just add water ....and maybe a machined lower too. $400 and this is a great way to start you basic AR build by just adding your own 80% machined or preowned version. This kit makes it easy in the the hardest part of building a complete AR is the assembling the upper with the special tools and torque wrench for the barrel nut. This set up look like its a already complete. Even if you have not built before, if you get a lower, with simple tools you can build this up ready for the range in about 2 hours your first time. Watch these videos that give you a set by step process. There are several tools in this video that they tell you to buy, but you really dont "need" them. Although they are good to have, if you have a modest tool kits at home you should be good to go. AR-Stoner Carbine Kit AR-15 5.56x45mm NATO 1 9 Twist 16 Barrel Caution: dont try to build in a room with carpet! Tiny lttle "Things" tend to "fly" and finding them on a carpet is impossible.
They actually have a spare parts kit for the parts kit called "Lost Parts Kit" AR-15 LOST PARTS KIT | Brownells
I keep complete upper and lower small parts kits for spares. One item that sometimes fails, and it gave me fits for about a year until I finally figured out what it was, is the extractor spring. Occasionally, the bolt would open after firing but not completely extract the spent cartridge from the chamber. The bolt would continue rearward travel to its limit and pick up a fresh cartridge. Then it would try to jam it into the chamber with the previously spent round still hanging halfway out of the chamber. It would be extremely bad JUJU in a real world scenario if you needed the weapon to fire. I finally changed the extractor spring (takes a 1/16" drift punch to drive out the extractor retaining pin, if memory serves correctly) and haven't had a problem one since. Very reliable.
The question is, what setup do you need to finish a lower if you don't have a mill shop? I thought about it as cost is reduced, though I don't have a shop to work in. I don't even know the tools needed to put an AR together.
Tools to assemble an AR are fairly minimal - it's almost like working with an erector set. Upper vice block Lower vice block (or suitable piece of wood) A vice AR multi tool for the barrel and castle nuts Torque wrench to install the barrel A couple of punches for the drift pins A hammer to drive the pins A utility knife to make the take down pin installation easier Blade or Philips screwdriver for the pistol grip A small piece of wood to support the lower when you install the trigger guard A small piece of soft fabric (I use Costco microfiber) to protect parts as needed to prevent scratches during assembly Electrical tape also to prevent scratches during the assembly of some parts. You probably already have about half of this in your garage already. In terms of finishing an 80% lower I don't have experience. There is a pretty good tutorial on ar15.com as well as youtube videos. It can be done without a mill, but you need a jig set and a lot of patience.
AR specific tool examples: Upper vice block - my favorite DPMS Upper Receiver Action Block AR-15 Delrin Lower vice block (or suitable piece of wood) ProMag Armorer's Lower Receiver Action Block AR-10 Polymer Combo vice block - does both upper and lower and can save some $$$, but no personal experience.: Magpul BEV Block AR-15 Action Block AR multi tool for the barrel and castle nuts AR-15/M16 ARMORER'S TOOL | Brownells A couple of punches for the drift pins - I like this set from Starrett, but you can find a more inexpensive set that will do the trick Starrett Drive Pin Punch Set 8-Piece Steel These make life a little bit easier: Schuster AR-15 Roll Pin Starter Punch Set 2-Piece Steel These are just examples, and if you shop around you can find similar tools more inexpensively. Regardless, it's an investment that makes a build a wash when you factor in the tools. What you gain, though, IMO is critical - you now have the tools and knowledge to maintain, build, keep rifles going by cannibalizing if needed, etc. BTW - the first ARs I ever shot were ones I built. It's not intimidating at all.
TMH If you are talking about finishing a 80% lower most places sell jigs amd instructions. A hand drill, bits and some files I believe is all you need.
I bought this punch set fro HF 28 Pc Transfer Punch Set The upper vice block was an alum for AR15/AR10 upper. Got it on amazon but they dont have it anymore.
I don't know which one's worse, the fact that upper receiver block is 40 bucks or the fact that it's out of stock
Both... I can say that it's rock solid and I'm buying tools for the next generation or two with SHTF or politics in mind. The cost of upper and lower blocks is obscene, maybe DVOR will put them on sale at some point?
I don't know, but I'm building my first AR now, and I simply used a wood block in the vice for the lower. At that price, I'd make a mold of it upon arrival, and cast as many as I could hand out to friends and neighbors. Melt down 5 gallon buckets.
You can definitely use a piece of wood for the lower, I got mine inexpensively on sale. The upper block is a bit different because you need to be able to torque the barrel nut, and the upper needs support for that. Ooooh - check this out:
If you are not assembling the upper(torque the barrel nut) you wont need the upper vice block. Mine for the AR15/10 was $50 and I used it just once. I bought or swapped out completed uppers so It was not needed. I see it cheaper now at Midway Wheeler Engineering Delta Series Upper Receiver & Picatinny Rail Vise (out of stock) But 3 @Optics Planet for $36. So if DVOR puts them up it should come in lower than that since they are related. Wheeler Fine Gunsmith Equipment Delta AR Upper / Pic Rail Vise Block 156888
There are times in life that an improvised method is necessary. Firearm assembly is not one of those times. The receiver blocks are contoured to fit the receiver in order to spread out the load and avoid deforming or destroying it. Deforming and likely damaging the threads on an upper is a very likely result from using that hacktastic plywood "vise", not to mention that you could crack the upper. This thread reminds me that I need to go get some of my AR tools back from my cousin.....
Ran across on YouTube - I like this jig and system. If I build an 80% lower I think I'll go this route. Tools needed are a router and a drill press.:
