Just started building my first AR

[Cochise82]

I ordered the kit from M&A parts and I am picking up the stripped lower from a local shop.  The upper came completely assembled and I will be putting together the lower later this week.

It's a M16A3 style with: 20" st. stl. barrel, fixed front sight, std. handguard, flip rear sight (w/ windage), fixed buttstock, and a Mega lower receiver.  I will be picking up a bullet button and 10/20 mag today.

[Devin1955]

I'm in the same boat, have purchased lots of parts but so far haven't sat down to assemble anything. Going to do that "real soon now".

On the off chance you don't know about it, www.ar15.com is a huge resource. They even have a category on their forum about builds, including step by step instructions with pictures. They also have info about California gun laws.

Do you plan to assemble your own upper, or buy one ready to go..
-Don

[Cochise82]

ar15.com is a great site.  I am actually going to use their lower assembly directions tonight when I put together my rifle.  I just picked up my stripped lower today, yippee.

I got the kit with the upper already assembled.  I would like to do a full build one day, but I figured that may be too much for me to take on first thing.  

I ordered the kit from www.mapartsinc.com and all you need to do after that is buy a stripped lower, bullet button, and 10 round magazine.  All your parts will come in by the time your 10 day waiting period for the stripped lower is over.

[Devin1955]

So how did your build turn out? Have you shot the rifle yet? Any pointers for those of us that are considering a similar project? Details man, details!   
-Don

[Cochise82]

The rifle turned out really nice, but the hardest part is trying to stop adding stuff to it.  I ended up buying a rail to put on the handguard to attach a recently purchased bipod and soon to be purchased folding foregrip.  I've also thrown on a 3 point sling and looking at a 3x9 scope.  Did I mention this thing is darn heavy?

I've shot 100 rounds through the thing (worked very well) and realized that $40/100 rds. is gonna keep me from buying the next gun on my list.  I've invested the money and time and taken up reloading since then, and I wish I would have saved my brass.    My next visit to the range will consist of me testing my various loads through the rifle making sure I'm not exceeding the rifle's limits. 

Conclusion, build your own rifle if you have the time and confidence in yourself, and the same goes with reloading.  If you follow the directions properly, the rifle will either go together or it won't.  The best benefit (besides pride) in putting together your own rifle, is that you get to see first hand how every little piece matters and what to do when something fails.