458 SOCOM build

[baarf]

I am going to start a full build from parts of a 458 SOCOM AR

I will continue to post as I go along. It is my first AR build of any kind so I welcome suggestions of tools-parts-how to.


Yes I know there is much on Youtube etc, but few are local people so here I am.


First parts should arrive later today.

I will post pics etc later.

So who here in the Phoenix area has experience and wants to chime in?

Thank you!

mike (me)

[baarf]

I am going to start a full build from parts of a 458 SOCOM AR

I will continue to post as I go along. It is my first AR build of any kind so I welcome suggestions of tools-parts-how to.


Yes I know there is much on Youtube etc, but few are local people so here I am.


First parts should arrive later today.

I will post pics etc later.

So who here in the Phoenix area has experience and wants to chime in?

Thank you!

mike (me)

Yes, I know......but in my defense I thought it used the 1/14 open end clawfoot wrench.......

[DesertRider]

Your gonna need (want) a variety of tools.
For holding the receivers in a vise,so they don't get marked up/bent- you will want a set of the U/L receiver blocks- also get the insert that goes in the mag well and support for the bolt carrier cavity.
You'll need a special punch to install roll pins, especially the gas tube pin.
A tool to help compress the delta spring to add/remove hand-guards is nice.
I like to thread the holes for various detent and take-down pin springs (think under the grip and behind the receiver plate at the buffer tube)- so you'll want the appropriate tap.
Buy the armorers wrench- you will use it more often than you think.
You will also need a wrench for the castle nut at the buffer tube.
You may need sight adjustment tools.
Get a good set of hollow ground-gun specific screwdrivers - don't use regular straight ground screwdrivers on any gun.
An inch-lbs torque driver would be a nice addition.'..
that should get you started.

[baarf]

Thank you Desert Rider!

I have most of those. I do have the armorers wrench ordered, I just get impatient!

I have been reading about torque values on the barrel nut. There seems a big variance in how much torque to apply.

What is the consensus and/or experience here?

Thank you!

Mike (me)

[baarf]

Attachment 5894

Here is most of the parts to build the upper. I am missing the gas block (.936 adjustable ordered) and gas tube.


Attachment 5895

Do you use a crush washer to set the muzzle brake in correct alignment? Or do I use spacers?


Attachment 5896


I do have the correct bolt for 458 SOCOM. You can see the difference next to a 5.56 bolt.


Attachment 5897

You can see the 458 upper has a much bigger ejection port.

The forearm is a Yankee Hill set up. I have to learn patience for everything to come in!

The lower is mostly complete, I don't have a pic of it to show right now. I'll need a recoil tube/buttstock to complete it, otherwise it's done. From what I have read online it does not need anything beyond the milspec recoil spring as 458 is designed to work with that.

That's all I have for now!

G'day!

[DesertRider]

It's been a few years but IIRC the range is 35#-80# and since the nut is notched (or scalloped.. whatever) for the gas tube, Torque values go out the window... you will end making it snug then have to omph on it some more to get the notch to align with the receiver hole in order to insert the gas tube.

[baarf]

Nice! Thank you!

Now what I am reading makes sense.

I had nothing else to do so I used Brownells Duracoat II in Magpul FDE to paint the upper, lower and foregrip.

I'll post pics after they dry.

[baarf]

Attachment 5900Attachment 5901


Nothing I can do until the rest of the parts arrive. SO I painted! Brownel's Aluma-Hyde II in Magpul FDE.

[DesertRider]

Looks Good!

[baarf]

I discovered not all low profile gas blocks are created equal. My gas block is just a few thousandths too tall for the forearm. After some measuring and a phone discussion with the guys at Wilson Combat, I have ordered a different gas block that (over the phone) measures out ok.

I knew I would learn as I go so this is a relatively cheap lesson.............