Building My First AR-15: Need Your Input

[rg115]

I've been thinking about building my first AR-15 for a while now, and I've finally started looking at parts. Seems like there are some solid deals out there if you know where to look, but I'll be honest — I'm still figuring out what's worth buying and what's not.

I'm planning to do a basic rifle build to start. Probably sticking with 5.56 for now, but I'm open to suggestions if folks think there's a better route for a first-timer.

Are there any parts brands you'd personally avoid? What about hidden costs or rookie mistakes I should look out for? Or should I just buy one already done?

Appreciate any advice — even just lessons you learned the hard way when you were starting out.

 

[rfd]

Depends on yer budget, disposable cash on hand, exactly what will be the primary use of the rifle, and how often will it be used. Add in if you'll load for it or buy commercial cartridges, whether cheap or not-so-cheap.

In most cases folks want it as a defensive gun that'll get some range time a few times a month, or maybe in a year.

I've had over a dozen AR15 rifles and carbines, all were .223Rem, .223Wylde, or 5.56NATO. I never saw a need to change to a different chambering. I've had bbls that were pencil to extra heavy, and lengths from 16" to 24". Sights ran from BUIS, red dots, LPVOs, long range scopes. So many choices.

As the years progressed I bought, built, and eventually sold them all ... now have the one that'll stay, an Andro AC-15 Bravo. I changed the trigger out to a Rage 140 and stuck on a Blackhound 1-6x24 LPVO. I build the cartridges for it, 68 or 70 grain BTHPs. It's got a 5.56Nato chamber so it can be fed any .223 cartridge. The 16" bbl has a fast 1:7 rifling twist so I can load heavy bullets - that twist won't be good for the really light bullets, but I want a cartridge that's better suited past 100 yards. So far this rifle checks off all the features I both need and want, and I've got near 1k rounds through it.

I have it currently comfigured with a fixed 10 round CompMag that is NJ legal and allows the flash hider and adjustable stock. That fixed mag can be fairly easily removed and allow the use of all other removable mags ... if need be.

PM or email me if more help or details are needed.

 

[Squeeze]

The main things that matter are barrel, trigger and bolt carrier group. Standard everything is fine in the vast majority of situations. A lot of the rest is intended use and personal preferance/ experience level

 

[mauser888]

Depends on yer budget, disposable cash on hand, exactly what will be the primary use of the rifle, and how often will it be used. Add in if you'll load for it or buy commercial cartridges, whether cheap or not-so-cheap.

In most cases folks want it as a defensive gun that'll get some range time a few times a month, or maybe in a year.

I've had over a dozen AR15 rifles and carbines, all were .223Rem, .223Wylde, or 5.56NATO. I never saw a need to change to a different chambering. I've had bbls that were pencil to extra heavy, and lengths from 16" to 24". Sights ran from BUIS, red dots, LPVOs, long range scopes. So many choices.

As the years progressed I bought, built, and eventually sold them all ... now have the one that'll stay, an Andro AC-15 Bravo. I changed the trigger out to a Rage 140 and stuck on a Blackhound 1-6x24 LPVO. I build the cartridges for it, 68 or 70 grain BTHPs. It's got a 5.56Nato chamber so it can be fed any .223 cartridge. The 16" bbl has a fast 1:7 rifling twist so I can load heavy bullets - that twist won't be good for the really light bullets, but I want a cartridge that's better suited past 100 yards. So far this rifle checks off all the features I both need and want, and I've got near 1k rounds through it.

I have it currently comfigured with a fixed 10 round CompMag that is NJ legal and allows the flash hider and adjustable stock. That fixed mag can be fairly easily removed and allow the use of all other removable mags ... if need be.

PM or email me if more help or details are needed.

View attachment 8

How is a flash hider and collapsible stock legal on that rifle in NJ?

 

[rfd]

How is a flash hider and collapsible stock legal on that rifle in NJ?

Because the magazine is fixed and no more than 10 rounds, then ALL the other "assault rifle features" are allowed in NJ and in NY.

 

[rfd]

 

[mauser888]

Because the magazine is fixed and no more than 10 rounds, then ALL the other "assault rifle features" are allowed in NJ and in NY.

OK, I didn't realize it was fixed. Is it riveted in place?

 

[rfd]

OK, I didn't realize it was fixed. Is it riveted in place?

Do a Google search for "compmag" and get all the scoop.

 

[mauser888]

Do a Google search for "compmag" and get all the scoop.

Interesting. That is a new one on me. Thanks!

 

[rfd]

Interesting. That is a new one on me. Thanks!

Was for me, too, 'til I heard about it from my FFL earlier this year.

 

[mauser888]

Was for me, too, 'til I heard about it from my FFL earlier this year.

I wonder if Shooters carries them in their store.