Build Your AR-15 Rifle or Pistol
How the AR-15 builder works
Pick how you want to start: a complete AR-15 rifle or AR pistol, or a stripped or complete lower. From there the builder walks you through each part, from the parts kit, trigger and buffer kit to the upper, barrel, gas block, handguard, bolt carrier group, optic and magazines.
Each part you pick is checked against the rest of your build. The gas block has to match the barrel’s gas journal diameter, the gas tube has to match the gas system length, the bolt face has to match the cartridge, and the muzzle device has to match the barrel’s thread pitch. Parts that don’t fit are flagged before the build can go to your cart, and parts we can’t confirm are marked Fit not verified.
If you start from a lower, we can assemble it, mount your optic and function-check it for you (optics are not zeroed), or you can have the parts shipped and build it yourself. The lower always ships to a licensed FFL dealer. Order online or in store.
AR-15 builder at a glance
- Two ways to start: a complete AR-15 rifle or AR pistol, or a stripped or complete lower
- Fit checks: gas block to gas journal diameter (.625″, .750″ or .936″), gas tube and drop-in handguard to gas system length, bolt face to cartridge, muzzle device to thread pitch and bore, stock or brace to buffer tube
- Labels: Fits your build, Check fit, Fit not verified, Doesn’t fit
- Assembly: $100 on builds started from a lower. Includes assembly, optic mounting and a function check. Optics are not zeroed
- The lower or complete firearm always ships to a licensed FFL dealer
- Builds ship to the lower 48 states only. States that restrict AR-15 sales are blocked in the builder and at checkout
AR-15 builder questions
How does the AR-15 builder check compatibility?
Every part you add is checked against the parts already in your build. The builder compares the gas block to the barrel’s gas journal diameter, the gas tube to the gas system length, the bolt face to the barrel’s cartridge, the muzzle device to the thread pitch and bore, and the stock to the buffer tube. A part that conflicts is marked Doesn’t fit, and the build can’t go to the cart until you change it.
Should I start with a complete rifle or a lower?
Start with a complete rifle or pistol if you want a finished AR-15 and plan to add an optic, light, sling, magazines or upgrades. Start with a lower if you want to pick every part yourself, including the upper, barrel, gas block, gas tube, handguard and bolt carrier group. The lower path is also where you can have us assemble the build.
What gas system length do I need for my AR-15 build?
The barrel sets it. Once you pick a barrel, the builder matches the gas tube to that barrel’s gas system length, and drop-in handguards have to match it too. The gas block is matched separately to the barrel’s gas journal diameter: .625″, .750″ or .936″. Free-float handguards include their own barrel nut, so the gas length match applies to drop-in handguards.
What does Fit not verified mean?
It means we don’t have the spec data to confirm that part fits the rest of your build. It may fit, but we haven’t been able to check it. Compare the specs on the product page before you buy. If your build has any unverified parts, you have to tick “I understand some fits aren’t verified yet” before you can add the build to your cart.
Can Canoe Creek Armory assemble my AR-15 build?
Yes. When you start from a lower, choose to send the full build to us for assembly. Every part ships to our shop, and for $100 we assemble it, mount your optic and function-check it. Optics are not zeroed. We then ship the finished build to your FFL dealer for $19.95, or you can pick it up at our shop in Atmore, AL with no dealer shipping fee. You can also skip assembly and build it yourself.
How does the lower receiver ship?
The lower always ships to a licensed FFL dealer, because it is the serialized part. You choose the dealer at checkout. If you are building it yourself, you can send every part to your dealer, or send the lower to your dealer and the other parts to your home. Check with your dealer before you order to make sure they accept transfers and to ask about their transfer fee.
Can I put together a short-barrel AR-15 build?
Yes. Short-barrel builds are allowed where legal in your state; restricted states are blocked at checkout. The builder shows an info line when your parts make it a short-barrel build. Make sure you can legally own the finished build where you live before you order. An order for something that isn’t legal to own in your state is cancelled and refunded minus a 20% fee.
Which states can’t order an AR-15 build?
Pick your state in the builder. We ship builds to the lower 48 states only, and we can’t ship AR-15 builds to states that restrict AR-15 sales, such as California, New York and Illinois. If your state is on the list, the builder says so and won’t add the build to your cart, and checkout blocks it as well. Many states also limit magazine sizes or other items, so read our State Shipping Restrictions page before you order.
Can I return parts or a finished build?
All sales are final, except for an item that arrives damaged, defective or wrong. Tell us within 24 hours of delivery. For a firearm or lower, inspect it at your dealer and don’t complete the transfer if something is wrong. If an item isn’t legal to own in your state, the order is cancelled and refunded minus a 20% fee. Shipping charges and card fees aren’t refunded.
Do Armory Club members get member pricing in the builder?
Yes. When you’re signed in as an Armory Club member, parts that qualify show the member price and your build total uses it. If you aren’t a member, parts show the same member pricing details as the rest of our store: a member price, or a note that members get dealer pricing. Member pricing applies to new items, and one line in your cart has to reach $50 to qualify.