Having the opportunity to build your rifle is great. You get to take control of what you use and add, and why. You get the opportunity to create a firearm that will hopefully last you for many years to come. To kick start the build the right way, there are lots of things you will want to take into consideration.
1. Using the Right Suppliers
The right suppliers can make or break your build. You want to use high-quality suppliers that use good quality components because you want to be sure that your rifle is strong, sturdy, safe and secure at all times. When it comes to finding the right suppliers, you must look at reputation. See what other rifle owners are saying, and see what they are basing their opinions on. You need to have a great deal of trust in who you are buying from.
2. Planning Your Project
Even if this is your first construction and build of a rifle, it helps to plan. Planning what you will do first in the build and why is important. If you do not plan out what you are looking to do, and what you are hoping to achieve, then you may end up building a rifle that you are less than happy with.
When you are planning out your build, also think about what tools you will need. For example, you will need a screwdriverset, belt-sander, driver set and a hammer (at the very least).
3. Make a Shopping List
Deciding what components you wish to buy and when is important. So, start putting together your shopping list. If you choose to buy everything all at once, you will need to know how to construct the components, and for this, you need to practice, as practice does make perfect.
4. Buying Components
When you are buying components for your rifle, you need to think about what you want and what you need. You also need to think about how long you want your build to last. Is this something you are looking at doing over a few weeks, or would you like the rifle complete within a couple of days?
The timeframe you go for will help you choose components and suppliers. For example, you can buy an 80 lower receiver and start to build your rifle today, or you can start sourcing the lower and upper receiver to start constructing the body of your rifle.
5. Focusing on Safety
Even though you are building a rifle to use (most likely on your property), you should always be as safety-conscious as you can. When you are building your rifle, and constructing the components, you should make sure that you do so in a safe and secure environment.
Components can be dangerous to children of all ages. When you have constructed your rifle, you must then continue to practice safe measures as and when you can.
For example, keeping your rifle out of arms reach in a safe and secure cabinet is wise. Also teaching other family members about the potential hazards when using a rifle will be advantageous.