AR Kits - Building a rifle

[Edgemont]

Does anyone have any experience, advice, or supplier links for me about building my own rifle. I have found numerous websites that sell AR kits, including 80% lower receivers as well as kits that include the rest of the rifle.
Ultimately I would like to build both an AR-15 and Ar-10 rifle. But I really want a .308 caliber rifle. I have access to some fancy drilling equipment and such, so building it shouldn't be too much of a challenge... Even though I've never done anything like it before.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[96thTallarn]

I have been please with http://www.del-ton.com they have good prices and good quality. I have a really nice shooter in 5.56mm made with a kit from them. I would suggest that you spend the money and get the crome lined barrel. For a finished receiver I would look at Stag. I used one for the above build and have been pleased. If you want to roll your own I would try http://www.tacticalmachining.com . They have 7.62 and 5.56 80% receivers and the jigs to complete them. If I can do it, anyone can. If I can make any more suggestions let me know. Good luck.

[1Admin]

Obviously you want to check all applicable laws in regards to building one.

IMO, a LOT can go wrong on an AR, it might be better to consider buying a new rifle with a warranty. At least you'd have some recourse then if you had problems.

A lot of people 'chase dollars' on these build your own deals.

[GAGLOCK]

I've done a couple builds from Delton (DTI) Their rifle kits come with a complete upper, bolt, stock, and lower parts kit. Add a stripped lower and you are done. Can be built under $600 + shipping.

[Klayton]

Ultimately I would like to build both an AR-15 and Ar-10 rifle. But I really want a .308 caliber rifle.

post deleted, bad intel from website: http://www.303british.com/id36.html

[Spock]

might want to re check yer data

http://www.thegunzone.com/30cal.html

.308 is higher in pressure than 7.62 nato

[Klayton]

Sorry about that, after doing a more thorough search, this website has bad intel:
http://www.303british.com/id36.html

Also found this which also contradicts that bad website: "Although not identical, the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge is similar enough to the commercial .308 Winchester that the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) considers it safe to fire the NATO round in weapons chambered for the commercial round, but is silent on the opposite usage."

Thanks for catching that Sgl21-61... =)

[Klayton]

Here are two links to my .338 Federal I picked over a .308

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...1t:429,r:0,s:0

and the manufacturer link: http://www.tikka.fi/t3models.php?litess

[Edgemont]

Thanks everybody for the replies. The reason for anyone (myself) for building your own AR platform, seems to me to worth the risk of something going wrong... PRIVACY. Plus, a very personalized rifle is nice.
I've done a little bit of research on the pressure for the "different" calibers, and my conclusion is that Sgl21-61 is right... According to my research at least. One question that I have is, can you slap a piston driven bolt carrier group in a build from one of the 80% receiver makers, like Del-ton? I want to run a chromed bolt carrier and barrel setup like the Rugar 556. I would consider buying one privately, but as yet that has been hard to find. Even though the Rugar is a little on the heavy side, I still think that it is the way to go (in terms of Chromed bolt & barrel).

So does anyone know if a piston setup would work in one of the unfinished kits that Del-ton or AR15-kits.com offer? And do any of the AR kit sites offer the Piston option? So far I haven't been able to find this information

Thanks so much for the advice everyone!

[Spock]

ya I own an m1a and spingfrield says not to run comercial .308 in it due to higher pressures.