FML some more

So as I'm playing with my new gun, adding all the new parts on to it, I did a bad thing... Pulled out the pivot pins to disassemble the upper and lower receivers. Pulled the pins RIGHT OUT. And guess what happens when you do that? The little spring and 1/8" diameter pin that keep the pivot pins from falling out during normal operation, those go flying out of their holes and disappear into the carpet. Never found the damn things, so I had to order new ones.

It only cost me about $7 to replace the lost parts, but DAMN if it isn't a pain in the ass to do!

Well, it being the Fourth of July, and I, being bereft of friends and family, decided dear ole Dolly would be my companion for the day. So I cleared off the coffee/dinner table (I'm a bachelor, I always eat in front of the TV) and got to work. Hard part first:

 

Two pivot pin detents, two pivot pin springs, and one hex key set. I didn't feel like paying $15 for an installation tool, so I decided to figure it out myself. I'm a frickin' engineer, I can do this!

Eh... the spring popped out at least once, but fortunately I was able to locate it this time around. At least I know there's a spare buried in my bedroom carpet somewhere. It was a pain in the ass, and I was on my last bit of patience when I finally got it installed.

 

 Yea, I was drinking the whole time. It was the 4th of July dammit! Anyway, accessories! I got a new 6 position extension tube to replace the two position tube that was originally on the rifle. Also, check out the Magpul STR! Sexy, ain't it?

And voila! Here we have one completed lower receiver!

Next up: Drop in Picatinny handguards. I didn't get the freefloat rails yet. These were just a cheap pair from Amazon (Prime shipping FTW!) Pretty easy to install, just slap 'em on the handguard ring, tighten down the screws, and voila, accessory time! 

I threw the Magpul pop up sight on there last.

 

Eventually, I'll remove that front sight post, and put a gas block on there, so I can free float the barrel.

And here it is, fully assembled! I have these bulky rubber rail protectors on there, I don't like 'em at all. They make for a terrible grip!

Update: Check these out! $6 for a set of 4 rubber rail protectors. Much lower profile than the previous ones, and comfortable to grip as well.