First AR build

[crazybull]

I'm getting ready to start my first AR build, and seeing as I already have a 5.56mm variant I'm finally going to get myself the .308 version that I've always wanted.  I have some basic understanding of how to perform the general maintance on an AR style rifle but not the knowledge to build one.  I was looking at maybe picking up a book or video to familiarize myself with the process and was wondering anyone had any recommendations.

[Powerman]

Did you build your 5.56? Do you know how to take it all the way down? It's not much different. Just learning the compatibility of all the different brands is the challenging part. I didn't have a AR but got my .308 together. I had a gunsmith install the barrel in the upper. Not because I did not understand righty-tighty lefty-loosy, but just because I did not have the tools to do it easily. :)

Usually I much prefer to buy tools over labor, but I really needed to cut some expenses so now is not the time. I will get the tools I need to do everything though eventually. Someone else will have some suggestions for what you asked for I'm sure. Very helpful bunch here.

[crazybull]

I did not build my 5.56 AR but have stripped it down to do basic maintance.  I did take the trigger assembly out once out of curiosity and was able to get it back together.  I do have a gun smith friend that I can consult if I really get stumped but I would like to bug him with shop talk as little as I can because he is nut deep in his own work.  I was thinking that between a book and youtube I could get r done but was looking for a recommendation for a book or dvd.

[Rsquared]

Welcome to the board crazybull. If you understand how your 5.56 AR functions, then I think you'll be ok on the 308 version. Same theory, just some beefier parts. Don't really have anysuggestions on books or vids. But, you can usually find exploded diagrams on manufactures websites. That would at least give you listings of all the parts you'll need.

With tools....a good bench vise, set of vise blocks, hammer, punches and torque wrench will get you going. Hell, the sky's the limit on tools that can be used.

[98Z5V]

Brownell's has some excellent videos on their website.

[unforgiven]

Welcome from Indiana brother crazybull.Like the guys said same concept bigger parts,just isn't the mix and match like 5.56. :(

[crazybull]

Thx for the input guys, I'll check out brownells to see what I can find for informative material at the very least I can maybe get a list of tools and what not that I will need.

[IowaFClass]

Crazybull, Welcome. I started by jioning the forums and reading everything I could find. All topics and Youtube was a great help with others doing triger replacements and barrels and all types of assembly. I was already into F Class high power but the AR platform was a whole new ball game because my rifles were all bolt actions. And there is only so much I can actually build there, most takes a gunsmith and large expensive machines. If you watch your parts purchase there is very little you will have to do but assemble correctly. Rsquared makes a very good point on tools, just get the main tools you need.

[Rsquared]

I'll follow that up with one specialty kinda tool that makes life a little easier. At least, I found it easier........of course after peeling (read as ripping) layers and layers of skin off of my fingers when trying to set a tight gas tube into a gas block.

And of course, I'll schill for Brownells (being site-friendly)

http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=gas+tube+wrench&ksubmit=y

For 20 bucks or so......worth it.