While Im no pro, you really dont need a ton of specialized tools to build an AR15. I have three tools, you can get away with two to build a lower.
Lower vice block- $10 PSA
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/12805/category/231/
Armorers Tool- ?? PSA (not in stock, no idea how much it was)
http://palmettostatearmory.com/inde...e-armory-stock-wrench-and-armorer-s-tool.html
Upper receiver Vice Block- $10 PSA
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/12804/category/231/
The lower vice block is used to build and maintain, you can use those specialized gun holder things, this works for me, and for $10 its hard to argue with.
The armorers tool I linked is what I would suggest, simply because it has the provision to remove standard barrel nuts. If you never plan to build an upper, its not needed, and get the one linked that just removes the buffer tube castle nut.
Also along those same lines, if you never plan to build an upper, the upper receiver block is not needed. There are a couple other versions, for my simple builds, thats all Ive used.
I should also mention, you can buy these tools anywhere, PSA just seems to have the cheapest selection, and Ive had good luck with them. Brownells, Midway, PSA, Bravo Company, etc, all carry the same tools, its the Snap On vs Craftsman vs HF type of thing.
Building a lower is EASY. First one took me ~1 hour, I can do one in 20 minutes now. I almost wish it was harder, then I wouldnt want to build more. :doh:
There are tons of how tos on the interwebs, go on youtube and look at a lot of them. I used:
Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_Vkb2UB1w
Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4KfUaVp8M
Another good how to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvPP-Y7Ijoc
The hardest parts are the trigger guard and bolt catch. If you have an integrated trigger guard, thats obviously not an issue. Bolt catches are getting better, a lot of manufactures are tapping them for a small allen set screw. If not, its not hard, just a PITA.
I wasnt able to find any videos on it, but instead of using a hammer and punch, I use vice grips to drive the pin into place. I wrap the jaws with electrical tape, and put painters tape on the reciver. IMO, much better way to do things.
I might be off here, but you need:
-Vice block
-Allen wrench set
-Screw driver
-Exacto knife
-Punch (s)
-Armorers tool
There are special tools that cost an arm and a leg, or you can use the above. Not quite as fancy, but they do the job just as well.
Uppers are also easy, but I would suggest you buy a pre assembled upper, or tell us more about what you want. Pistol, 16'' standard build, 18'' SPR, all of the above, etc.
What did I miss?:looney: