OK, your the kind of person that likes to put “things” together. This article will cover the components used to put together an AR15 rifle. It should convey a general understanding and will bore the “” out of a seasoned builder.

To start we break down the rifle into two sections; the lower and the upper (very simple). The upper section is called the upper barrel assembly or jsut upper halve. Usually most choose to purchase this assembly complete and test fired from the factory. This is because the assembly requires a little more skill and a several more tools to build and most who are building one rifle will not justify the additional funds for the tools. So, purchase your upper halve in the configuration you want. Some of the options for the “upper” are as follows: The major choice here is barrel length.

• Length of barrel (must be no shorter than 16″ per the feds unless you have what is called short barrel rifle (SBR) approval) – anyway, there are legal options such as 16″, 14″ with permanently attached flash hider, 11.5″ with 5.5″ flash hider permanently attached, 20″ and 24″. There are some variations to the above but they are the standard.
• What type of barrel is the question: Choices are chrome-moly, chrome lined, and stainless steel. I will not go into details about barrel materials because that is a complete subject to forever be addressed.

The lower halve includes the lower receiver, parts kit and butt stock. Pretty simple and that’s why many choose to assemble the parts kit and butt stock themselves. Choices for the “lower” are as follows:

• Most lower receivers are the same as they are built to military spec.  Other options are either forged or billet. Forged is the most prevalent and are very good. Billet is machined from a solid block of aluminum and therefore stronger. Either lower receiver is fine. DPMS is an excellent choice for the money as shown here http://colemantyler.com/proddetail.php?prod=LRSTRIPPEDDPMS.
• Parts kits are again generally the same as long as it is from a good source. Here is a link to a DPMS parts kit http://colemantyler.com/proddetail.php?prod=DPMSLRPK.
• Butt stocks come in 4 position & 6 positions with the more popular being the later. There is a huge choice so just pick the one you like. The standard 6 position is fine of better yet is the Command Arms CBS.

This is a very basic “wet your appetite” article on the AR15 build. More Ar15 parts can be seen at colemantyler.com

Thank you.

TLK