Building an AR-15 from the ground up is a satisfying project that enables the creation of a highly customized weapon suited to individual requirements and tastes. But there are a lot of potential hazards in the process that might result in expensive errors. To guarantee the finished result is dependable, precise, and secure, avoiding these mistakes is essential.
Choosing Inferior Quality Parts
Choosing inferior or inexpensive parts is a common error made by AR-15 makers. Although cutting costs could be alluring, particularly due to the abundance of components on the market, quality should never be sacrificed. Poor precision, safety concerns, and dependability problems can all result from inferior components. For example, a poorly made barrel can not last as long or can not give the necessary accuracy, and a poorly made bolt carrier group (BCG) can malfunction and make the gun unusable at crucial times. Choose components from reliable producers that are renowned for their strong materials and strict quality control.
Neglecting Proper Tools and Assembly Techniques
It also requires the right tools and a deep knowledge of assembly methods. Many builders try to assemble firearms using general-purpose equipment or impromptu solutions, but they fail to see the value of specialist instruments. This method can result in misaligned pieces, incorrect torque application, and even damage to the components being built. Good construction requires investing in the right equipment, such as torque wrenches, roll pin punches, vise blocks, and armorer’s wrenches. By ensuring that every part is put properly and securely, these tools lower the possibility of faults and improve overall safety.
Overlooking the Importance of Proper Headspace
An AR-15 has to have the correct headspace in order to function safely and dependably. When the bolt is locked, headspace is the distance between the chamber shoulder and the bolt face. Inadequate headspace can result in hazardous scenarios such as head separation, which causes the cartridge case to burst when it fires. This might hurt the shooter as well as seriously damage the gun. Builders often believe that if they use components from reliable suppliers, headspace will be accurate. Even though this is usually the case, headspace checks using GO and NO-GO gauges are still crucial. The headspace is confirmed to be within safe bounds by these gauges.
Skipping Function Testing and Reliability Checks
Thorough function testing and reliability tests are essential after building an AR-15. Ignoring this procedure might result in problems being discovered when the rifle is most required, which could be deadly. Function testing entails confirming that every component of the gun functions as intended. This entails inspecting the action’s cycling, the trigger pull’s smoothness, the correct feeding and extraction of rounds, and the efficiency of the safety devices. A comprehensive reliability test usually entails putting a considerable amount of bullets through the gun to make sure it functions properly in a variety of scenarios. To ensure that the AR-15 can withstand a range of loads and still be dependable, it is important to test several kinds of ammunition.
Failing to Optimize the Gas System
The action of an AR-15 is largely dependent on its gas system. An incorrectly set up gas system can cause difficulties like over- or under-gassing, each of which has its own set of challenges. Under-gassing can result in failures to eject or feed, making the handgun unreliable, while over-gassing causes excessive recoil, increased wear on components, and more violent cycling. The optimal functioning of the gas system is ensured by routinely checking and cleaning its component parts, which include the gas block, gas tube, and gas key. You can guarantee smoother performance, longer component lifespans, and an all-around better shooting experience by optimizing the gas system.
Misunderstanding the Function and Benefits of a Reset Trigger
An auto reset trigger is one of the more sophisticated parts that can be added to an AR-15 for practice. By shortening the distance that must be traveled to reset the trigger between rounds, a reset trigger increases the speed at which follow-up shots can be made. However, mishandling the installation and operation of a reset trigger can result in issues like inadvertent duplicate fires or improper resets. It takes accuracy and a thorough grasp of the trigger mechanism to install a reset trigger. It’s crucial to properly follow the manufacturer’s directions and to test the trigger completely after it’s been installed. When the trigger is installed correctly, it will work as intended, giving a clean break and a brief, positive reset ideal for dry fire training.
Conclusion
The process of building an AR-15 is complex and demands careful planning, high-quality components, the right equipment, and close attention to detail. Builders can produce a dependable, accurate, and safe weapon by avoiding five frequent errors: selecting subpar parts, failing to use the right equipment, ignoring headspace, omitting function testing, not optimizing the gas system, and misinterpreting sophisticated components like reset triggers.