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Build and maintain your AR-15.
Sportsman's Guide has everything you need to customize your AR-15 or build an AR-15 from scratch. From Complete Uppers and Lowers to Barrels, Muzzle Brakes, Compensators, Flash Suppressors, Triggers, Handguards, Sights and Stocks, we have high-quality components from the biggest brands in the industry. Whether you're a new shooter or a veteran builder, you'll find what you need to take your AR to the next level.
Lock and load.
Building an AR-15 rifle upper receiver involves several key parts.
Selecting the right barrel is crucial. AR-15 barrels come in various lengths and profiles to suit different needs, such as accuracy or maneuverability. They are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or chrome-moly steel, ensuring durability and longevity.
AR-15 Bolt Carrier / Charge Handle
Two important components are the bolt carrier and charging handle. The bolt carrier group (BCG) consists of the bolt, carrier, gas key, and firing pin, serving as the heart of the firearm's action. It is responsible for chambering rounds, extracting spent casings, and cycling the weapon. The charging handle, located on the upper receiver, allows for the manual manipulation of the bolt carrier, facilitating actions such as chambering a round or clearing malfunctions.
The gas system plays a vital role in the firearm's operation. The gas block, typically located at the front of the barrel, regulates the flow of gas from the barrel to the gas tube. The gas tube serves as a conduit, directing the gas towards the bolt carrier group, where it cycles the action by unlocking the bolt, extracting and ejecting spent casings, and chambering new rounds.
The hand guard is an essential component that serves multiple purposes. The hand guard provides a protective covering for the barrel, shielding it from external elements and preventing contact with the shooter's hand. It also offers a platform for attaching accessories such as picatinny rails, foregrips, or sling mounts, allowing for customization and accessory integration.
The AR-15 lower receiver is a key component when building an AR-15 rifle. It is the serialized part of the firearm and houses the trigger assembly, magazine well, and pistol grip.
The trigger assembly is a critical component in the AR-15 rifle, responsible for initiating the firing sequence. It consists of several parts, including the trigger, hammer, disconnector, and trigger springs.
The grip and stock are important components that contribute to the ergonomics and stability of the rifle. The grip is typically made of polymer or rubber and is designed to provide a comfortable and secure hold for the shooter. It often features texturing and contours for enhanced control and grip.
The buffer system consists of several components that play a crucial role in managing the recoil and cycling of the firearm. The buffer tube, also known as the receiver extension, provides a housing for the buffer and recoil spring. The buffer, typically made of steel or tungsten, absorbs and dampens the recoil forces generated during firing, while the recoil spring ensures the bolt carrier group returns to its proper position for the next round to be chambered. Together, these parts contribute to the smooth operation and reliability of the AR-15 rifle.
