AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/24/2009 6:49:49 AM EDT
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I already have a post with questions on some complete uppers.I am seeing now most places are way behind backordered.So i am wanting to know if you order all your upper parts including a stripped upper reciever; Can ya run into problems being a noob at it?
Like headspace issues, How is that set anyway? I have my AAR striped lower coming and am excited to do my first build.We have a Gun Show here first week end next month and i might be able to find most of my upper parts at it.Fire Away. |
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Normally you'll be ordering a barrel with a barrel extension already installed. It's the function of the bolt locking into that extension that gives headspace. The gauges are not that expensive to check headspace but it's not something you'd check very often. And, in actuality, not always necessary because of the Spec that most AR Parts are manufactured to. I'm more concerned about the fact that you're considering an upper build and probably not considering the many tools you'll need to do it correctly. Mechanically, it's not rocket science. I'm sure you'd have little trouble with some research and maybe following a step by step guide. Just an acceptable torque wrench can be expensive. I have a whole tool box dedicated to AR-15 building and repair. It would probably look like a stone axe and chisel to a real pro.
Good Luck, SO-13 |
| Thanks...well i'm really considering it as seems like nobody has any assembled uppers anywhere, all out of stock.I might could find all the pieces.I am not bothered by getting the specilized tools needed either.I am an Automobile Restorer and have about every other tool imaginable.Research continues... |
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You basically have to look around hard to find barrels without barrel extensions, and if you get one, you'd have to adjust the extension for proper headspace, drill the gas vent hole, and then install the FSB and drill the taper pin holes... Almost all barrels come with proper headspace already set by the manufacturer, and all you have to do is install the barrel in your upper.
Headspace in an AR is set by the way the barrel extension (made to pretty tight tolerances) interacts with the bolt head (also very tight tolerances) with regards to the way the chamber is reamed. Unlike most other guns, it's hard to goober up the headspace in an AR; you can use a new bolt with a new or old barrel, and you can use a new barrel with a new or old bolt. The only "questionable" combination is using an old barrel with an old bolt from a different gun. In this case, you might want to check headspace. |
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Quoted:
You basically have to look around hard to find barrels without barrel extensions, and if you get one, you'd have to adjust the extension for proper headspace, drill the gas vent hole, and then install the FSB and drill the taper pin holes... Almost all barrels come with proper headspace already set by the manufacturer, and all you have to do is install the barrel in your upper. Headspace in an AR is set by the way the barrel extension (made to pretty tight tolerances) interacts with the bolt head (also very tight tolerances) with regards to the way the chamber is reamed. Unlike most other guns, it's hard to goober up the headspace in an AR; you can use a new bolt with a new or old barrel, and you can use a new barrel with a new or old bolt. The only "questionable" combination is using an old barrel with an old bolt from a different gun. In this case, you might want to check headspace. So if i'm understanding that , for a noob, get a 20 in barrel assembly, even with a FSB which i could remove and install a 2 lug gas block.Thats pretty straight forward right? Assemblies with FSB and gas tube usually have the extention? |
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Two things 1) tell us exactly what you're planning on building. It's easier to guide you right with more details. Are you building a standard A2/A4 upper? Do you want free float rails or tube? What's a 2 lug gas block? If you can find some pics of examples of what you're wanting then post some pics or links even. Etc. 2) You likely won't have to buy the tools needed. Go to the hometown forum and there's sure to be someone nearby that already has the tools and won't mind helping you put the stuff together. |
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Quoted:
Two things 1) tell us exactly what you're planning on building. It's easier to guide you right with more details. Are you building a standard A2/A4 upper? Do you want free float rails or tube? What's a 2 lug gas block? If you can find some pics of examples of what you're wanting then post some pics or links even. Etc. 2) You likely won't have to buy the tools needed. Go to the hometown forum and there's sure to be someone nearby that already has the tools and won't mind helping you put the stuff together. I want to build something like this.A 20 inch heavy barrel... But with no FSB no iron sights, a flat top with just a scope for long range shooting.I would use OD green butt and grip..maybe Daniel Defense Forearms. 
On to another question...this barrel assy below, might work for me.I checked to see if in stock but might now hear from them until monday. Is Parts4ar15 a good company? http://www.parts4ar15.com/ar-15_accessories/product/BL-10.html I have my RRA tactical Entry for the tactical Course at local gun range but want a long shooter and want to build it myself. 
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Huff & Puff! Don't listen to the mighty wind! Theres no big secret or great complication to assembling an AR upper. If you are a half ass auto mechanic, it's a cinch. I just put together my first ever AR-15 from a complete pile of parts. My upper was ARmalite, with a WOA 20" barrel, a lopro steel gas block and a no-name ONE PIECE free float tube. Since the nut wouldn't come out of the tube, and there was no room for a wrench between the upper and the tube, I threaded the tube on the barreled upper, wrapped it in a piece of leather and clamped in the pipe holder of my vice. Then I mounted the viceblock on the upper, tightened a pipe wrench onto it and tightened her up to "goodn'tight" with the gas tube hole aligned. 30-80 Ftlb is a lot of leeway. Rifle shoots one big raggedy hole, and runs flawlessly. Buy the parts, a barrel vice(thats what the military uses) or a commercial vice block kit, a good quality wrench(not AIM SURPLUS, mine broke on the first use) and GIT TO WORK! If you're really picky, you can use your torque wrench to make sure you are in the range. You will notice that you almost always see barrel ASSEMBLIES for sale, not barrels. The AR barrels come assembled with the extension, pin and gas hole drilled. If you are using new parts headspacing is a non-issue.
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Quoted:
Normally you'll be ordering a barrel with a barrel extension already installed. It's the function of the bolt locking into that extension that gives headspace. The gauges are not that expensive to check headspace but it's not something you'd check very often. And, in actuality, not always necessary because of the Spec that most AR Parts are manufactured to. I'm more concerned about the fact that you're considering an upper build and probably not considering the many tools you'll need to do it correctly. Mechanically, it's not rocket science. I'm sure you'd have little trouble with some research and maybe following a step by step guide. Just an acceptable torque wrench can be expensive. I have a whole tool box dedicated to AR-15 building and repair. It would probably look like a stone axe and chisel to a real pro. Good Luck, SO-13 what he said 
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