How To Build An Ar 15 Upper?

How to Build an AR-15 Upper

The AR-15 is one of the most popular rifles in the world, and for good reason. It’s modular, reliable, and accurate. But what many people don’t know is that it’s also relatively easy to build your own AR-15 upper.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of building an AR-15 upper receiver. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right parts to assembling them together. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to build an AR-15 upper, and you’ll be well on your way to building your own custom rifle.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Step	Tools	Instructions
1.	AR-15 upper receiver	Choose the type of AR-15 upper receiver you want. There are two main types: mil-spec and commercial. Mil-spec uppers are made to military specifications, while commercial uppers are made to civilian specifications. Mil-spec uppers are typically more expensive than commercial uppers, but they are also more durable.
2.	AR-15 barrel	Choose the length and caliber of AR-15 barrel you want. The length of the barrel will affect the velocity of the bullet, while the caliber will affect the size of the bullet.
3.	AR-15 handguard	Choose the type of AR-15 handguard you want. Handguards come in a variety of styles, materials, and lengths.
4.	AR-15 gas block	The gas block is a small component that directs gas from the barrel to the bolt carrier group.
5.	AR-15 gas tube	The gas tube is a small tube that connects the gas block to the bolt carrier group.
6.	AR-15 bolt carrier group	The bolt carrier group is the heart of the AR-15. It is responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting the cartridges.
7.	AR-15 charging handle	The charging handle is used to cock the hammer and chamber a round.
8.	AR-15 muzzle device	The muzzle device is a small component that is attached to the end of the barrel. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as reducing recoil, flash suppression, and muzzle rise.

Building an AR-15 upper receiver is a relatively simple task, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of assembling an AR-15 upper receiver from a stripped lower receiver. We will cover everything from choosing the right parts to installing the barrel and bolt carrier group.

By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of how to build an AR-15 upper receiver and you will be able to build your own AR-15 upper receiver with confidence.

Choosing the Right Parts

The first step in building an AR-15 upper receiver is choosing the right parts. There are a wide variety of parts available on the market, so it can be helpful to have a plan in mind before you start shopping.

Here are some of the most important parts to consider when choosing an AR-15 upper receiver:

• Barrel: The barrel is one of the most important parts of an AR-15 upper receiver. It determines the caliber of the rifle, the length of the rifle, and the accuracy of the rifle. When choosing a barrel, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Caliber: The most common calibers for AR-15s are 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington. 5.56mm NATO is a larger caliber than .223 Remington, but it can also be more expensive.
• Length: The length of the barrel will affect the overall length of the rifle and the velocity of the bullet. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable, but they also have a lower velocity.
• Accuracy: The accuracy of a barrel is determined by a number of factors, including the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the quality control.
• Bolt carrier group (BCG): The bolt carrier group (BCG) is a critical part of the AR-15 upper receiver. It is responsible for cycling the action of the rifle and firing the round. When choosing a BCG, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Caliber: The BCG must be compatible with the caliber of the barrel.
• Material: The BCG is typically made from either steel or aluminum. Steel BCGs are more durable, but they are also heavier. Aluminum BCGs are lighter, but they are not as durable.
• Finish: The BCG can be finished in a variety of colors and finishes. The finish does not affect the performance of the BCG, but it can affect the appearance.
• Handguard: The handguard is the part of the AR-15 upper receiver that you grip when you fire the rifle. It is available in a variety of lengths and styles. When choosing a handguard, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Length: The length of the handguard will affect the overall length of the rifle and the balance of the rifle.
• Style: The style of the handguard is a matter of personal preference. Some handguards are designed for maximum performance, while others are designed for maximum comfort.
• Gas block and tube: The gas block and tube are responsible for directing the gas from the fired round back into the bolt carrier group to cycle the action. When choosing a gas block and tube, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Gas block type: The two most common types of gas blocks are the low-profile gas block and the mid-length gas block. Low-profile gas blocks are shorter and they are more popular on shorter AR-15s. Mid-length gas blocks are longer and they are more popular on longer AR-15s.
• Gas tube length: The gas tube length must be compatible with the gas block type.
• Charging handle: The charging handle is the part of the AR-15 upper receiver that you use to manually cycle the action of the rifle. When choosing a charging handle, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Ambidextrous: An ambidextrous charging handle can be used by left-handed shooters as well as right-handed shooters.
• Length: The length of the charging handle will affect the overall length of the rifle.
• Material: The charging handle is typically made from either aluminum or steel. Aluminum charging handles are lighter, but they are not as durable. Steel charging handles are more durable, but they are also heavier.
• Trigger: The trigger is the part of the AR-15 upper receiver that you use to fire the rifle. When choosing a trigger, you will need to consider the following factors:
• Trigger weight: The trigger weight is the amount of force required to pull the trigger. Lighter triggers are easier to pull, but they are also more likely

3. Finalizing the Build

Once you have assembled all of the parts for your AR-15 upper, it is time to finalize the build. This includes test-firing the rifle, making any necessary adjustments, and enjoying your new AR-15!

Test-firing the Rifle

The first step in finalizing the build is to test-fire the rifle. This will help you to identify any problems with the rifle and make sure that it is functioning properly. When test-firing the rifle, be sure to follow these safety precautions:

• Wear eye protection and ear protection.
• Fire the rifle from a safe location.
• Start with a low-power ammunition.
• Gradually increase the power of the ammunition as you become more comfortable with the rifle.

Making Adjustments as Needed

After test-firing the rifle, you may need to make some adjustments to the sights or the trigger. If the sights are not aligned properly, you can adjust them using the windage and elevation screws. If the trigger is too heavy or too light, you can adjust it using the trigger spring.

Enjoying Your New AR-15!

Once you have made any necessary adjustments, you can finally enjoy your new AR-15! AR-15s are incredibly versatile firearms that can be used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. With a little practice, you will be able to use your AR-15 to its full potential.

4. Resources

If you are new to AR-15 building, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. Here are a few of the best resources for AR-15 build guides, parts lists, forums, and experts:

• [AR-15 Build Guides](https://www.ar15.com/guides/)
• [AR-15 Parts Lists](https://www.ar15.com/parts/)
• [AR-15 Forums](https://www.ar15.com/forums/)
• [AR-15 Experts](https://www.ar15.com/experts/)

  How To Build An AR 15 Upper?

Q: What are the steps involved in building an AR 15 upper?

A: The steps involved in building an AR 15 upper are as follows:

1. Select a barrel. The barrel is the most important component of the upper receiver, and it will determine the overall performance of your AR-15. There are a wide variety of barrels available on the market, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with your intended use.
2. Select a handguard. The handguard protects your hand from the heat of the barrel and provides a place to mount accessories such as lights, lasers, and sights. There are a variety of handguards available in different lengths, materials, and styles.
3. Select a gas block and gas tube. The gas block and gas tube route the gas from the barrel to the bolt carrier group, which is what cycles the action of the rifle. It is important to choose a gas block and gas tube that are compatible with your barrel.
4. Select a bolt carrier group (BCG). The BCG is the heart of the AR-15, and it is responsible for loading, firing, and extracting the cartridges. It is important to choose a BCG that is compatible with your barrel and gas system.
5. Select a charging handle. The charging handle is used to manually cycle the action of the rifle. There are a variety of charging handles available in different styles and lengths.
6. Install the barrel and handguard. The barrel and handguard are installed by threading them onto the upper receiver. It is important to make sure that the barrel is properly torqued to the upper receiver.
7. Install the gas block and gas tube. The gas block and gas tube are installed by threading them onto the barrel. It is important to make sure that the gas block is properly aligned with the gas port in the barrel.
8. Install the bolt carrier group (BCG). The BCG is installed by inserting it into the upper receiver. It is important to make sure that the BCG is properly aligned with the barrel and gas system.
9. Install the charging handle. The charging handle is installed by inserting it into the rear of the upper receiver.
10. Test fire the rifle. Once the upper receiver is assembled, it is important to test fire the rifle to make sure that it is functioning properly.

Q: What tools do I need to build an AR 15 upper?

A: The tools you need to build an AR 15 upper include:

• A torque wrench
• A set of AR-15 wrenches
• A vise
• A mallet
• A punch
• A set of Allen wrenches
• A screwdriver
• A cleaning rod
• A bore brush

Q: What is the difference between a complete upper and a stripped upper?

A: A complete upper is an upper receiver that is fully assembled and ready to install on a lower receiver. A stripped upper is an upper receiver that does not have any components installed, such as a barrel, handguard, gas block, or gas tube. Stripped uppers are often used by builders who want to choose their own components for their AR-15.

Q: What are the benefits of building an AR 15 upper?

There are a few benefits to building an AR 15 upper, including:

• Customization: Building an AR-15 upper allows you to choose the exact components that you want, which can give you a rifle that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
• Cost savings: Building an AR-15 upper can be more cost-effective than buying a complete upper.
• Learning experience: Building an AR-15 upper is a great way to learn more about the inner workings of your rifle.

Q: What are the risks of building an AR 15 upper?

There are a few risks associated with building an AR-15 upper, including:

• Improper assembly: If you do not assemble your AR-15 upper correctly, it could be dangerous and could malfunction.
• Incompatibility: If you choose incompatible components for your AR-15 upper, it could not function properly.
• Damage: If you are not careful, you could damage your AR-15 upper while building it.

Q: What are the best AR 15 uppers for beginners?

For beginners, it is best to choose a complete AR-

building an AR-15 upper is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours with basic tools and some assembly skills. However, it is important to follow all safety precautions and to make sure that the upper is properly assembled before firing it. By following the steps in this guide, you can build an AR-15 upper that is reliable and accurate, and that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

• AR-15 uppers are made up of several different components, including the barrel, bolt carrier group, handguard, and gas system.
• The barrel is the most important component of the upper, and it is responsible for determining the accuracy and range of the rifle.
• The bolt carrier group is responsible for cycling the action of the rifle and firing the round.
• The handguard provides a platform for attaching accessories, such as sights, lights, and lasers.
• The gas system directs the pressure from the fired round to the bolt carrier group, cycling the action.

By understanding the different components of an AR-15 upper, you can build a rifle that is customized to your specific needs and shooting style.