Building AR from 80% lower

PaulS · Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 6:37 pm Post subject: Building AR from 80% lower

I have been considering attempting a custom AR build using an 80% lower and building a gun just for my use in longer range accuracy.
If anyone has comments or experience I would be happy to hear it.

English Mike · Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 8:45 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

I take it you're doing this for the challenge, rather than any other reason. Very Happy

PaulS · Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

The challenge and the education as well as the pure fun of it.
I already know it is not going to be cheaper than just buying one off the shelf but I can build it the way I want it with my own two hands.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 6:51 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

I did learn to assemble AR lowers inside a big, clear plastic bag. It'll save you a lot of time and aggravation when those damn little springs and pins go flying...

PaulS · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:10 am Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

I'll remember that trick... right after I lose my first spring and detent. Smile

Bushmaster · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2020 11:19 am Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

How often do you have to come out for air?

Vince · Last edited by Vince on Tue Jan 07, 2020 8:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

Bushmaster wrote:

How often do you have to come out for air?

Right after you get your last spring and detent locked in place mate.

PaulS · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

As funny as that sounds I wonder how many people would wear a bag.
Never underestimate stupidity.
I can make the special tools to put in those springs and detents. I have plans for roll pin starter punches but I am going to have to buy the special wrenches for the buffer tube and barrel nuts. I think I will invest in the vice blocks too, just to make it easier on myself.
I do wonder if I will want another one after I build one... I hear it can be addictive. Smile

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 7:04 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

Bushy, I run an air hose into the bag...

Paul, I've put together a couple of lowers for purchased AR-15 uppers. Now I've got another whole rifle scattered on the work table and most of another in a box underneath. After I finish those I believe I'll try an AR-10. Is it addictive? Well...

PaulS · Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:13 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

Bushy, I run an air hose into the bag...

Paul, I've put together a couple of lowers for purchased AR-15 uppers. Now I've got another whole rifle scattered on the work table and most of another in a box underneath. After I finish those I believe I'll try an AR-10. Is it addictive? Well...

Hey Pumpkinslinger,
How heavy can you build an AR10? I don't want to shoot a lightweight 308. I like 10 pound rifles, is there one that comes close?

Bushmaster · Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:50 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

DPMS Panther .308.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 8:44 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

My .458 SOCOM AR-15 weighs about 8.5 pounds, empty with scope. That's almost exactly the same as the Marlin .45-70, with scope. According to Wikipedia an AR-10 weighs between 7.5 and 9 pounds empty, w/o scope. So I'd think making it weigh 10 pounds would be easy.

Bushmaster · Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2020 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

I have flip-up iron sights on my AR 10 (no scope). Add the 20 round magazine and it will weigh right at 10 lbs.

I know because I just weighed it with a loaded magazine.

dhc4ever · Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 2:51 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

You guys get to play with all the good toys...
Sigh

Vince · Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: Building AR from 80% lower

dhc4ever wrote:

You guys get to play with all the good toys...
Sigh

Yes mate...and Bushy’s AR10 is a real pussy cat to use as well...and damn it’s accurate.