Building your AR rifle might be the perfect choice if you are looking for a fun and rewarding project. AR rifles are modular, customizable, and versatile firearms that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you want a compact, lightweight, or precision rifle, you can build it with the right parts and tools.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about customization about AR build, from the basics to the advanced tips and tricks.
By the end of this guide, you will clearly understand how to build your AR rifle from scratch. You will also learn how to optimize your AR build for different purposes, such as hunting, target shooting, competition, or self-defense.
What is an AR Rifle, and Why Build One?
AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle, which is the original manufacturer of the design. Contrary to popular belief, AR does not represent assault or automatic rifles.
AR rifles are semi-automatic firearms that fire one round per trigger pull.
AR rifles are based on a modular platform consisting of two main parts: the upper and lower receiver.
The upper receiver houses the barrel, bolt carrier group, gas system, handguard, and sights. The lower receiver houses the trigger group, magazine well, pistol grip, and stock.
One of the main advantages of AR rifles is that they are highly customizable. You can swap out different parts and accessories to change your rifle's caliber, performance, appearance, and functionality.
You can also mix and match parts from different manufacturers and brands to create your unique configuration.
Another benefit of building your AR rifle is saving money and learning more about how your firearm works.
By sourcing your parts and assembling them yourself, you can avoid paying extra fees and taxes for buying a complete rifle.
You can also gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics and operation of your rifle, which can help you maintain it better and troubleshoot any issues.
Building your own AR rifle is also a rewarding and satisfying experience. You can take pride in creating something with your own hands and skills.
You can also enjoy the process of researching, planning, shopping, assembling, testing, and customizing your rifle.
Main Components of an AR Rifle, and How do you Choose Them?
As mentioned earlier, an AR rifle consists of two main parts: the upper and lower receiver. Each of these parts has several subcomponents that you must choose carefully depending on your AR Budget, preferences, and intended use.
Here are some of the main components of an AR rifle and how to choose them:
Upper Receiver
The upper receiver is the part that holds the barrel, bolt carrier group, gas system, handguard, and sights.
It is attached to the lower receiver by two pins that can be easily removed for disassembly or swapping.
There are two types of upper receivers: stripped and complete. A stripped upper receiver is just a metal shell with no other parts installed.
A complete upper receiver comes with all the other components already installed.
If you want more flexibility and customization options, opt for a stripped upper receiver and buy the other parts separately.
If you want more convenience and simplicity, you can opt for a complete upper receiver ready to use out of the box.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing an upper receiver are:
- Material: Most upper receivers are made of aluminum alloy that is lightweight and durable. Some upper receivers are steel or polymer, offering different advantages and disadvantages regarding weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
- Finish: Most upper receivers have a black anodized finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some upper receivers have other finishes, such as Depakote or nitride, that offer different colors and levels of protection.
- Forging: Most upper receivers are forged from a single piece of metal, making them more robust and reliable. Some upper receivers are billet-machined from a metal block, making them more precise and aesthetically pleasing.
- Features: Some upper receivers have additional features such as forward assist, dust cover, shell deflector, M4 feed ramps, or Picatinny rail that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Barrel
The barrel is the part that guides the bullet out of the rifle. It is one of the most critical components that affect your rifle's accuracy, velocity, and range.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a barrel are:
- Length: The barrel's length affects your rifle's velocity, accuracy, and maneuverability. Longer barrels tend to have higher velocity and accuracy but lower maneuverability. Shorter barrels tend to have lower velocity and accuracy but higher maneuverability. The optimal length depends on your intended use and personal preference. The most common lengths for AR rifles are 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches.
- Twist Rate: The twist rate is the number of inches the bullet travels before it makes one complete rotation in the barrel. It affects the stability and accuracy of the bullet. The optimal twist rate depends on the weight and caliber of the bullet you are using. AR rifles' most common twist rates are 1:7, 1:8, and 1:9.
- Profile: The profile is the shape and thickness of the barrel. It affects the weight, balance, and heat dissipation of your rifle. Thicker barrels tend to be heavier, more balanced, and more resistant to heat but slower to cool down. Thinner barrels tend to be lighter, less flat, and less resistant to heat but faster to cool down. The most common profiles for AR rifles are government, lightweight, heavy, and bull.
- Material: Most barrels are made of strong and durable steel. Some barrels are made of stainless steel, which offers better corrosion resistance and accuracy but lower durability and heat resistance. Some barrels are made of chrome-moly steel that provides better durability and heat resistance but lower corrosion resistance and accuracy.
- Finish: Most barrels have a black finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some barrels have other finishes, such as chrome lining, nitride coating, or phosphate coating, offering different levels of protection, lubricity, and accuracy.
- Chamber: The chamber is the part of the barrel that holds the cartridge before it is fired. It affects the compatibility and safety of your rifle. The most common chambers for AR rifles are 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington. 5.56 NATO chambers can safely fire 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington cartridges, but .223 Remington chambers can only safely fire .223 Remington cartridges.
✅Taurus Judge Ammo Types: Top 9 Best Types of Ammo Used in Taurus Judge✅
Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group is the part that cycles the action of your rifle. It consists of several subcomponents: the bolt, carrier, gas key, cam pin, firing pin, and extractor.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a bolt carrier group are:
- Material: Most bolt carrier groups are made of strong and durable steel. Some bolt carrier groups are made of titanium or aluminum, offering different advantages and disadvantages in weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
- Finish: Most bolt carrier groups have a black finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some bolt carrier groups have other finishes, such as nickel boron or titanium nitride, that offer different levels of protection, lubricity, and cleanliness.
- Weight: The weight of the bolt carrier group affects your rifle's recoil impulse and cycling speed. Heavier bolt carrier groups tend to have lower recoil impulse and cycling speed but higher reliability and durability. Lighter bolt carrier groups tend to have higher recoil impulse and cycling speed but lower reliability and durability.
- Features: Some bolt carrier groups have additional features, such as enhanced extractors, ejectors, or gas rings, that improve their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Gas System
The gas system is the part that uses the gas pressure from the fired cartridge to cycle the action of your rifle.
It comprises several sub-components, such as the gas block, gas tube, gas key, and gas rings.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a gas system are:
- Length: The length of the gas system affects your rifle's reliability, recoil impulse, and cycling speed. More extended gas systems tend to have lower reliability, recoil impulse, and cycling speed but higher accuracy and durability. Shorter gas systems have higher reliability, recoil impulse, and cycling speed but lower accuracy and durability. The optimal length depends on your barrel length and personal preference. The most common lengths for AR rifles are carbine, mid-length, and rifle.
- Type: The type of gas system affects your rifle's complexity, maintenance, and adjustability. There are two types of gas systems: direct impingement and piston. Natural impingement gas systems use gas pressure to push the bolt carrier group backward. Piston gas systems use gas pressure to make a piston rod that, in turn, pushes the bolt carrier group backward. Direct impingement gas systems tend to be simpler, lighter, and cheaper but dirtier, hotter, and less adjustable. Piston gas systems tend to be more complex, heavier,and expensive but cleaner, more relaxed, and more adjustable.
- Features: Some gas systems have additional features such as adjustable, low-profile gas blocks or piston conversion kits that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
👉Pink Handgun | Top 9 Pink Handguns for You
Handguard
The handguard is the part that covers the barrel and gas system of your rifle.
It provides a place to grip your rifle and mount accessories such as sights, lights, lasers, or bipods.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a handguard are:
- Length: The length of the handguard affects your rifle's balance, maneuverability, and accessory options. Longer handguards tend to have better balance, lower maneuverability, and more accessory options. Shorter handguards tend to have worse balance, higher maneuverability, and fewer accessory options. The optimal length depends on your barrel length and personal preference.
- Material: Most handguards are made of aluminum alloy that is lightweight and durable. Some handguards are made of steel, polymer, or carbon fiber, offering different advantages and disadvantages in weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
- Finish: Most handguards have a black anodized finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some handguards have other finishes, such as Depakote or nitride, that offer different colors and levels of protection.
- Style: The style of the handguard affects the appearance, comfort, and functionality of your rifle. There are two main styles of handguards: drop-in and free-float. Drop-in handguards are easy to install and remove, but they touch the barrel and affect its accuracy. Free-float handguards are harder to install and remove but do not touch the barrel and improve its accuracy.
- Features: Some handguards have additional features such as Picatinny rails, M-LOK slots, KeyMod slots, QD sling mounts, or heat shields that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Sights
The sights are the parts that help you aim your rifle at your target. They can be either iron sights or optical sights.
AKX-9 Sights
Some of the factors to consider when choosing sights are:
- Type: The type of sights affects your rifle's accuracy, speed, and ease of use. There are two main types of sights: iron sights and optical sights. Iron sights are simple metal devices that align with your eye and the target. Optical sights are devices that use lenses, mirrors, or electronics to magnify or project an image of the target. Iron sights are cheaper, lighter, more reliable, and more durable, but harder to use and less accurate. Optical sights are more expensive, heavier, less reliable, and less stable, but easier to use and more accurate.
- Magnification: Sights' magnification affects your rifle's clarity, field of view, and range. Higher magnification sights have better clarity, a narrower field of view, and a more extended range. Lower magnification sights tend to have worse clarity, wider field of view, and shorter range. The optimal magnification depends on your intended use and personal preference. The most common magnifications for AR rifles are 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, and 6x.
- Reticle: The reticle is the pattern or shape that appears in your sight when you aim at your target. It affects the visibility, precision, and functionality of your sight. Many types of reticles exist, such as crosshairs, dots, circles, chevrons, or horseshoes. Some reticles have additional features such as illumination, calibration, or ranging that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Lower Receiver
The lower receiver is the part that holds the trigger group, magazine well, pistol grip, and stock.
It is considered a legal firearm and requires a serial number and background check to purchase.
There are two types of lower receivers: stripped and complete. A stripped lower receiver is just a metal shell with no other parts installed. A complete lower receiver comes with all the other components already installed.
If you want more flexibility and customization options, opt for a stripped lower receiver and buy the other parts separately.
If you want more convenience and simplicity, you can opt for a complete lower receiver ready to use out of the box.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a lower receiver are:
- Material: Most lower receivers are made of aluminum alloy that is lightweight and durable. Some lower receivers are made of steel or polymer, offering different advantages and disadvantages regarding weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
- Finish: Most lower receivers have a black anodized finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some lower receivers have other finishes, such as Depakote or nitride, that offer different colors and levels of protection.
- Forging: Most lower receivers are forged from a single piece of metal, making them more robust and reliable. Some lower receivers are billet-machined from a metal block, making them more precise and aesthetically pleasing.
- Features: Some lower receivers have additional features such as ambidextrous controls, flared magazine wells, integrated trigger guards, or skeletonized designs that enhance their functionality or appearance.
Trigger Group
The trigger group is the part that fires the rifle when you pull the trigger.
It comprises several subcomponents, such as the trigger, hammer, sear, disconnector, and springs.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a trigger group are:
- Type: The type of trigger group affects your rifle's feel, performance, and safety. There are two main types of trigger groups: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage trigger groups have a consistent and short pull that is fast and crisp but less safe and precise. Two-stage trigger groups have a long, variable pull that is safe and precise but slow and mushy.
- Weight: The weight of the trigger group affects the force required to pull the trigger and fire the rifle. Lighter trigger groups tend to have lower force and faster response but a higher risk of accidental discharge. Heavier trigger groups tend to have higher force and slower response but a lower risk of accidental discharge.
- Features: Some trigger groups have additional features such as adjustable pull weight, drop-in installation, enhanced reliability, or anti-rotation pins that improve their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Magazine Well
The magazine well is the part that holds the magazine in place when inserted into the lower receiver. It affects the compatibility and ease of use of your rifle.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a magazine well are:
- Size: The size of the magazine well affects the compatibility and capacity of your rifle. Larger magazine wells tend to have higher compatibility and capacity but lower maneuverability and concealability. Smaller magazine wells tend to have lower compatibility and capacity but higher maneuverability and concealability.
- Shape: The shape of the magazine well affects the ease of use and appearance of your rifle. Some magazine wells have a straight or curved shape that is simple and functional but plain and boring. Some magazine wells have a flared or beveled shape that is stylish and ergonomic but complex and bulky.
- Features: Some magazine wells have additional features such as ambidextrous release buttons, extended floor plates, or anti-tilt followers that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Pistol Grip
The pistol grip is the part that you hold with your firing hand when shooting your rifle.
It affects the comfort, control, and ergonomics of your rifle.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a pistol grip are:
- Size: The size of the pistol grip affects the fit and comfort of your hand. Larger pistol grips tend to have better fit and comfort for larger hands but worse for smaller hands. Smaller pistol grips tend to have better fit and comfort for smaller hands but worse for larger hands.
- Shape: The shape of the pistol grip affects the angle and position of your hand. Some pistol grips have a straight or vertical shape that is natural and comfortable but less stable and accurate. Some pistol grips have a curved or angled contour that is stable and accurate but less natural and comfortable.
- Texture: The pistol grip's texture affects your hand's grip and traction. Some pistol grips have a smooth or glossy surface that is sleek, easy to clean but slippery and hard to hold. Some pistol grips have a rough or rubberized texture that is grippy and easy to hold but bulky and hard to clean.
- Features: Some pistol grips have features such as finger grooves, palm swells, storage compartments, or interchangeable backstraps that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Stock
The stock is the part that you rest against your shoulder when shooting your rifle.
It affects the stability, recoil management, and adjustability of your rifle.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a stock are:
- Type: The type of stock affects your rifle's length, weight, and functionality. There are two main types of stocks: fixed and collapsible. Selected stocks are rigid and non-adjustable that are stable and durable but heavy and bulky. Collapsible stocks are flexible and adjustable, light and compact, but less stable and durable.
- Material: Most stocks are made of polymer that is lightweight and durable. Some wood, metal, or carbon fiber stocks offer different advantages and disadvantages regarding weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
- Finish: Most stocks have a black finish that protects them from wear and tear. Some stocks have other finishes, such as camo or wood grain, offering different colors and aesthetics.
- Features: Some stocks have cheek rests, sling mounts, butt pads, or storage compartments that enhance their functionality or compatibility with other parts.
Tools and Accessories Need for AR Build
Besides the main components of an AR rifle, you also need some tools and accessories to assemble, maintain, and enhance your rifle.
Here are some of the tools and accessories you need for an AR build:
AR Build Tools
The tools are the devices that help you install, remove, or adjust the parts of your rifle. They are essential for a successful and safe AR build.
Some of the tools you need for an AR build are:
- Vise: A vise is a device that securely holds your rifle or its parts in place while you work on them. It prevents them from moving or slipping and causing damage or injury. You can use a regular vise or a specialized vise block designed for AR rifles.
- Hammer: A hammer is a device that delivers a forceful impact to drive or remove pins, screws, or other fasteners. You can use a regular or specialized gunsmithing hammer with different heads for different purposes.
- Punches: Punches are devices that fit into the holes of pins, screws, or other fasteners and help you drive or remove them with a hammer. You can use regular punches or specialized roll pin punches with a hollow tip to prevent damage to the pins.
- Wrenches grip and turn nuts, bolts, or other fasteners. You can use regular or specialized armorer wrenches with multiple functions for different parts of your rifle.
- Screwdrivers: Screwdrivers are devices that fit into the slots of screws or other fasteners and help you turn them. For various purposes, you can use regular or specialized gunsmithing screwdrivers with different sizes and shapes.
- Allen Keys: Allen keys are devices that fit into the hexagonal sockets of screws or other fasteners and help you turn them. You can use regular Allen keys or specialized hex wrenches with different sizes for different purposes.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is a device that measures and applies a specific amount of force to tighten or loosen nuts, bolts, or other fasteners. It prevents over-tightening or under-tightening, which can cause damage or malfunction. You can use a regular torque wrench or a specialized inch-pound torque wrench that is more precise and suitable for AR rifles.
- Pliers: Pliers are devices that grip and manipulate wires, springs, clips, or other small parts. You can use regular or specialized needle-nose pliers with long, narrow tips to reach tight spaces.
- Files are devices that smooth, shape, or remove excess material from metal parts. You can use regular or specialized metal files with different grits and shapes for different purposes.
- Lubricant: Lubricant is a substance that reduces friction, wear, and inaccuracy corrosion between metal parts. It improves the performance and longevity of your rifle. You can use regular lubricants or specialized gun oil designed for firearms.
AR Build Accessories
The accessories are the devices that attach to your rifle or its parts and provide additional functions or features.
They are optional but helpful in enhancing your experience and performance. Some of the accessories you need for an AR build are:
- Sling: A sling is a device that attaches to your rifle and allows you to carry it over your shoulder or across your body. It frees up your hands and improves your mobility and comfort. You can use a regular or specialized tactical sling with different modes and adjustments for different situations.
- Light: A light is a device that attaches to your rifle and provides illumination in low-light conditions. It improves your visibility and accuracy. You can use a regular or specialized weapon light with different modes and features.
- Laser: A laser is a device that attaches to your rifle and projects a beam of light onto your target. It improves your speed and accuracy. You can use a regular or specialized weapon laser with different colors and modes.
- Bipod: A bipod is a device that attaches to your rifle and provides support and stability when shooting from a prone position. It improves your accuracy and recoil management. You can use a regular or specialized tactical bipod with different heights and angles for different situations.
- Scope: A scope is a device that attaches to your rifle and provides magnification and reticle for aiming at distant targets. It improves your range and precision. You can use a regular or specialized tactical scope with different magnifications and features for different purposes.
Assemble Your AR Rifle Step by Step
Now that you have all the components, tools, and accessories you need for your AR build, you can assemble your rifle step by step.
Here are the general steps to assemble your AR rifle:
- Step 1: Assemble the lower receiver. This involves installing the trigger group, magazine catch, bolt catch, safety selector, pistol grip, and stock to the lower receiver. This step requires a vise, hammer, punches, wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, torque wrench, pliers, and lubricant.
- Step 2: Assemble the upper receiver. This involves installing the barrel, gas system, bolt carrier group, charging handle, handguard, and sights to the upper receiver. This step requires a vise, hammer, punches, wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, torque wrench, pliers, files, and lubricant.
- Step 3: Attach the upper receiver to the lower receiver. This involves inserting the front and rear takedown pins that connect the two parts. You will need a hammer and punch for this step.
- Step 4: Attach the accessories to your rifle. This involves attaching the sling, light, laser, bipod, scope, or any other devices you want to use with your rifle. You will need wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, or other tools, depending on the type of accessory for this step.
✅ Top 5 9mm Carbines Under $500
How to Test and Troubleshoot Your AR Rifle?
After assembling your AR rifle, you must test and troubleshoot it to ensure it functions properly and safely.
Here are some of the steps to test and troubleshoot your AR rifle:
- Step 1: Perform a function check. This involves checking the safety selector, trigger, hammer, bolt catch, and magazine release to ensure they work as intended. You will need an empty magazine and no ammunition for this step.
- Step 2: Perform a dry fire. This involves pulling the trigger and releasing the hammer to ensure it strikes the firing pin and resets correctly. This step requires a snap cap or dummy round to protect your firing pin.
- Step 3: Perform a live fire. This involves firing live ammunition at a safe range to ensure your rifle cycles, feeds, ejects, and fires reliably and accurately. This step requires eye and ear protection, ammunition, and targets.
- Step 4: Perform cleaning and maintenance. This involves cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting your rifle and its parts to ensure they are free of dirt, carbon, or wear that can affect their performance or longevity. This step requires a cleaning AR Build Kit, lubricant, and cloth.
If you encounter any problems or malfunctions with your AR rifle, you can try to diagnose and fix them by following these steps:
- Step 1: Identify the problem. This involves observing and describing the symptoms of the pain, such as failure to feed, failure to eject, failure to fire, or accuracy issues.
- Step 2: Isolate the cause. This involves checking and testing the possible causes of the problem, such as faulty parts, improper installation, incorrect ammunition, or dirty or dry conditions.
- Step 3: Apply the solution. This involves replacing or repairing faulty parts, adjusting or reinstalling improper parts, using correct ammunition, or cleaning or lubricating the dirty or dry regions.
How to Customize and Upgrade Your AR Rifle?
One of the best things about AR rifles is that they are highly customizable and upgradeable. You can change or improve any part or feature of your rifle to suit your needs and preferences.
Here are some of the ways to customize and upgrade your AR rifle:
- Change the caliber. You can change the caliber of your rifle by swapping out the barrel, bolt carrier group, magazine, and sometimes the upper receiver. This allows you to use different types of ammunition for different purposes, such as hunting, self-defense, or competition.
- Change the performance. You can change your rifle's performance by swapping or adjusting the gas system, trigger group, barrel profile, twist rate, or sights. This allows you to optimize your rifle for reliability, accuracy, speed, or recoil management.
- Change the appearance. You can change the appearance of your rifle by swapping out or painting the upper receiver, lower receiver, handguard, stock, pistol grip, or accessories. This lets you personalize your rifle with different colors, styles, or themes.
- Change the functionality. You can change the functionality of your rifle by adding or removing accessories such as slings, lights, lasers, bipods, scopes, or suppressors. This allows you to enhance your rifle with additional features or capabilities.
AR Build Setup Types
1. AR Build Target Shooting Setup
2. AR Build Hunting Setup
3. AR Build Tactical Setup
4. AR Build Precision Setup
AR Build Upgrades
1. AR Build Reliability and Accuracy Upgrades
2. AR Build Ergonomics Upgrades
AR Build Options
1. AR Build Retro Options for Classic Rifle Enthusiasts
2. Best AR Build Lightweight Options
3. Affordable AR Build Budget Options
4. Powerful AR Build Short-Barreled Options
AR Build Kit & Compact
1. Best Compact AR Build
2. Best AR Build Caliber Conversion Kits
3. Affordable AR Build Kits: Building Your Dream Rifle!
Building your AR rifle is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to create your own custom and unique firearm.
You can choose various components, tools, and accessories to build your rifle from scratch. You can also learn more about how your rifle works and how to maintain it properly.
We hope you have found this guide helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please comment below. We would love to hear from you.
Now that you have learned how to build your own AR rifle, why not give it a try? You can find all the necessary parts, tools, and accessories at our online store.
We offer high-quality products at affordable prices, with fast and free shipping. We also have a friendly and knowledgeable customer service team to assist you with any issues or inquiries.
Don’t wait any longer. Start your AR build today and enjoy the thrill of creating your own firearm. You won’t regret it!
Read More
- Pepper Spray for Self Defense: 10 Amazing Types and Benefits
- 9mm Revolver: Top Power Choice for Unbeatable Self-Defense
- Pocket Pistols: 20 Versatile Options You Must Know!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.
