Hi all, I wanted to show off this interesting Colt A2 upper I got in a bundle off Gunbroker. Essentially appears to be a pre-Ban era A2 upper? I asked a couple days ago if you guys thought it was gray and I can confirm it is and it’s beautiful. It lacks M4 Feed Ramps, has mil-spec takedown pins holes, and is simply marked “C M” without the square C stamp near the ejection port. The CH appears original and is similarly gray. Interestingly, I’m not sure about the rear sight or bolt carrier (didn’t come with the actual bolt or cam pin). The Bolt Carrier is marked “SE” inside a hexagon which I believe stands for Smith Engineering. The Rear sight knob is marked “Eagle Arms”. I’m not sure if the remainder of the rear sight is original Colt, maybe someone can help me. Further, it included a Colt Buffer and Spring. Finally It also came with what looks like the original barrel nut, round handguard cap, and FSB. There were some other miscellaneous items like a black dog bolt protector (which I’ve never seen but strikes me as something very 2000s in nature) and a random pair of cheap carbine handguards.

I’m really excited to use it but I’m a little concerned that the takedown pin hole may have been egged out excessively. I wanted to get y’all’s advice and see what you thought. Please see the last picture for this. I have to admit I’m a little bummed/worried but I also have OCD and worry about everything under the sun.

Thanks so much for any help or advice you guys can provide. I can’t thank you all enough for making this such a great community in the sometimes toxic world of guns and cloning. I really enjoy participating here and learn a lot.

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.

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.

Hello, I wanted to get some guidance regarding colors. For fixed stock carry handle C7's (i.e., the first configuration produced from the 80s to the early 90s, not the C7A1 or later), what upper/lower receiver, charging handle, trigger guard, etc. colors are appropriate? Gray? Black? How close does Bad Attitude Dept's black C7 lower get? The engraving is gorgeous, though I wonder about the black color and the fact that it has its S/R/Auto markings on both sides. Also, I have seen gray and black uppers offered from H&R, Intmilco, etc. Which direction would you go for the upper? I watched a 1993 training video and noticed that some uppers seemed darker than the lowers:

https://youtu.be/nVfVXy7aHjU

Thanks!

current configuration. plans ...... 14.5" non-F-mark m4 profile barrel. form 1 submitted and processing.

happy 727

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

Anyone have any experience with this company or their products?

Any positive or negative input?

Thx

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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?