Have you wanted to build your own AR but never really knew how? Do you have an AR and want to change some of it's features to make it really yours? Are all AR style guns only in the .223 or .556 calibers?

If you've ever had any of these questions, you definitely should check out this video about the BYOAR Process!!

BYOAR.com is a website based out of Ohio. BUT...it's much more than a website.

It's a great educational tool for the AR novice or the AR expert.

They know and promote that you don't have to be an expert to build your own AR. The folks at BYOAR and Jim, most specifically will help you at any step along the way. They have educational videos right there on their website and a great community over on Facebook that will most likely answer any questions you have.

We first met Jim at a Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference in 2021. But not until getting to shoot a couple of their guns and then wanting to build one of our own did we really get to know the BYOAR process.

Jim was willing and ready to help with each step.

From helping decide which caliber would be best (since I wasn't wanting a plain and simple .223 or .556 build) to answering my 74th question about how to get the pieces to actually fit together, their website was very helpful at each stage. BYOAR actually has a full assembly video on Facebook where it takes Jim about 36 mins to fully re-assemble an AR.

The process of building this AR wasn't completely without frustration though!

I quickly realized I didn't have all the tools or extras that can really make it easier, so I had to stop a few times when frustration was building and just back away. There are several items that made this build quite a bit easier. I learned quickly that I would need to purchase a gas block holder. This made getting the pin into the gas block for the gas tube significantly easier (that was one of the put it down and back away moments!).

Also, I would recommend a roll pin starter punch set...trust me! Those punches work a lot better on roll pins than do regular punches. I learned the hard way on this one!! Here's a link to the BYOAR tool starter kit, but it's also a great idea to have a vise and a good work bench/work area.

I learned that those little springs will shoot out of their holes like fireworks on the 4th of July if you aren't careful...and sometimes even when you are careful!

Having a good work area is also key to finding those springs because if you inadvertently lose a spring during assembly, it takes a few days to get another one shipped to you thus slowing down your progress - not that I have experience in that area or anything!!

If you have any interest in the AR building process or even just upgrading some of your rifle's features, head on over to BYOAR and take a look around. I am sure you will find a video or article that will help you learn something. While you're there, check out their mostly in-house made parts for your AR. Most of their parts are made by Bowden Tactical right there in Ohio!

Watch our recent Review of the BYOAR website and community to get all the FACTS!

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Hopefully our Review will answer all of your questions. If not, please leave your questions on the video, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible.