AR-15 Assembly
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AR-15 - Detailed Step By Step Assembly / Build Instructions (HD)
The AR-15 is the most common rifle in the U.S.A. It is a
semi-automatic rifle modeled after the military's automatic M16. The
rifle is modular and can be customized with many different
accessories. In this video, I discuss the full assembly of an AR-15
from individual parts.
Part 1: Lower Receiver Assembly
Part 2: Upper Receiver Assembly
Part 3: Live Fire Testing [01:01:57]
Tools Required:
Vise
AR-15 Lower Receiver Vise Block
Small Hammer
Set of Roll Pin Punches
Screwdriver
AR-15 Barrel Wrench
Set of Allen Wrenches (i.e., Hex Wrenches)
Gun Oil
Pivot Pin Installation Tool
Torque Wrench
Razor Blade
AR-15 Upper Receiver Vise Block
Snap Ring Pliers (Not covered in video. Only needed for certain
types of handguards.)
5.56 NATO / .223 Headspace Gauge
Clamp or Vise with rubber guards (for headspace checking)
Optional Tools (not required, but they make the job easier):
Drill (if you desire to dimple barrel)
Blue Loctite
Dummy Cartridge
Brush and Rag for Cleaning
Needle Nose Pliers
Empty 5.56/.223 Shell Casing
Torque Screwdriver
Air Compressor
Pencil
Center Punch (if you desire to dimple castle nut)
Tape
Wood Block
Rubber Mallet
Parts Required:
Stripped Lower Receiver
Purchase from Gun Store or FFL
Depending on state laws, purchase from a private seller.
Make your own. (Using a drill press, 3D printer, milling
machine, etc.)
Lower Parts Kit
Includes: Magazine Catch Button, Magazine Catch, Magazine
Catch Spring, Bolt Catch, Bolt Catch Plunger, Bolt Catch Roll
Pin, Bolt Catch Spring, Pivot Pin, Detent x 2, Detent Spring x
2, Takedown Pin, Safety Selector, Selector Detent, Selector
Spring, Trigger Guard, Roll Pin, Buffer Catch, Buffer Catch
Spring
Some LPKs do not include a trigger group
Trigger, Trigger Spring, Hammer, Hammer Spring,
Disconnector, Disconnector Spring, Hammer and Trigger Pins
Some LPKs do not include a pistol grip
Pistol Grip, Grip Screw
Trigger/Hammer Group (if not included in LPK)
Pistol Grip (if not included in LPK)
Buffer Tube Kit
Buffer Tube
If making an AR-15 Pistol, use a pistol tube instead.
Nut
Buffer Spring
Receiver end plate
Castle Nut
Buffer
Various Weights: H1, H2, or H3
Buttstock
Illegal on an AR-15 Pistol (must use pistol tube)
Barrel and Barrel Nut
Handguard
Sometimes includes a special barrel nut.
Gas Block Kit
Gas Tube
Gas Block
Gas Tube Pin
Flash Hider/Muzzle Brake and Crush Washer
Stripped Upper Receiver
Ejection Port Cover Kit
Ejection Port Cover
Hinge Pin
Hinge Pin Snap
Hinge Spring
Forward Assist Kit
Forward Assist (with pre-installed Pawl)
Forward Assist Retainer Pin
Forward Assist Spring
Bolt Carrier Group
Bolt
Extractor Pin, Extractor with Spring, and Bolt
Carrier
Carrier, Cam Pin, and Retaining Pin
Firing pin
Charging Handle
with spring, latch, and roll pin if purchased separately.
Magazines
Variety of sizes: 10, 20, 30, etc...
Sights/Optics