Reddit reviews Grip 9 pc Roll Pin Punch Set Gunsmithing

That's like $60 in tools.

• $20 wrench
  
• $10 handguard tool (which really isn't needed at all)
  
• $20 vice block
  
• $13 roll pin set

Best place to start:

Buy this (which has all the parts you need except a stripped lower)

Buy a stripped lower

Buy a wrench

Buy some pin punches

You're all set for $600 out the door.

I bought one of these a while ago from an Amazon vendor. It's heavy as fuck, but does the job.

EDIT: Don't know if you need other tools, but this seems like a pretty good deal too, since it also includes vise blocks and a front sight tool for not much more.

EDIT #2: You'll also want a roll pin punch set if you don't already have one. A roll pin starter set and a rubber/plastic mallet are nice to have but not absolutely needed.

Even better thing to build coils on: roll pin punches

Personally, I like mid length gas system, but for the money
This has a carbine gas system and would be a better bang for your buck. All you'd need is a lower, Anderson would be just fine. Hopefully where you live you could still pick one up for around $50.

Buy this armorers wrench

Buy this roll pin set.

This is completely optional but if you've never built one before it will save your ass.

Man I just finished this post and it's kind of long, oh well, that's what I get for staying up all night getting hopped up on diet soda like a rebel.

Start with buying a stripped lower, don't get hung up on brand names, there are only a handful of lower manufactures out there (I believe less than 10, maybe less than 5). Most companies have someone else make their lowers and stick their roll mark (the design on the side of the lower) on it then sell it at a 50% markup. This is the only part of the entire firearm that can not be shipped to your doorstep unless you have an FFL.

Next, since you don't want anything flashy, I would suggest the Palmetto State Armory Classic Lower Build Kit and bam, your lower is all done.

For your upper, I think I would stick to more reputable brands since there seem to be more manufacturers due to the lack of the involvement of headaches with the ATF, grab one with a lot of high reviews and then buy a PSA AR15 Upper Build Kit. For a barrel just go with whatever suits your taste, my preference is definitely 16" with a mid length gas system, it's a dream to shoot. I would recommend getting one with a front sight post already pinned on, if you decide you don't want it (like if you would want to install a free float hand guard), it's very easily replaced but if you get one without and decide you want it later it's probably the most involved/complicated thing you can even do with an ar-15. If you get a barrel with a pinned on front sight/gas block then grab the appropriate length hand guard for $20-$40 and then you need a muzzle device and a crush washer which should be about $8-$10. Buy some charging handle, everyone I know owns a Bravo Company gunfighter charging handle and loves it but I have heard a lot of good things about the Ranier Raptor charging handle as well.

Now, for a bolt carrier group, you do not want to assemble this at your kitchen table, at least not the carrier. The gas key staking is probably the most important part of the entire firearm in terms of reliability, I can't stress this enough, buy your bolt carrier from a reputable company, if you can get a Bravo Company bolt carrier group DO IT and don't look back. Once you get it, don't ever remove the gas key either, I wish I could find the video but I can't, it was of some youtube clowns running around with ar-15's and one of their rifles kept malfunctioning, he same something dumb like "I even removed the gas key and cleaned it out, I don't understand why it isn't cycling" later in the video he took out his bolt carrier and it was rattling like a paint can.

Also, factor tools in to your budget, probably around $50-100 depending on what you already have and how easily you want your build to go. The only thing you absolutely will need is an armorers wrench, everything else can be cheesed or is more for convenience. A torque wrench really should be used for the castle and barrel nuts, a center punch for staking the castle nut is actually cheaper than a tube of loctite, a small table clamp vice like this one should be sufficient if you don't have one already and a set of vice blocks will make your life easier when you torque stuff down, a set of roll pin punches and a non-marring hammer will keep everything nice and pretty but are not required if you take your time and go slow.

I got this set on Amazon about a year ago. Has been really solid for me. No issues. By GRIP company.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L7HOMG

> http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003L7HOMG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421281670&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Thanks for the link, I ordered them, might as well. Thanks!

I say you'll probably need them.

Look here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003L7HOMG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421281670&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

https://smile.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-Pin-Punch-Pieces/dp/B003L7HOMG

I don't get why the other guy delete his post. I basically lost my shopping list. So I guess I'll ask you, any torque wrench I need? Also would roll pin set like https://www.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-Pin-Punch-Gunsmithing/dp/B003L7HOMG those be all I need?

Edit: Those roll pins seem bad quality. Could you direct me to some better ones?

I used something like this for the hammer - plastic end worked great. You can get something like this if you prefer metal.

These are the punches I used, they're great. Definitely recommend something like these.

Then prebuilt might be best unless you know someone or you have a gunsmith that doesn’t charge something crazy.

At any rate, even with your budget you could just invest in the tools if you plan any future builds.

If piecing something out, most manufacturers include a barrel nut wrench which can be adapted to a 3/8 drive ratchet or breaker bar.

So you would just be in need of a vise and block. I got mine at harbor freight. Was 24$ something after a coupon. And I scooped a sweet vise pin block for 20$ at a gun show. I’ve built well over 30 guns on it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NO-M-A-R-Universal-Upper-Vise-Block-USA-Armorers-Gunsmith-bench-block-tool/123866382627?epid=1417692853&hash=item1cd7030123:g:2SYAAOSwT6pV3SD5

Pin vise I use is similar to this. Mine works on both ar15 and Ar10.

Vise from harbor freight
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-swivel-vise-with-anvil-61329.html


Amazon has a set of punches which will cover all bases for $10.
https://www.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-Pin-Punch-Gunsmithing/dp/B003L7HOMG/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=roll+punch+set&qid=1565363401&s=gateway&sprefix=roll+pun&sr=8-9

I use this one. Has yet to fail me.

Only other thing you’d need is a castle nut wrench. NC Star makes one for about 10$. Works great. Available at academy or on eBay

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/tapco-intrafuse®-ar-stock-wrench