How to Build an AR15 Varmint Upper
Want to build your own heavy-barrel accurized AR15 Upper? MidwayUSA offers a complete, step-by-step guide to upper assembly on its recently updated website. The 30-page AR15 Upper Assembly Guide (.pdf format) features excellent photos, clear instructions, and a full list of all the parts required–down to the smallest pins and fasteners.
We found it very easy to follow the step-by-step guidelines. Some how-to guides omit important steps, or assume a relatively high degree of gunsmithing experience. That’s not the case here. MidwayUSA’s guide shows you how to select and adjust your tools, and provides expert advice on important tasks that are often glossed over, such as setting the barrel torque: “Seat the Threads (recommended in the U.S. Marine Corps Technical Manual). If you are not using Loctite, make sure you hold onto the Outer Receiver Nut so the gas holes stay in alignment. Torque to 35 ft-lbs. Loosen. Torque to 35 ft-lbs. Loosen. Torque past 35 ft-lbs until gas holes are in alignment, making sure not to exceed 80 lbs.”
The AR15 Assembly Guide is part of the NEW “MidwayUSA Knowledge Center”. The online Knowledge Center combines the Gun-Tec Glossary, How-To Videos, Gunsmith Directory, and indices of Firearm Schematics and Product Information Sheets. There’s a ton of useful information offered in the Knowledge Center, and it’s all for free.
