with having a mix? Example; 7 or 8 pmags and a couple dozen Enhanced GI mags? Or is it best to stick with one or the other?
Looks like a very light weight gun! Any idea how much it weighs? I am testing out a piston upper that I ordered that has a pencil barrel on it. I know the DI’s are going to be a little lighter. Thanks for sharing the picture.
