View Full Version : Never owned an AR...building my first one starting now
Stopsign32v
07-22-12, 00:39
Well I'm starting out with a PSA stripped lower and their LPK. Originally I was going with the ACT trigger but after talking to the guys at PSA they talked me out of it saying the stock trigger wouldn't be much worse if at all over the ACT. Later I will switch to a SSA. I would like ANY advice on the install such as which lube, and where to use it. ;) Most all of the PSA stuff come with oil already on them in the bag. My little 1 year old has been wanting to climb mount daddy all night so I haven't gotten much done. Only thing I've done so far is the mag release and that took all of 30 seconds. Here are some pics so far.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4322.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1597.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5038.jpg
And here is the punch kit I got to do the install.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8210.jpg
The guy at PSA suggested anytime I use the punch to tape up the lower so I don't scratch it. Anyone have any other good tips? I would like to know what to do with the trigger area. Should I use grease on it? Right now it is just oiled in it's bag. Tomorrow I'm going out to get some good needle nose pliers and grease if I need to. If you guys could give me any tips on what type tools or oil/grease to get that would be helpful.
The guy that sold it to me at PSA just suggested I watch Youtube videos and ask on the boards. I cannot say enough good things about PSA. Their place was HUGE! It had an indoor range and you could eat off the floor. Everyone there was super helpful and nice! I tried to get a buffer tube but they were all sold out. No big deal though. Well guys I guess it's official now right? :D
I like using surgical hemostats https://www.google.com/search?q=surgical+hemostats&hl=en&prmd=imvnsz&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Na4LUNWNEoS49QTf4uHwCg&ved=0CEUQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=593 they have a locking feature thats real useful with detents under spring pressure (espfront pivot pin detent) and other small part tasks.. Which vids are you watching for building?
M-FOURTEEN
07-22-12, 10:47
Please post pics as you go through the build. I always love seeing them come from the ground up. You'll love the build!
midSCarolina
07-23-12, 09:35
Let us know how it goes assembling the PSA. Are you buying a complete upper or are you assembling one from a stripped upper, barrel, ect? I am located in Columbia, SC and have several mutual friends with one of the owners so they are really popular in the circle I run with. Another one of my friends has the 16th or 17th AR that they ever built. I like them a lot but I am not a huge fan of the sloppy assembly of some of their complete uppers (misaligned feedramps and some things like that) so putting it together yourself might be a better option because they have quality parts if you take the time to care about how precisely your weapon is assembled. You really can't beat the price though... they only run an approx 5% markup on their rifles so do them a favor and buy your accessories from them too because that is what allows them to keep their rifles at such a reasonable price point.
Moved to where it belongs, presuming some info is added. See last sentence: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=82447
NoveskeFan
07-23-12, 10:18
I usually soak the LPK in alcohol, clean/dry off, and then use Frog Lube on the parts (after heating with a blow dryer). I have the SSA trigger in all my AR's, it's awesome. it helps to have an extra set of hands to install the bolt catch, but can be done by yourself. ssdsurf, a member here, has some great youtube videos on assembly.
Part 1:
http://youtu.be/CAQKaDb80H4
Dental picks, found at wal-mart or big grocery store will help with holding springs back to install detents and the take down pins. just depress the spring in it's housing and stick the pick into tiny the access hole. You should be able to figure it out seeing that you got the mag release in with no problems.
And I second the frog lube. However, I use my wife's ceramic plate electric candle melter. It's called a "cozy-up warmer".
http://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Warmers-Candles-Cozy-Up/dp/B001QI3C5U
I just put a small dish for dipping sauces on there and a glob of frog lube in the dish. The frog lube melts pretty quick; then use a small paint brush to apply the lube to gun parts. It smells good too.
Dental picks, found at wal-mart or big grocery store will help with holding springs back to install detents and the take down pins. just depress the spring in it's housing and stick the pick into tiny the access hole. You should be able to figure it out seeing that you got the mag release in with no problems.
And I second the frog lube. However, I use my wife's ceramic plate electric candle melter. It's called a "cozy-up warmer".
http://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Warmers-Candles-Cozy-Up/dp/B001QI3C5U
I just put a small dish for dipping sauces on there and a glob of frog lube in the dish. The frog lube melts pretty quick; then use a small paint brush to apply the lube to gun parts. It smells good too. Thanks, I also will use syringe to inject lube/grease in older guns with hard to get spots. Warming up lub, to lower viscosity opens up possibilities.
When installing the bolt release, use masking tape to protect the finish of the lower. Use as long a punch as possible. In the photo below, you can see the brass punch next to the hammer that I used in assembling my PSA
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/Carbine_Tools.jpg
It worked much better than the short punch I used when assembling my Precision AR
Here is a link to a how-to for installing an SSA-E trigger but the stock trigger installs the same way. Don't forget to lube the sears & pivots prior to installation
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=72111&page=2
I've put quite a few rounds through my PSA and have been very happy with it
When installing the bolt release, use masking tape to protect the finish of the lower. Use as long a punch as possible. In the photo below, you can see the brass punch next to the hammer that I used in assembling my PSA
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/Carbine_Tools.jpg
It worked much better than the short punch I used when assembling my Precision AR
Here is a link to a how-to for installing an SSA-E trigger but the stock trigger installs the same way. Don't forget to lube the sears & pivots prior to installation
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=72111&page=2
I've put quite a few rounds through my PSA and have been very happy with it
I am assuming that is just some funky lighting and your rifle isn't really orange right?
mallowpufft
07-23-12, 13:09
This is the how-to guide I used to assemble my first lower:
http://forums.second-amendment.org/index.php?topic=1878.0
There are photos of the whole process except for half of one step which he explains well.
I am assuming that is just some funky lighting and your rifle isn't really orange right?
What, you don't like orange??
I used a table lamp for lighting and did a poor job of compensating for the overly warm light. The furniture is actually FDE
Stopsign32v
07-23-12, 19:04
Sorry guys, haven't updated this thread since I didn't show much interest at first. Anyways I've mainly got the lower together now. It was easy as pie. Not sure why a lot of AR owners say not to build your first, but buy it complete. My suggestion would be completely the opposite. Now I know exactly what goes where and if anything needs cleaning or breaks I know how to fix it and don't need to sound like a moron when I take my complete gun to a smith and say "It's broken, fix it". But to each his own.
I will say the guys at Palmetto State are simply a joy to work with. They were busy as hell but took the time to help everyone I saw and was 100% friendly even when some woman was asking about hot pink 30rd magazines.
The only thing that went wrong was I had the 2 trigger pins missing in my LPK pack. I went down on Saturday and called this morning on Monday and talked to a Brian. He was more than helpful and actually cared that the parts were missing. He got my name, address, and phone number and said he would call me back because he didn't think he had any in stock. My phone was on vibrate but I noticed he had called back within the hour and left me a voice mail saying I would have the pins the next day and they were going in the mail. Only thing I wish was that I lived closer to them so I could go there more often.
Stopsign32v
07-23-12, 19:13
Surgical tools for the job
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3771.jpg
Stopsign32v
07-23-12, 19:14
I used the vice grips to push in the pins. Put some oil in the holes, crushed the starting end of the pins, and pushed them in. They went in like BUTTER! No way I would hammer any pin in...doesn't make sense to me when you can do it this way.
Anyways, pics
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6962.jpg
Only got it at 2 places and I'm going to touch it up with black paint. Wrong tape/too thin. Live and learn...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9288.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3975.jpg
And here is the magpul trigger guard screw I stripped out. Looking back I would have used some oil and heated up the screw to loosen the locktite.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7392.jpg
Still I got it in far enough and the trigger guard is solid as can be. Going to rock it this way, not that big of a deal IMO.
At this point I'm putting on the saftey and grip. The saftey is not installed, just put in place in one pic.
I used the vice grips to push in the pins...Only got it at 2 places and I'm going to touch it up with black paint. Wrong tape/too thin. Live and learn...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/Stopsign32v/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_9288.jpg
This is why I cringe every time someone suggests Vise Grips for installing pins. Vise Grips are a clamping tool with aggressive teeth. The compound leverage can make it hard to get a good feel for a delicate job like installing pins. The tape wasn't wrong, the tool was. There is good reason why punches are used to install pins. Good news is the marring doesn't hurt the rifle. (If you must use a set of pliers to press pins into place, use Knipex pliers. They have smooth jaws and allow for much better feel for the job)
http://enterase.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Knipex-10-Inch-Pliers-Wrench.jpg
To repair the finish, clean the area of all oils, grease and organic matter and touch it up with Birchwood Casey's Aluma-Black. It works well on black AR receivers.
Couple of other tools that might help. Tappet wrenches for installing certain muzzle devices (tappet wrench on left, standard wrench on right)
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Build/DSC_0120.jpg
and a magnet to help with the little PITA pins
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/DSC_0006.jpg
Looking forward to seeing how this rifle progresses. What do you plan to use it for?
Stopsign32v
07-25-12, 09:10
Man I wish I had known about those before going after it. This was my first job so I knew SOMETHING like this was going to happen. Lucky for me the lower costs $79.
Where do I get the Knipix at? Along with the other parts including the paint? THANKS!
what size knipex plyers / part #
Sent from my N860 using Tapatalk 2
I bought my last pair from Sears. The Knipex pliers come in different sizes. Just get the size that best suits your needs. Sears carries the 10 inch pliers
http://www.sears.com/knipex-10-in-plier-wrench/p-00929112000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4
You can also get them from Brown Tool http://browntool.com/ and Yard Store http://www.yardstore.com/
Aluminum Black from Birchwood Casey's is available from the LGS, Sportsman's Wearhouse, Cabela's or other "big box" store. It's also available online from Brownell's http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=4941/Product/ALUMINUM-BLACK
Don't use Aluminum Black on steel and don't ask me how I know
Looks good. There is product called Aluma Black that turns aluminum black if you are worried about nicks and scratches. It works better than a sharpie because it is a chemical and won't wipe off. Good choice on triggers too. I recently bought an ACT trigger and it really isn't any better than a regular trigger. I was kinda disappointed. I've tried many different triggers and I think the best bang for the buck is the SSA, especially if you can find one with a discount.
I am actually a little sick and tired of people saying that you can use a set of Vise-grips over this or there is no need to hammer a roll pin, just crush it push it through.
If you are too cheap to buy the correct tools (starter punches, roll pin punches, or standard punches) and too cheap to buy the proper wrenches, blocks, etc... leave it to those that aren't.
I also don't think that displaying the wrong tools being used sends a good message to other newbies. One thing for sure is that there is no way some of the above would have left the shop and went to a customer looking like that.
I am actually a little sick and tired of people saying that you can use a set of Vise-grips over this or there is no need to hammer a roll pin, just crush it push it through.
If you are too cheap to buy the correct tools (starter punches, roll pin punches, or standard punches) and too cheap to buy the proper wrenches, blocks, etc... leave it to those that aren't.
I also don't think that displaying the wrong tools being used sends a good message to other newbies. One thing for sure is that there is no way some of the above would have left the shop and went to a customer looking like that.I actually shuddered and cringed when I read that about vice grips.
and a magnet to help with the little PITA pins
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n289/SgtSongDog/AR%20Carbine/DSC_0006.jpg
Looking forward to seeing how this rifle progresses. What do you plan to use it for? Love the telescoping magnet as well as magnet bowl http://www.sears.com/craftsman-magnetic-steel-bowl/p-00941328000P
Stopsign32v
07-31-12, 22:05
If you are too cheap to buy the correct tools (starter punches, roll pin punches, or standard punches) and too cheap to buy the proper wrenches, blocks, etc... leave it to those that aren't.
I'm most definately not a cheap person but if I can walk a straight line and get to the goal instead of walking around an object I will take the straight line every time. Did you fail to see where I had bought a set of punches? Not only that but it's my money so why do you care how I do it?
I also don't think that displaying the wrong tools being used sends a good message to other newbies. One thing for sure is that there is no way some of the above would have left the shop and went to a customer looking like that.
I got detailed instructions from an AR15 site how to use the vice grips with step by step pictures. So how is that "doing it wrong"? I can supply the link I used that way you can contact them to have it taken down since that isn't the correct way.
Lastly I don't own a gunsmithing shop nor do I plan to so how my weapons would leave and go to my imaginary customers doesn't matter.
**It's a late/bad night at work so if anything seems out of line I apologize but I found your post very distasteful, especially for a moderator with your amount of posts.
Some people seem to think these things require rocket science.
I'm most definately not a cheap person but if I can walk a straight line and get to the goal instead of walking around an object I will take the straight line every time. Did you fail to see where I had bought a set of punches? Not only that but it's my money so why do you care how I do it?
I got detailed instructions from an AR15 site how to use the vice grips with step by step pictures. So how is that "doing it wrong"? I can supply the link I used that way you can contact them to have it taken down since that isn't the correct way.
Lastly I don't own a gunsmithing shop nor do I plan to so how my weapons would leave and go to my imaginary customers doesn't matter.
**It's a late/bad night at work so if anything seems out of line I apologize but I found your post very distasteful, especially for a moderator with your amount of posts.Was this site ar15.com? Usally professionals dont like unprofesional advise (I get told all the time:D) If you took a little pride in your work, you just might get customers. I have made a couple of dollars here and there just by a random people impressed with my home build.
Stopsign32v
07-31-12, 23:53
Was this site ar15.com? Usally professionals dont like unprofesional advise (I get told all the time:D) If you took a little pride in your work, you just might get customers. I have made a couple of dollars here and there just by a random people impressed with my home build.
I have a good job and I do this on the side just like I race on the side. If I had someone ask me to build them a gun I'd tell them the same thing I tell people that ask me to work on their car or build a motor for them. "Thanks but I don't work on other people's things, I only work on my own."
This was the first gun I've ever put together. :blink: One of the reasons I decided to go with a $70 lower over the $250 lower I wanted is because I knew I was learning at this point, not because I'm cheap. This hobby using the best of the best is WAY cheaper than my other hobby!
And lets please not turn this into a pissing match or anything. This is my gun and this was the way I decided to build it.
I have a good job and I do this on the side just like I race on the side. If I had someone ask me to build them a gun I'd tell them the same thing I tell people that ask me to work on their car or build a motor for them. "Thanks but I don't work on other people's things, I only work on my own."
This was the first gun I've ever put together. :blink: One of the reasons I decided to go with a $70 lower over the $250 lower I wanted is because I knew I was learning at this point, not because I'm cheap. This hobby using the best of the best is WAY cheaper than my other hobby!
And lets please not turn this into a pissing match or anything. This is my gun and this was the way I decided to build it.Exactly what IG was saying about giving out advice, maybe you shold have told them what may work on your with your satisfaction might not be for them. Noobs reading may think this good idea on their$250 lower.
Stopsign32v
08-01-12, 00:24
Exactly what IG was saying about giving out advice, maybe you shold have told them what may work on your with your satisfaction might not be for them. Noobs reading may think this good idea on their$250 lower.
Well if they do think it's a good idea then I hope they read where I put what I would have done differently with the tape. There is more than one way to skin a cat.
I'm most definately not a cheap person but if I can walk a straight line and get to the goal instead of walking around an object I will take the straight line every time. Did you fail to see where I had bought a set of punches? Not only that but it's my money so why do you care how I do it?....
**It's a late/bad night at work so if anything seems out of line I apologize but I found your post very distasteful, especially for a moderator with your amount of posts.
"...distasteful,...:p" Yes, you are right Iraqgunz doesn't taste very good, but he is nourishing;), so just listen to him, roll with the punches and all will be well inside your AR... welcome to M4C:D
Sorry guys, haven't updated this thread since I didn't show much interest at first. Anyways I've mainly got the lower together now. It was easy as pie. Not sure why a lot of AR owners say not to build your first, but buy it complete. My suggestion would be completely the opposite. Now I know exactly what goes where and if anything needs cleaning or breaks I know how to fix it and don't need to sound like a moron when I take my complete gun to a smith and say "It's broken, fix it". But to each his own.
because we mistakenly assume that people are buying guns to shoot, not buying a Lego kit or man-Barbie.
There is zero gained by assembling your own hodgepodge of shit, from a collection of parts generated in ignorance, that can't be gained by buying a complete factory gun and going shooting.
Simply amazing. How things turn...
kenken
Simply amazing. How things turn...
I stayed away from his site for a long time because of all the "sme" types here talking shit to anyone that didn't have a bcm, Noveske, Colt, DD, etc or telling everyone that "so and so makes junk because they don't hpt, mpi and shot peen their take down pins and trigger guards..blah, blah, blah". Looks like things havent changed much. Maybe it's time to make another exodus.
I stayed away from his site for a long time because of all the "sme" types here talking shit to anyone that didn't have a bcm, Noveske, Colt, DD, etc or telling everyone that "so and so makes junk because they don't hpt, mpi and shot peen their take down pins and trigger guards..blah, blah, blah". Looks like things havent changed much. Maybe it's time to make another exodus.
well, bye.
It sounds to me like what you mean is that you're unhappy because people here prefer logic and reason, and better quality firearms purchased due to an application of same.
If you're looking for the "just as good as" site, it starts with "ar15" and ends with ".com".
There has been an ever-increasing influx here over the last couple of years as people become aware of the site. not all forums are for all people, and most folks would be well-served by READING FIRST instead of registering and launching into their vanity posts right out of the gate without understanding the culture of the site they registered for.
Stopsign32v
08-01-12, 11:15
because we mistakenly assume that people are buying guns to shoot, not buying a Lego kit or man-Barbie.
There is zero gained by assembling your own hodgepodge of shit, from a collection of parts generated in ignorance, that can't be gained by buying a complete factory gun and going shooting.
Well if that's the case then you know what they say about assuming.
I'm building the gun because I enjoy putting things together and when I'm done I will know how the gun works and comes apart. Do you think I care if I get your stamp of approval or not?
And as far as the second part of your post, I got a kick out of that.
well, bye.
It sounds to me like what you mean is that you're unhappy because people here prefer logic and reason, and better quality firearms purchased due to an application of same.
If you're looking for the "just as good as" site, it starts with "ar15" and ends with ".com".
There has been an ever-increasing influx here over the last couple of years as people become aware of the site. not all forums are for all people, and most folks would be well-served by READING FIRST instead of registering and launching into their vanity posts right out of the gate without understanding the culture of the site they registered for.
Never said anything about being "just as good as" but some of you guys take shit waaaaay too seriously. Paper targets don't shoot back, even in a class.
Never said anything about being "just as good as" but some of you guys take shit waaaaay too seriously. Paper targets don't shoot back, even in a class.
While I think Rob could have taken a different tone, understand something. Not everyone who reads this stuff is worried about paper targets. If someone posts about there super cool wonder parts gun and the membership simply oohed and aahed over it they would not be doing the poster any favors. If this is just hobby shit for you, fine. But I think what this site wants to avoid is some brand new cop, soldier, or prepared civilian taking a sub par weapon onto the two way range.
I understand this is a hobby for the OP but I would hate to see some young cop come on here and think he should just cobble some gun together and everything is cool because he saw it here.
OP, cool that you are getting into this. Now shoot it till it breaks and rebuild it with a better understanding of the gun that comes from lead down range. (not implying your gun sucks, more of the philosophy you find on jeep sites toward their rigs)
Mr Elbowseed
08-01-12, 12:16
because we mistakenly assume that people are buying guns to shoot, not buying a Lego kit or man-Barbie.
There is zero gained by assembling your own hodgepodge of shit, from a collection of parts generated in ignorance, that can't be gained by buying a complete factory gun and going shooting.
This is the type of comment that led me to buying a complete upper from bravo company and a complete blem lower from Grant
While I think Rob could have taken a different tone, understand something. Not everyone who reads this stuff is worried about paper targets. If someone posts about there super cool wonder parts gun and the membership simply oohed and aahed over it they would not be doing the poster any favors. If this is just hobby shit for you, fine. But I think what this site wants to avoid is some brand new cop, soldier, or prepared civilian taking a sub par weapon onto the two way range.
Well there have been quite a few posts in this thread that range from nitpicky to down right rude. I don't see why it makes 2 shits how a lower is put together if the finished project is a presentable and 100% functional rifle. If the op was able to put the thing together with a rock and a stick and it worked for him than more power to him, but he did actually use punches and a hammer so I don't think all of the negativity was warranted. And as far as using a hodge podge of questionable parts, I'm not seeing that either. This is the custom build forum isn't it? Or does the only thing that passes for a custom build in this forum is buying a complete upper and a complete lower and pinning them together. I'm not saying anyone should oooh and ahhh but damn already, give the dude some credit.
I am a professional aviation technician and that colors my perception. Marring up a customer's item, whether the item is a multi-million dollar aircraft or a simple rifle, whether that customer is Boeing Aircraft or myself, is unprofessional. I know every mark I've put on my weapons and what I did wrong in putting them there.
Using Vise Grips to install roll pins is just a bad idea, no matter who posted it as the Next Great Thing.
StopSign I'll give you a go because you learned from your mistake and will do better next time. Also, I am remiss for not extending a welcome to you earlier. Welcome to the forum. Keep an open mind and learn and you'll do fine here. A word about IraqGunz. He is a very experienced and highly trained professional armorer. Not only does he know ARs inside & out but has been in the middle of Indian Country keeping the weapons of the Good Guys up and running in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments- Combat. I bet that colors his perceptions.
We have a saying on this site- Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Instead, teach him to fish so he can go catch his own. StopSign, IG was kind enough to do both
because we mistakenly assume that people are buying guns to shoot, not buying a Lego kit or man-Barbie. There is zero gained by assembling your own hodgepodge of shit, from a collection of parts generated in ignorance, that can't be gained by buying a complete factory gun and going shooting.
Custom build forum= parts build. What did I miss?
This is not the "buying guns" section of the website, it is the building guns section. Getting into unreasonable personal attacks loses ALL of your sponsors business-yes, bye.
I'm guessing the OP is not dropping into the Middle East next week, but if that's where your attitude has gone, we can all collectively recognize this forum as being more of a PTSD stress-relief point for jackholes who Moderate, and mall ninjas.
Before you were out of diapers I was out of boot camp-but I know how the collective moronics here views Mil. trainig to be marginal, and we all need to take your courses?!
Holy fock, I had a reasonable idea that with Vickers around here it would be a respectable environment. No-go.
I don't care what AR15.com or the bubbas do. The bottom line is that proper installation of the bolt catch and others is by using a punch, not set of vise grips.
Showing people to do it the wrong way, just encourages people to do things wrong and potentially damage their weapons.
As for my post being disappointing, oh well.
I'm most definately not a cheap person but if I can walk a straight line and get to the goal instead of walking around an object I will take the straight line every time. Did you fail to see where I had bought a set of punches? Not only that but it's my money so why do you care how I do it?
I got detailed instructions from an AR15 site how to use the vice grips with step by step pictures. So how is that "doing it wrong"? I can supply the link I used that way you can contact them to have it taken down since that isn't the correct way.
Lastly I don't own a gunsmithing shop nor do I plan to so how my weapons would leave and go to my imaginary customers doesn't matter.
**It's a late/bad night at work so if anything seems out of line I apologize but I found your post very distasteful, especially for a moderator with your amount of posts.
If a lower was put together and shipped from the place where I am currently doing my summer time internship they would have been fired and that lower would have been binned.
I can't begin to tell you that amount of shit that gets rejected or set aside due to cosmetic issues. I am not talking about scratches and dings, but literally things that you have to strain to see.
In addition when people wonder why their orders are behind schedule it's because of idiots who tried to put something together that they weren't qualified to do and then they send it back in and want it ficed, or they are unhappy because the anodizing doesn't quite match that of the other brand XXX.
Well there have been quite a few posts in this thread that range from nitpicky to down right rude. I don't see why it makes 2 shits how a lower is put together if the finished project is a presentable and 100% functional rifle. If the op was able to put the thing together with a rock and a stick and it worked for him than more power to him, but he did actually use punches and a hammer so I don't think all of the negativity was warranted. And as far as using a hodge podge of questionable parts, I'm not seeing that either. This is the custom build forum isn't it? Or does the only thing that passes for a custom build in this forum is buying a complete upper and a complete lower and pinning them together. I'm not saying anyone should oooh and ahhh but damn already, give the dude some credit.
Stopsign32v
08-01-12, 22:02
I don't care what AR15.com or the bubbas do. The bottom line is that proper installation of the bolt catch and others is by using a punch, not set of vise grips.
Showing people to do it the wrong way, just encourages people to do things wrong and potentially damage their weapons.
As for my post being disappointing, oh well.
Well my lower and all the parts didn't comes with instructions saying that you HAD TO use the punch and hammer method so I believe you are wrong sir.
If you don't agree with someone installing some push pins with their thumb then that's fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
If you don't agree with someone chewing their food with their mouth open rather than closed then that's also fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
If you don't agree with someone typing loudly on their keyboard at work then that's fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
As far as you not liking how I installed my pins, oh well.
Apparently you know more about how to build AR's than I do so all I can say is enjoy.
Well my lower and all the parts didn't comes with instructions saying that you HAD TO use the punch and hammer method so I believe you are wrong sir.
If you don't agree with someone installing some push pins with their thumb then that's fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
If you don't agree with someone chewing their food with their mouth open rather than closed then that's also fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
If you don't agree with someone typing loudly on their keyboard at work then that's fine, just doesn't make it wrong.
As far as you not liking how I installed my pins, oh well.
Stopsign32v
08-01-12, 22:05
If a lower was put together and shipped from the place where I am currently doing my summer time internship they would have been fired and that lower would have been binned.
I can't begin to tell you that amount of shit that gets rejected or set aside due to cosmetic issues. I am not talking about scratches and dings, but literally things that you have to strain to see.
In addition when people wonder why their orders are behind schedule it's because of idiots who tried to put something together that they weren't qualified to do and then they send it back in and want it ficed, or they are unhappy because the anodizing doesn't quite match that of the other brand XXX.
What does any of that have to do with me posting in the "custom build forum" where it says "Show off pictures and specifications of your latest project".
This is my project
Please stop filling my thread with your negative posts towards me or the way that I installed my parts on my gun.
Stopsign32v
08-01-12, 22:06
Apparently you know more about how to build AR's than I do so all I can say is enjoy.
No I highly doubt I know more than you. But thank you, I will enjoy it.
Hey Stop, it is your gun and I am with you, just do with it what you want. Nobody bought it for you did they? Just have fun with it. It really don't matter what some think. You just wanted to show what you have been working on, not asking how. I like it and scratches don't bother me at all. Hope you have fun with it and wear it out. Some people are going to bitch, even if you hung 'em with a new rope.
kenken
Building your own weapon would be immensly satisfying. However, doing the job properly and learning to do so is part of that satisfaction. In a setting such as this where perfection is strived for and the people frequenting this forum, for the most part, do not accept less than perfection for themselves blatant disregard for doing things in the proper manner isn't well received. The saying,"Measure twice and cut once", really does apply in quite a few situations. Definitely does here.
It's a good thing that you are doing this build and learning as much as possible about your weapon. Doing it in a sloppy manner is disheartening and disappointing. When someone that takes his craft very seriously points out the short comings in your process I would take it as an opening to genuinely pick his brain about how to do it the right way. I wouldn't let the criticism get my britches all in a bunch.
Stopsign32v
08-02-12, 11:09
Well got the buffer tube, buffer, spring, and stock on. Installed it in 2 minutes :D
Man this AR sure is real rocket science! :rolleyes: Good thing I used the correct tools this time! Wait, no I didn't use any tools...just my hands.
Pics to come
Well got the buffer tube, buffer, spring, and stock on. Installed it in 2 minutes :D
Man this AR sure is real rocket science! :rolleyes: Good thing I used the correct tools this time! Wait, no I didn't use any tools...just my hands.
Pics to come
Did you tourqe down the castle nut to 40FT lb's? what about staking it?
Did you tourqe down the castle nut to 40FT lb's? what about staking it?
Finger tight is fine. Are you gonna assemble the upper also, or buy a complete assembly? If you assemble your own a fork and a nail file are gonna come in handy,as well as a pipe wrench and a shrubbery.:agree:
Finger tight is fine.
I can't tell if this is sarcasm or not.
Well got the buffer tube, buffer, spring, and stock on. Installed it in 2 minutes :D
Man this AR sure is real rocket science! :rolleyes: Good thing I used the correct tools this time! Wait, no I didn't use any tools...just my hands.
If you can stake your castle nut with your bare hands how do you keep from ripping your nuts off when you masturbate?
that was funny.
I am assuming the OP doesnt know about staking, which would explain the smart remark about not using tools to install his stock.
Bluedreaux
08-02-12, 15:21
Pics to come
Please don't. You're in over your head. Just let the train wreck die.
I really wanted to see how far this would make it...
I am assuming the OP doesnt know about staking, which would explain the smart remark about not using tools to install his stock.[/QUOTE]
You don't know that. I assume that he does. If smart remarks are a sign of not knowing something then there are some real 'whips' around here. Including me...:secret:
kenken
maybe I worded that wrong. but you should understand what I am trying to say.
I do, but thats just me...
kenken
I didnt mean that every smart ass remark means they don't know what there talking about. I'm a car guy, so I use sarcasm alot to joke on the civic guys..
I am just sayin, the OP being all cocky about putting his stock on without tools leads me to believe
1. he has no clue what he is doing
2. thinks he knows what he is doing, but in all reality is [1.]
Mr Elbowseed
08-02-12, 15:39
What does any of that have to do with me posting in the "custom build forum" where it says "Show off pictures and specifications of your latest project".
This is my project
Please stop filling my thread with your negative posts towards me or the way that I installed my parts on my gun.
You went on a gun forum full of industry experts and armorers and weren't expecting critiscism? That's the reason most people come here to learn from people that do this daily not to show off how they marred there gun using a vice grip. Not trying to harp on you try and learn from this site as I and many others have.
+1, I came here not knowing jack shit about my rifle (other then how to shoot it) and learned so much.
you just need to stop assuming your god because you installed your stock without any tools. because the proper way to install your stock is to use the rifle tool, a tourqe wrench, and the little spring punch to stake with.
+1, I came here not knowing jack shit about my rifle (other then how to shoot it) and learned so much.
you just need to stop assuming your god because you installed your stock without any tools. because the proper way to install your stock is to use the rifle tool, a tourqe wrench, and the little spring punch to stake with.
and a lil' grease, a shrubbery and a fork :D
and a lil' grease :D
well that one should be self explanitory!
jklaughrey
08-02-12, 16:15
Mods shut this wreck down. Its clear the OP is mentally handicapped and the carnage is just too much.
I would really like tosee how far the OP makes it.
Here, let me practice....
CLOSED
kenken
I too came here only knowing what I had learned in the military. I THOUGHT I knew a lot more than I did. However, I was just smart enough, not by much though, to do a lot of searching and reading before I decided to put together a weapon. I ended up buying a complete lower and a complete upper from 2 different manufacturers(LMT & BCM) and married them together. Maybe in the future I'll do a complete build. If so I will definitely pick a few brains here do the build the right way.
I too came here only knowing what I had learned in the military. I THOUGHT I knew a lot more than I did. However, I was just smart enough, not by much though, to do a lot of searching and reading before I decided to put together a weapon. I ended up buying a complete lower and a complete upper from 2 different manufacturers(LMT & BCM) and married them together. Maybe in the future I'll do a complete build. If so I will definitely pick a few brains here do the build the right way.
I too purchased a complete lower and married it to a upper i got as a gift. not even sure if its m4carbine approved. but it shoots fine for my range plinking :dance3:
well, bye.
Tombstone reference? :lol:
Stopsign32v
08-02-12, 19:55
lol damn guys I only put the parts on to have them there. It isn't in the final stage now. Calm down :p
I'm waiting to get an armorers tool from PSA when I go through day after tomorrow. I'll keep you guys updated how things go, don't worry.
And I don't know if I will stake it or not.
To be totaly honest I only have one AR that has the castle nut staked.
Animal_Mother556
08-03-12, 03:38
Never said anything about being "just as good as" but some of you guys take shit waaaaay too seriously. Paper targets don't shoot back, even in a class.
You're kidding right? Most of the SMEs on this site are defensive-minded shooters. And they take shit (defending their lives) too seriously? You better start the Exodus, man.
I'm building the gun because I enjoy putting things together and when I'm done I will know how the gun works and comes apart. Do you think I care if I get your stamp of approval or not?
Apparently you care a great deal, not just about my stamp but of every single person who has posted in this thread, and might view this forum. Otherwise why so defensive? Why post the thread at all? Why do you keep replying hysterically to every single post you view as remotely threatening?
I'll keep you guys updated how things go, don't worry.
After telling a moderator to stop posting in your thread, I wonder how much time you'll have to keep us updated....
Looks good. There is product called Aluma Black that turns aluminum black if you are worried about nicks and scratches.
I've stopped caring, but I've used it in the past and it works as advertised.
This is my project
http://www.lilomaternity.com/blog/images/baby-crying.jpg
:p Sorry man...had to.
Mods shut this wreck down. Its clear the OP is mentally handicapped and the carnage is just too much.
I actually want to see how it turned out
Exactly what IG was saying about giving out advice, maybe you shold have told them what may work on your with your satisfaction might not be for them. Noobs reading may think this good idea on their$250 lower.
You're kidding right? Most of the SMEs on this site are defensive-minded shooters. And they take shit (defending their lives) too seriously? You better start the Exodus, man.
But you got to admit that a lot of trivIal shit is sometimes blown way out of proportion around here. Could one not defend himself with a 4140 barrel just as well as a 4150 barrel or has there been a rash of 4140 barrels melting and exploding in training classes? I don't own a 4140 barrel but just saying.
But you got to admit that a lot of trivIal shit is sometimes blown way out of proportion around here.
I agree, people get way too bent out of shape when their attention-whore posts get ignored, or the threads don't turn out the way they thought, or their threats of leaving the site go unnoticed, or their proclivity towards useless shit (like AA piston conversions) gets pointed out...
a lot of trivial shit gets blown way out of proportion.
:cray:
I agree, people get way too bent out of shape when their attention-whore posts get ignored, or the threads don't turn out the way they thought, or their threats of leaving the site go unnoticed, or their proclivity towards useless shit (like AA piston conversions) gets pointed out...
a lot of trivial shit gets blown way out of proportion.
:cray:
I really am curios to know how many non-hpt and non-mpi 4140 barrels you have seen explode in one of your classes. 1? 10?
Mr Elbowseed
08-03-12, 17:06
I really am curios to know how many non-hpt and non-mpi 4140 barrels you have seen explode in one of your classes. 1? 10?
Adding QC tests doesn't increase quality it ensures it. Just a way of knowing the odds of a critical failure have been minimized. Just my .02 cents
Stopsign32v
08-03-12, 17:55
BCM charging handle on the way along with a BCM BCG. :cool:
Planning on some industrial strength rubber bands when they get here.
Adding QC tests doesn't increase quality it ensures it. Just a way of knowing the odds of a critical failure have been minimized. Just my .02 cents
I know what the reasoning is behind it but why perform tests on something that never fails? I undestand the military doing it because it is ran by a huge bureaucracy that doesn't worry about wasting tax dollars. With all of the non hpt and non mpi barrels out there that the lower tier companies use on their rifles why do you never hear of a barrel failing? I'm sure there would be lawsuits like crazy if they were exploding. Anyways that's a whole other issue.
DeltaSierra
08-03-12, 19:00
<snip>
Maybe it's time to make another exodus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReYfu5E-hOE
The general requirements for posting in this thread are complete weapons (preferred) followed by substance. Apparenly you want to make Facebook type posts and create waves. Do it somewhere else as this is closed.
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