where do i start with building a vietbam style ar15? my dads birthday is coming up and I want to build him a rifle like he carried in vietnam. he has an ar now but he always talked about the one he had in vietnam
ive built normal ars but i havent attemted something like this
>>30401525
>vietbam
Make it so it blows up when you try to fire it
>>30401525
Fulton Armory
![WP_20160604_008[3].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/x48tRtE.jpg "WP_20160604_008[3].jpg")
>>30401650
The Fulton offering is a fucking abortion.
>>30401672
What's wrong with it exactly?
go digging in the outskirts of saigon
>>30401680
It's more like a Colt SP-1 and an A2 had a FAS baby.
>>30401525
If you had the exact rifle your dad carried, the autists on this board would find something wrong with it. Flash hider, lower, upper, charge handke,something. There is no satisfying the purists here. You can get pretty close, if you spend a ton of money. You can get close enough to make the old man happy with little effort. Here is a pic of my Fulton. Watch the abuse it gets.
>>30401672
>that flash hider
REEEEEEEEEEEE
>>30401702
milsurpdude has been known to be a massive poorfag. Don't bully him for it
>>30401693
Where the fuck are you seeing this A2 SP1 abomination? They have an A2 model, and they have an SP1 model.
>>30401525
http://whatacountry.com/colt-m16a1-parts-kit.aspx
You just need a receiver.
>>30401728
And a barrel.
Colt is making repos now no? A1 furniture is common enough online if you'd rather build one.
>>30401702
The A1 flash hider?
>>30401718
Try again.
>>30401720
Probably in that rifle that has an A2 lower with SP-1 everything else. Hence; A2 SP-1 abortion.
>>30401595
Underrated post.
>>30401525
Good luck finding rear sight component's.
![WP_20160525_003[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/LgNZwYb.jpg "WP_20160525_003[1].jpg")
>>30401736
http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=BARREL-20LWT12
>>30401755
Weren't you the guy complaining about shiny furniture not looking authentic enough earlier?
>>30401824
Full candy gloss furniture? Yup. :^
>>30401755
You need to remember that the SP1 had a special snowflake pivot pin, so they probably saved a lot of asspain and time by not doing new-production A1 lowers requiring the adapter and omitting the critical reinforcements.
>>30401863
I'm sure there's a valid reason. It's still pretty far from being correct.
>>30401672
Fine you fucking pedant, Fulton upper mated to a Nodak correct lower
>>30401870
>pretty far
It's very fucking close aside from having literal grams in metal material of difference. Would you rather have a 99% correct clone or a 100% that breaks in two places if you drop it?
>>30401881
Now you're getting it. ;^
That is, if you're going for the Model 602 look.
>>30401888
>It's very fucking close
Nah, dust cover is wrong as well and the lower is fucking obvious. I won't bring up the dildos 1:8 twist rate because that might be a bit autistic.
Or, you could just pay $1300 for a half-baked retro build and go it your own, producing a more accurate build that also costs significantly less.
>a 100% that breaks in two places if you drop it?
Jesus Christ, this thread.
>>30401929
>Jesus Christ, this thread
Coming from the guy who thought A1 furniture was made of fucking Bakelite.
>>>>/arg/
>>30401940
I dunno man, you see the archive of that thread? You got a bit schooled too. ;^
>>30401949
No I didn't, and tell me how I'm the one who got schooled. Bakelite was never used for the furniture.
Get him one of these and he can play John Wayne.
>>30401964
I'm sorry brah. Enjoy your Fulton. ;^
http://cuckchan.org/k/thread/30390979/#30396704
![WP_20160604_001[2].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/R6A2xC4.jpg "WP_20160604_001[2].jpg")
Now to OP, let's do this the -right- way. No getting shitty attempts at retro builds at the behest of clueless anons; you want your dad to have the real deal.
Let's proceed under the assumption your father served with an A1. Let's also assume you don't want to wait 3/4 of a year to get some retro receiver sets in from NDS.
We'll start out with the upper;
This can be had, if you're patient, by browsing Gunbroker and waiting for one to pop up that isn't stupidly overpriced. Failing this, you can order an NDS one from Brownells, without the 8 month wait. The caveat is that, for some reason, the Brownells NDS receivers are all in A2 black. For an additional $80, you can have it shipped over to John Norrell to be refinished in a proper A1 color. The color you want is Grayish-Black Flat.
Upper; http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-m16-a1-upper-receiver-prod83620.aspx
Refinishing; http://www.johnnorrellarms.com/refinishing.asp
Lower;
Here you have two routes. The aforementioned Brownells, coupled with the refinishing, or, if you want to save some money, a reprofiled A2 lower from McKay Enterprises.
NDS Lower; http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-m16-a1-lower-receiver-prod83622.aspx
McKay Ent.; http://www.mckay-ent.com/ar15-m16/m16-a1-lower-receiver.html
![WP_20160525_004[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/fmabdfo.jpg "WP_20160525_004[1].jpg")
>>30402054
We have your receiver sets. The hard part is over. Now what? Next step is, obviously, the barrel. You have a multitude of options for this part, as a 20" pencil profile isn't exactly hard to find. For the sake of easiness, I suggest the offering from AR15sport, as it comes with the FSB and triangular handguard retainer installed.
http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=BARREL-20LWT12
Up next; the parts for securing that barrel to the upper. Again, this can be all found from AR15sport.com. You can get the standard slipring components, just make sure that the slipring itself is the flat, A1 style seen here;
http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=ARPART-115
![WP_20160604_015[2].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/aXtNWHL.jpg "WP_20160604_015[2].jpg")
>>30402070
Furniture time. Again, plenty of places to choose from, but non specialize in A1 furniture like USCollectorsOrdnance on GB. Here, you can look through individual furniture components and pick what you want. This, however, is a pretty good set; http://www.gunbroker.com/item/567028542
For the BCG, any milspec will do, as its design has been unchanged for 50 years and was introduced with the A1. Take your pick here, honestly.
The flash hider is easy to find, but you want to make sure it comes with the correct split washer. A lot of the "A1" split washers you see online are for too thick and are modern reproductions. So, let's go with APEX's offering; http://www.apexgunparts.com/ar15-m16/colt-ar15-m16a1-flash-suppressor-cage-w-lock-washer-vg-to-ex.html
![WP_20160604_016[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/ZAwio6a.jpg "WP_20160604_016[1].jpg")
>>30402091
Buffer tube get. As with the BCG, pick any buffer assembly that's rifle length and milspec. It will come with a spacer meant for A2 stocks, but you have the based A1 stock, so what do you need that shit for?
All the big stuff is out of the way, time for the itty bitty. Any milspec FCG will do, so, once more, take your pic. The bolt catch also just has to be your basic milspec, along with the takedown pins and their detends. I'd suggest PSA for these things.
The forward assists needs to be the earlier teardrop style. A couple months ago these were everywhere and were even being newly produced by Bushmaster and DPMS. For some reason, they've stopped, and they're not as common. Thank fuck for the secondary market, though; http://www.gunbroker.com/item/567259597
Just couple this with a basic FA spring and rollpin, and she's good to go.
![WP_20160524_013[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/sQdfXdn.jpg "WP_20160524_013[1].jpg")
>>30402117
So what's left? Only the dust cover and firing selector, right? Two small components, couldn't be that expensive. And yet, it's here that so many retro builders screw up. The A1 will have a distinct selector switch and dust cover, but many opt for just slapping on A2-style ones and calling it a day. You can avoid this, fortunately. A1 firing selectors, with their flatm notchless surface, are still available and also let you flip over to the giggle mode position (though you can't actually fire your A1 when it's flipped that way, not even in semi).
Selector switch; http://www.apexgunparts.com/ar15-m16/colt-m16a1-safety-selector-lever-good-to-very-good.html
Now, the dust cover would normally be a hard find. But, I'm here, and I can tell you that the boys at RifleSupply.com have new production A1 dust cover assemblies for all of $15.
Dust cover; http://riflesupply.com/AR-15-Retro-Ejection-Port-Dust-Cover-Gray-A1-Style-DustCoverA1.htm
Note; while RS.com is out of the dust covers, they do restock. Keep it bookmarked, use an A2 as a placeholder. Or just lurk GB, you'll get one eventually.
>>30401525
>ive built normal ars
normal?
>>30402054
Another note; I'm almost certain Brownells gets NDS' fuckups, as myself and others have had a few issues with them. Mine has been the worse seen so far. Look yours over if you go this route, and do not be afraid to bitch them out if they sent you fuckfuck receiver. I'm still salty over what I went through, but it still beats the wait of going through NDS.
>>30402146
holy hell thank you for that!!! i appreicate it!
>>30401525
What if he gets PTSD from seeing the rifle and shoots you OP?
>>30402181
yeah man. i have had more than a few problems with brownells of late also.
need to get their shit together.
>>30402181
Lastly, if your dad served in the Air Force during LBJ's & MacNamera's Jolly Grand Southeast Asia Adventure, the A1 wouldn't be perfect (it's still the easiest 'Nam-era build, though). Should this be case, you will need to go through NDS for the more specialized receivers.
>>30402232
What really, really skeeves me is how they wouldn't even put up the 2-star review I typed out and submitted ("for review", which is always shady).
It did get them to call me less than 12 hours later, and after telling them that I drilled out the dust cover rod holes myself, they said
>"Oh, so your problem is resolved then?"
>"Yes, after correcting your shocking oversight."
>"Well, we're glad to hear it all worked out and you are satisfied with the product!"
And that was grounds to not post the review. I'm never buying from them again.
>>30401525
contact NDS about five months ago.
>>30402181
>I'm still salty over what I went through, but it still beats the wait of going through NDS.
What happened?
>>30402054
>>30402070
>>30402091
>>30402117
>>30402146
>mfw a tripfag came through
That's pretty neat
>>30402146
Just curious, what exactly is the difference between the A1 and A2 dust covers?
>>30402414
One doesn't have Undertale shit engraved on it, making it instantaneously better.
>>30402414
A1 dust covers should have a smaller, more rectangular striker plate on the outside.
>>30402857
This is an A2.
>>30402870
Inside, the A1 will have a more angular housing for the retainer.
>>30402878
This is an A2, where the housing is rounded.
>>30402891
But MSD, you gotta help me find a1 rear sights yo.
>>30401702
The A1 had a full birdcage retard, not the prong
>>30403054
https://www.amherst-depot.com/Gunparts.AR15.htm
I just bought pic related, where can I find the kit for a rear sight? Otherwise I'll return it to Brownells
>>30404415
look up
>>30401525
Whole kit, pretty cheap too.
https://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=184
>>30402857
MSD I have an old ass SP-1 with an A1 flashider. What do I need to change for full A1 glory?
>>30404451
Thanks fämaläm,
![WP_20160524_011[3].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/v6sRr2n.jpg "WP_20160524_011[3].jpg")
>>30402320
It was a 3 week ordeal that ended with what you see there.
>Want newer A1 upper because current one is pitted to shit
>Know Brownells has NDS uppers, though they're A2 black
>Plop $160 down on one, intend to send it off to John Norrell's for refinishing to A1 gray.
>Decide to just have Brownells ship directly to John's to save me the hassle
>"Lol sorry, we use UPSMI to ship our products, no way we can redirect it."
>After hearing that the single worst shipping service imaginable is handling it, anticipate a 1-2 delay
>It's actually 4 days.
>Get it, looks well enough after a quick lookover, send it off to John's.
>John takes twice as long as usual, wind up not getting it for two more weeks, UPS Ground taking -7 days- to return it to me.
>After enduring all of that, install the barrel, the rearsight assembly, the forward assist, everything's ready except for the dust cover
>Only then do I notice picrelated
>>30404462
Both receivers and probably the bolt carrier, senpaitachi. Looking at likely $400 there.
>>30404552
What about just an M16. No FA and a birdcage flashider.
>>30404587
Shit man, if you got an earlier SP-1 with the swivel rear sling loop, divot front takedown pin, and "hole" safety selector, you already pretty much have a Model 602.
>>30404652
It's a 1975. But it has an A1 flashider.
>>30404652
Oh yeah, get a three-prong FH. Those are easy as hell to find.
>>30404682
Is the BCG not chromed then? Hell, post pics.
>>30401672
I hope you die of cancer.
>>30404696
Not at home right now flamalamadingdong, I will once I get back.
![WP_20160604_005[3].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/OnkqifY.jpg "WP_20160604_005[3].jpg")
>>30404723
I don't have a Fulton Legacy, so I'm fine, thanks.
i got a M16A2 upper from this guy.
he sells A1 stuff as well.
very high quality
nice shit but expensive
http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=UPPER-RETC7A1
>>30401702
>is an a1
>has an a1 birdcage
kys cockwallet both an a1 or a three prong can be found on an a1 build and the birdcage was more common.
>>30404728
FUCKING A2 flash hider.
REEEEEEEE
>>30404728
In the midst of so much cancer here are those pics 1/5
![WP_20160404_001[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/VRXdvRa.jpg "WP_20160404_001[1].jpg")
>>30405456
>>30405470
>>30405488
>>30405522
Yeah, since you have a later SP-1, you'd have to do some changes to replicate a Model 602. The bolt carrier would have to be chromed, the safety would need the hole, and the front takedown screw would need to have a conversion job so it could take a large, traditional detent pin. Honestly, I'd just do the BCG and safety job and leave the front-takedown screw, sounds like a big hassle. You'd have a close enough 602 build, and I don't think I've ever seen one here. Or just stick with the SP-1, those are still classy rifles. I've just always been partial to the A1.
>>30405585
It just feels like it should be a more 'retro' rifle even though it kind of is. It feels like it's so close and yet far.
This is a neat thread
Its getting harder and harder to find original parts. Just get a SP1 and you'll end up with a real Colt that will have value going forward. All the reproduction BS out there makes a boring SP1 look better and better every day.
>>30401728
>out of stock like literally every other fucking m16a1 parts kit
>freedom-15 polymer lower
>nodak spud nds-15u upper charging trigger
>m16 pencil barrel, a1 furniture
this build is already like $850 without shipping and I don't have much budget left, what else do I need to buy to complete the rifle?
Still need a slab or partial fence lower.
>>30402329
He is a colossal asswad who fetishises goats but retro stuff really seems to be where he knows his shit.
>>30401525
Do I need to get the a1 dust cover. Kinda want an engraved one.
you want to trigger your fathers vietnam flashbacks huh
>>30401695
That's actually sexy af
>>30401525
http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/category_v3.aspx?categoryid=91 and a retro NDS lower
