Gallery: Custom-Build AR-15 Components

Simply stated, Brownells provides a one-stop shopping option for new and seasoned rifle builders alike. Everything needed to take a rifle from idea to range ready can be ordered from its website. Celebrating its 75th year in business, this company has gone out of its way to accommodate AR enthusiasts with useful component tracking forms, online how-to videos and a team of experts on call (800-741-0015) to lend a hand with to customers.

Blending the methods and processes of the defense industry with the precision of aerospace design, SI Defense has developed high-grade matched upper and lower receiver sets. CNC machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum with tight tolerances, the upper receiver features added wall thickness, threaded retention pins in place of roll pins, and a DPMS-style high profile scope rail. The milled lower sports engraved markings, finger grooves along the front of the magazine well, and a custom fixed trigger guard. The company also offers other top-notch components, including complete bolt carrier groups available in black phosphate or nickel-boron finishes. Matched Receiver Sets: Starting at $425; Bolt Carrier Groups: Starting at $145

In business since 2002, CMMG manufactures its own line of rifles and components here in the United States at a facility located near Fayette, Mo. Among its extensive barrel options is the well-balanced Model 55D660A. This 18-inch 416 stainless-steel medium-taper profile barrel is chambered for .223/ 5.56 ammunition. With a threaded muzzle, bead-blasted finish, and 1:7" twist, this barrel shoots as good as it looks.

An AR-15's buffer system is critical for reliable rifle function so Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) went out of their way to develop a buffer tube their customers can trust. The Enhanced Buffer Tube (EBT), impact-extruded from 6061 aluminum, is fluted and drilled for proper drainage in dirty and wet environments. It features six numbered stock positions, milled QD swivel mounts, and a lip designed to eliminate bolt carrier tilt. To top things off, the EBT eliminates the need for a staked castle nut allowing the tube to be removed for cleaning. Paired with a PWS H2 Buffer, this buffer system installed easily and ran flawlessly. EBT Buffer Tube: $149.95; H2 Buffer: $39.95

If you want your AR-15 to have a truly one-of-a-kind look, then Unique-ARs of McCall, Idaho is the company to call. These creatively milled aluminum free-float hand guards, ranging from 7 to 15-inches in length, are precision fit for reliable performance as well as an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Choose one of Unique-ARs' stylish stock patterns and color options, or team up with the company artist to generate something completely new (like the model shown here). Unique-ARs also provide several sizes of custom Picatinny tactical rails designed to fit the curved shape of their hand guards. All rails and hand guards are shipped with mounting hardware included. Hand Guards: Starting At $175; Picatinny Rails: Starting At $16

FAB-Defense of Israel works in collaboration with Special Forces and SWAT teams worldwide to develop tactical tools that provide an optimal level of safety and operational readiness. The company's GLR16CP collapsible 6-position shoulder stock is standard issue for Israeli defense forces. It features an adjustable cheek piece, battery compartment and a soft rubber butt pad. The G-43 grip is constructed of a mil-spec reinforced polymer composite. It features finger swells, an extended beaver tail, and an enhanced back strap shape that all work together to provide a firm grip, even when wet. The MG-20 vertical grip and magazine holder (shown with a 10-round Ultimag installed) allows for the carry of a spare magazine right on the rifle. Fitted with an AR-style magazine release button and a Picatinny rail mounting system, this accessory can be used as a fore grip with or without a magazine installed. GLR16CP Stock: $92.65; G-43 Grip: $27.05; MG-20 Vertical Grip: $44.95

When looking for top quality competition trigger groups, Timney Triggers is one of the first companies to come to mind. One of Timney's options for AR platforms is the #661S Skeletonized Trigger listed with a 3-pound trigger pull (the model tested gauged at 2-pounds 14-ounces). The lightweight, 6061 T6 alloy housing is anodized for superior durability. The hammer is EDM machined from S7 tool steel that combines hardness to resist wear with superior impact resistance to withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking. This trigger is a self-contained, 100% drop-in unit ready to install in the rifle for an exceptionally smooth, crisp, single-stage trigger pull. No gunsmithing, fitting, or adjusting required. MSRP: $279.95

The enhanced TacOps-CQB ambidextrous AR-15 charging handle from Mech Armor Defense was developed to provide for easy access and operation with minimal eye or body movement in both low-light and concealed-shooting situations. The extended handle and right-side release greatly enhance weak hand reloading and operation of the rifle when a scope is installed. This product has been awarded a Gold Seal by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), for scoring 5 out of 5 in all test areas and it is warranted for life even if it is damaged during combat or police operations. MSRP: $67.95

One of the benefits of the AR-15's design is a threaded barrel that can accept a wide variety of accessories. Of late, more companies are striving to take advantage of CNC machining, and creative designers, to provide muzzle attachments that are more efficient, multi-functional, aesthetically interesting, or all of the above. Here are just a few options to choose from for .223/5.56-caliber rifles, listed from left to right:
1. Standard A2 Flash Hider, $6.99
2. Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) Triad 556 Flash Suppressor, ($69.95)
3. Troy Industries Medieval 556 Flash Suppressor ($45.00)
4. Troy Industries Claymore 556 Muzzle Brake ($64.00)
5. Yankee Hill Machine Annihilator Muzzle Brake ($56)
6. Yankee Hill Machine Slant Muzzle Brake/Compensator ($70)

One of the benefits of the AR-15's design is a threaded barrel that can accept a wide variety of accessories. Of late, more companies are striving to take advantage of CNC machining, and creative designers, to provide muzzle attachments that are more efficient, multi-functional, aesthetically interesting, or all of the above. Here are just a few options to choose from for .223/5.56-caliber rifles, listed from left to right: 1. Standard A2 Flash Hider, $6.99 2. Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) Triad 556 Flash Suppressor, ($69.95) 3. Troy Industries Medieval 556 Flash Suppressor ($45.00) 4. Troy Industries Claymore 556 Muzzle Brake ($64.00) 5. Yankee Hill Machine Annihilator Muzzle Brake ($56) 6. Yankee Hill Machine Slant Muzzle Brake/Compensator ($70)

The Wheeler Delta Series AR Armorer's Professional Kit contains a practical set of tools for the assembly, maintenance, and cleaning of AR-15 pattern rifles. This kit includes:
AR Armorer’s Vise; AR15 Combo Tool; Torque Wrench; Upper Vise Block Clamp w/ Gas Tube Alignment Tool; Maintenance Mat with AR-15 Parts Diagram; Pivot Pin and Roll Pin Installation Tool; AR Front Sight Tool; Delta Ring Tool; Strap Wrench; AR-15 Bore Guide; AR-15 Adjustable Receiver Link; Bore Brush, .22 Cal; Bolt Carrier Brush; Chamber Brush; Magazine/Upper Receiver Brush; Nylon Brush Handle; Double-ended General Cleaning Brush; Cleaning Pick Set; Custom Fitted Carrying Case; MSRP: $259.99

Designed with both professional gunsmiths and home builders in mind, the Tapco Itrafuse AR-15 Armorer’s Tool is an ideal item to keep handy at the work bench. This American made all-in-one tool has several important features for working on AR-15s, including a hammer, barrel nut tool, muzzle device tool, spanner wrench, forearm wrench and flat tip screwdriver, just to name a few.  Manufactured from heat treated alloy steel, the Intrafuse tool is powder coated with a matte Olive Drab finish and comes with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $44.99

An old proverb says that for want of a horseshoe nail a kingdom was lost. When it comes to AR-15s, the breakage or loss of just one of several tiny components can knock the rifle out of operation. Windham Weaponry offers two affordable parts kits to help keep ARs up and running. The Field Repair Kit is designed to provide all the parts needed to keep a rifle fully functional, including a firing pin, hammer spring, and front sight post. The Most Wanted Parts kit provides duplicates of the smallest parts that tend to disappear during maintenance, including buffer detents, pin detent springs, and extractor O-rings. Keeping these kits on hand will save the frustration of having to wait for just one little part to arrive in the mail. Field Repair Kit: $27.96 Most Wanted Parts Kit: $14.95

If you want to swap out uppers or clean AR-15 rifles with greater ease, then take a look at Yankee Hill Machine's EZ pivot and takedown pins. EZ Pull pins feature a knob-shaped top that is easy to get a hold of. If having a knob protruding from the right side of the rifle is going to interfere with the function of an ambidextrous safety lever, the EZ Push pins provide another option. These pins have a flat top but are slightly longer at the base so that they can be pressed out without a tool. Pin Sets: $20.50

The components and tools shown here were included in the author’s first time AR-15 at-home rifle build.