AR build complete... What now?

[lfinsr]

I know, go shoot it...

This is my first build, not pushing the pins together to mate an assembled lower to an assembled upper. This was a build from scratch. There's this lingering thing in my head that keeps asking, what if it blows up in my face?

What would ya'll do to verify correct functioning before firing the first round. I've tried several times to find snap caps in .223 and was unsuccessful so I seated 5 bullets in casings without powder or primer instead.

Safety works as it should. I have verified the bolt locks open on an empty magazine. Holding the trigger down while charging, then releasing does not result in double firing.

Any sage advice from the experts?

Thanks,
Larry

Edited to add picture for C-Dub. Picture here.

[C-dub]

What? No photos? You're killing me.

[eureka40]

Just to be sure, you should get some head space gauges. A go gauge and a no go gauge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQZlHv1gjmA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think I got mine at Midway USA.

[Carry-a-Kimber]

If the barrel and bolt are new and from reputable manufacturers, there is no reason to check headspace.

[n5wd]

If the barrel and bolt are new and from reputable manufacturers, there is no reason to check headspace.

But it certainly doesn't hurt to measure the headspace, anyway, just for your reassurance.

Have a trusted bud look it over, if you feel the need, but if everything is in the right place (you know, you're goona strip it down and check one more time) take it out to the range and bust a few loose.

Nice lookin' setup, by the way.

[lfinsr]

If the barrel and bolt are new and from reputable manufacturers, there is no reason to check headspace.

That was the concensus over on ar15.com also. Several people were adamant about the need to check headspace but most believe it's just a formality, at least that was my takeaway.

Larry

[OldCannon]

If the barrel and bolt are new and from reputable manufacturers, there is no reason to check headspace.

This.

You are making a new build, with mil-spec components. Headspacing makes no sense. It's akin to buying a new car and having the mechanic give it a 100,000 mile tune up before you leave the dealer's lot.

If you're nervous about the first shot, set the rifle on a rifle rest with the target fairly close. Line up the shot, then move your head away and pull the trigger. It's important that you are absolutely certain the POI doesn't move when you move your head away.

After that first shot calms your nerves, go have fun :)

[lfinsr]

I've double and triple checked everything. I'm headed to the range... I'll know in about 30 minutes if it works or not.

I've heard of some folks literally tying a new build to something solid like a tree or bench and using a lanyard to pull the trigger.

If I had no more confidence in my build than this I wouldn't fire it.

[lfinsr]

Ok, so it was a good day at the range, even as hot as it was. The weapon worked flawlessly with the exception of too much recoil. It would be nice if it didn't beat itself to death with every round fired.

I'd really rather not fool around with an adjustable gas block if I don't have to, I've heard many are very finicky. It's got a 18" barrel, milspec tube, standard spring, and 3oz buffer.

Recommendations? Heavier spring? Heavier buffer? Both? Is this a case where I take a box of parts to the range and try them until I get the right combo?

Thanks,
Larry

[MeMelYup]

Academy has 223 and 308 snap caps.

[lfinsr]

Yea, they're everywhere when you don't need them. I see them in stores all the time until I tried to buy them last week. All three places I looked were out of stock.

[DocV]

Ok, so it was a good day at the range, even as hot as it was. The weapon worked flawlessly with the exception of too much recoil. It would be nice if it didn't beat itself to death with every round fired.

I'd really rather not fool around with an adjustable gas block if I don't have to, I've heard many are very finicky. It's got a 18" barrel, milspec tube, standard spring, and 3oz buffer.

Recommendations? Heavier spring? Heavier buffer? Both? Is this a case where I take a box of parts to the range and try them until I get the right combo?

Thanks,
Larry

Try a heavier buffer. What ammo were you shooting?

[lfinsr]

I was shooting handloads of 60gr Vmax with a pretty light load of Accurate 2230 hence my concern. I read up on the problem at various places and decided to get a heavier buffer and heavier spring. This article was about the best I could find. If both are too much I can remove one or the other.

Larry

[budroux2w]

Ok, so it was a good day at the range, even as hot as it was. The weapon worked flawlessly with the exception of too much recoil. It would be nice if it didn't beat itself to death with every round fired.

I'd really rather not fool around with an adjustable gas block if I don't have to, I've heard many are very finicky. It's got a 18" barrel, milspec tube, standard spring, and 3oz buffer.

Recommendations? Heavier spring? Heavier buffer? Both? Is this a case where I take a box of parts to the range and try them until I get the right combo?

Thanks,
Larry

I picked up one of these from brownells and it made a considerable difference in recoil.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/re ... 57177.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;