Just bought my first AR... lower.

[tact]

I have used the reaction rod for all my muzzle devices and never had a problem.  I don't buy the argument that a few are touting about spinning off the barrel extension. 

[M1A4ME]

I bought a barrel vise (don't remember where I bought it, but it's this one).

https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-672286-Universal-Barrel-Clamp/dp/B00RPAE8J2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502241283&sr=8-2&keywords=barrel+vise

Three different barrel diameters.  Worked to remove the flash suppressor on my DPMS GII that had been "glued" to the barrel with rocksett.

Just find the closet diameter that will tightly hold the barrel and then clamp the blocks in a bench vise and go to work.

Also used it to change barrel nuts for the new free float tube.

Not saying it's the best, just that it worked for me.

edited to add a link to the barrel vise, forgot to do that in the original reply.

[SlvrDragon50]

I'm kinda wishing I went with a black SJC titan instead of a stainless titan now that I see those pics Elcid.

I'm just surprised at how much some of these AR15 tools cost. They're so simple, but they charge exorbitant amounts for them! The barrel vises are so incredibly simple yet they want $70-100 for them??

[gnumadic]

I'm kinda wishing I went with a black SJC titan instead of a stainless titan now that I see those pics Elcid.

I'm just surprised at how much some of these AR15 tools cost. They're so simple, but they charge exorbitant amounts for them! The barrel vises are so incredibly simple yet they want $70-100 for them??

Seems like it could be an issue of demand. Specialty tools are sometimes more expensive, even if they are simple. But yeah, I'm with ya. They're still a bit overpriced.

Geissele Reaction Rod - $99
Kley-Zion Barrel Spline Socket Rod - $59.95
Magpul BEV Block - $49.95 (usually a few bucks off most places)

I might go with the BEV Block because I have $20 in Walmart Savings Catcher credits. I can get it from their online marketplace for $26 net. And then maybe I'll pick up one of the rods on a holiday sale.

Regarding the BEV, I bet someone could figure out how to 3D print it.

[SlvrDragon50]

Dang! The Hiperfire 24C is on sale for 180 from Primary Arms.. guess I'm making that purchase now!

You could 3D Print the BEV block, but it has the steel barrel engagements which makes it unique. I think I will be going with the BEV as well.

[gnumadic]

Dang! The Hiperfire 24C is on sale for 180 from Primary Arms.. guess I'm making that purchase now!

You could 3D Print the BEV block, but it has the steel barrel engagements which makes it unique. I think I will be going with the BEV as well.

Nice! They also have a complete Seekins upper for $330 very similar to my build.

? 16? 41V50 chrome moly vanadium .223 Wylde barrel, mid-length gas system with a 1:8 twist rate, and nitride finished.
? Features Seekins? 3-prong flash hider.
? This smooth shooting upper is fed by a Melonited gas tube and easily tunable thanks to the Seekins Precision Adjustable Low Profile Gas Block.
? 12? free float MCSR M-LOK rail, for mounting all your favorite accessories.
? Includes standard OEM M16 cut bolt carrier group and charging handle.

So I'm paying about $110 more for my upper (not including tools). I've heard people say build the lower, buy the upper. But while I have a budget I didn't do this for the sole purpose of saving money.

[tact]

Dang! The Hiperfire 24C is on sale for 180 from Primary Arms.. guess I'm making that purchase now!

You could 3D Print the BEV block, but it has the steel barrel engagements which makes it unique. I think I will be going with the BEV as well.

Nice! They also have a complete Seekins upper for $330 very similar to my build.

? 16? 41V50 chrome moly vanadium .223 Wylde barrel, mid-length gas system with a 1:8 twist rate, and nitride finished.
? Features Seekins? 3-prong flash hider.
? This smooth shooting upper is fed by a Melonited gas tube and easily tunable thanks to the Seekins Precision Adjustable Low Profile Gas Block.
? 12? free float MCSR M-LOK rail, for mounting all your favorite accessories.
? Includes standard OEM M16 cut bolt carrier group and charging handle.

So I'm paying about $110 more for my upper (not including tools). I've heard people say build the lower, buy the upper. But while I have a budget I didn't do this for the sole purpose of saving money.

I initially did a build to save money and actually ended up paying triple in the end.  Picking out each part had me upgrading everything.  I'm glad I did it for the educational aspect, but I just buy proven weapons from quality manufacturers now.

[SlvrDragon50]

Yea. I just discovered Lanbo's Armory has waaaaaay lower prices on stuff than Primary Arms except for big sales like the Hiperfire Trigger. You just have to add to cart to get the discount. 10 dollar flat rate shipping too.

Magpul Armorer's Wrench for $59.53
Magpul BEV Block for $37.20

I don't think you will save money by building your own gun, but you will get the exact parts that you want in the build rather than eventually replacing things. For me, an 18" length rifle that comes with everything I want is near impossible to find. Also shipping on just a trigger group is waaaay cheaper than buying parts. First class shipping, only $2.86!

[Independent George]

Geissele stuff goes on sale all the time, whether on PA or directly through Geissele. Don't pay full price if you can wait a few months.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Elcid]

I bought a barrel vise (don't remember where I bought it, but it's this one).

Three different barrel diameters.  Worked to remove the flash suppressor on my DPMS GII that had been "glued" to the barrel with rocksett.

Just find the closet diameter that will tightly hold the barrel and then clamp the blocks in a bench vise and go to work.

Also used it to change barrel nuts for the new free float tube.

Not saying it's the best, just that it worked for me.

I think you can also use this to install the barrel to the receiver instead of using a reaction rod or a Magpul BEV Block. Savage rifle shooters use this method in installing their barrel.

[SlvrDragon50]

I don't plan on buying another Geissele products (no reason, just didn't really catch my attention on anything).

I'm starting to have pretty much everything finalized now. Question, do I still need to buy an LPK if I buy all the components of the LPK? I want to make sure the LPK doesn't come with pins or springs that won't be included in other kits.

Parts:
Hiperfire 24C Trigger
BAD EMMR Mag Release
Armaspec Safety Selector
Some trigger guard
Ergo Tactical Deluxe grip
Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release V2
BAD Takedown/pivot pins

I can't see anything else in LPKs that I would need.

[gnumadic]

Yea. I just discovered Lanbo's Armory has waaaaaay lower prices on stuff than Primary Arms except for big sales like the Hiperfire Trigger. You just have to add to cart to get the discount. 10 dollar flat rate shipping too.

Magpul Armorer's Wrench for $59.53
Magpul BEV Block for $37.20

I don't think you will save money by building your own gun, but you will get the exact parts that you want in the build rather than eventually replacing things. For me, an 18" length rifle that comes with everything I want is near impossible to find. Also shipping on just a trigger group is waaaay cheaper than buying parts. First class shipping, only $2.86!

I started to price some things on Lanbo's to see how much I could have saved. Maybe a few bucks here or there, but I only made it three parts in before quitting. Their website is horrendous. It feels like it hasn't been updated since 1998. Maybe that's why they have so many good deals!

One thing I'll say about Primary Arms (beyond having a user friendly website), is that every order I placed shipped the same day and arrived 2-3 days later. Similar experience with Joe Bob Outfitters and Red Barn Armory. ALG and Monmouth took an extra day or two to process the orders. Still waiting on those shipments.

[SlvrDragon50]

Yea. I just discovered Lanbo's Armory has waaaaaay lower prices on stuff than Primary Arms except for big sales like the Hiperfire Trigger. You just have to add to cart to get the discount. 10 dollar flat rate shipping too.

Magpul Armorer's Wrench for $59.53
Magpul BEV Block for $37.20

I don't think you will save money by building your own gun, but you will get the exact parts that you want in the build rather than eventually replacing things. For me, an 18" length rifle that comes with everything I want is near impossible to find. Also shipping on just a trigger group is waaaay cheaper than buying parts. First class shipping, only $2.86!

I started to price some things on Lanbo's to see how much I could have saved. Maybe a few bucks here or there, but I only made it three parts in before quitting. Their website is horrendous. It feels like it hasn't been updated since 1998. Maybe that's why they have so many good deals!

One thing I'll say about Primary Arms (beyond having a user friendly website), is that every order I placed shipped the same day and arrived 2-3 days later. Similar experience with Joe Bob Outfitters and Red Barn Armory. ALG and Monmouth took an extra day or two to process the orders. Still waiting on those shipments.

The website is definitely horrendous, but I think I'll save close to 100 dollars by going with Lanbo's. Luckily... I can use Primary Arms to find parts hah.

[gnumadic]

I don't plan on buying another Geissele products (no reason, just didn't really catch my attention on anything).

I'm starting to have pretty much everything finalized now. Question, do I still need to buy an LPK if I buy all the components of the LPK? I want to make sure the LPK doesn't come with pins or springs that won't be included in other kits.

Parts:
Hiperfire 24C Trigger
BAD EMMR Mag Release
Armaspec Safety Selector
Some trigger guard
Ergo Tactical Deluxe grip
Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release V2
BAD Takedown/pivot pins

I can't see anything else in LPKs that I would need.

Didn't see a response to this, but I'm sure you've seen a list like below. I guess it depends on if the parts you've got are just enhanced levers/buttons, or if they come with the roll pins and springs, too.

Bolt Catch
Bolt Catch Plunger
Bolt Catch Roll Pin
Bolt Catch Spring
--
Buffer Retainer
Buffer Retainer Spring
--
Disconnector
Disconnector Spring
--
Hammer
Hammer Pin
Hammer Spring
--
Magazine Catch
Magazine Catch Button
Magazine Catch Spring
--
Pistol Grip
Pistol Grip Lock Washer
Pistol Grip Screw
--
Pivot Pin
Pivot Pin Detent
Pivot Pin Detent Spring
--
Selector
Selector Detent
Selector Detent Spring
--
Takedown Pin
Takedown Pin Detent
Takedown Pin Detent Spring
--
Trigger
Trigger Guard
Trigger Guard Roll Pin
Trigger Pin
Trigger Spring

I was looking for a handguard that was light and slim, which eventually led me to the ALG products (Bill Geissele's wife's company/product line). For the quality and engineering they just seemed like a very good deal. But once I found out that they take pride even in their blemishes, I decided to buy one for 50% off. Got a 13" handguard and the install wrench for $82.50 shipped.



It didn't take me long to find the blemish (bottom of the rail toward the rear), but I am totally OK with it given the price I paid. I'm sure I'll do worse after a few trips to the range!

[Earl Keese]

I don't plan on buying another Geissele products (no reason, just didn't really catch my attention on anything).

I'm starting to have pretty much everything finalized now. Question, do I still need to buy an LPK if I buy all the components of the LPK? I want to make sure the LPK doesn't come with pins or springs that won't be included in other kits.

Parts:
Hiperfire 24C Trigger
BAD EMMR Mag Release
Armaspec Safety Selector
Some trigger guard
Ergo Tactical Deluxe grip
Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release V2
BAD Takedown/pivot pins

I can't see anything else in LPKs that I would need.

Didn't see a response to this, but I'm sure you've seen a list like below. I guess it depends on if the parts you've got are just enhanced levers/buttons, or if they come with the roll pins and springs, too.

Bolt Catch
Bolt Catch Plunger
Bolt Catch Roll Pin
Bolt Catch Spring
--
Buffer Retainer
Buffer Retainer Spring
--
Disconnector
Disconnector Spring
--
Hammer
Hammer Pin
Hammer Spring
--
Magazine Catch
Magazine Catch Button
Magazine Catch Spring
--
Pistol Grip
Pistol Grip Lock Washer
Pistol Grip Screw
--
Pivot Pin
Pivot Pin Detent
Pivot Pin Detent Spring
--
Selector
Selector Detent
Selector Detent Spring
--
Takedown Pin
Takedown Pin Detent
Takedown Pin Detent Spring
--
Trigger
Trigger Guard
Trigger Guard Roll Pin
Trigger Pin
Trigger Spring

I was looking for a handguard that was light and slim, which eventually led me to the ALG products (Bill Geissele's wife's company/product line). For the quality and engineering they just seemed like a very good deal. But once I found out that they take pride even in their blemishes, I decided to buy one for 50% off. Got a 13" handguard and the install wrench for $82.50 shipped.



It didn't take me long to find the blemish (bottom of the rail toward the rear), but I am totally OK with it given the price I paid. I'm sure I'll do worse after a few trips to the range!

I bought a 15" EMR V1 for my 20"Grendel build, lightweight and smooth, perfect for a hunting rifle. My wife picked it up and immediately said she wanted it for her Carbine so I ordered a 13" for hers. The desert dirt anodize matches her Hogue Ghillie Earth stock and grip perfectly. For the money(on sale), I haven't found anything lighter.