First AR build

So, I've decided to build an AR to offset my owned/inherited fudd guns. I understand just about stripped lower will do, and i was thinking PSA A2 lower kit as I want a full length A2/A4 clone. What are some good complete uppers/companies? Or should I build piece by piece?

I guess I'm the only one who checks this anymore. Oh well.

I check occasionally but I know nothing about ARs

JosepyK wrote:So, I've decided to build an AR to offset my owned/inherited fudd guns. I understand just about stripped lower will do, and i was thinking PSA A2 lower kit as I want a full length A2/A4 clone. What are some good complete uppers/companies? Or should I build piece by piece?

Any quality lower will do. Complete uppers are obvious, but BCM should be the ideal. PK Firearms, PSA, Del-ton, Spike's, CMMG, Windham Weaponry, et c. An M&P lower from S&W is a great platform to build on and a DTI complete rifle kit is fairly inexpensive.

fair enough, I'll look into those. thanks.

JosepyK wrote:fair enough, I'll look into those. thanks.

DTI and PSA rifle kits tend to be the best price/quality point. DTI a little cheaper and PSA a little better. Don't forget to inspect before assembly! If you are buying a stripped lower you'll also want a 1/8" pin punch for the roll pins, some masking tape to protect the finish, a plastic or rubber mallet, and some scrap wood to use as a work surface. when installing the bolt catch roll pin, i prefer to mask off the area around the bolt catch position, and using some rubber boots (available at Sears) on locking pliers, i squeeze the pin into place rather than punch it in - less likely to damage the finish this way. the flanges for the trigger guard CAN SNAP OFF if you leave them unsupported when installing the roll pin. always use a bit of cardboard or wood or something to support them against the work surface, and carefully drive in the roll pin with the trigger guard installed.

Each roll pin should be champfered slightly on one end for easy installation. if it isn't, use pliers to crush one end so it's slightly tapered, but not ovoid.