Building your own AR-15 allows you to customize your firearm to your exact specifications. Plus, you can put on whatever rail, rail covers, and sights that you like, and you can add in a custom paint job to your liking. If you like to work with your hands, building your own AR-15 is for you. But what tools do you need to build a custom AR-15?
RailScales offers the best foregrips and angled foregrips for your AR-15 on the market today. Made of G10, which is a lightweight composite material. Our MLOK and KeyMod vertical grips are engineered to be long-lasting, to tame the heat from firing, and to provide a secure grip every time you fire. Below, we'll go over some of the essential tools you will need to build your own AR-15. Shop our rail covers, hand stops, and 1911 grips online today!
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO BUILD YOUR OWN AR-15
Building an AR15 requires several tools. First, you'll need a cleaning kit to ensure your rifle is properly maintained. Second, you will need an armorer's wrench and a vice block to help with the assembly of the lower receiver. Third, you will need a punch set and a set of Allen wrenches to properly install the upper and lower receivers, barrel, and other small parts. Fourth, you will need a trigger guard installation tool to properly install the trigger guard. Finally, you will need a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening of all screws and bolts. With all these tools in hand, you will be able to assemble an AR15 from scratch and enjoy shooting it for years to come. Learn more about these tools and more below.
Workspace or Work Bench
It's best to have a dedicated space to work on your custom AR-15. This will give you plenty of room to spread out, as well as the ability to leave off when you are finished for the day. Many people make the mistake of using a space that doubles as something else, such as their home office, kitchen table, or a garage workbench. First, you can scuff up these items with your tools. Plus, you will most likely have to constantly put your work materials up and get them out constantly. This not only adds to the time it will take you to put together your AR-15, but it will quickly become a pain as well.
Bench Vise and Vise Blocks for Upper and Lower Receiver
This is one tool you will absolutely need if you are building an AR-15. A vise, in effect, gives you another way to hold the AR-15 parts you are working on, especially the small ones that are hard to hold with your hands. You will need a vise to put together your AR block kit, Geisselle rod, or upper clamp block. It is useful to hold your upper and lower receiver securely while you work on it, and a vise can be used to torque down your barrel nuts. Plus, vises ensure that your upper and lower receivers aren't damaged by an accidental slip. Look for one with a jaw size of at least four inches.
AR-15 Torque Wrench
When building your custom AR-15, a torque wrench is a must have so that you avoid over tightening bolts, which could cause damage to your firearm. You'll need to use a torque wrench to line the barrel nut up with the gas tube hole in the receiver, as well as to get the right torque specifications. It's important to get these components right as they are critical for safety when you are firing your AR-15. Many torque wrenches feature easy-to-read scales that make calibrating your torque a breeze, as well as clicks that help you to know when to stop and when to keep going.
AR-15 Punch Set
Many component parts of your AR-15 are admittedly small. By investing in a punch set that is specifically made for AR-15s, you'll ensure that you don't risk a misalignment or damage to the finish of your AR. AR-15s have a lot of roll pins that need to be installed. These pins can bend if you're not careful. Roll pin punches help you center the roll pin with their balled tips. It also helps prevent any pins from being in the wrong spot. These instruments are precise and work wonders for your AR-15 build. RailScales recommends that you invest in a high-quality punch set with tools made from steel for longevity and durability.
Choose Your AR-15 Accessories
While AR-15 accessories don't play a part in the actual build of your AR, having them on-hand or at least knowing which ones you want to invest in helps you when planning your AR-15 build. Furthermore, you can then invest in other AR-15 tools that will allow you to install your AR15 accessories easily as well. From iron sights, such as our DBAL Lasers, to our G10 RailScales® in MLOK, RailScales offer many AR 15 accessories for your custom build. The parts above, as well as other handy tools, such as a hammer, an Allen wrench set, and a screwdriver set, can all help make your AR-15 build fast and painless.
CHOOSE RAILSCALES FOR THE BEST AR-15 FOREGRIPS TODAY
One of the best parts of building your own AR-15 is accessorizing it. RailScales has invested in bringing you the best AR foregrips, MLOK rail converse and sling mounts, handstops, iron sights, and more. We began with the mission to create a better rail cover that offered better heat resistance than what was on the market at the time. Our RailScales were born, created out of G10 fiberglass laminate materials that offered a better attachment method, better protection, and a better grip.
We now make our signature RailScales for MLOK and KeyMod, and we offer our Karve handstops and QDX sling mounts. We offer the DBAL and PEQ iron sights, as well as the Ampule RDS tool. We understand that you want the AR-15 that you build to last, which is why we only use the highest-quality materials on the market today.
If you are looking for the best AR-15 accessories, shop RailScales today!
The phrase "practice makes perfect" resonates in various aspects of life, and it holds true in the realm of firearm ownership. Regular shooting practice, whether at the range or through home-based drills, is not merely a recommendation but a necessity. Alongside this commitment to practice, integrating RailScales products into your routine can elevate your firearm practice, enhancing safety, accuracy, and overall proficiency.
The Necessity of Regular Firearm Practice
Firearm practice encompasses intentional and purposeful efforts to refine skills. It goes beyond casual shooting, emphasizing activities such as attending shooting courses, engaging in dry firing drills, and deliberate training sessions. These intentional practices form the foundation for a skilled marksman.
Importance of Safety Through Muscle Memory
The paramount reason for regular practice is safety. Fostering familiarity and comfort with each firearm contributes to safer handling. Shooting regularly, with attention to grip, stance, and shot placement, aids in creating muscle memory. This muscle memory enables a swift transition from a relaxed state to a ready shooting stance, reducing the likelihood of fumbling or instability.
Improving Accuracy & Precision
Regular shooting practice, coupled with RailScales products, enhances both accuracy and precision. RailScales' handguard enhancements, including the "LDAG," "Karve," and G10 RailScales, contribute to a secure grip and better control. The LDAG, a multi-angle vertical grip, offers a sleek indexing point for a secure grip and precise shot placement. The Karve, an ergonomic handstop, provides stability for improved shooting precision. G10 RailScales, crafted from durable material, ensures superior grip and heat protection.
Adapting to New Parts with RailScales
The modularity of the AR-15 allows for easy component exchange, and RailScales AR accessories seamlessly integrate into this adaptability. Whether upgrading to a new carrier group or experimenting with a different hand stop, shooting practice with RailScales accessories provides insights into the impact of these changes. The AR-15 owner can explore various enhancements, such as the "Anchor," "LDAG," "Karve," G10 RailScales, HTP RailScales, RSBM-P, and the innovative HTP XOS introduced in Fall 2023.
RailScales Products for Enhanced Grip and Control
- The Anchor: Your Steady Companion The Anchor, a multi-angled vertical grip, enhances grip and control. It provides a natural indexing point, ensuring a consistent grip for smooth transitions from a relaxed state to a shooting stance.
- LDAG: Multi-angle Grip for Versatility The LDAG offers versatility with its multi-angle design, providing a high-texture indexing point for a secure grip and precise shot placement. This accessory minimizes the risk of losing grip or shot control during high-pressure situations.
- Karve: Lightweight Handstop for Control The Karve, an ergonomic and lightweight handstop, stabilizes the rifle and maintains a secure grip, even during rapid fire. It instills confidence for shooters aiming to push their limits and improve shooting precision.
- G10 RailScales: Durable and Textured Grip Panels Crafted from durable G-10 material, RailScales' G10 panels offer superior grip and heat protection. These textured grip panels enhance control and comfort during shooting.
- HTP RailScales: Superior Grip and Heat Protection HTP RailScales, designed for superior grip and heat resistance, provide a textured surface for improved grip and comfort during shooting. These scales ensure control over the firearm, even during rapid fire.
- RSBM-P: Versatile Polymer Vertical Grip The RSBM-P is a versatile polymer vertical grip that enhances control and stability. Its economical cost makes it an ideal choice for shooters focused on practice without distractions.
- HTP XOS: New for Fall 2023 The HTP XOS, introduced in Fall 2023, presents a High Temp Polymer (HTP) injection-molded version of RailScales' G10 machined XOS. With a 3-sided design, the HTP XOS offers more grip surface while tightly wrapping the rail, providing seamless grip for unparalleled handling and heat protection.
Adjusting to New Parts
The ease of exchanging or replacing components in the AR-15 may lead to the adoption of new parts or accessories. Regular shooting practice with RailScales products facilitates familiarity with these changes, ensuring that shooters can adapt seamlessly.
Elevate Your Practice with RailScales
In the realm of firearm ownership, practice isn't merely a path to perfection; it's the foundation of safety and success. Regular, purposeful practice, combined with the right accessories like RailScales products, can transform you from a gun owner to a skilled marksman. Safety, accuracy, and precision are all within your grasp, thanks to the dedication to practice and the quality of RailScales products.
The Comprehensive RailScales Lineup
RailScales offers a comprehensive lineup of handguard accessories designed to elevate your practice. From the multi-angled "Anchor" to the innovative "HTP XOS," their products are engineered to meet the demands of serious shooters.
Don't settle for mediocrity in your shooting practice. Visit RailScales online today to explore their catalog of enhancements. Elevate your practice, elevate your skills, and elevate your entire shooting experience with RailScales.
AR Tools FAQs
- Why is a torque wrench necessary for building an AR-15?
- A torque wrench ensures that bolts are tightened to the correct specifications, preventing damage to your firearm.
- Are RailScales accessories compatible with both MLOK and KeyMod rail systems?
- Yes, RailScales accessories are designed to fit both MLOK and KeyMod rail systems, offering versatility to AR-15 builders.
- Do I need a dedicated workspace for building my AR-15?
- Yes, having a dedicated and organized workspace is essential for efficiency and preventing damage to your tools and parts.
- What makes G-10 a preferred material for RailScales products?
- G-10 is a lightweight composite material known for its durability and heat resistance, making it an ideal choice for firearm accessories.
- Can RailScales products be used with other firearm models besides the AR-15?
- RailScales products are primarily designed for the AR-15 platform, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance. However, as long as the firearm has the appropriate MLOK or KeyMod attachment interface, RailScales products should fit without issue.