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by Carry-a-Kimber
Tue Jan 17, 2012 6:33 pm
Forum: Rifles & Shotguns
Topic: Time Lapse of AR15 Lower Assembly
Replies: 10
Views: 2190

Re: Time Lapse of AR15 Lower Assembly

chlag01 wrote:
glbedd53 wrote:I have two ARs but that makes me want to put one together. Why was the upper assy. already assembled, are they usually?
Mainly cost and build complexity. The lower is pretty easy to put together without any special tools, and buying a stripped lower and a parts kit is cheaper than buying an assembled lower. The upper requires proper torquing, precise alignment, and probably some tools I don't already own. I haven't priced out building the upper myself, but I don't know that I have the skills or tools to do it either.

For this build, everything came from Palmetto State Armory except the stripped lower. Total cost was about $715 including shipping and FFL transfer fee on the stripped lower. If can be done for less, but I 'upgraded' to MOE furniture and a hammer forged barrel. For a just a little more and if you can find it in stock, you could buy a complete, quality Spikes Tactical 5.56/.223 rifle, but you wouldn't have as much fun putting it together and you wouldn't get some of the little upgrades.

When I do it again, I may spend a little more money and get a Bravo Company upper.
Building an upper is about as easy as building the lower. There are things that have to be aligned and a reciever block is required but the only tool you have to have is an armorer"s wrench. The cost of building an upper is not nearly as economical as building a lower. You can save $100+ easy building a lower but maybe only a few bucks building an upper. I like to build the entire gun though so it is just how I want it.

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