Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Has anyone here bought and assembled a kit? Is it worth $600+?

Thanks........:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Don't know that I've ever seen an AR-15 kit....you got a link ?

I've seen the AK kits......doesn't seem like you save much money, but I guess you get intimately aquianted with the rifle if you have to assemble it. Melbo has done some of these, and he could tell us more about them.

I like the AR's flexibility in that you can pop two pins, and drop another upper on the lower receiver, changing to a bunch of different calibers from .22lr to .50cal Beo ( you have to have the appropriate clip for feeding ). These uppers can be bought mail order with no FFL involved.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

don't forget, once you buy the kit you need to also buy (or already own)

The Lower Receiver $100- $200 (depending on brand) this is the part that is registered and doesn't come with the kit

good vise
set of good roll pin punches
brass hammer
thin needle nose pliers
misc screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, etc...
barrel OR upper receiver vise block $25
lower receiver vice block $25
multi wrench or barrel wrench (one with the carbine stock wrench on the other end if it's a carbine) $30
torque wrench & adapter to multi wrench $75
detent installation tool $20 (not necessary, but highly recommended for the first build.)

if you plan on doing more than one, i recommend all of the above. the suff in bold is essential.

i've done probably 20-30 builds in the last few years. it's really so easy that my 9yo can do it with me. you will also need instructions, i have an excellent walk-through book that makes it easy for the first timer.

if you really plan on building from a kit, contact me. once you do one, you'll start planning your next one, so go ahead and get all the tools you need now.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Thanks Tn...Andy...I think that that is what my friend was referring to....Lower and upper reciever. But I did find some links on the AR-15 Kits....

https://www.vbd.com/noc/shop/product...?CategoryID=49

http://www.model1sales.com/item-deta...e=car16pre.gif

http://www.gunsmokeenterprises.net/C...ONS%20KITS.htm

But they do not include the lower reciever. I think this mix and match may be the way to go....

More advice please......:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

the VDB.COM link is for the tools to build the lower receiver from a 80% forging. unless you have access to a mill, it's very diffucult to do (use a dremmel), fun project, but not cost effective.

Model one sales is a very good choice for buying a kit. the other i have no experience with.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

When lower receivers are made and the numbers recorded by ATF, they must specify whether they are pistols or rifles. A few were made and recorded as pistols. I've heard if you use a rifle receiver to build a pistol or vice-versa you might be in very deep doodoo if a cop runs the numbers.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

grizzlyduck...great advice. I just order the lower reciever kit with all the jigs. I'm pretty good with tools and have 3 yrs machine shop under my belt....that and welding are the only things I came away with of real value during my public education. Anyway....I have looked into getting a Smithy for light metal work.....just have to convince my wife.

There are GREAT advantages in building my own lowers from scratch...when I get the kit I will be contacting you for some advice...if that is ok....

If all goes well...I'll be building more...:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Full auto?

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Rich G... sounds like you'll have no problem with building a lower so ...have fun. buy 2 forgings so if you screw the first one up (like i did) you don't have to wait for a replacement to come in.

once you build a few ARs start looking into AKs. they are a lot more fun to build (for me anyway). and you'll get to use that welding exp. on the AK.:yippee:


oh, and go check out the building forum on www.AR15.com.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

No...no need....waste of ammo....just well placed groups. :smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

grizzlyduck....care to share any of your builds? I love inspiration...:emotions16:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Rick,

Check out this site...http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/index.php

They are a sister board to www.calguns.net

I'm not sure about the laws in Maryland, but the laws in Kalifornia have allowed us to build ar-15's by using lower receivers that were not listed on the laws passed in 2000. As long as the rifle uses a pinned 10 round magazine it's perfectly compliant with the law.

Good luck,

Mark

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Thanks Mark.....:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Hope I'm not hijacking the thread with this, but has anyone else thought of buying up a few kits, like maybe the cheap Romanian AK kits as an investment of sorts? I would be willing to bet the Democrats won't be able to resist passing some sort of anti-assault rifle legislation. Maybe not right at this time, but if a Dem is elected in '08, I'd say it is a lock. Obviously it will depend on what exactly they do, but I'm thinking you might make a nice profit on those kits holding them a while. You certainly shouldn't lose anything. Same goes with high cap mags, which can be had pretty cheaply now....

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Goldfinger...those are vaild concerns. A stockpile of kits will assure you weapons and parts for weapons. DIY means...well...I hate paper work and I need a nice relaxing hobby...:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

i don't usually take pictures of my builds and most sell quickly after i build them. here's one i kept for myself. it's built on a Bushmaster receiver. not a parts "kit" but all custom.


http://usera.imagecave.com/grizzlyar...04cut-copy.jpg

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Very...very..nice. Good job!

If you don't mind me asking....how much after all said and done?

Thanks for sharing...:smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Hey folks... look at this:

http://goldismoney.info/forums/t1070...-receiver.html

You can buy an 80% completed LR and finish it yourself.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

R MacDonald... thanks for the input. Looks like a great book. :smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

that one cost me about $1250. i get most parts a little cheaper since i'm an FFL though. it would probably run about $1400 paying retail. keep in mind that i could have saved about $500 by not using such a fancy buttstock, free-float tube, flip-up sights, and match grade trigger.

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Cool Accessories for the AR-15

http://www.watsonsweapons.com/50boss.htm

50 BMG AR-15 Style Upper Receiver

http://www.watsonsweapons.com/images/upper2.jpg

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Damn gunner....damn.......ever shoot one of those? Damn....

I just found me a new life long hobby.....:ARMS1:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

That's not a big gun ... THIS is a BIG gun :

http://www.buildyourownak.com/lahti.jpg

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

Guess what I got in the mail yesterday......yep....my 80% lower with instructions, bits and a jig.

Let the games begin...... :smokin:

Re: Thoughts on AR-15 Kits
 

I love this Guy.That's not a big gun ... THIS is a BIG gun :

http://www.buildyourownak.com/lahti.jpg