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Author Topic: AR-15 lower receiver availability, building  (Read 1708 times)

Offline Rich B

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AR-15 lower receiver availability, building
« on: November 30, 2008, 03:03:43 PM »
Post 11/4, AR lower receivers have become difficult to find.  I thought I'd mention you can call www.Aimsurplus.com and get on a waiting list/notification list.  Also, www.essentialarms.com is taking orders and is currently shipping within 2 weeks of orders.  The EA website is outdated - lowers are now $100 for a basic anodized model w/ no quantity discounts and a maximum of 3 lowers per person per week.

www.ar15.com has a great build it yourself forum.  Here is the main thread on assembly:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=226782

www.Brownells.com has a variety of FREE videos for download on their website about building an AR-15:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/newsletterarchive.aspx?x=v

For those new to building ARs, the only part you need an FFL for is the lower receiver.  Everything else can be shipped to your doorstep: triggers, stocks, bolts, sights, barrels, upper receivers, etc.

Most AR lowers are pretty much the same and are built to mil-spec dimensions.  The only brand to keep away from is Vulcan/Hesse, as these are cast, not forged. 

Some quality brands of lowers include: Essential Arms, Spikes, Anvil, Stag, DPMS, Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, LMT, LaRue, Noveske, Aero, Mega, Superior, Sabre, Rock River, CMMG, and Doublestar.

A lower receiver requires a minimal amount of tools to assemble: hammer, punches, vise grips, screwdrivers.  Adding a barrel to an upper receiver can require a barrel wrench and action block.

ARs come in a variety of calibers for various purposes:
-Plinking (.22LR, 9mm, .223 Rem)
-Home/self-defense (9mm, .223 Rem, 6.8SPC)
-Hunting (.223 Rem, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, .458 SOCOM, .450 Bushmaster, .50 Beowulf)
-Target shooting (.223 Rem, 6.5 Grendel)
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