I assembled my first lower receiver the other day. I won a lower build kit in one of last year’s forum lotteries and purchased a stripped lower a few months ago during the Black Friday sale. I spent several hours on the build, as I didn’t have some of the special tools that would make the job easier. I have included pictures of the finished build, and my tool set. I also had a an Avid Bench Block, which I found to be of limited value. I didn’t use a vise.
I thought that the pivot pin would be the most difficult part to install, since I didn’t have a special tool, but the small putty knife I used to hold the spring and detent pin in place made the job simple. The most difficult job was installation of the roll pins for the bolt catch release and trigger guard. I had a difficult time getting them started. I have some roll pin punches, but I moved at the end of last year, and I haven’t come across them yet. I used a toothpick to hold the bolt catch pin in place, and after some trial and error, I was eventually able to get it started. I used the drill bits (smooth end) as pilot pins for the bolt catch and trigger pins.
I did purchase an armorer’s wrench to help with installation of the castle nut. I will wait until I test fire it before I stake the castle nut. I have an upper with an M-Lok free float rail that I purchased earlier that I will be using it on.
I have another stripped lower and build kit to assemble, but I think I will wait until I find my roll pin punches and buy a roll pin holder before I start the process again.
Oh man its Awesome with some simple hand tools can get you isn’t it? I absolutely LOVE putting together something new, and or replacing things on older firearms. It’s very soothing to me and I get to focus on getting it the way I want it.
Great job! Good starting point to your new addiction. I ended up go back and upgrading a lot of stuff on my first builds. The special tools are more beneficial when taking things apart, like the pivot pin.
I did enjoy the build experience, and I now know how all of the parts fit together and function. I already have too many black (or black and tan) rifles. I purchased complete lowers and uppers previously. My wife now knows what a PSA box looks like, which is not a good thing, They should send them in brown paper wrappers.
However, I still have one stripped lower and a parts kit. I think I will complete my collection with a 300 Blackout when the right upper is on sale.
