AR Lower Parts assembly

[CooperS7777]

Im just looking to get an idea at how difficult it is to assemble the LPK for an AR lower. Is it something I can do on my own? Better to have a gun smith do it? Any special tools necessary?

Thanks in advance for the help.

-Coop

 

[skuter]

This is how its done.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/NewsletterArchive.aspx?x=v&p=0&t=1&i=1112

 

[vellnueve]

If you have a set of punches and a hammer, plus a 3/16ths hex key and screw driver, you can do it yourself in an hour or two.

 

[RKG]

There are a couple of special tools that will help avoid some of the common pitfalls (and the resulting scarring of the finish of your receiver). A set of roll pin punches and a set of roll pin starters is in order. You will absolutely need the pivot pin insertion tool that Brownell's (and a couple of others) sell. Some means of holding the lower in a vise will be useful (look at the "Flipper" sold by DPMS). Get some of the sheets of "transparency" sold in places like Staples for use with laser printers; you can cut out pieces to protect the receiver finish that will do a far better job than tape.

 

[skuter]

1/4" clevis pin from the hardware store works for installing the pivot pin.
You should get the roll pin punches and holders though.

 

[vellnueve]

There are a couple of special tools that will help avoid some of the common pitfalls (and the resulting scarring of the finish of your receiver). A set of roll pin punches and a set of roll pin starters is in order. You will absolutely need the pivot pin insertion tool that Brownell's (and a couple of others) sell. Some means of holding the lower in a vise will be useful (look at the "Flipper" sold by DPMS). Get some of the sheets of "transparency" sold in places like Staples for use with laser printers; you can cut out pieces to protect the receiver finish that will do a far better job than tape.

All of which are nice, but not required if you want to save some cash. If you're good with your hands and feel comfortable using hammer and punches, that's really all you need.

 

[matt]

I'm just looking to get an idea at how difficult it is to assemble the LPK for an AR lower. Is it something I can do on my own? Better to have a gun smith do it? Any special tools necessary?

Thanks in advance for the help.

-Coop

Don't let these guys fool you. They say it's easy. If you watch the Brownells videos, it looks easy. But it is NOT. BELIEVE ME! It's damn near impossible...

Brownells shows only the easy parts of doing the build. They make it looks like a walk in the park. It's so F'ing misleading it really makes me angry!!

The hard part (nearly impossible part) that they leave out is getting the parts. But, I will say that once you've done that, it's pretty easy. Just follow the videos, buy the tools, do strategic parts of the build inside a transparent plastic bag, and go slow.

 

[vellnueve]

Here's the lower assembly guide I wrote.

AR Build Guide

I will be revising it with better pictures and descriptions when I get time, but it may be a useful aid in addition to the other resources that have been pointed out.

 

[CooperS7777]

Thanks for the tips guys!

Now to find a LPK!

 

[Kaos116]

Bushmaster had them in stock a week or so ago. You might want to give them a call to be sure.

http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=501