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building my first ar!
- Thread starter tgiannes
- Start date
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- Jul 7, 2000
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I have heard good things about the DPMS kit from people I respect. I don't know what is better out there, but those people just told me to get the DPMS and not worry about it.
That said: I hope you already have one in hand, or have easy access to one. LPK's are practically impossible to find these days: all the online dealers are sold out (or claim to have stock but are actually backordered if you try to purchase). After searching all the online dealers I called DPMS themselves and after waiting on hold forever was told they were filling very old backorders on LPK's. I asked what kind of wait I could expect if I placed a back order that day and was refused even a guess or a range.
I brought it up on another forum and a member suggested putting in a backorder with someone big like Midway. They don't charge you until they ship and since they are a big name who moves a lot of product, they probably stand better luck getting one than a lot of outfits.
I found one (DPMS) in a local gunshop on a back shelf. I haven't assembled it yet, so I can only pass on what I've heard second hand. I need a second though so I took the above advice and put in a backorder with Midway. That one I don't mind waiting for so much
Good luck with your project! I have one AR that I purchased complete, but I too will soon build my first from scratch (well the lower at least - then slap on a complete upper). I have the stripped lower and parts: now I'm just waiting for the mail to bring me the proper tools so I don't screw the whole thing up.
That said: I hope you already have one in hand, or have easy access to one. LPK's are practically impossible to find these days: all the online dealers are sold out (or claim to have stock but are actually backordered if you try to purchase). After searching all the online dealers I called DPMS themselves and after waiting on hold forever was told they were filling very old backorders on LPK's. I asked what kind of wait I could expect if I placed a back order that day and was refused even a guess or a range.
I brought it up on another forum and a member suggested putting in a backorder with someone big like Midway. They don't charge you until they ship and since they are a big name who moves a lot of product, they probably stand better luck getting one than a lot of outfits.
I found one (DPMS) in a local gunshop on a back shelf. I haven't assembled it yet, so I can only pass on what I've heard second hand. I need a second though so I took the above advice and put in a backorder with Midway. That one I don't mind waiting for so much
Good luck with your project! I have one AR that I purchased complete, but I too will soon build my first from scratch (well the lower at least - then slap on a complete upper). I have the stripped lower and parts: now I'm just waiting for the mail to bring me the proper tools so I don't screw the whole thing up.
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You definately need a punch set for building the lower. Other than that, it is pretty easy. Get a spare set of lower parts springs and pins (might be two kits).
When assembling, pick a well lit area and be prepared. There are a ton of little springs that will go "sproing" and shoot across the room to be forever lost. This happens to beginners a lot.
Also when hammering in the little pins, like the ones for the trigger guard, take your time and don't force it. It is possible to break a lower...
but that is a topic for another thread.- Joined
- Oct 5, 2006
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- 90
DPMS parts kits are just fine.
They source their parts, when they need them and if they are available, from "parts houses" such as M&A Parts.
It's a very small world inside the AR universe.
One "quick and dirty" check item on a LPK? See if the star washer is flat stamped or if it's a real star washer. If you see a stamped washer, move on.
Assemble your lower on a bed sheet, best placed inside a large, low cardboard box. Never on shag carpet or on a wooden deck at night.
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/ to see how to do it!
They source their parts, when they need them and if they are available, from "parts houses" such as M&A Parts.
It's a very small world inside the AR universe.
One "quick and dirty" check item on a LPK? See if the star washer is flat stamped or if it's a real star washer. If you see a stamped washer, move on.
Assemble your lower on a bed sheet, best placed inside a large, low cardboard box. Never on shag carpet or on a wooden deck at night.
http://www.ar15.com/content/guides/assembly/lower/ to see how to do it!
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
- Messages
- 1,556
I successfully built my first lower last night: it was very satisfying
Since I had never done it before, I planned in advance by ordering every recommended tool on the AR15 guide: not just the necessities but the luxuries too like the roll pin holders and the pivot pin installation tool. They made it a breeze.
Actually the hardest part for me was hammering in the trigger guard roll pin: that sucker just did not want to go in. I managed to pull it off without damaging anything though
I've owned a complete AR for years but it's good to have built a lower so as to be able to understand it even that much better.
Oh, and the sheet in the box trick is a good one. Luckily nothing went flying, so it didn't have to save me, but I still did it anyway to be safe.
Since I had never done it before, I planned in advance by ordering every recommended tool on the AR15 guide: not just the necessities but the luxuries too like the roll pin holders and the pivot pin installation tool. They made it a breeze.
Actually the hardest part for me was hammering in the trigger guard roll pin: that sucker just did not want to go in. I managed to pull it off without damaging anything though
I've owned a complete AR for years but it's good to have built a lower so as to be able to understand it even that much better.
Oh, and the sheet in the box trick is a good one. Luckily nothing went flying, so it didn't have to save me, but I still did it anyway to be safe.
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Actually the hardest part for me was hammering in the trigger guard roll pin: that sucker just did not want to go in. I managed to pull it off without damaging anything though
I had that problem a few weeks ago, sadly I suffered damage.
I didn't think I was hammering the pin very hard but it stuck before it made it through the back pin hole. One extra tap/hammer on the pin punch and I broke that piece off. It still works but, the trigger guard isn't completely reliable in my opinion. Think I'm pretty boned on that.
GigOne
Gold Member
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- Nov 27, 1999
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- 15,783
So i got a striped lower and am gonna build it up. Is the dpms lower parts kit good? Any one have any other lpk's of higher quality? Thanks alot God this is gonna cost me alot to do the way i want.
I haven't used DPMS LPKs, but have several friends that swear by them. Can't be too bad, as they have thousands of rounds down range without issues.
Putting a lower together is a walk in the park, but offer several suggestions: First, take your time. Second, purchase of roll of painters tape or masking tape (i.e., marring the finish when installing the bolt catch roll pin is common). The Gigster's Rule of Thumb: If you think you'll mar the finish - tape it.
Third, when installing the trigger guard roll pin, support the ears on the lower side when tapping the roll pin ! I've seen more AR15s with missing ears than anything else. Fourth, many roll pins aren't spec'd. While they take some force to insert, they shouldn't take a shitload of force. No reason to dick up a perfectly good lower trying to to install the cheapest part of the weapon. Finally, do not dry fire the lower without the upper installed ! 
If you have any questions during the build, drop me a PM.
Good luck and post pics when you're finished. :thumbup:
Last edited:
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Any LPK from a name brand supplier will be just fine.
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Even as a new guy to this, I'll echo what Gig said. I definitely taped up my lower and even though the trigger guard roll pin was tough, my lower survived because I made sure it was well supported underneath.
Even though I'm not the original poster, I'll jump in since I just built a lower the other night:
The rifle on top is a Bushy I bought complete and have added crap onto over time (it was a pretty bare-bones neutered rifle purchased during the ban). It's nothing special, but it runs great, even on crap ammo. The EOTech on it will be moved to a third rifle I am building: a Mid-Length flat-top (just waiting for the upper to be sent to me)
The rifle below it is on the lower I just built. It is a Stag lower with DPMS parts kit. Hanguards and an ERGO grip in brown/tan/earth (whatever you want to call the color) are in the mail to me so it can be fashionable and match the stock
The lovely black ERGO grip will be moved to the upcoming Mid-Length build (don't you just love swapping parts around?)
The upper is a dedicated .22lr upper from Tactical Solutions, hence the Black Dog mag.
Even though I'm not the original poster, I'll jump in since I just built a lower the other night:
The rifle on top is a Bushy I bought complete and have added crap onto over time (it was a pretty bare-bones neutered rifle purchased during the ban). It's nothing special, but it runs great, even on crap ammo. The EOTech on it will be moved to a third rifle I am building: a Mid-Length flat-top (just waiting for the upper to be sent to me)
The rifle below it is on the lower I just built. It is a Stag lower with DPMS parts kit. Hanguards and an ERGO grip in brown/tan/earth (whatever you want to call the color) are in the mail to me so it can be fashionable and match the stock
The lovely black ERGO grip will be moved to the upcoming Mid-Length build (don't you just love swapping parts around?)
The upper is a dedicated .22lr upper from Tactical Solutions, hence the Black Dog mag.
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- Jan 11, 2008
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- 1,825
I just built my first AR and I think I used the same 22lr upper only mine is a heavy barrel.
I am waiting on a few parts as we speak to make a pistol. Its gonna be completely impractical but fun. Now if I could only find a nice .223 upper I would be set.
I am waiting on a few parts as we speak to make a pistol. Its gonna be completely impractical but fun. Now if I could only find a nice .223 upper I would be set.
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Just in case you don't know, you can't legally take a normal AR lower and make a pistol (without the right papers). It would be classified as a short barreled rifle and you would be in deep doo doo if the ATF nabbed ya. I'm sure you knew that or I misunderstood, but in case I didn't...
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Just in case you don't know, you can't legally take a normal AR lower and make a pistol (without the right papers). It would be classified as a short barreled rifle and you would be in deep doo doo if the ATF nabbed ya. I'm sure you knew that or I misunderstood, but in case I didn't...
Actually,if it's a stripped lower you can make it a pistol as long as it's never been a rifle.
If you do make it a pistol don't have a stock in your possession unless you own a rifle.
Possession of a stock and a pistol without a rifle makes you in possession of a SBR.
"Make sure you use a pistol buffer tube,they won't except a stock and don't own a rifle buffer tube without a rifle either."
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Hmmm thought that had to specially designated for a pistol. Thanks for the clarification.
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It's a tricky subject.
I'm sure most cops wouldn't know the laws which could mean trouble even if you are cleared later.
I bought a Rock River Arms Lower marked "Pistol Only" to help clear up any confusion by Law Enforcement if they find my pistol in the front seat of my truck. "Rifles are illegal within reach in Fl."
A 12 inch Larue upper with a Carbine length buffer tube is a pistol with a 300 yard plus range and armor piercing capability.
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The variability and inanity of every state's various weapons' laws never ceases to amaze, disgust, entertain, and sadden me.