Choose Quality AR Parts and Accessories

Whether you're building an AR for yourself or as a gift, having the right parts can make a huge difference in how well the rifle functions. It's important to know the parts you're buying and understand what each part does. It's also important to choose quality parts and accessories.

Upper Receivers

An AR-15 upper receiver consists of the upper, forward assist and ejection port/dust cover parts as well as the charging handle and barrel. It is attached with the lower receiver to form a complete rifle. The lower receiver consists of the stripped lower, lower parts kit, trigger, buffer, magazine and buttstock.

Stripped lowers are serial numbered and must be shipped to an FFL dealer. They're also subject to federal background checks, so it's best to buy them from a local dealer or a trusted online retailer.

Barrel

A barrel is an important part of any AR-15 build because it's what allows you to fire the gun. It comes in different lengths, twists and calibers. You can get a straight barrel, one with a twist, or one that's threaded for an accessory like a bipod or laser.

There are many types of barrels, including stainless steel, aluminum and polymer. The type you select will depend on what you're looking for, the weight of your rifle and your budget.

BCG (Bolt Carrier Group)

The bolt carrier group is the main part of the AR-15 that's responsible for cycling the barrel so it can fire rounds. It's a vital part of the weapon, so it needs to be reliable and properly functioning. It's also essential to clean the gun after each use to prevent carbon deposits from clogging the mechanism.

If you're building an AR for yourself, it's important to choose high-quality parts and accessories. They can be costly, but they'll last longer and perform better.

Handguards

A handguard carries a rifle's optics, sling mounts and other accessories. They can be made from different materials, come with different mounting systems and are easy to install and remove.

Some handguards are drop-in while others are floating. A floating handguard is more expensive but it will not extend past the end of the barrel, meaning it won't interfere with the accuracy of your gun.

Bolts and extractors

A bolt is a crucial part of any AR-15 build, so it's best to choose a high-quality one. A broken bolt is a potential disaster during training or when you're out in the field. It's also important to have a spare bolt on hand, so you can swap it out for a new one if necessary.

Buttstocks

The buttstock is the part of the rifle that holds the pistol grip and other components. It's also an important part of the rifle because it's what you hold in your hands while you're shooting. It's important to buy a stock that fits your hand, as this will affect how well you shoot the gun.

There are hundreds of stocks to choose from, ranging in price and functionality. Some feature enhanced designs and materials, while others are designed to be more rugged and resistant to damage.

Types of AR Parts

Regardless of whether you’re looking to build a new AR or simply want to replace worn out parts, there are many different types of ar parts to choose from. From bolt carrier groups to gas blocks to upper receivers, Bootleg carries a wide array of high-quality parts for your next build or repair project.

Choosing the Best Parts for Your AR

The best parts for your ar are made from durable steel and feature hardened coatings that will stand up to years of use and abuse. These parts are a great investment, especially when they come from brands like Bootleg, Xtreme Precision and Brownells.

Barrel Materials

There are a variety of different barrel lengths, twists and calibers available for DIY ARs, so it’s important to know what you need before you start building. You’ll also want to consider the type of material that the barrel is made from, as there are several steel types to choose from.

Bolt Carrier Group

The bolt carrier group is an essential component of any AR rifle. The BCG works with a gas impingement system to fire each round and cycles the weapon. If the BCG becomes dirty or contaminated, it may not close properly and can cause a malfunction. A clean, smooth-running BCG is much more reliable and will keep your rifle in prime condition.

Gas Tubes

The gas tubes are another key element of your AR’s gas system. They’re drilled in the barrel, allowing gases to flow from the barrel to the gas block and back into the AR’s receiver. The gases then go through the gas key, which expands them and forces the bolt carrier group backward into the buffer tube. The expansion cycle then cycles the AR by ejecting and chambering a new round, and resetting the trigger, hammer and disconnector.

Handguards

Choosing the right handguard for your ar is a matter of fit, weight and accuracy. Typically, you’ll want a free-floating handguard that won’t attach to the gas block and won’t interfere with the operation of your gun.

Buttstocks

Adding a buttstock to your AR will not only add to the overall look of the gun, it will also provide some comfort and support to your arms. There are many different stock styles, including adjustable and fixed stocks, from brands like Magpul.

Stripped Lower Receivers

If you’re looking to build a new ar, it’s worth considering purchasing a stripped lower receiver that includes the parts needed to complete a functional AR. Stripped receivers are often less expensive than complete lower receivers, but they do require a lot of work to assemble.

It’s recommended to use a drill press or precision jig when machining your 80% lower receiver to ensure that you get a perfect fit. You can also find a kit with the necessary tools to assemble your 80% receiver from F5 MFG, which ships to your door for free.

Building your own ar will take time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Besides, you’ll be able to customize your gun with your own personal touch.