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Having the right tools and knowing how to work around a few assembly quirks is the biggest hurdle. It really doesn't take long to assemble an AR when using quality parts and having the proper tools. Had a new barrel show up yesterday and was able to assemble a new upper with Troy Alpha in about 10min. Granted my receiver was already complete or that would have added a few minutes installing the F/A and Ejection Port Cover. Mine was a free float set up so no need to worry with FSB pins as that adds to assembly time if the pins are stubborn.
Lowers don't take long to assemble either once you get good at installing the front pivot pin and bolt catch. I've assembled them in 15min when undisturbed, however it normally takes me 30min if showing someone else how to do it because I'm explaining things.
Last edited by wahoo95; 06-05-13 at 07:45.
Iraqguns,
I am in no way diminishing the value of your classes, but an AR is NOT difficult to assemble! The original poster asked how hard is it...the answer in NOT AT ALL DIFFICULT. Are there ways that an idiot can screw up? Sure there are! But any decent set of instructions would have informed the guy to use locktight, stake the castle, etc. They are easy to follow directions. I admit to installing a spring backwards once...had I missed that on my final inspection it would have been a huge potential for failure. I simple reversed it and moved on. But that does not make it difficult, rather it means attention to detail is critical.
I am not regularly assembling a lower in 10 minutes because why rush and risk a scratch? I must confess, I did forget about my multi wrench. A pair of plyers and a strip of rubber will work on the castle, but I do currently use a multi wrench. Add a few more tools for the upper, but not $400 worth. I assembled several lowers that have lasted multiple thousands of rounds with a hammer, pliers, 2 standard punches and a tube of locktite. Using my roll pin punches and multi wrench makes it ALOT easier.
For the poster who thinks these will fail, I beg to differ. My weapons are used far more aggressively than your contests. There is nothing complicated about an AR assembly. Keep in mind, I am NOT adding suppressors, pinning my own gas block, staking my own BCGs, etc. I would take those to the armorer.
And a multi tip screwdriver...I am sure one of you will ask how I installed the grip...
What type of experience? I would consider myself very experienced with the AR/M-16/M-4 platform (while admitting perishable skills are a bit rusty currently). However, at no time during my time in the military was I taught how to actually do any armorer or higher work on one. I can shoot them, I just don't feel comfortable completely assembling what I would consider a quality firearm. I know I can slap the parts together, but would my build make it through a high round count class? That's the answer I was looking for. I'm not trying to be a douche but I thought what I was asking needed some clarification.
I'm staying out if this thread. The stupid responses I am reading just reinforce what I have been saying.
Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms
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Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com
Get a ratchet set a Sears and have at it!
At least have the decency to note that you said you didn't need skill when you want diagnostics in the Technical forum.
"You people have too much time on your hands." - scottryan
I see so many similarities between electrical work and AR assemblies. Joe Blow wants a ceiling fan installed and shows up with a phillips head, some sheet rock screws, and a roll of electrical tape. A few hours later he's got it hanging and it turning on/off and he says to himself "damn, I did it in less time than an electrician could have done it AND I saved $$$. What's that, neighbor? You need some recessed lighting installed? I'll be over with my phillips head tomorrow and I'll show you just how easy it is."
Just because you were able to complete a project while being completely unprepared knowledge and tool wise doesn't mean you've conquered the skill or created something that will last. And advertising that you can complete a lower in under 10 minutes without even a basic set of punches or any other necessary tools is terrible advice to be giving (or story to be telling, whatever the case). Pliers and a piece of rubber for a castle nut?
There's something to be said for preparing with adequate tools, workbench, vise, etc. before diving in. There's even more to be said for grasping the concepts and gaining an understanding of what all is involved before purchasing anything.
This is a very wise quote. Like I said in the beginning of this thread I can easily put together a lower but that doesn't mean I know the why's behind what I'm doing. I very much hope that IG will come to NC to teach one of his Armorers classes. There is so much more to learn than just putting the pieces together of the puzzle!!
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Duck Tape can't fix stupid but it sure muffles the sound!
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