Beal Rifle Company’s Guide to Building a Precision AR-15: Components That Matter Most

Every great rifle starts with great components, and a precision-built AR-15 is no exception. When every shot matters, the smallest design choices can make the biggest difference.

Building a precision custom AR-15 requires thoughtful component selection and meticulous attention to detail. The AR-15 platform is one of the most adaptable firearm systems ever created, giving shooters the freedom to design custom AR-15 configurations tailored to their exact purpose. As American citizens continue to exercise their Second Amendment rights, understanding these essential components becomes critical for anyone seeking true precision performance.

At Beal Rifle Company, we’ve elevated the craft of building custom AR-15s through decades of combined military experience and precision manufacturing expertise. Our Fort Worth, Texas, facility produces purpose-built firearms that showcase what happens when veteran craftsmanship meets advanced engineering. Every component choice directly influences accuracy, reliability, and performance, separating precision rifles from standard builds in every measurable way.

The Foundation: Upper and Lower Receivers

Lower Receiver Selection

The lower receiver forms the foundation of any custom AR-15 build. Aluminum 7075-T6 construction provides the strength and dimensional stability required for precision applications. Quality lower receivers feature precise trigger guard dimensions, properly aligned pivot and takedown pin holes, and consistent magazine well specifications.

Forged receivers generally offer superior strength compared to billed alternatives. The forging process creates denser aluminum with improved grain structure. Military specification receivers undergo additional stress testing and dimensional verification processes that recreational alternatives may skip.

Upper Receiver Considerations

Upper receivers must maintain precise alignment with barrel extensions and bolt carrier groups. Flat-top designs with continuous Picatinny rails allow for consistent optic mounting without height variations. The upper receiver’s internal dimensions directly affect bolt carrier group fit and cycling reliability.

Thread specifications for barrel extensions require careful attention. Military specification threads (1.125×16 TPI) help maintain proper headspace when combined with appropriate barrel extensions. Face squareness between the upper receiver and barrel extension affects accuracy potential and bolt closure timing.

Barrel Assembly: The Heart of Precision

Barrel Selection Criteria

Custom AR-15s demand barrels manufactured to tight specifications. Stainless steel construction offers corrosion resistance and thermal stability advantages over chrome-lined alternatives for precision applications. Cold hammer forging and button rifling are among the most common manufacturing methods, each offering advantages such as consistent bore dimensions and smooth internal finishes. Other premium processes, including cut rifling and specialized micro-groove techniques, are also used in top-tier precision barrels.

Contour selection balances weight, rigidity, and heat dissipation requirements. Heavy barrel profiles resist thermal expansion during extended shooting sessions. Medium contour barrels provide acceptable rigidity while reducing overall weight. Fluted barrels increase surface area for improved cooling without excessive weight penalties.

Gas System Configuration

Gas system length affects bolt carrier velocity and pressure curves. Mid-length gas systems provide reduced gas pressure and gentler bolt-carrier cycling when properly matched to the barrel length and ammunition load. This setup can improve felt recoil, enhance durability, and create noticeably smoother shooting compared to carbine-length systems. Rifle-length gas systems offer the smoothest cycling characteristics but require longer barrels to function reliably.

Adjustable gas blocks allow fine-tuning for specific ammunition types, suppressor use, and environmental conditions; an important feature for precision shooters. Proper gas system tuning depends not just on length, but also on the combination of gas block settings, buffer weight, recoil spring tension, and ammunition choice, all of which influence extraction reliability and brass case condition.

Bolt Carrier Group: The Core of Reliability

Material Specifications

Quality bolt carrier groups utilize proper steel specifications for durability and reliability. 8620 steel bolts with shot-peened surfaces resist stress cracking and extend service life. Carpenter 158 steel represents the military specification standard, while 9310 steel offers enhanced strength properties.

Bolt carrier construction requires attention to gas key staking and internal finishing. Properly staked gas keys prevent loosening under rapid-fire conditions. Chrome-lined bolt carriers provide enhanced corrosion resistance and easier cleaning and maintenance.

Headspace Considerations

Proper headspace provides safe chamber pressure containment and reliable extraction. Go and no-go gauges verify correct headspace dimensions during assembly. Excessive headspace creates dangerous pressure spikes, while insufficient headspace prevents reliable chambering.

Bolt extension dimensions must match barrel extension specifications precisely. Rigorous Quality control during manufacturing keeps these critical dimensions consistent across production runs.

Trigger System: The Catalyst of Accuracy

Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Designs

Single-stage triggers provide consistent break characteristics with minimal take-up. Two-stage triggers offer a predictable first stage that allows precise shot timing and follow-through. Many precision shooters prefer two-stage designs for their ability to build consistent trigger control habits.

Pull weight affects accuracy potential and safety considerations. Lighter triggers require enhanced safety awareness and proper handling techniques. Heavier triggers may compromise precision capabilities in skilled hands.

Installation Requirements

Trigger installation requires attention to the hammer and trigger pin holes alignment. Oversized or undersized pin holes affect trigger function and safety. Anti-walk pins prevent trigger and hammer pin migration during extended use.

Trigger springs must maintain proper tension throughout the firing cycle. Reduced power springs may cause light primer strikes with hard primers. Excessive spring tension increases trigger pull weight beyond acceptable limits.

Stock and Buffer System: The Support Behind Every Shot

Buffer Weight Selection

Buffer weight directly influences bolt carrier velocity and extraction timing. Heavier buffers can slow the bolt carrier’s rearward movement, which helps tune the rifle’s cycling for smoother operation and consistent ejection. However, this is not a guaranteed way to improve mechanical accuracy. Instead, buffer weight adjustment is primarily about reliability and consistency. In carbine buffer systems, H1, H2, and H3 buffers provide progressively slower cycling rates.

In precision builds that use rifle-length gas systems or longer barrels, shooters often choose rifle-weight buffers or custom recoil springs to achieve ideal timing and minimal recoil impulse. The optimum configuration depends on the specific gas system, ammunition, suppressor use, and recoil spring tension, all of which must work in harmony for consistent performance.

Stock Selection Impact

Adjustable stocks allow length of pull customization for different shooting positions and clothing variations. Fixed stocks provide enhanced rigidity and eliminate potential movement during precision shooting. A2 stocks offer consistent cheek weld positioning and proven durability.

Cheek weld height affects scope alignment and shooting consistency. Stocks with adjustable comb height accommodate different optic configurations. Consistent stock weld promotes repeatable sight picture acquisition.

Handguard and Barrel Nut Systems: The Framework of Control

Free-Float Benefits

Free-floating handguards eliminate barrel contact that could affect accuracy. Any pressure against the barrel during shooting can shift the point of impact. Free-float designs allow barrels to vibrate naturally without external interference.

Mounting systems must provide a rigid attachment to upper receivers. Barrel nut torque specifications help achieve proper tension without over-stressing aluminum threads. Anti-rotation tabs prevent handguard movement during use.

Accessory Mounting Considerations

M-LOK and KeyMod systems provide lightweight accessory attachment options. Continuous Picatinny rails offer maximum versatility but add unnecessary weight in unused sections. Hybrid designs combine continuous top rails with modular side and bottom attachment points.

Heat dissipation becomes important during extended shooting sessions. Aluminum handguards conduct heat away from barrels more effectively than polymer alternatives. Ventilation slots or holes improve cooling airflow.

Optics and Mounting Systems: The Eye of Precision

Scope Ring Selection

Ring height must accommodate the scope objective diameter while maintaining low mounting positions. Lower mounting positions reduce the distance between the bore axis and sight line. This reduced height differential minimizes point of impact variations at different ranges.

Ring material affects durability and adjustment retention. Steel rings provide superior clamping strength compared to aluminum alternatives. Proper ring spacing distributes clamping forces evenly across scope tubes.

Base Selection Criteria

Picatinny rail bases offer standardized mounting dimensions and spacing. 20 MOA bases provide additional elevation adjustment for long-range applications. Zero MOA bases work adequately for shorter range applications where maximum elevation adjustment isn’t required.

Base attachment requires proper torque specifications and thread-locking compounds. Loose bases create accuracy problems and potential safety hazards. Regular maintenance includes checking base attachment security.

Assembly Considerations: The Blueprint for Custom AR-15 Perfection

Torque Specifications

Proper torque values support reliable assembly without component damage. Barrel nut torque affects accuracy and safety. Under-torqued barrel nuts may loosen during use, while over-torqued nuts can damage receiver threads.

Thread-locking compounds prevent fastener loosening from vibration and thermal cycling. Medium-strength compounds allow disassembly with hand tools. Permanent compounds require heat application for removal.

Quality Control Procedures

Function testing verifies proper assembly and component interaction. Safety checks must confirm firing pin retraction and bolt hold-open function. Trigger reset testing contributes to reliable semi-automatic operation.

Accuracy testing validates component selection and assembly quality. Initial testing should establish baseline accuracy capabilities. Subsequent testing tracks performance changes over time.

Quality Components Sourcing: The Cornerstone of Reliable Builds

Manufacturer Selection Criteria

Established manufacturers with military contracts often provide superior quality control and consistency. Component manufacturers with ISO certifications demonstrate commitment to quality management systems. Third-party testing and validation add credibility to manufacturer claims.

Customer service and warranty support indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in their products. Companies that stand behind their products with comprehensive warranties typically produce higher-quality components.

Local vs. Online Purchasing

Local dealers provide hands-on examination opportunities and immediate availability. Online retailers often offer a broader selection and competitive pricing. Combining local expertise with online research produces informed purchasing decisions.

Transfer requirements vary by jurisdiction and component type. Complete firearms require FFL transfers, while most components ship directly to consumers. Awareness of applicable laws prevents legal complications.

Customization at Beal Rifle Company: The Mark of True Individuality

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Excellence

Beal Rifle Company brings military precision to civilian custom AR-15 construction. Our Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification reflects our commitment to quality and service; 100% designed, machined, and assembled in Fort Worth, Texas.

Custom AR-15s benefit from our local expertise and personalized service approach. Each build receives individual attention and quality verification before delivery.

Lifetime Warranty Commitment

Our limited lifetime warranty demonstrates confidence in our craftsmanship and materials. Quality components properly assembled should provide decades of reliable service. This warranty commitment sets Beal Rifle Company apart from mass-production alternatives.

Customer satisfaction drives our approach to custom rifle building. Individual consultation guarantees each customized AR-15 meets specific requirements and preferences.

Legal Considerations: The Framework of Constitutional Rights

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. This fundamental right enables law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms for various lawful purposes. Customized AR-15s fall under the category of modern sporting rifles, suitable for competition, hunting, and protection when built and used in compliance with all applicable laws.

Federal and state regulations govern firearms ownership and modification. Knowing applicable laws supports legal compliance throughout the building process. Consultation with legal experts may be necessary for complex regulatory questions.

Maintenance and Care: The Key to Lasting Performance

Cleaning Procedures

Regular cleaning maintains accuracy and reliability over an extended service life. Carbon buildup affects gas system function and bolt carrier group timing. Solvent selection should match the specific fouling types encountered.

Bore cleaning requires attention to rifling preservation. Excessive cleaning can damage barrel crowns and affect accuracy. Cleaning frequency depends on ammunition types and environmental conditions.

Storage Considerations

Proper storage prevents corrosion and mechanical damage. Climate-controlled environments minimize humidity effects on metal components. Gun safes provide security while protecting against environmental factors.

Periodic inspection during storage identifies potential problems before they affect function. Moving parts require occasional lubrication to prevent seizure from disuse.

Advanced Customization Techniques: The Edge of Performance

Accurizing Methods

Bedding techniques improve receiver-to-stock fit and eliminate movement. Stress-free mounting reduces accuracy variations from environmental factors. Professional bedding services confirm proper execution of these critical procedures.

Trigger job refinement improves pull characteristics and consistency. Proper trigger work requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Amateur trigger modifications can create safety hazards and legal complications.

Performance Upgrades

Competition triggers offer adjustable pull weights and reset characteristics. Match-grade barrels provide enhanced accuracy potential over standard alternatives. These upgrades require careful selection to match intended applications.

Muzzle devices affect recoil patterns and muzzle blast characteristics. Compensators reduce muzzle rise but increase lateral blast. Flash suppressors reduce muzzle flash but provide minimal recoil reduction.

Testing and Validation: The Benchmark of Quality

Accuracy Standards

Precision custom AR-15s should demonstrate sub-MOA accuracy with appropriate ammunition. Consistent accuracy requires proper ammunition selection and environmental consideration. Multiple group testing validates accuracy and consistency over various conditions.

Chronograph testing measures velocity consistency and extreme spread values. Low velocity variations indicate proper load development and barrel quality. Excessive velocity spreads suggest component or ammunition problems.

Reliability Testing

Function testing under various environmental conditions validates reliability claims. Proper function requires testing with different ammunition types and environmental factors. Failure-to-feed or failure-to-extract problems indicate system timing issues.

Endurance testing establishes service life expectations and maintenance requirements. High round count testing identifies wear patterns and replacement intervals. Documented testing provides valuable maintenance scheduling information.

Building Excellence: The Pursuit of Perfection

A truly precise AR-15 starts with the right components, expert assembly, and attention to every detail. At Beal Rifle Company, we combine military experience with precision manufacturing to build rifles that deliver accuracy, reliability, and lasting performance. Every custom build is backed by our lifetime warranty and a commitment to craftsmanship you can trust.

If you’ve been wondering where you can buy an AR-15 that meets true precision standards, Beal Rifle Company is your answer. Whether your goal is competition, hunting, or personal defense, we’ll help you design a rifle that perfectly fits your needs. Reach out to our team at  [email protected] or (817) 888-3000 to start your custom AR-15 build today.