Best AR-15 'Kit'?

James · 02-21-2010, 07:32 PM

I'm considering assembling an AR-15. I understand there are 'Kits' available.
Who sells the most complete kit? Best value for the dollar?
What are some of the 'pitfalls' you ran into while 'building' your AR?
Would you build another? What would you do different, if anything?

JayD1981 · 02-21-2010, 08:42 PM

You wanting another AR now?

Hoss356 · 02-22-2010, 10:17 AM

This is the only "kit" company I haven't heard horror stories about Del-Ton, Inc. AR-15 Rifle Kits. Just remember you get what you pay for, and if you're naive... sometimes you don't. If I were to build another I'd steer clear of the kits and just make my own kit from here Bravo Company USA, Inc. AR-15, M16, M4 Tactical Gear, Parts, Accessories. out of parts marked BCM and LMT.

hubers454 · 02-22-2010, 10:32 AM

Model 1 sales has decent kits

Jakey poo · 02-22-2010, 08:16 PM

When I was home on leave I finished building two Del-ton kits, one Carbine one mid-length, both 16" CL barrels. I put ~200 rounds through each without any malfunctions, I couldn't be happier with their kits.

skidog · 02-22-2010, 08:43 PM

AR15 Sales has amazing service. He handles Rock River, LMT, and Stag. I built one of the Stag M-4 kits up for my dad, and it has been great. It depends upon what you are going to do with the carbine or rifle, but if you have a general idea you can call Pete and he will walk you through it. He's easy to deal with, and very affordable.

FatFugg · 02-22-2010, 09:08 PM

I have never ordered a complete kit, but I have ordered several complete uppers, lowers & lower parts from PK Firearms | Online Store .

Reasonable prices & excellent service!

Thanatos · 02-23-2010, 12:06 AM

I have heard horror stories about these guys as well but had no problems other than the gas key being staked wrong. Built 2 M-4geries with their kits and they work fine. I would buy another kit. I don't need my AR's for "work." I will probably get the modular kit next since I ended up turning my M-4 type kit into one anyways. akpartskits.com

WarriorDriver · 02-23-2010, 08:41 AM

Ive been wondering about the AR kits too, had a lower for a while now begging me to do something with it.

James · 02-23-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarriorDriver

Ive been wondering about the AR kits too, had a lower for a while now begging me to do something with it.

You can always sell it to me!

WarriorDriver · 02-23-2010, 10:18 AM

thats a big negative, haha!

James · 02-23-2010, 02:29 PM

Had to ask! Ya never know!

James · 02-23-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thanatos

I have heard horror stories about these guys as well but had no problems other than the gas key being staked wrong. Built 2 M-4geries with their kits and they work fine. I would buy another kit. I don't need my AR's for "work." I will probably get the modular kit next since I ended up turning my M-4 type kit into one anyways. akpartskits.com

Modular kit? You mean the main components are already in place and you 'finish' the build?

James · 02-23-2010, 06:18 PM

Is there an advantage to a chome lined chamber & bore ?
Better wear?

FatFugg · 02-23-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Is there an advantage to a chome lined chamber & bore ?
Better wear?

Better wear, slightly less accurate.

hubers454 · 02-24-2010, 01:25 PM

is it worth the extra money, no,,, unless you plan on shooting 25,000 plus rounds not likely

FatFugg · 02-24-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hubers454

is it worth the extra money, no,,, unless you plan on shooting 25,000 plus rounds not likely

For a full-auto squirt gun, yes it's worth it.

For one of our semi-auto toys, not so much.

Thanatos · 02-24-2010, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

Modular kit? You mean the main components are already in place and you 'finish' the build?

They call the kit modular. It has all the parts that I would replace on my AR anyway. It is cheaper than buying the $419 kit and upgrading the forend, front sight base, etc. Has no sights for either using an optic or an optic and BUIS. But yeah, the entire upper half is already built and headspaced you just gotta assemble the lower parts into and onto your stripped lower receiver.

James · 02-26-2010, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the help!

AlexanderJohn · 02-27-2010, 09:36 PM

I'm so new to ar's... how do you build an ar? how do you find a kit? or list? do you just hunt and peck for parts?

JayD1981 · 02-27-2010, 10:24 PM

Unless you have certain parts in mind or want it a certain way, your probably better off just buying one off the shelf at a gun shop. Your going to spend right around the same amount piecing it together, but you also need a few special tools to assemble it properly.

James · 02-28-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayD1981

Unless you have certain parts in mind or want it a certain way, your probably better off just buying one off the shelf at a gun shop. Your going to spend right around the same amount piecing it together, but you also need a few special tools to assemble it properly.

If you buy it complete, it has a warranty. Build it yourself, your on your own.
By the time you buy the 'special tools'. It's almost break even.

Thanatos · 02-28-2010, 09:51 PM

I disagree. It all depends on what you want to accomplish. If you are after say an A2, or M4 you can easily build the kit with the only really recommended tool being the bolt-catch punch (the special flat side punch). The only other tools are commonly available- punches mainly, and a strap wrench for the castle nut on the M4 receiver extension or a regular flatblade screwdriver for the screws on an A1/A2 stock. Its cheaper to build especially with the prices at the gun shops now. I have built many (I bought the tools back in 1998 while I was on my second deployment) and its easy.

JayD1981 · 02-28-2010, 10:37 PM

Also the wrenches for buttstock, barrel, torque wrench, punches. To PROPERLY put it together, I'd guess you need atleast 100 - 150 for the tools alone. Also a lot can be said for a warranty. Things can break, and most of the major manufactures offer lifetime warranties.

DerBarbarian · 03-01-2010, 12:06 AM

I'm a little late here but I put together an AR a few months back, the upper I went with was a
Del-Ton assembly (https://www.del-ton.com/ProductDetai...uctCode=DT2000) is the one I went with. I couldn't be happier, the build quality is top notch and I've yet to have any malfunctions.

coop44 · 03-27-2010, 05:37 PM

from scratch an ar can be built for around 500. you don't need a lot of fancy tools. I have built around 30. buy the military tm and pay attention to the critical details.

My first was built for around 300, but, that was a while back

reppinthe509 · 02-02-2011, 11:33 AM

question about the delton kits..all you need is the lower reciever cause it comes with the lower parts. when you get it, the upper and everything is assembled..correct? what kind of tools do you need to install the lower?

James · 02-04-2011, 05:36 PM

Go to Del-Ton and take a look at their 'kit's'.
The short answere is its not THAT ez.
That means you will need a couple of AR exclusive tools. Example: Barrel wrench,
Brass drift punch's
I'm sure there are alot more.
MIDWAY USA has a a whole on-line video about assembling AR's.
http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/ar15
You will also need a 'fixture' to hold the Lower while you assemble the rifle.
The kit has all the parts to the rifle ONLY (except the lower)
The upper and barrel may or may no be assembled.
Lower recievers can come 'stripped' (you get to choose which trigger and spring group you want).
More help>>http://www.google.com/search?q=MIDWA...ed=0CC4QqwQwAQ

reppinthe509 · 02-04-2011, 09:04 PM

well the one im checking out is the m4, and it says "Includes fully assembled, headspaced and test fired upper receiver, lower parts kit and buttstock. " so i assume that the whole rifle is assembled minus the lower..hm idk

James · 02-04-2011, 09:26 PM

I'd call'em and ask BEFORE ordering.
Then, as you build it, post-up pictures of your build!
That way the next builder can learn from you!
Don't you wish someone had already done that?
I know I do!
Good building!

Kit>>>http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt100.htm

02-21-2010, 07:32 PM	#1
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	Best AR-15 'Kit'? I'm considering assembling an AR-15. I understand there are 'Kits' available. Who sells the most complete kit? Best value for the dollar? What are some of the 'pitfalls' you ran into while 'building' your AR? Would you build another? What would you do different, if anything?

02-23-2010, 06:18 PM	#14
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	Is there an advantage .... Is there an advantage to a chome lined chamber & bore ? Better wear?

02-04-2011, 05:36 PM	#28
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	Go to Del-Ton and take a look at their 'kit's'. The short answere is its not THAT ez. That means you will need a couple of AR exclusive tools. Example: Barrel wrench, Brass drift punch's I'm sure there are alot more. MIDWAY USA has a a whole on-line video about assembling AR's. http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/ar15 You will also need a 'fixture' to hold the Lower while you assemble the rifle. The kit has all the parts to the rifle ONLY (except the lower) The upper and barrel may or may no be assembled. Lower recievers can come 'stripped' (you get to choose which trigger and spring group you want). More help>>http://www.google.com/search?q=MIDWA...ed=0CC4QqwQwAQ Last edited by James; 02-04-2011 at 09:27 PM.

02-04-2011, 09:26 PM	#30
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	I'd call'em and ask BEFORE ordering. Then, as you build it, post-up pictures of your build! That way the next builder can learn from you! Don't you wish someone had already done that? I know I do! Good building! Kit>>>http://www.del-ton.com/Rifle_Kit_p/rkt100.htm Last edited by James; 02-04-2011 at 09:33 PM.

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02-21-2010, 08:42 PM	#2
JayD1981 Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Richland, WA Posts: 150	You wanting another AR now?

02-22-2010, 10:17 AM	#3
Hoss356 Peashooter Joined: Dec 2009 From: eastside, wa Posts: 7	This is the only "kit" company I haven't heard horror stories about Del-Ton, Inc. AR-15 Rifle Kits. Just remember you get what you pay for, and if you're naive... sometimes you don't. If I were to build another I'd steer clear of the kits and just make my own kit from here Bravo Company USA, Inc. AR-15, M16, M4 Tactical Gear, Parts, Accessories. out of parts marked BCM and LMT.

02-22-2010, 10:32 AM	#4
hubers454 Rifleman Joined: Dec 2009 From: Spokane Valley Washington Posts: 101	Model 1 sales has decent kits

02-22-2010, 08:16 PM	#5
Jakey poo Rifleman Joined: Feb 2009 From: Al Asad, Iraq Posts: 116	When I was home on leave I finished building two Del-ton kits, one Carbine one mid-length, both 16" CL barrels. I put ~200 rounds through each without any malfunctions, I couldn't be happier with their kits.

02-22-2010, 08:43 PM	#6
skidog Newbie Joined: Feb 2010 From: Medford, OR Posts: 1	AR15 Sales has amazing service. He handles Rock River, LMT, and Stag. I built one of the Stag M-4 kits up for my dad, and it has been great. It depends upon what you are going to do with the carbine or rifle, but if you have a general idea you can call Pete and he will walk you through it. He's easy to deal with, and very affordable.

02-22-2010, 09:08 PM	#7
FatFugg Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Dri-Shities Posts: 560	I have never ordered a complete kit, but I have ordered several complete uppers, lowers & lower parts from PK Firearms \| Online Store . Reasonable prices & excellent service!

02-23-2010, 12:06 AM	#8
Thanatos Gunslinger Joined: Aug 2009 From: Kitsap County WA Posts: 38	I have heard horror stories about these guys as well but had no problems other than the gas key being staked wrong. Built 2 M-4geries with their kits and they work fine. I would buy another kit. I don't need my AR's for "work." I will probably get the modular kit next since I ended up turning my M-4 type kit into one anyways. akpartskits.com

02-23-2010, 08:41 AM	#9
WarriorDriver Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Ltown, WA Posts: 233	Ive been wondering about the AR kits too, had a lower for a while now begging me to do something with it.

02-23-2010, 10:18 AM	#11
WarriorDriver Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Ltown, WA Posts: 233	thats a big negative, haha!

02-23-2010, 02:29 PM	#12
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	Had to ask! Ya never know!

02-24-2010, 01:25 PM	#16
hubers454 Rifleman Joined: Dec 2009 From: Spokane Valley Washington Posts: 101	is it worth the extra money, no,,, unless you plan on shooting 25,000 plus rounds not likely

02-26-2010, 08:29 AM	#19
James Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2010 From: Pacific NW Posts: 538	Thanks for the help!

02-27-2010, 09:36 PM	#20
AlexanderJohn Newbie Joined: Feb 2010 From: Olalla, WA Posts: 2	I'm so new to ar's... how do you build an ar? how do you find a kit? or list? do you just hunt and peck for parts?

02-27-2010, 10:24 PM	#21
JayD1981 Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Richland, WA Posts: 150	Unless you have certain parts in mind or want it a certain way, your probably better off just buying one off the shelf at a gun shop. Your going to spend right around the same amount piecing it together, but you also need a few special tools to assemble it properly.

02-28-2010, 09:51 PM	#23
Thanatos Gunslinger Joined: Aug 2009 From: Kitsap County WA Posts: 38	I disagree. It all depends on what you want to accomplish. If you are after say an A2, or M4 you can easily build the kit with the only really recommended tool being the bolt-catch punch (the special flat side punch). The only other tools are commonly available- punches mainly, and a strap wrench for the castle nut on the M4 receiver extension or a regular flatblade screwdriver for the screws on an A1/A2 stock. Its cheaper to build especially with the prices at the gun shops now. I have built many (I bought the tools back in 1998 while I was on my second deployment) and its easy.

02-28-2010, 10:37 PM	#24
JayD1981 Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Richland, WA Posts: 150	Also the wrenches for buttstock, barrel, torque wrench, punches. To PROPERLY put it together, I'd guess you need atleast 100 - 150 for the tools alone. Also a lot can be said for a warranty. Things can break, and most of the major manufactures offer lifetime warranties.

03-01-2010, 12:06 AM	#25
DerBarbarian Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Seattle Posts: 193	I'm a little late here but I put together an AR a few months back, the upper I went with was a Del-Ton assembly (https://www.del-ton.com/ProductDetai...uctCode=DT2000) is the one I went with. I couldn't be happier, the build quality is top notch and I've yet to have any malfunctions.

03-27-2010, 05:37 PM	#26
coop44 Gunslinger Joined: Mar 2010 From: lacey, WA Posts: 23	from scratch an ar can be built for around 500. you don't need a lot of fancy tools. I have built around 30. buy the military tm and pay attention to the critical details. My first was built for around 300, but, that was a while back

02-02-2011, 11:33 AM	#27
reppinthe509 Marksman Joined: Jul 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 423	question about the delton kits..all you need is the lower reciever cause it comes with the lower parts. when you get it, the upper and everything is assembled..correct? what kind of tools do you need to install the lower?

02-04-2011, 09:04 PM	#29
reppinthe509 Marksman Joined: Jul 2009 From: Spokane Posts: 423	well the one im checking out is the m4, and it says "Includes fully assembled, headspaced and test fired upper receiver, lower parts kit and buttstock. " so i assume that the whole rifle is assembled minus the lower..hm idk