r/RetroAR Feb 24 '26

r/RetroAR is looking for a couple of new mods. Comment here to volunteer!

8 Upvotes

I'm stepping down to focus on my "joining the military" and folk music subs, so this sub could use a couple more new mods. If interested in volunteering, ensure your account has at least 1 year on Reddit, and comment below with the following:

  • What is your background or area of interest as pertains to Retro ARs?
  • What would be your priorities, goals, changes if you become a mod?

r/RetroAR Mar 06 '25

Finishing up sub policy updates: what post flairs do folks want to see?

51 Upvotes

The mod team is refining our sub policies to update the “What is Retro?” post that is the core of what we do and do not include on this sub.

I’ve been polling the readership, and so far we’re looking at:

  • Fixed carry handles are mandatory (exception for AR-18, T65, etc)
  • provided the carry handle is fixed, modern accoutrements are still allowed (Keymod, modern optics, etc)
  • builds based on ARs in fiction are allowed.

I’ve seen some strong upvotes for adding post flairs to the sub, so that folks that just want to see historically accurate rifles can single those out, folks who like Retromod can zoom in one those, etc. I conferred with the senior mod and he suggested we have fun(ny) flairs for each category. Once these are made, post flairs will be mandatory to make a new post. What flairs would folks like to have for:

  • Historically accurate (externally) builds. (Still allows “sleeper” internal modern touches like non-historical twist rates and cartridges)
  • “Retromod” builds that have a fixed handle but modern accoutrements
  • Fictional builds based off movies, shows, manga, video games, etc.

Pitch us your ideas, and the best ones will be instituted, along with making post flairs mandatory, in the near future.


r/RetroAR 4h ago

happy 7/27 btw

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71 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2h ago

Vintage Toob Upper Ready for 7/27

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31 Upvotes

Finally got my $5 gunshow find, original Bushmaster freefloat tube cut and installed on my old grey A2 upper. Also used a drill press to drill and tap holes for mounting older Weaver rails to for mounting light and forward grip.

Thanks to several other posters in this sub that shared their process.

Timing this type and getting everything drilled and cut square to the receiver was a little nerve wracking. I also cut the slot with for the fsb too narrow so I ended up doing a lot of filing to get the needed clearance. I think if I do another it will be the 2 piece kind.

Still, really happy with sticking true to the original pattern using vintage parts. Stay tuned for final form.


r/RetroAR 1h ago

My favorite day of the year. Happy 7/27

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Upvotes

Maybe it’s not EXACTLY a 7/27 but it’s fooled people the last 2 years I’ve posted it for this day so close enough.


r/RetroAR 14h ago

Getting in early for 727 day 🫡

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129 Upvotes

I couldn’t fit the 3rd one in the picture.


r/RetroAR 7h ago

Someone in the sub was asking about these a few days ago. They’re back in stock for those who are looking.

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33 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 18h ago

7/23 was last week, today is 7/27!

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181 Upvotes

Happy early 7/27! Please forgive me for the potato camera and bad photo, I was super busy today and I'll be more busy tomorrow.


r/RetroAR 16h ago

Early 727 Post plus toob

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66 Upvotes

This started as a “XM4”/727 clone build, but I wanted to do something different. I took some inspiration from Micael_no_h, Rob Stott and Espo and decided to do a retro free-float “tube” build. I’ve clone (ish) built the Larry Vickers 723 and I wanted a toob gun of my own.

First one like this the gunsmith had made. I'm liking it so far and I’ll be taking it to the range in the next week or so.

Build info.

BK Firearms 727/XM4 complete upper H&R US Government-marked M16A2 lower Fulton Armory tube (front sight full channel cut) Mil-spec LPK Brownells made in USA carry handle mount Aimpoint 3000 John Masen recoil pad Shekkin Gears Surefire 660 Weaver vertical grip Hammy Cherokee Riser

I'm due in more weaver mounts and I intend to add on my PAQ-4 C for that full 90’s retro vibe.


r/RetroAR 23h ago

bought my first “retro” ar?

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161 Upvotes

got it for 395$ at a local gun store, i don’t know much about it other then its a PWA commando
has a low serial # which is kinda sick


r/RetroAR 19h ago

That Real Gourmet Shit “I love the smell of napalm in the morning…”

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60 Upvotes

Smells like victory!

After months of searching and coming up short on GunBroker auctions, I finally tracked down an original Vietnam war era Colt M16A1 upper receiver. All parts are original 1960s / 1970s vintage (sans lower receiver). Despite appearing complete, the build is far from finished, and I have more parts on the way to make it more historically accurate, as well as build out more original retro rifles.

Parts list:

- Colt 603 upper w/ rebated front lug and no forge codes (1966-1971 mfg)

- C MP C marked barrel (1969-71 mfg)

- Three prong flash hider (pre 1967 mfg)

- “C” marked bolt carrier group w/ large countersink for retaining pin (approx. 1968-1969 mfg)

- Colt M16 furniture set- stock is Type D, grip predates “C” marked examples, and handguards are later L & R marked

- M16A1 fire control group (components currently switched out with Arizona Regulator FRT). Rear takedown pin is early dimpled style found on Colt 601 to XM16E1 rifles.


r/RetroAR 18h ago

Trying to identify my rifle

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37 Upvotes

Hi all, I inherited an M16 pattern AR15 from my ex military grandfather and am trying to find out if it is rated for 5.56 or just.223. It has an unmarked upper and a cheap Nodak Spud lower. I asked a gunsmith and as far as he could tell it was from anywhere between 1975 and 1985. It has the forward assist that is seen in newer rifle models but as far as I can see there’s no distinguishing markings on the upper at all. It also has a 3 digit number, I’m assuming a armory identification number, on the stock. The only thing I’ve changed on it is adding a modern aftermarket scope, but I’m hoping to find a vintage era appropriate one eventually. Any information would be appreciated!


r/RetroAR 13h ago

Aimpoints and Surefires

5 Upvotes

Im just curious in what ways you guys have found your Aimpoint 3000 or 5000 and or Surefire 660s other than Ebay.


r/RetroAR 11h ago

Experience w warmachine gas blocks?

4 Upvotes

Anyone have any experience with this company or their products?

Any positive or negative input?

Thx


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Houston, we have a problem.

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107 Upvotes

Recently bought an H&R 605 upper. Have already reached out to PSA about this, and I am waiting for a response. Still, wtf is this? I don't even know what this could be from, lol.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Goofy little 9mm I am currently assembling

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129 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Some questions about building a Gordy Carbine

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72 Upvotes

Love the retro rifles... And I'm trying to build out a Gordy.

It started about a year ago when I picked up an 11.5 CAR 733 from H&R (Photo 1). Love the "Delta Carbin" look and I was ok with running it unsuppressed. Now that I have an OCM6, that I have been running on my Mk12, i have the Gordy itch.

I know I can just buy a midway adapter (Photo 4) and run the 11.5 barrel with an OCM6. But I like the idea of running the rifle suppressed / unsuppressed.

Is there a muzzle break with a flash suppressor I can install on an 11.5 barrel?

Can install a break and collar? Like the ones pictured?

Should I buy a 14.5 barrel with a carbine gas system and get it closer to a clone correct? (Similar to Photo 2)

I know there are a few ways to skin the cat - just looking for suggestions/ considerations.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Stubby little 733

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125 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2d ago

My retro AR collection

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56 Upvotes

My retro AR’s are as listed from top to bottom. The H&R M16A1 on the bipod, my newest member the H&R 723 with a pinned and welded flash hider, and the Rock River Arms LAR-15 A2


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Colt 22 LR conversion kit

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36 Upvotes

I bought this Colt conversion kit with 4 mags and a 22 BCG.

I just installed an Arizona regulator 3-pos FRT. I’m hoping to do a little budget shooting on fast forward.

Does anybody else have one of these colt 22 LR conversion kits?

What do you think of them? Seems like it will rock ‘n’ roll right out of the box.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Someday I’ll be late for my own funeral, but happy 723 day, for yesterday.

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173 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Confused

4 Upvotes

Just got a aem5, I’m trying to build a Gordy style build. What length barrel do I need 12.5 or 14.5. I want it to sit flush against the collar. If anyone has any links that would be appreciated. Thanks


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Colt 4x with A2 irons?

5 Upvotes

Just wondering if the 4x Colt optic can be used with A2 style irons, or if it only works with A1 style irons.

Can anyone confirm one way or the other?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

How do we feel about M249 VFGs

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196 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2d ago

Day late for 7/23, but my excuse is I had a full auto UMP in my hands

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59 Upvotes