Ep-12: What Parts Do You Need To Build Your AR-15 Lower? Safeties, Pins, Retainers, Mag Catches…?

Published on January 27, 2023
Duration: 10:43

This guide details the installation of essential components within an AR-15 lower parts kit, as demonstrated by an expert firearms instructor. It covers the buffer retainer, magazine catch, safety selector, bolt catch, and pivot/takedown pins, offering practical installation tips and highlighting potential pitfalls. The instruction emphasizes understanding each part's function and proper assembly for optimal firearm performance and reliability.

Quick Summary

Building an AR-15 lower receiver involves installing key components like the buffer retainer, magazine catch, safety selector, bolt catch, and pivot/takedown pins. Expert instruction highlights proper seating of springs and detents, using tools to prevent lost parts, and understanding component compatibility for a reliable firearm build.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro to AR-15 Lower Parts
  2. 00:34Buffer Retainer and Spring Installation
  3. 02:33Mag Catch and Release Installation
  4. 03:58Safety Selector Installation
  5. 06:39Bolt Catch and Release Installation
  6. 08:17Pivot and Takedown Pins Installation
  7. 09:52AR-15 Part Compatibility Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential parts needed to build an AR-15 lower receiver?

Building an AR-15 lower requires a lower parts kit, which typically includes the buffer retainer, spring, magazine catch, safety selector, detent, spring, bolt catch, plunger, spring, roll pin, and pivot and takedown pins with their associated springs and detents.

How do you properly install the safety selector on an AR-15 lower?

To install the safety selector, remove the grip, flip the receiver upside down to prevent losing the detent and spring, then insert the spring into the grip, followed by the detent and the selector itself.

What is the purpose of the bolt catch on an AR-15?

The bolt catch's primary function is to hold the bolt carrier group to the rear after the last round has been fired from the magazine, signaling an empty firearm and facilitating a quicker reload.

Are AR-15 lower parts interchangeable between different models?

Generally, over 80% of AR-15 lower parts are cross-compatible. However, triggers and certain components on some billet lower receivers can be exceptions, and magazine fitment can occasionally be an issue.

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