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AR-15 Complete Build Kits | Cheaper Than Dirt
TacFire AR-15 Complete Rifle Build Kit .223 Wylde 18" Stainless Steel Barrel Lower Parts Kit Matte Black Finish
TacFire AR-15 Complete Rifle Build Kit .223 Wylde 18" Stainless Steel Barrel Lower Parts Kit Matte Black Finish
TacFire AR-15 Complete Rifle Build Kit .223 Wylde 18" Stainless Steel Barrel Lower Parts Kit Matte Black Finish
The Del-Ton 16" Light Weight Rifle Kit comes with everything needed to complete a stripped lower receiver. Includes fully assembled, headspaced and test fired upper receiver, lower parts kit and buttstock. Rifle kit does not include stripped lower receiver or magazines.
Features and Specifications:
Manufacturer Number:RKT103
Barrel:
Chrome Moly Vanadium
M4 Feed Ramps
16" Length
1x9 Twist
A2 Flash
Hider
Manganese Phosphated
Phosphated under Front Sight Base
Taper Pins in F-marked Front Sight Base
Threaded Muzzle
Light Weight Barrel
Chamber:
5.56 X 45 mm
Bolt And Carrier:
Phosphated 8620 Steel Carrier Assembly
Carpenter 158 Bolt HPT/MPI Tested
Heat Treated and Plated
Mil-Spec
Chrome Lined Carrier Interior
Carrier Key - Chrome Lined, attached with Grade 8 Screws
Properly Staked & Sealed Gas Key
Handguards:
Carbine
Length
Aluminum Delta Ring
Single Heat Shield
Upper Receiver:
Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum
A3 Flat Top with M4 Feed Ramps
Hard Coat Anodized
Mil-Spec
Ejection Port Cover and Round Forward Assist
Right Hand Ejection
Bore's surface is coated with dry film lube, over the anodized surface
Buttstock:
M4 Five Position
Reinforced Fiber
Mil-Spec Sized Tube
Note: Warning: Always have a competent gunsmith assemble your rifle kit and headspace your barrel before first use. Using a rifle put together incorrectly or assembled using incorrect or modified parts can result in a damaged rifle, personal injury, death, or damage to property.
Note: This product is not returnable. Contact the manufacturer for warranty and assistance.
This Kit and a Lower Is All You Need for Your Next AR
TacFire has a complete rifle build kit in .45 ACP for your next AR. Just add a lower and you have all the parts you need to build your rifle. With a few tools and your spare time you can have an AR you built, not one from a production line. So trust TacFire to get your build started off on the right foot.
TacFire AR-15 Complete Rifle Build Kit Specifications and Features:
- Manufacture Number SS-RK45ACP-LPK
- 16" .45 ACP Barrel USA Made
- .45 ACP Bolt Carrier Group USA Made
- Mil-Spec Upper Receiver USA Made
- 5/8x24" Flash Hider USA Made
- MLOK Free Float Hand Guard 15"
- Complete Lower Parts Kit USA Made
- End Plate
- Castle Nut
- Mil-Spec Buffer Tube
- Buffer Tube Spring
- 6 Position Mil Spec M4 Style Stock
- Heavy Buffer 4.9 oz
- Mil-Spec Charging Handle
- Dust Cover
- Forward Assist
This is a complete list of everything you need to build an AR-15 rifle. Underneath each component is a suggestion of products the Cheaper Than Dirt! experts use or have used in the past on various builds for DIY ARs.
Of course, our recommendations are not exhaustive. There are so many different ways to configure an AR-15, from mass-produced cheap polymer lowers to mom-and-pop shops machining custom competition, match-grade parts.
Each AR-15 build is going to vary, depending on your reason for building the rifle. Be it a 9mm carbine, destroyer of pigs, long-range precision or simply just a fun firearm, this guide will lead you in the right direction.
The 27 Parts Needed for DIY ARs
Here’s an infographic that quickly shows the parts needed to build an AR. Read more details about each component below (or click here to skip the infographic).
1. Stripped lower receiver
The
stripped lower receiver is the serial numbered part of the firearm. Buying the lower receiver works the exact same way as buying a completed firearm. AR-15 stripped lower receivers must ship to an FFL dealer. You
will have to pass the federal background check before taking possession of a stripped lower.
- CMMG stripped lowers
- Anderson Manufacturing MIL-SPEC stripped lower
- Del-Ton lower receivers
- Spike’s Tactical lower receivers
- Sharps Bros. lowers
2. Lower parts kit
To assemble the AR-15 stripped lower, you will need 31 different parts, including the trigger, bolt catch, springs, pivot and takedown down pins, selector switch and hammer. The most convenient way to get all of these parts is by purchasing a full AR-15 lower parts kit.
The kits include all 31 items, including a pistol grip and trigger. However, some items you will probably want to discard from the pre-packaged kit and purchase as separate upgrades.
- CMMG complete lower parts kits
- DoubleStar complete lower parts kits
- Strike Industries lower parts kits
Here’s an example of installing the pivot pin:
3. Pistol grip
Located behind the trigger guard and at the back of the rifle is the pistol grip. You grasp this with one hand to aid in shooting the rifle. A basic pistol grip is usually included in the lower parts kit, but many find aftermarket grips fit their hand better.
- Magpul Pistol Grips
- Advanced Technology AR-15 pistol grips
- Hogue OverMolded Rubber pistol grip
Here’s a video example of installing the trigger guard:
4. Fire control group (trigger)
The fire control group consists of:
- Hammer and hammer spring
- Trigger and trigger spring
- Disconnector and disconnector spring
- Two fire control pins
You may use a fully contained trigger unit or individual parts. Fire control group parts are included in the basic lower parts kits. Our experts like to replace the standard trigger group with a match-quality trigger.
- CMC drop-in single stage trigger
- BCM Gunfighter Trigger
- Geissele Automatics two-stage trigger
Here’s an example of installing the fire control group:
5. Selector
The selector is the safety switch and is included in a basic lower parts kit. Left-handed and ambidextrous selectors are available for DIY ARs.
- CMMG ambidextrous safety selector
Here’s an example of installing the selector and pistol grip:
6. Bolt catch
The bolt catch stops the bolt from traveling forward when the magazine is empty. The standard lower parts kit includes a basic bolt catch.
- Magpul B.A.D. Lever (Battery Assist Device)
- Seekins Precision Enhanced Bolt Catch
Here’s a video example of installing the bolt catch:
7. Magazine release
The magazine release drops the magazine out of the firearm. The standard lower parts kit includes a magazine release.
- Seekins Precision magazine release button
- Troy Industries ambidextrous magazine release
8. Bolt carrier group
The bolt carrier group holds and moves the bolt. It also resets the hammer. The bolt carrier group includes the bolt carrier, complete bolt, firing pin, carrier pin and gas key.
The gas key feeds gas from the gas tube into the carrier and bolt. The bolt carrier group holds the majority of the gas pressure when the AR-15 is fired. It is what makes the AR-15 function and an essential, if overlooked piece. Read more about the bolt carrier group here.
- LBE Unlimited Phosphate Black bolt carrier group
- Spikes Tactical bolt carrier group
Here’s a video example of field stripping the bolt carrier group:
9. Buffer
The buffer slows down the bolt on the AR-15, absorbs recoil and reduces wear on the rifle. Buffers come in two different sizes, either rifle or carbine and in four different weights from lightest—the standard—to the heaviest, called an H3 buffer. For an AR-15 chambered in .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO, use the heaviest buffer that allows your rifle to function and consistently lock the rifle’s bolt back.
The type of stock you chose for your AR will determine the size of the buffer you buy. For an A1/A2 fixed stock, purchase a rifle buffer. For a collapsible or adjustable stock, buy a carbine buffer. If you are building your AR in 9mm, you will need to buy a 9mm-specific buffer assembly.
- Spike’s Tactical ST-T2 heavy buffer
- ERGO Grip carbine buffer
- CMMG Mk9 9mm buffer assembly
10. Buffer tube
The buffer tube holds the buffer spring and buffer. Buffer tubes come in three sizes—rifle, MIL-SPEC carbine and commercial carbine. Choose the right size for your DIY ARs’ stock.
- Primary Weapons Systems
enhanced MIL-SPEC buffer tube
- Leapers UTG MIL-SPEC buffer tube
- DPMS 6 position carbine MIL-SPEC buffer tube
Here’s a video example of installing the buffer tube:
11. Buffer spring
The buffer spring brings the bolt of the rifle forward, allowing the gun to fire follow-up shots. Rifle stocks—A1 and A2—as well as carbine buffer springs, are different sizes.
- TAPCO buffer spring
- Strike Industries Carbine buffer spring
12. Barrel
To learn more about AR-15 barrels, read “AR-15 Barrels 101.” There are a number of different barrel lengths, twists and caliber available for DIY ARs.
- Ballistic Advantage Barrels
- Faxon AR-15 Barrels
- Spikes Tactical Barrels
13. Barrel nut
The barrel nut holds the barrel to the receiver. Typically when you purchase a handguard it will include the barrel nut.
- DoubleStar Barrel Nut
14. Gas block
The gas block directs gases from the barrel to the gas tube and back into the AR-15’s receiver, allowing it to complete the cycling process so another round will fire.
- VLTOR Weapons Systems low profile gas block
- Yankee Hill Machine low profile gas block
- Bravo Company gas block
15. Gas tube
Gases are directed from the gas block to the bolt carrier via the gas tubes. Gas tubes vary in length, coming in rifle, mid-length, carbine and pistol lengths.
16. Upper receiver
The AR-15 upper receiver holds the forward assist, spring and pin, the ejection port cover, the charging handle, barrel and bolt carrier group. There are many choices when it comes to putting together your upper receiver for DIY ARs.
You can purchase a complete upper receiver assembly that includes the barrel, an upper receiver that has no barrel, but includes the ejection port cover and forward assist, or you can buy a stripped upper receiver that is just the metal housing for all the parts.
- Anderson Manufacturing stripped A3 upper with M4 feed ramps
- CMMG Mk4 upper receiver
- Aero Precision upper receivers
- Midwest Industries Upper Receiver
17. Upper receiver parts kit
The upper receiver parts kit includes the ejection port door, spring, forward assist parts and sometimes the charging handle. It typically does not include the bolt or carrier.
- Luth-AR A3 upper receiver parts kit
- DoubleStar Upper Parts Kit
18. Charging handle
The charging handle moves the bolt carrier that is inside the upper receiver. Its primary function is to pull the bolt carrier back or to aid in clearing a malfunction.
- UTG standard charging handle
- Radian Raptor-LT Ambidextrous charging handle
- Bravo Company Gunfighter ambidextrous charging handle
19. Stock
AR-15 stocks are either adjustable or fixed. Depending on where you live, an adjustable or collapsible stock is illegal. The AR-15 stock goes on the back of the rifle and allowing you to shoulder it.
- Magpul CTR carbine stock
- Mako Fab Defense AR-15 buttstock
- Leapers UTG A2 style fixed stock assembly
- Adaptive Tactical EX Performance adjustable stock
20. Handguards
The handguards go around the barrel of the AR-15. It is where you can add accessories and grip your rifle. Handguards are also referred to as the forend, foregrip or forearm. They protect your hands from burning on a hot barrel.
Handguards come in different sizes according to the gas system you choose for your AR-15—rifle, mid-length, carbine and pistol length handguards. When picking out the parts for your rifle, the gas tube will also come in rifle, mid-length, carbine or pistol lengths. Whichever your gas tube is, buy that size handguard.
There are free-float and standard handguards. Standard handguards will touch the rifle’s barrel, while free-floating handguards will not. Free-floating handguards are more difficult to install than standard, but you will get slightly better accuracy at longer distances using free-float handguards.
They also are either smooth or have rails on them. Handguards serve a valid function, however, and many people buy them purely on their aesthetic value.
- Daniel Defense free float handguard
- Leapers UTG handguards
- Troy Industries Alpha handguard
- Magpul MOE drop-in handguard
21. Delta ring assembly
The delta ring assembly includes the delta ring, weld spring and snap ring. If you choose free-float handguards, you will not need a delta ring assembly.
Spikes Tactical Delta Ring
22. Sights
AR-15 upper receivers come in two different types, either an A2 or A3 (flat top). Its fixed carry handle with integrated iron sights characterizes the A2 upper receiver.
The A3 flat top upper has no carry handle, but does have a Picatinny rail installed. The A3 flat top upper allows you to add sights and optics, while the A2 (carry handle upper) does not.
- Magpul MBUS front and rear flip-up sights
- Troy Industries folding sights
- Aim Sports AR 45 Degree Flip Up sights
23. Handguard cap
The handguard cap secures the front of standard handguards. It is not needed on free-float handguards.
LBE Unlimited standard handguard cap
24. Muzzle device
There are two types of muzzle devices. You may put either a muzzle brake—sometimes called a compensator—or flash suppressor/flash hider on your rifle.
The muzzle brake helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise while the flash hider suppresses the visible flash from the barrel when the rifle is fired. Some states restrict flash suppressors for DIY ARs, but may allow muzzle brakes. Check your local laws before ordering.
- Tacfire Steel Muzzle Brake
- Leapers UTG A2 flash hider
- Bravo Company GUNFIGHTER Compensator MOD 0
- Troy Industries Medieval muzzle brake
25. Magazines
AR-15 magazine capacity ranges from five to 100 rounds. Some states restrict magazine capacity. Check your state laws before ordering.
- Magpul PMag
- Lancer
- ASC magazines
- Amend2 magazines
- ProMag magazines
26. Optics
Optics for the AR-15 include traditional riflescopes with magnification or electronic red dot and non-electronic illuminated sights that offer no magnification.
- SIG Sauer Romeo5 X red dot sight
- Firefield Impact XL Reflex red dot sight
- Aimpoint sights
- Leupold Scopes
27. Extras
“Extras” include things such as sling mounts and attachments, vertical grips and tools.
- Magpul MS4 sling
- Magpul sling quick detach mount
- Magpul AFG foregrip
- AR-15 tools
- .22LR conversion kits
For instructions on how to install these parts, watch these videos from “Building Your AR Lower Receiver.”