new build / 5.56 AR-15

[Jeff in Pa]

Since every AR-15 wasn't "exactly" what I wanted, I'm going to put together my own version of "right". I purchased a PSA ( Palmetto State Armory ) complete upper kit. This gets me a flat top, one of their FN barrels plus flip up sights.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...516446780.html

For the lower, I went with an Aero Precision "blem" forged 7075 receiver. The only defect I could find to make it a blem is on the inside of the magazine bevel where it looks like a "slip of the file" made the smallest of a mark.
https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/cat...q=APAR501101BC

Just waiting on my armorer's wrench to start




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[olds45512]

Cool project. I was thinking of building an ar from parts when I get my income tax. With your machining ability I'm surprised you didn't go for an 80% receiver and avoid all the government involvement.

[Jeff in Pa]

Had a tough time finding dimensions. I have them now in a high quality lower

[J-Mech]

I was kind of wondering why you didn't just do the machining too....
I wish I knew more about the AR. My good friend has one. Never had any interest in one until I shot his. I'd like one..... but it's a want. Right now the gun I'm after is a Winchester 1894 in 30-30. I passed on one a few years ago because I didn't want to spend the money. Should have, it was a good deal at $350. Easy to find the Ruger versions, but I want a Winchester.

Keep us updated Jeff! I want to see it when you get it together.

[Jeff in Pa]

When I ordered the upper kit and the lower, I was in a "lull" on cub parts. Now I'm busy for the next two weeks so this gets "back burnered" for now.

I like the AR platform. It's a lightweight weapon that shoots well and parts are easy to get. You can put one together for $300 or so and the sky is the limit with a thick wallet. There is a spring in the stock that makes a "boing" sound when it's fired but a little bit of grease quiets it down.

[olds45512]

Who'd you get your upper kit from? I was looking at a few kits on PSA.

[Jeff in Pa]

Who'd you get your upper kit from? I was looking at a few kits on PSA.

PSA

It's kit number 516446780
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...516446780.html

It's on sale until tomorrow

[Jeff in Pa]

Finished this up this afternoon. It was actually pretty easy but instructions were needed.

I found this which has the lower assembly in what I feel is the proper order ( mag catch first so a mag vise block can be used )
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/build...ower-receiver/

My question to Palmetto State Armory about lower assembly was answered with this link
http://www.thenewrifleman.com/how-to...ower-receiver/

Tomorrow is off to the range to make sure it works as designed


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[J-Mech]

Keep us updated Jeff!
I've not ever assembled a gun that I didn't take apart. Even that I hadn't done until recently, lol. Never had any need to completely disassemble one. Unfortunately, my dad p***** me off and I didn't finish the job I had set out to do. Long story....... not the time for that story, lol.

[Jeff in Pa]

The complete upper came fully assembled from PSA ( Palmetto State Armory in SC ). It also came with all the parts that go into and onto the lower receiver. I purchased a completed lower from Aero Precision out of Seattle WA.
Looking at the links, it's quite easy to assemble.
The mag catch ijust threads on.
The bolt release is held in place with a roll pin.
Spring pins hold the bottom of the trigger guard in place.
Assemble the springs and trigger pieces as shown in the pictures and a pin holds in place.
The hammer is held in place by a pin.
The buffer tube screws in and nut can either be tightened with an armorers wrench ( under $20 ) or a punch and hammer.
The take down pins are held in place with a plunger on a spring.

Don't psych yourself out because it's new. It was actually easy with directions.

[J-Mech]

I'm not too intimidated, but doing something new is always nice with help or good instructions. I've taken apart and assembled a lot of things. Honestly, a gun has relatively few parts compared to a lot of things, lol.

[olds45512]

Looks awesome Jeff. Can't wait too hear a range report.

[Jeff in Pa]

Looks awesome Jeff. Can't wait too hear a range report.

Took it to the range and after the first shot, realized I forgot the tool to adjust the front sight

I ran about 20 rounds thru it and it worked well. It was hitting centered but 6" low at 25 yards.

[J-Mech]

"Like" that it worked well. Not cool you forgot the tool.

[Jeff in Pa]

Yup, bonehead move on my part. I'll blame it on the cold I've been battling for a week now that's kicking my ass

[James in vt]

IMG_20150911_164603_112.jpg built this one 2 years ago. Man what fun it was to build

[James in vt]

They can be addictive lol nice build you got there your self