I just finished installing the trigger, buffer and other lower parts on my first AR build. I’m not going to keep this upper — am currently looking for the right complete upper and BCG. Leaning toward a rifle in .224 Valkyrie or 6.5 Grendel.
I’ve found the process very straightforward and simple, albeit somewhat more expensive than I imagined. That said, I’m not wanting to skimp on the upper, barrel, and BCG.
Constructive feedback and recommendations welcomed.
https://imgur.com/a/YTn5DgA
Re: My first build
3I have a 224 Valkyrie, I did some of the work and had a smith do the rest. There are still some changes that I would like to make. I still need to invest in a good scope. The Valkyrie can really extend the effective range of the AR platform.
All religions united with government are more or less inimical to liberty. All, separated from government, are compatible with liberty.-Henry Clay
Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms.—Aristotle
Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms.—Aristotle
Re: My first build
4Looks good. You can’t go wrong with Aeroprecision and Magpul. I think that their AR and similar AK grips are the best.
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Re: My first build
5At this point, I’ve backtracked and decided to go with 5.56 after all, based on what I could find in stock. Am currently looking for a BCG but the nice ones I want are, of course, out of stock everywhere.
Re: My first build
6If anyone can recommend 5.56 bolt carrier groups that are in stock anywhere, much appreciated.
Re: My first build
7I've had good luck with Joe Bob, and they seem to have BCGs in stock..
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/223-5- ... 198996.htm
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/223-5- ... 198996.htm
"To initiate a war of aggression...is the supreme international crime" - Nuremberg prosecutor Robert Jackson, 1946
Re: My first build
8I'd like to build one some day. Maybe start getting parts together before bans start.
Yours is looking great.
Yours is looking great.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”
Re: My first build
9Nice build! Personally, I like building ARs as much (if not more) than shooting them. Part prices are coming back down, so one of my inexpensive lowers may get built into a rifle soon …
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Re: My first build
10Thanks for the kind words. Maybe by the end of the week I’ll find a BCG. Am considering WMD.
Re: My first build
11AR's are super simple and fun to build; Lego's for big boys.
“I think there’s a right-wing conspiracy to promote the idea of a left-wing conspiracy”
Re: My first build
12
https://imgur.com/a/C5myVFG
Mostly done. I ended up with all Aero Precision components (except the Magpul stock) because that was what was available. Waiting to double check headspace and hopefully range time tomorrow. I put a 5x prism scope on it. That’s an 18”’ barrel. All in all, I spent way more time researching than assembling this.
Mostly done. I ended up with all Aero Precision components (except the Magpul stock) because that was what was available. Waiting to double check headspace and hopefully range time tomorrow. I put a 5x prism scope on it. That’s an 18”’ barrel. All in all, I spent way more time researching than assembling this.
Re: My first build
13Which gauges did you end up using? Mine are PTGs, but Forsters would have been fine and cheaper.Northern wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 4:50 pm https://imgur.com/a/C5myVFG
Mostly done. I ended up with all Aero Precision components (except the Magpul stock) because that was what was available. Waiting to double check headspace and hopefully range time tomorrow. I put a 5x prism scope on it. That’s an 18”’ barrel. All in all, I spent way more time researching than assembling this.
I see the M-LOK rail is Aero as well. Are you putting on irons in addition to glass?
Re: My first build
14The gauge brand is ShineUs. I don’t recommend them because they require the ejector to be removed from the bolt.
It’s interesting what you learn by assembling an AR. There are a few design features I appreciate but others I find annoying. I’m planning to disassemble the bolt today and check the headspace, and then looking forward to some range time later today if everything looks alright.
The handguard is one of the Aero offerings. It’s “enhanced,” along with the upper. Very rigid connection with the upper.
I picked up a box of Red Army Standard .223, which was the only thing I could get at one store here, and then realized I’d prefer to put nicer ammunition through it for its maiden voyage. Another store had Hornady Black, pretty much the other end of the spectrum.
I added a Vortex Spitfire HD ii 5x prism. I may add BUIS later but for now the prism will do. I had been using the prism on a Scorpion carbine that I have now decided to sell (due to redundancy with another PCC that I use more). Gotta make room in the safe.
It’s interesting what you learn by assembling an AR. There are a few design features I appreciate but others I find annoying. I’m planning to disassemble the bolt today and check the headspace, and then looking forward to some range time later today if everything looks alright.
The handguard is one of the Aero offerings. It’s “enhanced,” along with the upper. Very rigid connection with the upper.
I picked up a box of Red Army Standard .223, which was the only thing I could get at one store here, and then realized I’d prefer to put nicer ammunition through it for its maiden voyage. Another store had Hornady Black, pretty much the other end of the spectrum.
I added a Vortex Spitfire HD ii 5x prism. I may add BUIS later but for now the prism will do. I had been using the prism on a Scorpion carbine that I have now decided to sell (due to redundancy with another PCC that I use more). Gotta make room in the safe.
Re: My first build
15I managed to disassemble the BCG and test the headspace, then proceeded to test fire the AR without blowing myself up. It’s surpassingly soft shooting, feels great to shoot. I’m already sure that I want to upgrade the trigger though LOL. Very happy with the build, and special thanks to @Dispositionmatrix for the extra encouragement and advice, this will have been the first of many future builds. Anyone hesitating to embark on the process: start soon!
Re: My first build
17I wonder if well-fitting modular handguards like the one you have ultimately will win out over monolithic uppers/rail combos. LMT has military contracts to help establish its monolithic upper, but that doesn't mean it's the best idea. It amounts to fewer parts and is lighter, though.Northern wrote: Wed Jun 23, 2021 9:14 pm I managed to disassemble the BCG and test the headspace, then proceeded to test fire the AR without blowing myself up. It’s surpassingly soft shooting, feels great to shoot. I’m already sure that I want to upgrade the trigger though LOL. Very happy with the build, and special thanks to @Dispositionmatrix for the extra encouragement and advice, this will have been the first of many future builds. Anyone hesitating to embark on the process: start soon!
Re: My first build
18Excellent and congrats! Assembling your own is fun and rewarding, especially when it works!
Re: My first build
19@dispositionmatrix I considered that by choosing the Aero “enhanced” upper, I was locking up my future choices with a proprietary component, but it’s true that if I had been able to find a monolithic upper like LMT, I would have gone with that and then switching out handguards wouldn’t be an option anyhow.