AR Build for Dummies

[just_john]

And remember, whatever you build with, in a few months you'll have those "wish I'd known then what I know now" moments and be glad that everything on an AR is easily changeable. In the realm of tools, an absolute "gotta have" is the upper receiver lapping tool. Have yet to see a forged upper that was square at the barrel mount ( although I still prefer forged to billet ). Engineering / machining principals imply that billet should be square by default, but should be verified anyway.
Please approach this whole process with the greatest of caution. It is highly addictive and somewhat contagious! It slowly envelopes your mind and consumes so much of any available time. And there are no natural immunities ( other than available funding resources ). But if you're determined to catch the bug anyway - enjoy!