AR 15 SDM DIY project, Part One- The Lower

terraformer · Dec 11, 2008

I like my M4gery but it is not a target rifle and all of my target rifles are high power (.270 and up). So I decided to build my own AR 15 target rifle (poorly timed I know with Obamamania sweeping the nation) with a White Oak SDM barrel (props to them for picking up the phone and sending a spreadsheet with a DIY pricing and parts list) and a DPMS lower and DPMS lower parts kit. I haven't picked out the rest of my parts yet, and I am sure to ask you all for advice when the time comes (can't wait for the iron or glass debate... [smile]

), but right now I need a brain dump on the lower.

Can I build the lower without the buffer tube? (I think so based on my M4gery but I want to verify since I haven't picked out the stock yet)
Are there any gotcha's that one who has never stripped/rebuilt an AR lower needs to know.
Any resources on AR lower assembly since the DPMS kit does not come with an instruction booklet? (Yeah, I know, instructions are for wusses but humor me).
Is there anything not in the DPMS parts pack that I will need? (it seems real complete but I would be stupid not to ask)

JGG · Dec 11, 2008

ar target rifle

Brownells has videos on they're sight on all aspects of building your own. If you are serious about using it for target, start looking for another trigger now! The factory Dpms trigger is reliable, but poor. You may as well install a good trigger instead of that one.
I googled jewell for a while, and finally ran into a bargain on an adjustable trigger right before everyone went crazy for ARs.

terraformer · Dec 11, 2008

hhrgprez said:
Brownells has videos on they're sight on all aspects of building your own. If you are serious about using it for target, start looking for another trigger now! The factory Dpms trigger is reliable, but poor. You may as well install a good trigger instead of that one.
I googled jewell for a while, and finally ran into a bargain on an adjustable trigger right before everyone went crazy for ARs.

Yeah, I was looking at timeney triggers. I have one for my Rem 700. Thanks, I will head on over to brownells and check those out.

1903Collector · Dec 11, 2008

Look at the JP triggers, I have one in one of my DPMS lowers and it's sweet.

xstickfightx · Dec 11, 2008

Hi, You can assemble most of the lower without having to attach a stock and buffer tube. The rear take down pin detent and spring get held on by the stock, so that will be the only things that need to wait.

AR15.com in the build it "yourself" section of the forums has easy to follow write-ups with pictures for assembling lowers (and uppers).
It also has pictures of the parts laid out so you can figure out what springs and pins go where as some of them look similar.

I just assembled a lower using a DPMS parts kit. All the parts were in spec and fit properly.

Be patient and take your time to avoid marking up/damaging your receiver and launching detents and springs all over the room.

Skald · Dec 11, 2008

I will eventually be building a longer range rifle out of an AR platform and will probably go with a Geissele Match Trigger or other 2-stage trigger.

Can't wait to see your build.

7.62x39 · Dec 12, 2008

Lower receiver assembly instructions.
http://www.gunco.net/forums/f255/ar-15-lower-receiver-assembly-27631/

7.62x39 · Dec 12, 2008

As far as the triggers go, I have 3 ARs all with different triggers (FCG) I have a DPMS, a Accuracy speaks and a Jewell. The accuracy speaks is head and shoulders above the DPMS and the Jewell is in a class of its own.

Skald · Dec 12, 2008

Is the Accuracy Speaks 1 stage or 2 stage? I want to eventually get a really top notch FCG for my carbine.

terraformer · Dec 12, 2008

Skald said:
Is the Accuracy Speaks 1 stage or 2 stage?

What's the difference between stage 1 & stage 2?

7.62x39 · Dec 13, 2008

Skald said:
Is the Accuracy Speaks 1 stage or 2 stage? I want to eventually get a really top notch FCG for my carbine.

Single stage.
I just went to get a link for You and found another example of why your C&R license is your friend. The trigger retails for $246. With C&R $185.

ETA, That's not bad. IIRC, I paid around $175 a couple of years ago.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...itle=AR-15 DROP-IN COMPETITION TRIGGER SYSTEM

terraformer said:
What's the difference between stage 1 & stage 2?

Single stage has no take up, two stage does.

AR 15 SDM DIY project, Part One- The Lower

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