Pay for AR gunsmithing or buy the tools and do it myself?

oldmanironfist

oldmanironfist

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I want to replace the handguard on my AR but it looks like the prices (labor) to replace it are almost as much as buying the tools and doing it myself (~$80). I'm also thinking about replacing the muzzle device on my AR. Given how modular everything is, it seems like it should be easy enough for someone minimally handy.

My question(s) is: Should I shop around and find a good gunsmith with reasonable prices or buy the tools and do it myself.
If the former, recommendations for gunsmiths in the Raleigh area would be appreciated.
If the latter, what tools would you recommend? I don't have a bench vice or torque wrenches, but I do have a Magpul Armorer's wrench.
 
Definitely buy the tools. Never ever pass up s chance to buy a tool(s). I hear it is a strike against your man card, and after so many strikes you hafta add they/them to your name! 🤣🤣
 
Hard to argue with someone who wants to buy more tools. They are good to have around if your invested in the platform.

If you want to be cheap though your talking to a whole community of people who already own them. I'm sure that there are plenty of people on here who wouldent mind helping you swap the parts.

I probably have what you need. Although it does depend somewhat on the configuration of your rifle and the parts you choose to install. I'm not that far from Cary if you want help.
 
buy the tools. you can get a clamshell receiver vice kit for like $20. bev block is nicer but more limited in application

$80 to change a handguard sounds like a freaking rip off. what are you changing it from/to?
 
C-doodle said:
Hard to argue with someone who wants to buy more tools. They are good to have around if your invested in the platform.

If you want to be cheap though your talking to a whole community of people who already own them. I'm sure that there are plenty of people on here who wouldent mind helping you swap the parts.

I probably have what you need. Although it does depend somewhat on the configuration of your rifle and the parts you choose to install. I'm not that far from Cary if you want help.
Click to expand...
Yeah I’m not too far away and have what you need I believe.
 
First, do you own a vise?
If yes, buy or borrow the tools.
If no, turn in your man card.

FWIW, use a bev block to swap the muzzle device rather than a clamshell, avoids putting stress on the upper receiver.
 
One AR, find a friend with the tools. Two ARs buy the tools. A good vice is pricy, a cheap vice will suffice.
MI handguards come with a spanner.
ALG handguards don't need a torque wrench, but no longer include spanner.
 
Tools. I've probably assembled 20 ARs on the same cheapo Bev Block. A good armorer's wrench, torque wrench, roll pin punch set, a good center punch, etc. Will all go a long way!
 
Worst case scenario. Buy the tools and assemble one weapon.
Sell the tools on this gun forum.
Win!
Best case scenario. Buy the tools and assemble the weapon. Pick up parts from the classifieds. Buy parts from gun stores, build more weapons, change out parts on your weapon.
Win!
 
Tools if you got the space. Always better to be able to work on your own gear.

The only thing I haven't invested in is tools for assembling an AK. Just not cost and space effective enough anymore.
 
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To change the muzzle break all you need is an open end wrench, the handguard? It depends. Some with the Delta ring and spring you can change by hand, they sell a tool for it but you really don't need it. Most other handguards are just a simple allen screw.
 
JimB said:
Those brass punches look way too nice, mine mushroom and I have to file them maybe once or twice a year.
Click to expand...

I usually use a few layers of masking tape or a Delrin spacer on the business end. If the pin won’t budge at all with the brass, I use the steel to get it a bit loose, then finish with the brass.

I’ve got an old set of Craftsman punches that I cut down/shortened, squared the tip and re-hardened…those seem to work pretty good on really stubborn pins.
 
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Thanks for all the advice. I ordered a BEV block. Now I just need to get a decent torque wrench and probably a cheap-o detachable vice since I don't have a proper place to put a good one.
 
First, watch lots of Youtube videos on how to do it yourself.
Then buy the tools.
Use them. Replacing a handguard isn't hard and you'll be happy you learned a new skill.
There are lots of folks in the Raleigh area who can probably help you out.
 
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