Zmego Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 This is my first AR build from the ground up. All my parts are on the way and will be here by the end of the week. I have broken down my other AR pretty far and I am comfortable with all the lower parts but have never messed with the upper. Any last minute advice? Anything to avoid or make sure and do? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRush Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 The upper is fairly simple if you have the fixture to hold it, a torque wrench and the adapter. Just take your time and torque to your spec + enough to get the gas tube through without stressing it. Getting the gas tube right doesn't make a marginal shooter a laser, but it can make an otherwise consistent gun marginal. ARs are a lot like legos. Pretty easy to deal with. I don't know if you have roll pin punches for the lower or if you are using the vice grip method, but if you are using vice grips be sure to use plenty of tape and take your time. Also when installing the detents for the takedown pins make sure you are in a small/ clean enough space to find it when you launch it. A razor blade helps for those too. Good luck, and if you get stuck don't force anything, take your time and most of all enjoy the process! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 11, 2012 Author Share Posted September 11, 2012 I have some roll pin punches, no idea what the "vice grip method" is and I think I will keep it that way for now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 Here is a very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 11, 2012 Author Share Posted September 11, 2012 Here is a very good Thanks for the link, I will have it loaded on my iPad while I do my build. I love technology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trp Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 Easy as pie you don't need a vice just step on the upper to tighten it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EkuJustice Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 just remember to support the "ear" when installing the pin for the trigger guard so you dont snap the other end off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-the new guy Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 It is very anti-climactic... it took like 15 minutes and I went sloooooowww... I spent weeks pouring over every bit of info I could find on the internet ordering stuff from all over and then seriously 15 minutes to put it all together. It was like a snap together model when you are a kid. I wanted to feel like I really built something but it was not like that at all. I would use the vice grip method, its way better than the pin punch method Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 The video I posted shows a great pair of pliers Knipers I believe, I got them at Sears Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 It is very anti-climactic... it took like 15 minutes and I went sloooooowww... I spent weeks pouring over every bit of info I could find on the internet ordering stuff from all over and then seriously 15 minutes to put it all together. It was like a snap together model when you are a kid. I wanted to feel like I really built something but it was not like that at all. I would use the vice grip method, its way better than the pin punch method But I already have some roll pin punches and $80 for a new set of specific pliers sounds steep. I know I sound cheap but I spent all my money on quality parts...none left for quality tools! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny hill Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Make sure to blend the feed ramps from barrel into receiver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjb45 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 White anti-galling grease is critical. My upper was a tight fit for the JP barrel, so I took it pretty slow to ensure the slot lined up correctly. Check the clearance on the hand guard and the gas block before you put the barrel on the gun. I had a bit of a problem with my JP barrel. The muzzle break was larger than my hand guard. I called JP, i was told to just unscrew the muzzle brake--the brake and barrel seemed seamless. I thought it was essentially one piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 15, 2012 Author Share Posted September 15, 2012 Thanks for all the info and help. I have it all completed. Heading to the range tomorrow to see what she'll do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 i think it turned out excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninemmbill Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Looks good, how does it shoot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 An excellent question. Range test should happen this weekend. I just sold the optic on it and I am waiting for the new one to arrive before I take it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 An excellent question. Range test should happen this weekend. I just sold the optic on it and I am waiting for the new one to arrive before I take it out. It looks light? What type of hand guard is that? My biggest complaint about my AR is that it's too front heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmego Posted September 19, 2012 Author Share Posted September 19, 2012 It is very light but still a bit front heavy but not too bad. Maybe my new optic will help balance it out. The hand guard is an Apex, and it is very lightweight. Check them out here: http://www.apexhandguard.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JGaltlives Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Very nice, I still Love the first one I did.. Looking to upgrade the scope on it so I can see what it can really do... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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