Ar 15 Build Kit: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Gun Enthusiasts
Are you looking to build your very own AR-15 rifle? If so, you’ve come to the right place. An AR-15 build kit is a fantastic way to customize your firearm to your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the various components of an AR-15 build kit, their importance, and how to choose the right one for you.
Understanding the Basics of an AR-15 Build Kit
An AR-15 build kit typically includes all the essential components needed to assemble a functional rifle. These components are designed to work together seamlessly, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Here’s a breakdown of the key components you can expect to find in an AR-15 build kit:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper Receiver | The upper receiver is the main structural component of the rifle, housing the barrel, bolt carrier group, and magazine. It’s where most of the customization takes place. |
| Lower Receiver | The lower receiver is the part you hold in your hands, and it contains the trigger group, magazine release, and safety selector. It’s also the part that requires a federal firearm license (FFL) to purchase. |
| Barrel | The barrel is the tube through which the bullet travels. It determines the rifle’s caliber, barrel length, and twist rate. |
| Bolt Carrier Group | The bolt carrier group is responsible for cycling the action of the rifle, including feeding the bullet, extracting the spent casing, and chambering a new round. |
| Handguard | The handguard is the tube that covers the barrel and provides a place to hold the rifle. It also allows for the attachment of various accessories, such as optics, flashlights, and lasers. |
| Stock | The stock is the part of the rifle that fits against your shoulder. It can be adjusted for length of pull and comb height to fit different shooters. |
| Trigger Group | The trigger group includes the trigger, hammer, and sear. It’s responsible for the firing of the rifle when the trigger is pulled. |
| Magazine | The magazine holds the ammunition and feeds it into the chamber. It comes in various capacities and styles, such as detachable and fixed. |
Now that you have a basic understanding of the components, let’s dive deeper into each one and its importance.
The Upper Receiver: The Heart of Your Rifle
The upper receiver is the central component of your AR-15 build kit. It’s where most of the customization takes place, as it houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, and magazine. When choosing an upper receiver, consider the following factors:
- Material: Upper receivers are typically made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum receivers are lighter and more durable, while steel receivers offer better heat dissipation and are more resistant to corrosion.
- Finish: The finish of your upper receiver can affect its durability and aesthetics. Common finishes include Parkerizing, anodizing, and cerakote.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the upper receiver is compatible with the other components in your build kit, such as the barrel and bolt carrier group.
The Lower Receiver: The Foundation of Your Rifle
The lower receiver is the part of the rifle that requires an FFL to purchase. It’s the part you hold in your hands and contains the trigger group, magazine release, and safety selector. When selecting a lower receiver, consider the following:
- Material: Lower receivers are typically made from aluminum or polymer. Aluminum receivers are more durable, while polymer receivers are lighter and less expensive.
- Finish: Similar to the upper receiver, the finish of your lower receiver can affect its durability and aesthetics.
- Features:
