If you’re thinking about building your own rifle, an AR15 build kit can represent a great avenue to do so.
But if you’ve never done this before it’s a legitimate question to wonder what the kit comes with, and what it doesn’t come with.
Let this short post help you get started.
The Big One
First things first, there is one part that an AR15 build kit is not going to come with, and that’s the lower receiver.
The reason the lower receiver is not included in most AR15 build kits is because that’s the part that’s actually considered the “gun.”
So, if you intend to build an AR from a kit, you’re going to need to buy the lower receiver separately.
For what it’s worth, purchasing a build kit does not require an FFL transfer or a NICS check, however, purchasing a lower does.
This also means you can buy build kits from non-FFL dealers.
Are There Any Others?
A good build kit will come with everything else you need to assemble a functioning rifle minus the lower receiver, but this is not always the case.
As a general rule, they will come with an assembled upper, but sometimes assembled uppers don’t come with a forward assist, charging handle, ejection port cover or charging handle, so read the details.
Also, sometimes the build kit will come with all of the necessary upper parts, but it will not be assembled.
Otherwise, the build kit should come with all of the hardware you need to assemble a functional rifle.
Occasionally, and for whatever reason, build kits will not come with a magazine, so you will need to purchase that separately.
Otherwise, read the build kit details to see what it comes with.
What Else Do I Need to Complete the Build?
If you’re starting with a receiver blank, also known as an 80% lower, you will need a jig which will serve as a template for completing the machining of the blank.
You will also need a router, drill press, or power drill, plus appropriate bits.
If you build with a completed lower, all you need to do is piece the rifle together. You won’t need to do any machining or milling.
However, you will need some special tools to complete the project. Among these are a set of wrenches, including a torque wrench and armorer’s wrench, as well as a punch set, hex key set, and a hammer.
In addition, it helps to have a good receiver vise to hold the workpiece in place while you’re assembling the rifle, as well as a clean, well lit area.
Another pro tip from those that have worked with small steel components before: a small magnetic tray is a godsend for fasteners, springs and pins, because even if you accidentally knock it over, the parts won’t go flying all over the place.
Here for an AR15 Build Kit?
All in all, what you should take away from this post is this: AR15 build kits usually come with everything you need minus the lower receiver, and you will still need the appropriate tools to complete the build.
However, once you know how to do all that, usually it takes no more than a few hours at most to complete a fully functional, customized rifle.
In the event that you came here looking for AR15 build kits themselves, you can start your search over at MCS Gearup. They sell a wide range of complete build kits as well as an immense selection of parts you can use to make customizations.
