You get a special connection with something you make yourself. This statement holds especially true with firearms.
I’ve owned several AR-15s, but the one I pieced together is the one I keep at my side.
I suppose the feeling of accomplishment has something to do with it.
However, to be honest I just like telling people that I know how to put together a selective-fire carbine.
I have little or no mechanical talent, but this does not matter because piecing together an AR-15 is fairly easy — just don’t tell anyone how simple it is!
All parts of an AR-15 are important, but the components that make up the lower receiver are especially crucial.
The lower receiver attaches to every other major component of the gun, and a stripped lower receiver is the only portion that BATFE considers an actual firearm.
You don’t need much to complete your AR-15 lower build. Most parts are inexpensive and easy to come by in today’s market.
The Building Blocks
Stripped lowers vary in price greatly. However, as long as your receiver is in specifications and properly machined, you won’t have any issues.
I own both aluminum and polymer lowers, and both perform very well.
With few exceptions, even the low-cost bargain-basement lowers to just fine.
When you find a deal on a stack of lowers, move on it. I don’t really care what rollmark is on the side. As long as the gun cycles, I’m happy.
Lower Parts Kit
There is really no need to buy each pin and catch individually. Extremely high-quality parts kits are easy to come by and rarely have issues.
Inspect the packing list on the kit you are buying to make sure it has the following:
- Bolt Catch
- Bolt Catch Plunger
- Bolt Catch Roll Pin
- Bolt Catch Spring
- Buffer Retainer
- Buffer Retainer Spring
- Disconnector
- Disconnector Spring
- Hammer
- Hammer Pin
- Hammer Spring
- Magazine Catch
- Magazine Catch Button
- Magazine Catch Spring
- Pistol Grip
- Pistol Grip Lock Washer
- Pistol Grip Screw
- Pivot Pin
- Pivot Pin Detent
- Pivot Pin Detent Spring
- Selector
- Selector Detent
- Selector Detent Spring
- Takedown Pin
- Takedown Pin Detent
- Takedown Pin Detent Spring
- Trigger
- Trigger Guard
- Trigger Guard Roll Pin
- Trigger Pin
- Trigger Spring
Stock Kit
To complete your AR-15 lower build, you will need a stock assembly.
This should house your buffer tube, stock, buffer spring, castle nut and receiver extension.
Stocks come in all shapes and sizes, but few complain about a basic collapsible model. Even the entry-level versions hold up well.
Some choose the A2 style, which do not adjust to size, but give a solid shooting platform in return.
I should note that an AR-15 multi-tool helps immensely with that castle nut, as well as several other common AR adjustment jobs.
The parts listed above are mostly for a basic AR build.
There are different trigger groups, fancier stocks, buffers and widgets you can get as upgrades to just about everything here.
That is part of what makes an AR so much fun.
The modular design makes it the most customizable firearm on the market, which you can spend countless hours improving.
Have you ever done an AR-15 lower build? Tell us how it went in the comments section below!
I am wanting to buy a parts layout print. Do you have them for sale and if not could you tell me where I could get one. The one shown in this article is exactly what I need.
I just bought a 80% lower kit. Looking forward to shopping for the remaining parts to make my ar-15.
I’m really suprised by some of these comments.Some of you people need to do a little research and understand the basic functions of an AR15 before you make such stupid remarks.
I would love to build one and hope to be able to do so when parts are available again. I enjoyed the read and will put it to use if I can get the parts. Thank you!!!
I wish I had this list when I began my lower build project last year. I had to compile mine myself from the internet (including youtube) and several online sources. The only suggestion I would make is that kits are available that do not include the pistol grip or trigger assemblies, which are parts that many will want to buy separately. Similarly, buffer assemblies can be purchased that do not include the stock, but be sure you order either a mil spec or commercial buffer tube and stock (although some stocks will adapt to either standard). You will also need a few tools. I found these to be essential (or at least, useful): AR15 Roll Pin Starter Punch Kit, Pivot Pin Dent Installation Tool, Roll Pin Punch Set, Lower Receiver Vise Block, and – as mentioned – an AR15 Combo Wrench.
How does one buy the rest of the parts not listed here??
Van Devender,
You are right, the sear is not listed; however, I might be mistaken, but isn’t “G. Disconnector” on the list actually the sear?
Ditto on the “selective fire” reference. This plays into the “easily converted to a machine gun argument. I suggest immediate editing.
In my e-mail today was a link for
“Panic Buy 2012:
Separating Fact from Fiction”
but it brought me to this article.
How can I access the correct article?
Thanks.
Click here to read the “Panic Buy 2012” post. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.
A “selective fire carbine”? To me the term “selective fire” would indicate a weapon capable of both automatic (or burst) fire and semi-automatic fire. Now, I understand that many of the principles between say an M4 and an AR-15 are similar but I don’t know I would go as far as to say because I built an AR that I’ve built a M4. Especially today where the AR is getting demonized for being an “assault weapon” which we know it is not but the M4 is.
This has absolutely nothing to do with this article, but I really would like to know why CTD is price gougeing the public. Prices should not have doubled on most of your stock because some idiot killed some kids up North. I don’t mean to seem uncaring but let’s face it , a nine year old girl could look at that guy and tell he was nuts. That’s no reason to take it out on the rest of us. Over the years I have really enjoyed doing business with CTD , but in all fairness these price hikes are totally uncalled for.
I hope you don’t block out ignorant posts like mine.
I thought that a AR required a sear to work with the hammer and I don’t see it listed in your parts.
I think your info is very helpful to the new user but you have a few correction needed. Please note. The AB.Triger guard is marked BB. and the rest of the trigger parts down to AE. If your not aware of this by now. Good luck keep up the flow of info to the people our here. If you help just one person it’s all worth what your doing and that’s what matters. 25yrs U.S. Army Ret :0)
As long As the parts are mil – spec, I’m a happy camper.