any special tools recommended if i wanted to put together my own ar from scratch? i figure i could do it cheaper than buying something already built and use parts i want.

 

armorers tool and blocks are handy

 

I just woke up and havent built any in years. But I dont think I built mine with anything special. I pushed in the pins with pliers wrapped in tape. I put in the detent pins in a plastic bag after the first one flew across the room to be vacuumed at a later date.

 

HAN....learn me on the AR. I'm looking to build one that's a decent gun, but not super expensive. Should I buy a completed lower, or buy a stripped one and build it myself? Is necessary to have mil-spec parts in the lower? Is having a free float guard preferable? I do kinda like the look of the free floats with a stainless barrel. Probably going with an optic of some sort....which upper style is most conducive to that? Iron sights + optic or choose one?

Companies to stay away from? I'm assuming it's better to get an aluminum lower rather than polymer.

Thanks for helping a noob.

 

I have nothing quality to add here. But, my brother in law has an AR, and that bitch is a blast to shoot. He said it was a little expensive to shoot, but screw it. Fun. Merica.

 

Buy stripped and build, avoid poly. Reputable parts are a necessity "mil-spec" is not. Just get a sripped lower and a kit from double-star, model 1, or the like. Free float handgurads are nice and can help with heat and accuracy but they are not a necissity and can be added later. Get an A3 flat-top upper.

 

It is nice to build it yourself. You kinda see the working parts in there. It isnt hard to do. If youre gonna get a free float hand guard, youre adding to the price If you are going to just plink around, i dont think its needed. it looks cool though. but dont rice the thing out

I have the flat A3 upper with a flip down rear sight and a bushnell holosight.

Yes, fun to shoot. Yes, expensive to shoot

 

Oh, make sure you get an after market grip. I like the magpuls.

 

Ammo is cheaper than my .40 cal XD.

Good places to check out complete uppers? Or should I piece together and build that too.

 

What do you guys know about the Smith & Wesson M&P 15? Compare that to building an AR for me...