Want to convert an A2 into a carbine

[rayman]

I have an 20" A2 with a fixed caring handle & butt stock.
I have 16" barrel with front sight post.
I need a gas tube, roll pin, hand guards, collapsing butt stock, and H2 buffer. (can I use the original buffer?) Anything else besides the armorer's tool? I figure I can reuse the delta ring, flash hider and front swivel off the original rifle

 

[Caliper_Mi]

You will need upper receiver vise blocks to hold the receiver while removing or torquing the barrel nut.

You do need the carbine length buffer of whatever weight you choose. The original rifle length buffer is too long.

Pretty sure carbines use a different spec buffer spring as well.

 

[Ar180shooter]

You will need upper receiver vise blocks to hold the receiver while removing or torquing the barrel nut.

You do need the carbine length buffer of whatever weight you choose. The original rifle length buffer is too long.

Pretty sure carbines use a different spec buffer spring as well.

Carbine buffer springs and buffers are for use in carbine receiver extensions. He will need both.

OP, have you considered getting a new upper receiver for the barrel? That's what I'd do. Keep the A2 upper and 20" barrel, get a flat top upper for the 16" barrel and just swap the bolt around.

 

[jim243]

When you purchase the butt stock, get the kit, it will come with the correct tube, spring and buffer. It sounds like the only thing you are keeping original is the upper and lower receiver, trigger control group and bolt, all else sounds like it is being replaced.

At this point, it would just make more sense to go ahead and buy a new upper and lower receiver, the lower parts kit and build yourself a second AR.

Just my take on it.
Jim

 

[rayman]

Thank you, money is a factor in this build. I want it to cost less than $200.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

$200 is going to be low if you include the cost of the tools in there unless you've got a line on a barrel for under $100. I'm not one to discourage anyone from buying tools, just being realistic here. $250-300 sounds more realistic for an all-in cost once you've bought the tools and paid shipping.

 

[sansone]

rayman-
pm me and I will swap-out your barrels at no charge.. I'm an FFL/gunsmith so do not ship me the receiver or I will be required to ship to a dealer near you..
The upper is not a firearm so I can ship back to your home.

 

[JFtheGR8]

Why? Just build a carbine and have 2 rifles. Probably for not much more money and less effort.


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[mtrmn]

I would buy a stripped upper and build the complete top assembly-then I could swap them out whenever the whim struck me and still be able to keep my old A2 config.
If you use the fixed stock, you can just leave your original buffer in it.
If you get collapsible, you'll HAVE to change buffer and spring as well.

 

[henschman]

Yeah, some earlier posts could be read in a misleading way. The carbine buffer and spring are only necessary if you are planning on ditching the fixed stock and switching to a collapsible carbine stock. But if you don't mind the fixed stock, it will work just fine with the shorter barrel just like it is, with it's current buffer and spring.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'm going to go with what many others have said here: Build another complete upper.

You already have the barrel; That's the most expensive part (usually). You need some of these parts either way, but here's a list for the rest of a complete upper:

Complete flat top upper: (~$120)
Bolt carrier group: ($100 & up)
Gas tube (usually come with pin): $15
Charging handle: $15 & up
Delta ring & barrel nut: $20
Handguards and Flash Hider: If you're looking for basic stuff, it's peanuts. Shoot, I have given away carbine handguards and A2 flash hiders.

Trust me, spare barrels, upper receivers, bolt carriers, etc. eventually morph into complete uppers or whole guns. Might as well do it now.

If you're going to proceed with converting your existing upper, add a bolt to the list. They're standard across the board, but the bolt and barrel do wear into each other. Unless your rifle has a very low round count, use a new bolt. Reusing your old bolt with a new barrel is like swapping used pistons & rods between engines; It might work out, but it ain't a good idea.

 

[rayman]

That sounds good. Maybe I'll do a really slow part-by-part build so it won't seem so pricey. I was originally thinking CAR15 (I love simple & minimalist) but it seems a shame to sacrifice a perfectly good working rifle. On the other hand, I don't shoot it often...

 

[Searcher4851]

If you're looking to do just a conversion, you could also sell some of the unused parts, like the A2 stock to help finance the build. Just a thought.

 

[jwayne]

Your probably going to find down the road that you liked the accuracy and handling of the 20" barrel better. Like a previous poster stated, get a flat top upper and leave it at that. 16" carbine's are a dime a dozen.