OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition > Firearms
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - AR Uppers
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

AR Uppers

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: AR Uppers
    Posted: April/16/2010 at 09:53

Couple of questions I know some of you guys that know more on ARs will know.  How hard is it to put together an AR upper?  I have done a lower and some aspects of an upper but never specifically the barrel, and this is what I am wondering about most. As far as headspacing goes is it difficult?  Also If i buy a completed upper with a barrel already installed and it doesn't come with a bolt or carrier, is it as simple as buy any one and putting it together? 

I am looking at two options - one is do a complete upper build from parts I have and purchasing a few others that i need and the other is to buy a completed upper minus the bolt and carrier.  Not looking for a SUBMOA gun but just a plinker.



Edited by SVT_Tactical - April/16/2010 at 09:55
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 10:49
no need, the barrels are already headspaced with the bolt dimensions, it remains for you to install the barrel assembly (torque down), gas tube, gas block and guards. Brownells has a dvd you can get and all the tools. Bolts, and carriers are even easier. have fun!
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:04

Thanks dale.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:11
As long as you have a barrel nut wrench, torque wrench, vise, and receiver vice block, all of which you can purchase for not too much money, it is very easy.  Buy the stripped upper receiver, bolt carrier/bolt assy, charging handle, barrel, barrel nut (or barrel nut, delta ring spring, etc., depending on whether you want a traditional or free float hand guard) hand guard assy, gas block, and gas tube you want.  Then, put the receiver in a vise with the vice block, slide the barrel extension into the receiver, and tighten the barrel nut to manufacturer's torque spec.  Then install your hand guard, gas block, gas tube and flash suppressor/brake (if applicable).
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:17
Personally I would still get a "field gauge" to check the head space.  Yes it is unlikely that head space will be an issue but it is still recommended by all the armorers that I have talked to to check that when you assemble them as it is always possible that the barrel chamberer messed up and cut the chamber to deep or not deep enough.  I also check my ARs periodically with to make sure things have not changed with throat erosion.  You have to take the ejector out to do that so you would need a tool that allows you to do that.  

Edited by supertool73 - April/16/2010 at 11:20
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
cyborg View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Gaseous Clay

Joined: August/24/2007
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:35
AR type rifles are exceptionally easy to work on. They were designed for that ease, being a combat type rifle. The bolt is easily taken apart, as is the majority of the rifle itself. As was mentioned, taking apart the major assemblies requires tools that are easily obtained, and in some instances, can be replaced by something you may have already. Having a headspace tool should be a definite need, just to be sure kinda thing.
They are a joy to shoot, and work on as well. I was warned that they are addictive, and I will pass that warning on to you. 
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:38
I have a few AR's now and have built 3 lowers but never tackled building the uppers.  Think i am gonna go ahead and do it.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
cyborg View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Gaseous Clay

Joined: August/24/2007
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/16/2010 at 11:41
Excellent!!!! Enjoy.
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.195 seconds.