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Gunsmithing the AR-15: Vol. 1 - Building the Performance AR

Clay Powell

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Published in Gunsmithing The AR 15 Vol 4: Building The Performance AR

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The AR-15 is a popular rifle among gun enthusiasts for its versatility, accuracy, and reliability. It is a popular choice for both home defense and target shooting. However, many AR-15 owners are not satisfied with the factory-standard rifle and choose to customize it to meet their specific needs. This can be done by replacing individual components, such as the barrel, trigger, and stock, or by building the rifle from scratch.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to building a performance AR-15. We will cover everything from choosing the right components to assembling the rifle. We will also provide tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your new rifle.

The first step in building a performance AR-15 is choosing the right components. This can be a daunting task, as there are a wide variety of options available. However, by ng your research and understanding your own needs, you can choose the components that will best suit your rifle.

Gunsmithing the AR-15, Vol. 4: Building the Performance AR

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Here are some of the key components to consider when building an AR-15:

Barrel: The barrel is one of the most important components of an AR-15. It is responsible for accuracy and velocity. When choosing a barrel, you need to consider the following factors:
- Length: The length of the barrel will affect the velocity and accuracy of the rifle. A longer barrel will generally produce higher velocity and accuracy, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to handle.
- Twist rate: The twist rate of the barrel refers to how often the rifling makes a complete turn. A faster twist rate will stabilize heavier bullets, while a slower twist rate will stabilize lighter bullets.
- Material: Barrels are typically made from steel or stainless steel. Steel barrels are less expensive, but they are also more prone to rust. Stainless steel barrels are more expensive, but they are also more durable and resistant to rust.
Upper receiver: The upper receiver is the part of the rifle that houses the bolt carrier group and the barrel. When choosing an upper receiver, you need to consider the following factors:
- Material: Upper receivers are typically made from aluminum or polymer. Aluminum receivers are lighter and more durable, but they are also more expensive. Polymer receivers are less expensive, but they are also not as durable as aluminum receivers.
- Finish: Upper receivers are available in a variety of finishes, such as anodized, blued, and parkerized. The finish you choose will affect the appearance of the rifle and its resistance to corrosion.
Lower receiver: The lower receiver is the part of the rifle that houses the trigger, magazine release, and safety selector. When choosing a lower receiver, you need to consider the following factors:
- Material: Lower receivers are typically made from aluminum or polymer. Aluminum receivers are lighter and more durable, but they are also more expensive. Polymer receivers are less expensive, but they are also not as durable as aluminum receivers.
- Finish: Lower receivers are available in a variety of finishes, such as anodized, blued, and parkerized. The finish you choose will affect the appearance of the rifle and its resistance to corrosion.
Trigger: The trigger is one of the most important components of an AR-15. It is responsible for the feel and accuracy of the rifle. When choosing a trigger, you need to consider the following factors:
- Type: There are two main types of triggers: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage triggers have a single, defined pull weight. Two-stage triggers have a two-step pull, with a light first stage and a heavier second stage.
- Weight: The weight of the trigger pull is measured in pounds. A lighter trigger pull will make the rifle easier to shoot accurately, but it can also be more dangerous.
Stock: The stock is the part of the rifle that you hold onto when you shoot it. When choosing a stock, you need to consider the following factors:
- Length: The length of the stock will affect the overall length of the rifle. It is important to choose a stock