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A Comprehensive Guide to Building Custom AR Rifles

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jlbillet
 A Comprehensive Guide to Building Custom AR Rifles

One of the most popular firearms to build with custom parts and accessories is the AR-15 rifle. With the 80 lower receivers that are easy to manufacture in your own home, it's also one of the cheapest and easiest guns to build from scratch. 

Many companies specializing in AR-15 accessories offer billet parts that are easier to use than their standard counterparts, like triggers, safety selectors, charging handles, bolts, barrels, etc. This guide covers everything you need to know about building an AR-15 from start to finish with only quality JI billet parts.

What is billet, and what makes it unique?

In the world of guns and firearm manufacturing, there are a lot of terms that get thrown around, particularly in regards to custom AR rifles. The billet is one of those terms. But what exactly is it?

MBS Billet or a billet refers to how a part is constructed, not what it's made from. It's a manufacturing process that uses a solid block of metal rather than cast or forged material. This metal block is then cut into the desired shape for the part being manufactured. While most billet parts are rectangular or square, not all have to be.

Identify Your Objective

Building your AR-15 is an excellent way to get the weapon you want and save money. You can make just about any rifle you want, whether a combat rifle or a precision target rifle. The first step you must take is to identify your objective.


  • What will the rifle be used for?


  • Will it be carried into combat?


  • Will it be used for hunting? Will it be used on the range?


 This will help you determine what parts are needed and the best type of finish.


Choose Your Billet Lower Receiver


The first thing you need is a good lower receiver. This is what holds everything together. Choosing the right one will take some time. You can order a standard lower, or you can customize it with several different options, including:


Fire Control: Choose between semi-automatic and fully automatic options.


Safety Selectors: Choose from many different safety selector options that can be engraved with other words and phrases.


Magazine Releases: Many magazine release options are available, including different sizes and shapes.


If this is your first build, or if you aren't comfortable working on firearms, you should choose a fully-loaded MBS Billet lower with everything you need to put together an entire rifle.


Find Upper Receivers


Upper receivers vary significantly based on what type of weapon you're building. For example, if you're building a hunting or target rifle, choose upper receivers with longer barrels that provide greater accuracy over greater distances.


Select A Barrel Length and Profile


 Most people choose between 16-, 18- or 20-inch barrels for their rifle, although shorter barrels are available for those who want them. Longer barrels are better if you plan to shoot long distances, while shorter barrels are better suited for close-quarters shooting.


Profiles


When it comes to profiles, there are two primary options: government profile and pencil profile. Government profiles tend to be heavier, while pencil profiles are lighter in weight but provide less rigidity and accuracy over long distances when compared to government profiles. However, they make the rifle easier to handle in close quarters combat environments.


 Gas Block/Tube & Front Sight Assembly


The bottom line is that you will want a gas block that allows for adjustable positioning of your front sight and doesn't interfere with a free-floated barrel or require any permanent modifications to your rifle. While you can certainly get by without a gas tube on an AR pistol build, there are certain advantages to using one in conjunction with an upper receiver like JI Billet.

 For example, suppose you decide down the road that you want to add a forward assist or dust cover assembly, two features that are not included on most 80 lower receivers. In that case, you can install one using your existing gas tube instead of purchasing additional parts and tools.


Scope Mount, Rails, and Backup Iron Sights (BUIS)


If you plan on putting a scope on your rifle, it's best to have a Jl Billet Force Alignment AK Rail system that allows you to do so quickly. Also, your optic mounting system and backup sights are critical components of your rifle build. 

Your choice in optics determines what other mounts you can use and vice versa. It's a good idea to buy your optic first because it significantly impacts how you configure your rifle, such as whether or not you need backup iron sights (BUIS). 

If you plan on using backup sights only for close-range shooting and don't have an integrated optic, you may want a set of BUIS that tuck away until needed.


The Bottom Line


Building AR rifles have become extremely popular in recent years. The overwhelming popularity is primarily attributed to the easy customization of AR-15 parts. It is even more enjoyable to start talking about building an AR rifle with a billet upper and lower. 

Billet parts, i.e., Jl Billet Force Alignment AK Rail, are made using the stock material and have no exterior markings or logos. This aesthetic allows for complete customization, including the desired end appearance, paint job, and hardware to assemble the final product.

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