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HOW TO BUILD AN AR-15 DVD Reviews & Ratings

Produced by Brownells, this easy-to-follow, step-by-step video guide is your ticket to the custom AR-15 you’ve always wanted. Tim Dillon, a former Brownells Military/Law Enforcement Manager and a former U.S. Army small arms repair specialist, shows you how to build your own AR with features and accessories that’ll help you shoot your best. You don’t need to be an expert riflesmith or armorer because Tim walks you through each step in plain English and crystal-clear video. He explains AR-15 models and variations, laws and regulation, specifications, operation, deciding what rifle to build, selecting and ordering parts, tools, step-by-step assembly, function testing, safety checking, cleaning, and maintenance. The presentation is divided into a series of short segments, each devoted to a specific subassembly or variation of one. Watch only the segments that apply to the rifle you want to build. If you decide to modify your rifle later, go back and just watch the segments that cover your planned changes. A big help taking apart subassemblies like the bolt and gas system for cleaning or trouble-shooting, too. Printable PDF instructions are included with the DVD, and are accessible with your computers DVD drive.

SPECS: 1 DVD. 2 hours 10 minutes.

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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2 Stars

Reviews Summary

Overall, this DVD is a solid starting point for anyone interested in building an AR-15. Reviewers praised its clear instructions and comprehensive content, though some suggested it could include additional details like lubrication and front sight installation. Overall, it serves as a helpful reference for both novices and experienced builders.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Instruction Quality

75%

Many reviewers appreciate the clear and comprehensive instruction provided in the DVD, noting it is especially beneficial for beginners. The pacing is regarded as appropriate, making it easy to follow along, which is vital for those new to AR-15 assembly.

Content Coverage

70%

Reviewers frequently comment on the wide range of topics covered in the DVD, including the history, assembly, and functioning of AR-15s. While most find the material informative, a few mention that certain details, such as lubrication, could be explored further.

Reference Tool

65%

The DVD is recognized as a valuable reference tool not just for assembling an AR-15, but also for understanding maintenance and function testing. Many users find it to be a significant resource they wish they had when beginning their learning journey.

Accessibility Issues

20%

Some reviewers expressed frustration with the lack of subtitles or closed captions, as the pace of narration can be too fast for some viewers. This highlights the need for more inclusive features in instructional materials.

Comparison to Other Resources

50%

A number of users compared this DVD to other instructional materials, noting that it is very good but not as detailed as some alternatives. Reviewers suggest it should focus more on hands-on building techniques rather than selling products.

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Buy it.

Excellent resource. I wish this had been around when I started building AR-15 type rifles...

best ar-15 dvd yet

fist complete build of ar-15 from stripped upper. this dvd was clear and very helpful. could have showed a closer view of detent installing. however of the several other dvd's i have watched on gun smithing this is the best. good job.

very good instructional video

one of the best instructional videos I've seen in any field. Covers all aspects in good detail, with good professional quality filming. Well presented and clear.

Very Informative

I have gone to the Army armorers course and this DVD tells you more than the course did. It has alot of usefull information and very helpful.

Clear, good for a beginner

For a first-timer, I found the material interesting and clear.

First-Time AR Builder

Building an AR was on my bucket list. I have general "guy skills" with tools and am not a gunsmith by a long shot. I bought several books and DVDs to help me. This DVD was very helpful and my project was a success. I purchased most of the parts from Brownells, also. I like their product slection and service.

GREAT INSTRUCTION -- 99% COMPLETE

CLEAR AND SIMPLE INSTRUCTION IS EASY TO FOLLOW. MENUS ALLOW YOU TO GO RIGHT TO THE PARTS YOU WANT. ONLY NEGATIVE IS THEY ASSUME YOUR FRONT SIGHT BASE IS ALREADY INSTALLED -- WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN THAT COVERED. OVERALL EXCELLENT VIDEO!

Good Stuff

I found that the DVD cover all parts of assemble and takedown of the AR15. It showed me parts on the rifle I was unaware of. Wish I had bought in paperback so I could take it with me while on the go.

Nice Book

Reviewed the DVD. Nice layout but select -all- or you will keep clicking

Brownell's How To Build An AR DVD

I can't comment on how this DVD compares to others. However, I found it quite helpful in building 13 lowers so far. I didn't see a reason for installing the rollpin for the bolt release from the front rather than the rear of the receiver as the DVD showed, so I called a Brownell's technician to ask. I did not receive a satisfactory answer & was able to determine that installing the pin from either side was quite suitable & did not require use of Brownell's special tool. Also, in talking to the tech, I asked about lubrication of parts during assembly, as the DVD did not address that aspect. I was told briefly what to lube, but I consider that is an important factor the DVD does not address.