I get a lot of calls from customers asking two questions:
1. Where can I find a list of parts I need?
2. How much will it cost me?
The questions seem simple enough but there's really not a
quick answer to either question. Of course there are schematics of AR type
rifles floating around but I have found if you're asking either question 1 or 2
you probably really haven't decided on exactly what you want. I really can't
provide you with a list of parts until you know which style rifle you want. I
usually tell local customers to look around on the Internet and bring me a
photo of what he or she would like their rifle to look like. Then we can
talk about what they expect to get out of it. These two factors along with your
budget will determine the parts you need to order. As far as what it will cost
you, well there are those who build in an attempt to pinch pennies and there
are those who want to know what’s going into their rifle. As with any DIY
project you will find that picking parts for your rifle can easily get away
from you and you will quickly spend more than you intended to. The real
question is, is this a bad thing? The AR platform is probably more universal
than any weapon out there, which is great because there are a lot of
manufacturers who specialize in their own line of parts, some better than
others. I personally like having the flexibility of purchasing parts from
multiple companies, others may prefer getting everything from one brand.
Regardless of your reason to build or your preferred method you should take the
time to look around and get the parts that best fit your expectations. At Bayou
Gun Runner we do our very best to offer quality parts at a great price but we
just can't always be the cheapest out there nor can we afford to stock
everything there is. We strive to stock the items the majority of our
customers prefer and items that have proven to be effective and dependable. If
I can't trust it in my rifle then I won't sell it. Of course we offer different
levels of "quality" in order to stay competitive and attempt to
provide parts for every budget. Just because we do not stock it doesn't mean we
can't get it, always feel free to ask or let us know how we can better assist
you. Below I will list a quick break down of the basic parts and tools you will
need for your build. Most of the items are linked to products we stock for an easy reference and to add to your cart if you're ready to buy. Just click on the name and if its a hyperlink it will take to the category or specific part. Hit your back arrow to return to the blog when done. Remember you will need to modify this list for your
purposes. Thank you and be safe.
AR W/ DROP IN HAND
GUARDS OR RAIL SYSTEM
UPPER RECEIVER
Upper Receiver w/ Dust Cover and Forward Assist
(BCG)
(Railed block if
you need to mount a front site)
(Most gas blocks come with the roll pin to
mount the gas tube)
Drop In Hand Guard or Drop In Rail Set
(Mil spec nut for
drop in systems)
(Should include three parts: Snap ring, Delta ring, and Weldon spring. Some kits may also include the barrel nut)
The barrels gas
system length and barrel diameter will determine:
a.
What length gas tube
b.
What length hand guards or rail system
c.
What diameter gas block
UPPER RECEIVER W/
FREE FLOAT RAIL OR HAND GUARD
Upper Receiver w/ Dust Cover and Forward Assist
(BCG)
Gas Tube and Low Pro Gas Block
(The block will fit
under the free float rail or tube)
(Your gas system
will determine the required rail or hand guard length; you will want the rail
to cover the gas block. Remember you can go longer if desired)
(Most free float
rails come with their own proprietary nut for mounting. Some will mount to the existing
mil spec barrel nut)
The barrels gas
system length and barrel diameter will determine:
a.
What length gas tube
b.
What length hand guards or rail system
c.
What diameter gas block
LOWER RECEIVER
Lower Receiver parts Kit w/ Fire Control Group
(LPK, this kit will
usually include a classic grip and trigger guard)
Bench Mounted Vise
(I recommend the
clam shell type block as this style will provide greater support when torqueing
your barrel and upper)
Some people use a block of wood, these just make it easy
You can't go wrong with this set, its what I use everyday!
We have other options in stock also
(Used on the castle
nut for the buffer assembly. Some armorer wrenches have device for this purpose)
Torque Wrench
(You may be able to get away without using a torque wrench but it is not recommended and its too easy to do it the right way)
Good steel punches are the key for multiple builds. You will find that even good ones will still bend or break. (Roll pin holders are good to have to get your pins started before finishing off with a punch. See ours listed below.)
(use these after your roll pin is almost all the way in. Finishing with a brass punch will ensure that you do not scratch your finish)
These are not required to get the job done but they make it easier.
A must have for multiple builds
Set of Head Space Gages
Blue Painters Tape
(Use the tape when installing the bolt catch to keep from marring your finish. A flat punch is preferred as it is a tight spot. Some have used a pair of pliers to squeeze the roll pin)
Approved Grease
(Always use some form of grease!)
Most of these tools can be found on our site or you can team
up with a buddy who already has them and save some money. Enjoy your build!