AR15 knowledge increased!

[Ceorlmann]

As I've been doing more and more with my Beowulf project I've been learning how to take things apart and put them back together beyond the basic field-stripping of an AR15. Much of what I learned was through trial and error (and losing a couple of the tiny parts and having to replace them) and the rest through some Youtube videos I found.

Without the use of ANY tools specialized for the specific use on an AR15 (I have used only allen screws, screwdrivers, a hammer, and a wrench or two. All the stuff that anyone should find in a hardware store.) I have learned how to do, and have done the following:

Change/replace the pistol grip
Change out a hammer (w. spring)
Change out the stock with another
Change/replace the buffer tube as well as buffer retainer+spring
Change out the takedown pins (with their respective springs and detents)
Change out the Magazine release button, spring, and catch
Change/replace the safety selector lever


There are other things I learned watching the youtube videos, but haven't gotten around to actually doing them just yet (such as doing things with the trigger, disconnector, etc.). My hope and new goal is: before college starts back up I'll have the knowledge on how to build my very own AR starting with just a stripped lower receiver. It's been a good week! ;D

[geron]

A bad habit of mine. Purchase a new (unfamiliar gun) take it down as far as I can and reassemble. Just a crazy quirk of mine I guess. If I lose a dollar or two on a trade in I figure it was a cheap lesson!!! If a special tools needed . . . get it, keep it. You never know!!!

[Ceorlmann]

When taking apart the AR what I look for is how many things can I take apart without using a specialized tool for that particular job. For instance: with an adjustable wrench one should be able to loosen and then remove the buffer tube. I was able to do this with all but one of my ARs. Other instances include using the allen wrenches as punches (I'm sure I'm making some of you folks cringe at the thought) simply because I don't have any actual punches. For that matter I don't have any AR-specific tools (yet).

[woodyz]

Good points. I have the same quirk, more so with a used gun. I want to know how to take it apart and put it back together. Not blindfolded any more. I can still take down an M14, M21, M60, Colt 1911, M16, a Beretta 9mm, Beretta 380, AK47, SKS, Browning Hi-power and a Rugger Mark II, all the way to taking out the firing pin. I like to look at the pins and springs to make sure they are good. If I didn't get a manual I buy one off the internet, I also buy a spare parts kit.

I make sure it is clean and zome times I will take a Demerol tool and round the sq edges and buff the feed ports. I am not an armorer by any means, but being on the pistol team I had one assigned to me and he taught me a lot about springs and polishing.

Just my quirk.

[wtrfwlr]

That's the best way to learn it Bud, just get in there and do it. I got to be pretty good with my Benelli Super Black Eagle but I would usually take it COMPLETELY down after everydays duck hunt. Strip it, solvent wash every piece, re-oil and reassemble for the next days hunt. But then again she and I were being drug through some pretty nasty duck combat every morning too!

[Ceorlmann]

Jul 16, 2012 21:27:17 GMT -7 woodyz said:

If I didn't get a manual I buy one off the internet, I also buy a spare parts kit.

I'm slowly getting into buying spare parts, starting with my ARs as they're readily available right now. I also have a few select parts for my other rifles. My pistols right now are SOL if a spare part was needed , so thanks for reminding me to get some parts for them!