Any thoughts on building a AR-15A1 clone?

[SigfanUSAF]

Ok, I have a RRA Entry Tactical, have trained on A-2s in the AF, and shot several A1 and A2s that my dad has had over the years. I like the A2, and my Mfourgery, but something about the A1 keeps me captivated. Rambo, Platoon, Apocolypse Now, and Full Metal Jacket (second half) did me in. I can't find any related threads (yes it is possible I didn't look hard enough), but what is a good source for a nice A1 rifle or parts set. I know Colts are rediculously expensive (in Dave dollars), so what options would one have?
All the "kit ARs" I can find are all A2/A4/M4 type. DPMS and Bushmaster have nice A1 upper recievers, CDNN has SP-1 upper assemblies (w/out b,c,ch). The stock sets I've seen from SARCO and GPC weren't the greatest, and I can find no other source. What's a good source for A1 barrels? SARCOs are too high for the condition and GPC is out.
I'm not opposed to using a new lower from, say, RRA, but I'd still need to swap the stock and pistol grip. What to do?
Also, anyone have pics of the Hydra Matic M-16 (TH-16 for all us GM fans)? This was addressed in an older thread, but no one ever came through.

 

[OODA_Loop]

Hi Sigfan.

This fascination led to a whole 'retro' forum at AR15.com. I will try to answer your questions.

The 'SP-1' uppers you mentioned at CDNN are NEW, Colt M16A1 uppers, small hole. They are not actually SP-1 uppers. They have a forward assist and chrome-lined barrel and many appear to still have the protective 'wick' in the barrel. Get one! It is exactly what you seek, already assembled, at the best price available.

The DPMS and Bushmaster uppers advertised as 'A1' are actually "C7" uppers: Canadian pattern, A1 with a brass deflector added.

New barrels are pricey and not light; SAWLEsales.com may have Colt light 1/7 barrels, but they are very expensive.

As you know, SARCO is variable. I would avoid.

I would get the Colt M16A1 upper from CDNN; a steal as it is new.

Headspace is set on the barrel extension at the factory; I have a USGI field gage but I don't think you need to worry about it.

Get a CMT/Stag bolt and carrier. The bolts are MP inspected. Alternately, new in wrap Colt units go for $75 or so. The CMT/Stag carrier has extra meat on the back of it to add mass. Denny's Guns and G&R Tactical (google!) among others, have these. I have purchased from both and like both companies.

Get a charging handle, same source.

I got an A1 buttstock, buffer, tube and spring for $40 at a gun show. There are a lot of earlier (non-fixed sling swivel) stocks out there for cheaper. J&T may still have buttstocks but they are not cheap. Gunshow is best price bet for these.
(Fulton and others sell an 'A1' buttstock but it is A1 length and not 'correct' if that concerns you - it is really a cut-down buttstock with a swivel slot like the RRA 'entry' buttstock. Anyway a gunshow A1 is cheaper!)

Lower: The A1 lower differs in that the front pivot area is not reinforced, the buffer tube area is also 'lighter'. Nobody is currently making these. An A2 will work fine. Some people are reprofiling them with file and sandpaper and dremel and refinishing with a spray-on grey finish. There is talk of manufacturing them but it never comes to fruition. The RRA lower looks great with an A1 upper I think

Oh, almost forgot - pistol grips - about $5 at a gunshow.

Hope this helps. e-mail me if I can assist further.

 

[10-Ring]

Just as an aside, what is the main difference between the A1 & A2? I'm a big noob when it comes to the ar & I'm tryin to gather as much info as I can

 

[SigfanUSAF]

A-1 has the triangular handguards, windage only adjustment rear sight, thin barrel profile, flashhider with slots all around, teardrop forward assist, shorter buttstock, grip with no finger groove.........................

 

[SigfanUSAF]

The A2

The A1

 

[SigfanUSAF]

Colt CDNN upper ordered today!

 

[SigfanUSAF]

CDNN upper finally arrived! For those of you sitting on the fence about this one, buy it now! These are beautiful. I'll post pics shortly, but untill I can locate an A1 stock assy, she looks mighty funny on my RRA Entry Tactical lower!

 

[Davo]

congrats, I got my a2 upper today from del-ton, Im going to build up an A3 config. Im going into this knowing NOTHING about AR's.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

congrats, I got my a2 upper today from del-ton, Im going to build up an A3 config. Im going into this knowing NOTHING about AR's.

Sometimes, that is the best way to learn. I'm a GM certified technician, but had my first major Mercedes experience a few weeks back. Cylinder heads on a 1986 560SL. Holy crap. Anyway, what kind of lower can you use for these evil crime-causing, murdering, servile weapons in Cali? Hows the quality of Del-Ton? Are they the mfg, or a supplier?

 

[Kaylee]

My A1 upper from CDNN just arrived today as well -- FAST service!

First impressions -- between the NEW condition and packing grease, it felt just like opening up one of those "arsenel refinish" milsurps... well, minus the heavy HEAVY cosmoline, I mean. I swear, this is as close as you're ever likely to come to getting a gen-u-ine US milsurp M16.

I've only handled A1s occasionally in stores before. So far.. I miss the larger almost "ghost ring" aperature or the A2, but I don't miss the spring-tensioned wiggly sight block. I LIKE the lightweight barrel, but the handguards are awful fat. I've ordered a set of A1 furniture for the lower to complete the set, though to be honest I'm considering getting an A2 handguard for general use.. just easier to hold onto.

All in all... to one (like me) unschooled in the minutae of M16 development, it already looks like having a VietNam relic lying on the sofa. Cool.


-K

 

[Davo]

This is an A3 build on a Lauer reciever, which will not have a pistol grip (instead its got a goofy palm swell), and is limited to 10 rounds.
The upper has a wilson chromed 5.56 heavy barrel. There is also a RRA 2stage trigger. My initial impression is that this rifle is solid, and built well. Del ton is a supplier, and I am happy with their service.
My lower keeps us Kalifornians safe because it dosent say colt, or armalite on the side. Our legislators keep us safe.

 

[Erinyes]

Out of curiosity, is there anyway to make the A1 uppers lefty friendly? My dad always had fun stories about lefties and M16A1s...

 

[SigfanUSAF]

Nearing completion, I bought the Brownells dark parkerized grey bake on enamel finishfor the RRA lower. Close match to the Colt upper, not quite close enough. I stripped the upper and painted it also.

 

[SigfanUSAF]

After final assembly moments ago. Please disregard the A2 grip and stock, still waiting for my A1 stuff to arrive.

 

[Davo]

Looks great. I just assembled my A3 today...Im not really feeling the HBAR and the compensator...it was freakin loud even with earplugs.