How to Build an AR-15 Upper Receiver Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA

Published on June 26, 2013
Duration: 28:56

Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA provides an expert-level, step-by-step guide on building an AR-15 upper receiver. The video details the installation of critical components like the ejection port cover, forward assist, A2 rear sight, and barrel assembly, emphasizing precise torque values and essential safety checks such as headspace verification. This comprehensive tutorial is invaluable for gunsmiths and DIY enthusiasts looking to assemble their own AR-15 upper receiver with professional results.

Quick Summary

Building an AR-15 upper receiver requires specific tools like torque wrenches, headspace gauges, and sight installation tools. Critical safety steps include verifying headspace with 'Go' and 'No-Go' gauges and properly staking the bolt carrier key. Precise torque values, such as 30-80 ft-lbs for the barrel nut, are essential for a reliable and safe firearm assembly.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Tools Required
  2. 01:37Ejection Port Cover Installation
  3. 02:58Forward Assist Installation
  4. 04:26Rear Sight Assembly
  5. 11:49Checking Headspace
  6. 13:12Bolt Assembly
  7. 15:55Bolt Carrier Key Installation
  8. 17:16Final Bolt Carrier Group Assembly
  9. 19:37Delta Ring and Barrel Preparation
  10. 20:55Barrel Installation
  11. 22:19Front Sight and Compensator

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential tools for building an AR-15 upper receiver?

Essential tools include needle-nose pliers, various hammers, punches, a center punch, grease, oil, a torque driver (like the Wheeler FAT wrench), action block, torque wrench, snap ring pliers, gas tube alignment gauge, headspace gauges, and sight installation tools.

How do you ensure the safety of an AR-15 build during assembly?

A critical safety check is verifying headspace using 'Go' and 'No-Go' gauges with a stripped bolt. The bolt must close on the 'Go' gauge but not on the 'No-Go' gauge to prevent dangerous malfunctions.

What is the correct torque specification for the AR-15 barrel nut?

The AR-15 barrel nut should be torqued between 30 to 80 foot-pounds. A common procedure involves hand-tightening, then torquing to 30 ft-lbs, loosening, and re-torquing to the final specification until the gas tube hole aligns.

Why is staking the bolt carrier key important?

Staking the bolt carrier key involves displacing metal from the carrier into the screw heads, physically locking them in place. This is crucial because Loctite alone is insufficient for the high heat and pressure experienced by this component.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from MidwayUSA

View all →