Today marks the start of a new series on ITS Tactical where we’ll be walking you through the COMPLETE assembly of a Direct Gas Impingement AR-15. There’s an awesome offer involved with this build too, so be sure to read on below to find out what’s in store!
We’ll be starting this journey with an introduction to the series where we’ll go over the laws surrounding owning and building your own AR, as well as the parts we’ll be using and the tools required. Up front you should know that building your own AR-15 isn’t as hard as you think and there’s not better way to learn about the AR platform than to build one from the ground up!
Rather than go over an assembly of a standard AR, we’ve included what we feel to be some of the best and cost effective hard-working aftermarket parts to consider when building your own AR. This series is also a supplement to our articles on How to Keep Your AR Running. We decided to undertake this new build series so we’d have details to refer to when we discuss in the common wear parts and replacement schedules. [Read More…]
Today in part two of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install the Magazine Catch on your Lower Receiver.
While fairly simple in terms of installation steps in assembling your AR-15, it’s still important to treat this step with the same attention to detail as all the other steps we’ll be walking you through.
The function of the Magazine Catch is to properly lock in the magazine when inserted into the magazine well of the Lower Receiver and drop it free and clear when the Magazine Release Button is depressed.
If you’re a lefty or typically practice transitioning ambidextrously, you also may want to check into an Ambi Mag Release. We won’t be installing one here, but we wanted to mention that they are out there and available. [Read More…]
Today in part three of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install the Bolt Catch on your Lower Receiver.
This step is particularly important to get right, as damaging the roll pin or lower could cause you to have to purchase a new lower parts kit or even a lower in extreme situations. We don’t mention this to scare anyone, just to reinstate the need to use the right tools for the job.
The function of the bolt catch is to stop the bolt’s travel when pushed upward by the follower of an empty magazine. This enables the bolt to be locked to the rear after expending a magazine so that a new one can be inserted and the bolt catch slammed home to re-engage your target. [Read More…]
Today in part four of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install the Pivot Pin on your Lower Receiver and hopefully take our recommendations on board for a happier stress-free build!
This can either be one of the most complicated steps in assembling a lower receiver, or a relatively easy one. It just depends on your tool selection.
When inserting the detent that holds in the Pivot Pin, it’s quite common for it to turn into a Pegasus Missile and shoot across the room along with the spring that’s under tension. In this article we’ll describe a good method to utilize and mention a tool that will help avoid detent missiles! [Read More…]
Today in part five of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install the Trigger Group in your Lower Receiver.
The trigger group is definitely something not to skimp on in terms of quality. We’ve never experienced any issues with the recommended Stag Arms Lower Parts Kit and feel confident recommending it’s components.
A failure point on the AR platform that can render your firearm unusable, is having a Hammer or Trigger Pin walk out on you. Literally.
We’ll show you how to prevent this problem as well as provide you step-by-step instructions for installing the Trigger Group. [Read More…]
Today in part six of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install an Ambidextrous Safety Selector and Pistol Grip in your Lower Receiver.
Ambi Safeties are definitely a personal preference and not for everyone. We’re of the opinion that if having to transition to an off-handed shooting position, the ambi safety is a definite benefit.
The Pistol Grip we’re using is the Magpul MOE Pistol Grip that’s been coated in Desert Digital by our friends at CRC Hydrographics. They’ve also introduced a brand new rubberized clear coating we’ll be talking about as well.
Continue reading for our step-by-step instructions for installing the Safety Selector and Pistol Grip with detailed photos and video.
[Read More…]
Today in part seven of our DIY AR-15 Build you’ll learn how to install a Magpul MOE Trigger Guard into your Lower Receiver.
While installing a trigger guard might not seem to be a very complicated step that warrants it’s own article, there are a few tricks that can help you from making a fatal mistake when assembling your lower.
The ears (pin extensions) that hold the trigger guard roll pin are more fragile than you might think and if care is not taken with this step to find an appropriate multi-level surface, you could potentially wind up breaking one of these off.
If that happens, you might not only be out a lower receiver, but also a $200 tax stamp if you’ve put in to SBR your lower before assembling it. We hope this article will shed a little light on the installation and prevent any catastrophes from happening while you’re assembling your trigger guard.
Continue reading for our step-by-step instructions for installing the Trigger Guard with detailed photos and video. [Read More…]
Today in part eight of our DIY AR-15 Build we’ll be showing you how to install the final part onto your Lower Receiver, the Buttstock.
While we say Buttstock, this step is comprised of quite a few different parts that aren’t in the standard Lower Parts Kit, like the one we recommend from Stag Arms.
This isn’t the place to skimp on quality parts and doing so will cause unnecessary problems that could have been avoided in the first place, namely the Buffer and Action Spring. Believe it or not these are some of the most important pieces of the entire Lower Receiver and are the cause of many puzzling AR-15 issues.
Continue reading for our step-by-step instructions for installing the Buttstock with detailed photos and video. [Read More…]
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