"Retro" AR-15s?

[Mosinguy]

Been doing some thinking guys, and with my limited (and I stress limited ) income, I'd like to build an M16a1 or a2 looking AR. After some research, it seems like it's one I'd really like, seeing how you it can't tempt me with doo-dads and I personally like the fixed stock and triangle handguards.

So, with that said, how would I go about building an AR? Do I need special tools? Also because it's an older version I'd need the older upper and lower so would I have to buy surplus or are these parts in current production? And I'd want a 16" Disappator on my upper so could any big name upper maker do that? (Brownells?)
Finally, I'm worried about cost. Is it humanly possible to build this under or a little over $550? Like I said limited funds, so it won't be built all at once either.

Any help is appreciated for this AR newb.

 

[JoshuaW]

You would be better off with another $150, but it might be possible if you are patient. All of the parts are still available as current production, and you can occasionally find complete A2 style uppers for a good price. The arent really any specialty tools required, but you may need an armorers wrench if you are assembling the upper yourself. There are plenty of videos on Youtube to walk you through the process.

 

[LEaSH]

SARCO has everything you need but a lower. I have one and I like it. So $465.00 + cost of a lower.

 

[Bigdee06]

Palmetto State Armory is selling $49.95 stripped lowers right now, add the SARCO kit to that and a armorers tool and you should be set for really close to your budget. It wont say Colt on the the lower but that should be about the only difference.

 

[Mosinguy]

Sweeet. I've factored it in, and I need to put money aside for a while anyways..but maybe by January/February I'll have the evil black gun assembled :evil:

How much are lowers usually? That's a sale price it seems but I doubt it's any more expensive than that. Also, A2 kits are cheaper by $40 but no "burst parts" are included. What are those?

 

[LEaSH]

That's the trigger group. It only means you're getting the standard semi-auto parts of the linkage.

If it were original A2 small parts it would be NFA - and very expensive.

 

[451_Detonics]

For real retro looks I would recommend NoDak NoDak Spud Retro Lowers , they ever have the original excremental style trigger charging handle uppers and waffle magazines. They will also do a battle field pick-up finish on your upper and lower.

 

[Mosinguy]

So say I buy one of those original surplus parts kits. All I'd need to build it is an armorer's wrench, and a lower receiver? Could I buy the $50 lower and have it work or do I need the exact copy $120 one or is the difference cosmetic?

 

[JML]

So say I buy one of those original surplus parts kits. All I'd need to build it is an armorer's wrench, and a lower receiver? Could I buy the $50 lower and have it work or do I need the exact copy $120 one or is the difference cosmetic?

You can buy a $50 lower and it'll work with that parts set.It just won't look exact to the period of the gun.

 

[JML]

I'm pretty sure most of the sets like that the upper is already completled.So you'd just have to assemble your lower which isn't that hard at all.Youtube has tons of videos on how to assemble to help you out.

 

[LEaSH]

My Sarco kit came in bags and boxes. I enlisted the help of a more seasoned AR guy for the barrel install, but he didn't seem to have a problem with that.

I put 95% of it together myself using a book and you tube and other internet resources. It has ran only 150 rounds but not one mis-feed.

Accuracy is something I'm working on. I know it is consistent, I'm just finding it shoots 3" low (at 50 yards) with the sight picture I'm trying to use. I don't have a front sight tool yet.

I must admit, I'm low on the tree of knowledge as the AR rifle goes.

Just be patient, ask questions, look things up, be sure of your actions before you make an install and do not rush.

After knowing what each part does what and why, you see a bigger picture as to why each part has specific shapes and why. I still haven't taken apart a bolt carrier group yet. The learning never ends.

 

[MrSmitty]

Been doing some thinking guys, and with my limited (and I stress limited ) income, I'd like to build an M16a1 or a2 looking AR. After some research, it seems like it's one I'd really like, seeing how you it can't tempt me with doo-dads and I personally like the fixed stock and triangle handguards.

So, with that said, how would I go about building an AR? Do I need special tools? Also because it's an older version I'd need the older upper and lower so would I have to buy surplus or are these parts in current production? And I'd want a 16" Disappator on my upper so could any big name upper maker do that? (Brownells?)
Finally, I'm worried about cost. Is it humanly possible to build this under or a little over $550? Like I said limited funds, so it won't be built all at once either.

Any help is appreciated for this AR newb.

I, too, like the old school AR's I like the carrying handle, and the triangle forestock, and the three pronged flash hider...call me crazy! Fired that type in basic...in 1981!