Looks like I'll be learning how to build a lower

[mpbarry1]

Picked this up today. Should be fun to learn how to build one! I'm debating triggers and stock configurations now. Advice always appreciated!

[Jailer]

Be carefull with the bolt catch roll pin. I prefer to squeeze mine in as opposed to tapping it in. Either way tape up your tools and the area around the pin boss in case you slip.

Triggers, well the sky's the limit. I have a RR two stage in one gun and like it. The other is a GI trigger that was so good after it was installed I left it alone.

[Calamity Jake]

Spend the bucks for a good trigger kit!!!!!.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I have found one company that the factory trigger kits are pretty good: Palmetto State Armory sells a pretty well polished trigger set in their Classic Enhanced Lower Built kits. I bought two kits for a couple builds I did and was impressed with the stock triggers, as smooth as any I've ever seen over twenty years or so building the lowers. Unfortunately, they throw them in with the rest of the kit, so they get dinged a bit in transit, but a touch or two with a stone clears up the dings. (And when I say touch, that's what I mean, just clean up the ding, DO NOT polish through the hardening!)

I was doing these for a friend and really regretted I was not keeping these two triggers.

[tomme boy]

Make sure you put the disco spring in right. It is larger on one end. Support the trigger guard well or you will bust off the tab. I prefer to squeeze in the bolt release pin as well too. The last RR I put together the trigger was not the best. It was a standard RR lower parts kit. The 2 stage triggers from them are really good.

Go over to the AR15.com site and look up the "Build it yourself forum" it is under the ar15 part. There stickies with picture tutorials on how to put the whole gun together. Take your time and read all the different ways to do this. It is actually really easy. Post here if you have any ?'s. There are some very knowledgable people here that will help anyway they can.

[Bored1]

Ar15.com is a GREAT site for information, under the "build it yourself" section! Great step by step instructions on anything you want to do with the rifle.

Also keep an eye out on palmettostatearmory.com for parts. Just because they are out of stock today doesn't mean they will be for long. Just picked up some lower parts kits for dirt cheap awhile back. Shipping from them is slow but your product will arrive, and generally save you >30% compaired to other online retailers if you catch one of the sales.

[.5mv^2]

I use a razor blade to put in the front pin. Makes it a lot easier than what I have seen published. Just hold the spring and follower in place.

The roll pin that holds the bolt hold back lever can be a bugger. It pays to have a roll pin starter for that one.

[mpbarry1]

is this the PSA kit you guys recommend? I can't tell if it is a polished trigger kit?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/moe-lower-build-kit-black.html

[C. Latch]

I use a razor blade to put in the front pin. Makes it a lot easier than what I have seen published. Just hold the spring and follower in place.

The roll pin that holds the bolt hold back lever can be a bugger. It pays to have a roll pin starter for that one.

I use an exacto-type knife blade.

More importantly, I perform this step with the whole thing, including both of my hands, stuffed inside of a 2-gallon Ziploc bag. This way, when (not if) you lose the spring, it can't fly away; it either hits the bag or hits you. This is important.

Building lowers and uppers is fun. Pretty soon you'll look in the safe and see that they've multiplied.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

is this the PSA kit you guys recommend? I can't tell if it is a polished trigger kit?

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/moe-lower-build-kit-black.html

That probably has as good a trigger as the one I received. It was a standard military trigger and wasn't specially polished. It just had the best polish of any standard trigger/lower kit I'd ever seen. The kit you posted isn't the one I received, but the one you posted likely has the exact same trigger group as the one I ordered. Whoever Palmetto is getting those trigger groups from, is doing a fantastic job making them.

[Ubet]

Rock River Arms uses a spiral roll pin, they insert easier and there LPK's have a nicer trigger on several kits that I've installed. First decided if you want a milspec tube or not. Consider a Choate Machine and Tool collapsible stock. They are the most durable of the collapsible stocks, they have inserts into the fiberglass and they have tested them by driving over them with a 4x4 and it stood up and didn't collapse. It also has the sloped sides for a better cheek weld when shooting.

[Bored1]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/palmetto-state-armory-enhanced-lower-build-kit-blk.html

That's the kit I used in two lowers and I think the triggers fine, but that's me, first Ar I've shot more than once.

If you aren't in a hurry watch them for sales

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/lower-parts/p-tac-blackhawk-lower-parts-kit.html

Picked up a few of those for 29.99$ awhile ago. Was cheaper to buy two lower parts kits than just order the spare parts.

[mpbarry1]

I have to admit, the amount of options out there are a bit overwhelming. lol. i am going to do some research, I'm hoping to stretch my money as much as possible. thank you all for the tips!

[krallstar]

http://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html very smooth trigger

[clownbear69]

Once you decide to get which LPK you want, take your roll pins (should be two) and freeze them in the freezer about a day or two before you build. It will help with the install. The little bit it strinks will help a lot and not scratch up your lower.

As a side note I have the PSA LPK and its one of the best stock triggers on the market. Make sure you watch PSA everyday because there is always a good deal to be scored with them. And if you decide not to build your upper based on funds, kinda hard to beat them on price. Just ordered mine over the weekend

[monadnock#5]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/575254/the-competitive-ar15-builders-guide-book-by-glen-d-zediker?cm_vc=ProductFinding

If you already know which model you want to build: carbine, A2, Match... you can get all you need from youtube. OTOH, if you're wide open to suggestion and aren't sure what tools you need, this book is a wealth of information.

[nicholst55]

Check out Fat Boy Tactical (http://fatboytactical.net/cart/) for parts. No connection, they just have some pretty good deals.

[mpbarry1]

dangit. i missed a really good deal at PSA for a cmplete lower parts kit. 80 bucks! I'll keep watching.

[TCLouis]

So, once the LPK is installed, who has the best deal on a A2 stock and buffer?

[BD]

I highly recommend the RRA two stage match trigger. At about $130 it's the best value out there.
BD

[.5mv^2]

Back in November Wideners was selling ATI uppers with the build kit for 419. Just need to add stripped lower. The barrel and upper has a beautiful finish. 1:7" FT

[Cmm_3940]

If you prefer a single stage trigger, check out the one from Timney. I have them in both of mine and like them quite a bit.

Masking tape and roll pin starters.

Some of the LPKs come with cheap parts where you don't want cheap. Bolt release, mag release, trigger pins. Check out offerings from Seekins Precision, KNS precision, JP Industries.

Once you get to the upper, that comes with a whole 'nother shopping list. :)

[mpbarry1]

156683

It took me a while, but ended up building 5 for every member of the family. Merry Christmas!

[nekshot]

Well done, your my type of man!!

[pretzelxx]

I put a muzzle brake on mine with a heavy barrel, I also tossed on a sopmod stock cause it's kinda hefty and balances a little better. I went with a cheaper 6lb trigger. I'm used to 8lb so 6 is nice and easy.

[mac1911]

dangit. i missed a really good deal at PSA for a cmplete lower parts kit. 80 bucks! I'll keep watching.

Not much of a deal from PSA with out details.
Rock river arms NM 2 stage complete lower kit is on sale still for 92$ part # AR0120NM
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/ also great prices and often free shipping.

This is one of the simplest guides for assembling the lower.
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/

Want a cheap front pin detent tool. Find a dowel that fits your front pin hole. Make it about 3" long. Drill a hole in one end through the dowel that will fit the spring and detent through . Place dowel through the pin hole line up the detent hole with hole in dowel. Drop the parts in. Press the parts into the receiver with small punch. Then slowly rotate the dowel 90'.
You then install the pin following the dowel out. You should easily be able to capture the detent. A clevis pin works also.

Pictures and film are much better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJNaTjvQaVQ

94$ free shipping http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/RRA_Two_Stage_Match_Trigger_Kit_AR0093NMK_p/rra-ar0093nmk.htm