"another" New guy here building my first AR.

[Rick1987]

Hey guy, I've been lurking around here for a while and registered about a week ago. I am starting my first AR build. I've read a lot on here and wish I found this place before I started. This will be my first AR rifle and first rifle period. I am from Massachusetts and this rifle will need to comply with our AWB.

Well anyways here is what I have so far and why I purchased the item.

I bought a upper and lower receiver in a group buy from another website I'm on. The upper and lower were made by MEGA machine, and I have a RRA 2 stage trigger installed.

I have a YHM 14.5" diamond carbine barrel. Got it for $110

Just bought a YHM diamond series rifle length quad rail. I know it's a bit big and heavy, but.. I got it new in box for $140 with a surefire 6p light and mount.

Now this is all I have so far.

When I can save up the rest of the money I'm looking at getting the following parts.

-Troy low profile gas block with carbine gas tube
-YHM diamond muzzle break. (to match the barrel and rail)
-BCM m16 bcg
-gunfighter charging handle, medium or large latch, not sure?
-Ace skeleton stock, the shorter one. With H2 carbine buffer and spring. (need a fixed stock in MA)
-Troy buis, I was thinking of going with the HK style front.
-optic, aimpoint or eotech, not sure yet.

Any pointers would be great. I won't get mad if you make fun of me.

This will be my "go to the range" "home defense" "shtf" gun.

I'm glad to be here and look forward to posting and learning a lot.

I will try and take some pics tomorrow for you guys.

[Iraqgunz]

Since you already have the main components bought and paid for just put it all together and see how it runs.

Make sure that you have all of the right tools and a CLEAR UNDERSTANDING of how to assemble everything.

I wouldn't be concerned about an optic. Use that money for some magazines and ammo and a sling. Put some rounds through it to make sure it runs and then zero the sights.

[Rick1987]

Thanks for the advice.

Right now I don't have any AR specific tools.
Any recommendations would be great.
I think I remember from reading, people liked the DPMS wrench.

And I've been watching the brownells (or was it midway?, one of them Stores) AR videos over and over. Also I've studied a "how to" over at AR15.com

[Iraqgunz]

There are stickies in the AR area that Robb Jensen kindly put together. At a minimum you will need a sturdy vise (mounted) an upper receiver block, barrel wrench, anti-seize, punches, etc...

Thanks for the advice.

Right now I don't have any AR specific tools.
Any recommendations would be great.
I think I remember from reading, people liked the DPMS wrench.

And I've been watching the brownells (or was it midway?, one of them Stores) AR videos over and over. Also I've studied a "how to" over at AR15.com

[hikeeba]

I assembled my first AR-15 type rifle from parts last fall. I spent about 8 months gathering info on parts and the assembly process. By the time I finally sat down to do the assembly, I felt pretty confident that I could do it right. The rifle turned out great.

I suggest reading up on the assembly process as much as possible. I accumulated assembly instructions from several different sources, both online and books, and feel I benefitted from all of them.

In addition to the basic tools mentioned by Iraqgunz, I recommend a torque wrench (if you don't already have one).

Take your time - Although I was well-read on the assembly process, it was still my first ground-up rifle assembly. I made sure to take my time through each step of the process to insure I was doing things correctly.

My basic tool list:
DPMS combo wrench
Model 1 upper receiver action block (came with lower reciever magwell block)
4" bench vise
Model 1 AR-15 punch set
Needlenose Vise Grip
Craftsman 3/8" click-type torque wrench (w/ 1/2" adapter for use with DPMS wrench)
Allen/hex key set
Screwdrivers

I installed a YHM handguard on this rifle, and opted to purchase the YHM handguard wrench. I could have probably done without it, but for the $12-$15 I spent, I feel it was worth it.

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I may have missed a thing or two.

Here's a pic of the little bench I built for my assembly:



Take your time, and enjoy your build process. When you're done, be safe, and enjoy your rifle.

[Rick1987]

I took some pics this morning.

This is how it looks so far. The barrel and handgaurd are just loosely on there so I can take it off. (I don't want any trouble having the 14.5" barrel attached to the upper/lower with out the muzzle break on it)

Well here it is.















Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.

Let me know what you think.

[BCmJUnKie]

Cool. My buddy has the Y.H Diamond stuff. If I were you I wouldnt even bother wit the HK front sight and Aimpoint or Eotech to start off with. Get a good sling and some ammo and go shoot it. See how you like it and gett used to it. Learn how it shoots and familiarize yourself with YOUR rifle. The BCM bcg is a really good choice. I wouldnt get the gunfighter latch either to start with. You could have a fully operational rifle AT the range shooting in no time by saving money on all the flashy stuff, Worry about that stuff later, an then you will have backups.

[The Cat]

Lots of good advice in this thread...... +1 on all aforementioned points

[Rick1987]

Thanks for the advice, that makes perfect sence, because I don't have any extra parts laying around if something broke.

Another thing I wasn't sure about. Do you think the H2 buffer is a good choice with the 14.5 carbine and the bcm bcg? Or should I just go with the regular heavy carbine buffer?

[BCmJUnKie]

Thanks for the advice, that makes perfect sence, because I don't have any extra parts laying around if something broke.

Another thing I wasn't sure about. Do you think the H2 buffer is a good choice with the 14.5 carbine and the bcm bcg? Or should I just go with the regular heavy carbine buffer?

I think you would be fine with the regular buffer, but you need to TRY it and actually SHOOT it. I know how it is to over asses and analyze and second guess yourself and want all these REALLY COOL PARTS!! lol Until you have your rifle assembled you can drive yourself crazy. And having extra parts is always good. You can get a mil spec original charging handle for around ten bucks, Use it and then if you want the MOD 3 latch still? Get it. Then you have two. Thats what I did, now I have backups for two rifles.