Building a AR-15.

by **coolram04** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:52 pm

My biggest question is about the gas or piston. I think that I am going with just the normal gas operated, because of money issue.

Is the piston kit really worth doing?

Any suggestions on a trigger kit? I don't need a target, but I want a nice clean and play free trigger.

by **tigwelder56** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:35 pm

I've been reading lately that some of the AR's with the piston gas system have been experiencing what they call "Carrier Tilt" and here is the best explanation I've ever read. Thanks goes out to Gunhugger from TFF. Here goes:

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Carrier tilt is a by-product of any gas-piston design because the AR15 bolt carrier does not have any rails that it rides on. Normally, this is not necessary since in the original direct impingement design, the gas flows into the bolt carrier through the gas key.

As the gas pressure builds up behind the gas rings of the bolt, it unlocks the bolt and pushes the bolt carrier straight backwards (because the force is coming from gas pressure inside the carrier).

With a gas piston, the bolt carrier is moved backwards by a rod pushing against a spot where the gas key would be on the top of the carrier. If you are using a standard AR15 carrier, this off-axis force (push is coming from above the body of the bolt carrier) causes the carrier key to tilt upwards.

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Now with that explained, there are several aftermarket triggers that can truly improve the trigger set in an AR. I did my homework and decided on the Chip McCormick Single Stage Flat design. It's a fabulous trigger with a 3.5 lb. break, clean, no creep and no take up. Just what I wanted. But there are many others. Before I start listing them all, here's a list that will make it easier for all of us! Good luck!!

http://www.geissele.com/

http://www.accuracyspeaks.com/

http://www.alexanderarms.com/

http://www.armalite.com/

http://www.rockriverarms.com/

https://www.chipmccormickcorp.com/

http://www.jprifles.com/

http://www.dpmsinc.com/

http://www.timneytriggers.com/

This is the best contributing website I have found on triggers. This dude did some serious work on laying it out. Thanks goes out to him for his work!! http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=501733

by **coolram04** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:13 pm

Thanks tigwelder56,

I am going to build it as a gas operated for now. Maybe when they fix the problem then I might upgrade or build a different upper with the piston system.

I am going to free float the barrel, which looks to be a easy thing.

I hope to have it all together and ready to test fire by New Years, but we will see how that goes.

I just need to order a few items: Trigger

Rear Stock with buffer

Front and Rear sights

2 mags

Pin kit.

by **Gloc9mm** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:41 pm

Tig, (Or anyone else) Are there any "basic" type of sites for the complete teardown of misc. weapons incl. the AR?? In the past I have always only learned the basic cleaning type of teardown for all my guns, but now that I'm retired I'd like to know how to completely tear down each w/o messing them up. I usually take them to a Gunsmith for complete cleaning approx. every 10,000 rounds, but it gets costly. (*IF they even really do it???)

I know it may sound silly to you guys who know everything there is to know about your weapons, but I just never had the time nor desire in the past. I'm sure there are many out there that are just like me. I was more into Racing Engines when younger than Guns. But now........it would be nice to understand them a bit better, I'm just afraid to play with what I don't know!

I'm looking for more than a parts list, kind of a step by step proceedure??

Thanx,

Bob

by **tigwelder56** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:31 pm

Hey Bob, how's life treating ya buddy? Take a look at this website, it's Brownells schematic service and they have breakdown prints of just about everything. I use it for alot of work and research. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/Schematics/All/?ICID=2004

Another excellent source of information is Steves Pages. He just about has more information than God on firearm manuals! Check it out here http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm Let me know if this is enough help! Tig

by **Gloc9mm** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 1:35 pm

Hey Tig, Doin well thank's. I just got back from Vegas last night, so I haven't been around here much lately.

Thank's for the links, unfortunately what I think I want I doubt exists. I already had the parts breakdowns for all my guns, unfortunately I am just afraid to break one open w/o proper direction of some sort. I have looked myself for a DCOA type of a site, but have found nothing. I need either personal direction or that "elusive" site that spells out each step. I can tear an engine apart but I'm afraid to mess up a gun! lol Maybe if I can build up my nerve, the 1911 looks to be the easiest besides a Revolver to disassemble, not that it's simple though! But the Glock/AR look like a nightmares with all the parts they include! I don't need springs and spacers all over the place. It would also be embarassing to need to walk into a Gun Shop with a "Bag-o- Gun"! lol

Thank's again, Have a Great Weekend!

Bob

by **tigwelder56** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 3:07 pm

Hey Bob, you should be able to find dozens of You Tube videos that will walk you through everything with ease. Trust me, the Glock and the AR are easy to take down and reassemble. They actually have very few parts and are very logically placed which makes reassembly a snap. Do a search of You Tube and you'll be on your way in no time!

by **Gloc9mm** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:56 pm

Thank's Tig, I will check it out! In the meantime I disassembled my 2 revolvers, but they are simple compared to auto's as far as the parts lists go anyway. My Glock looks the hardest as far as the list goes.

Bob