Retro-Style AR

[Mosin Bubba]

With all the stupid good deals running around on AR parts, I'm wondering if it's possible to build a retro-style AR for a decent price. I've always thought the Vietnam A1 style ARs looked cool, and I like the idea of the full length rifle barrel in a 6 pound package.

I'm not a big AR guy. Could anybody that is give me a rough estimate of would it would cost to build a 20 inch pencil barrel rifle with a carry handle, and maybe the old school style furniture? Doesn't need to be anything high-quality or authentic -this would just be a plinker. Thanks.

 

[ontarget]

I have been looking for a plain Jane A2 type for a reasonable price. I just don't want all the tacticool crap. I wouldn't mind the A1 either. I will be following this thread closely.

 

[ifit]

I would say roughly $700-800 with mostly new parts. cheaper if you could find used parts. couple hundred dollars more you can get a brand new FN 15 rifle slap on the A1 HG...walla, you got an awesome hybrid/retro that is a joy to shoot and accurate

 

[Ironicaintit]

I like my A2. These days, it does kinda stand out in the crowd of tacti-doodad equipped flattops.
KISS!

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

If you are looking to build an AR, you aren't likely to get a lot of great deals. The great deals are on the commodity type AR parts. The kits to build the M16A1 clones are becoming harder to find and much more expensive than they once were. Here is a kit I built from a parts kit, an AR15sport.com barrel assembly and an newer style lower that I had laying around. If you go the kit route you usually have to replace the fire control group since the M16 fire control group is not only illegal to assemble, but it also will not fit in an AR15 lower. At some point in the future I'll pick up a Nodak Spud lower to finish off the retro look, but I was impatient with the Nodak wait list.

Some links for parts kits.
http://www.royaltigerimports.com/product-p/ar150011.htm
http://www.mckay-ent.com/ar15-m16/ak74-parts-kit.html
http://whatacountry.com/colt-m16a1-parts-kit.aspx

My wanna-be M16A1

 

[Reloadron]

Patience and good things come to those who wait. I have seen several Colt SP1 early to mid 70s guns for sale lately on ArmsList in the $1,000 range. That should get you the look and feel you are after. You can also build a retro but with cost being lower than usual right now it's not a bad time to buy a Colt SP1 either. Just a matter of waiting for the right rifle to come along.

I have a few, one I just acquired from my brother along with a 6" Colt Python as part of a loan deal. That's two grand I'll likely never see again but the Sp1 and Python were good collateral.

My SP1:


Ron

 

[1KPerDay]

If you got a Python and SP1 for 2 grand I'd be praying he never pays back the loan!

 

[bannockburn]

Mosin Bubba

Rather than build one I think I would go the route already suggested and look for a Colt SP1 Spotted in decent shape.

 

[Reloadron]

If you got a Python and SP1 for 2 grand I'd be praying he never pays back the loan!

He wanted 6 months and I gave him a year. Been about 8 months now. I don't see the loan being paid off. Nice guns too, the Python has the original box.

Back on target, I would be shopping for a Colt SP1 rather than try to build a retro. Pretty much a matter of budget.

Ron

 

[MachIVshooter]

You can still build an A2 for ~$600. I did one last year, technically would be A3 with the detachable handle, used a LW barrel, got it done for $540 including shipping, but you'll spend a little more on a fixed handle upper. JSE has the best price on A2 uppers I know of at $130 (it is complete with sight, FA and dust cover)


A1s are getting harder to do on the cheap, though; best kit price I've seen the last couple of years is $500, does not include barrel or lower.

 

[justin22885]

not really on topic, though, not necessarily off topic as we're speaking of "retro ARs"... the only AR ive really considered building would be like the original AR-10s.. not sure if these were first models or just prototypes, but i speak of the ones that had a charging handle underneath the carry handle.. im not sure if this was reciprocating or not, but it doesnt really matter... does anyone make the components necessary to build an old school top charging AR-10?

heres a photo to illustrate what im speaking of

 

[ifit]

Years ago I remember on Armalites website listed one of their .308s with that charging handle....unfortunately discontinued and always wanted on for that retro build. so I just built one in .223 using NDS-15 upper n lower combo. somebody should jump on this in .308...at least the upper n lower combo we can build on

 

[Kaeto]

Here's a link to a place that sells retro uppers and lowers.

http://www.nodakspud.com/AR Lowers.htm

 

[agtman]

Agree with the "it's more economical to buy rather than build" advise, given the current price glut on most things AR right now, .... and that could change with the wind.

While you might find a decent-condition SP1, a lot depends on how "Retro-correct" you want this gun to be.

If you're not concerned with it being totally accurate to the last detail, Fulton Armory sells this "Stow-Away" model for $800.00.

http://www.fulton-armory.com/fariflecal556mmupruniversalprecisionrifle-3-2-2-1-2-2-2.aspx

Sports a thin, light 16" pencil barrel (with 1-8 twist for wider ammo compatibility), A1 iron sights, fixed stock. It's marketed as a trunk or cabin gun. Probably a great plinker too.

F.A. also sells their more "correct" (in the A1 sense) Legacy Rifle with 20" pencil barrel and A1 furniture, but that one's a lot spendier.

 

[Sapper771]

I.O. Inc. Is advertising a retro AR, said to be built from mostly Colt parts. It looks good, but I have not heard very good things about I.O. Inc.

I was issued a M-16A1 when I was LEO. It was a very impressive rifle. I would love to have a clone of it.

 

[Paul7]

See if you can find a Century arms A1, I got one for about $600 a while back, it has been great. All Colt parts except for the new receiver and barrel. It's my favorite AR configuration, much lighter than the A2, and a 20" barrel isn't that long, it would be considered a carbine years ago.

Here is is next to an SKS.

 

[ColoradoMinuteMan]

See if you can find a Century arms A1, I got one for about $600 a while back, it has been great. All Colt parts except for the new receiver and barrel. It's my favorite AR configuration, much lighter than the A2, and a 20" barrel isn't that long, it would be considered a carbine years ago.

Here is is next to an SKS.

Would you be able to post some close-ups of the receiver of the IO? Thanks!

 

[Paul7]

Would you be able to post some close-ups of the receiver of the IO? Thanks!

Yes, but what is IO?

 

[JO JO]

I am an A2 fan enjoy mine shoots really well with the irons and 20 inch barrel

 

[highpower]

In order to be historically correct you will need a fixed carry handle, 20" pencil barrel and triangle handguards. The barrel is easy to find, but the triangle handguards and A1 style upper are items that are typically found through internet searching. To be REALLY correct, you need the A1 style lower that is only available through Nodak Spud and they are about six months behind on deliveries of them as they basically make them in batches.

However lots of folks just use standard A2 lowers as they are much easier and cheaper to get. I have built a few retro AR's and the easiest and least expensive to build is a AR15A2.

Top to bottom: AR15, M16E1, M16A1, M16A2

 

[navajo]

Retro

The AR 10 pictured they called the Sudanese model. Similar appearance but not the same as original. Armalite made 250 of them. I had one. Great shooter.
Putting together a retro myself and always searching for A 1 pistol grips. Just like them better.

 

[Kaeto]

My AR has the early fixed stock that does not have the storage compartment.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Agree with the "it's more economical to buy rather than build" advise, given the current price glut on most things AR right now

No it's not, and there's a reason: the 8% federal tax on complete firearms. Absolutely everything else being equal, that means all of the parts can be sold for 8% less than an assembled firearm.

 

[Reloadron]

No it's not, and there's a reason: the 8% federal tax on complete firearms. Absolutely everything else being equal, that means all of the parts can be sold for 8% less than an assembled firearm.

Yes, but just like any applicable sales taxes the FET would only apply to a new complete gun. It would not apply to a used gun would it? If I agree to sell you a Colt SP1 or for that matter any gun I am not collecting any taxes, we agree on a price and you buy the gun.

So I only see it applying in the case of a new gun and not a used gun. Then too, I have not see the Original Poster mention what they are prepared to spend on what? What someone is prepared to spend really will determine what they can get.



Ron

 

[bannockburn]

My Colt SP1 Sporter, purchased new many, many years ago. Still have all the original parts, like the triangular handguards; just felt more comfortable to use with the round ones. Surprisingly accurate (at least to me), with the iron sights and Black Hills ammo out to 200 yards.