ar15 question

[trigga]

I was thinking about building a retro m16 replica upper when i came across this dpms lite 20 rifle. my only question is will it fit the tri grips or will it need to be modded? seems to have most of the features the a1 has besides the grips, flash hider and brass deflector. the front hand guard retainer looks like it'll accept the tri grips. anyone have this rifle and done this before? good rifle? the rifle seems to be reasonably priced. brand new for under $800, not bad.

http://www.dpmsinc.com/firearms/firearm.aspx?id=33

 

[jad0110]

The triangular handgaurds will fit. Keep in mind that the right and left sides of those handgaurds are slightly different (they aren't universal like the A2 style handgaurds).

You might also consider swapping the stock and pistol grip for A1 style units (the A1 stock is shorter, and the pistol grip lacks a finger groove). That would get you fairly close to the look of a later M16A1, the most obvious differences on the DPMS rifle being the PG and shell deflector (as you mentioned), the rear sight assembly (the various models of the Colt SP1, M16 and M16A1 only had a windage adjustment on the rear sight), and the reinforcing on the lower receiver near the rear takedown pin. You could also swap out the A2 flashhider for a later A1 flashider (not closed in on the bottom).

One other option for a more accurate look is to build your rifle using historically accurate, reproduction retro lower and upper receivers from No Dak Spuds. Check out Retroblackrifle.com to learn about the various models of early ARs / M16s to decide on a particular model. I'm currently working on a very early Colt 603 / XM16E1 build (pre adoption M16A1), and I'm having a blast. But be advised you can end up spending more than $800 on such a project, especially on an early model with their unique, pricier dimpled pins/levers, including tools for assembly if you don't already have them.

 

[crossrhodes]

Dpms light

FYI. The rear sight is lacking windage index marks on the DPMS light, other then that, I 've had zero problems with mine. I would love to do a retro of the old XM15 some day. The oldest AR I have is a colt made in 1993, slab side with the sear block installed and the half bolt carrier.

 

[Jdann24]

Checkout Nodak Spud if you want to to a retro build:
http://www.nodakspud.com/

 

[reuben mishler]

I actually saw a Colt SP1 in a gun store the other day. They were asking $1,700 for it.

 

[madcratebuilder]

There are different intensities of retro. Some just change furniture, others add the spud upper and lower. Some go as far as every small part.



This is just a simple change of furniture on a A1 BM.

 

[jad0110]

Ahhh, I stand corrected. That DPMS does have the pre-A2 style rear sight windage wheel only, and no elevation adjustment.

With that feature, that A1 would definitely make a nice basic A1 retro. As madcratebuilder sums it up, you can go mild or wild with these retro builds, or anything in between.

 

[crossrhodes]

I like that

madcreatebuilder, I like that retro look with the heavy barrel.

 

[mshootnit]

Those old Colt SP1's are nice and light and accurate. I have a Armalite 20" but total weight is heavier. I like the A1 stock.

 

[AK103K]

Ive always preferred the A1 stocks over the A2's, and usually replace the A2's with one.

If you do go with the A1 stock, make sure you get an A1 "screw", or trim the A2 screw to A1 length, or you'll drive yourself crazy with intermittent to constant feeding malfunctions.

Northridge International (www.northridgeinc.com)used to have decent M16/M16A1 furniture sets for cheap. Just now looking, they appear to have tripled in price. I was paying $20 a set a few years back, and now they are going for $55. Still, they usually clean up nice, and a coat of Aluma Hyde II will make them look brand new.