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Choosing Parts For My AR-15 M1 Build

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  • HEJL STORM

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    Hello everyone, I have just started my project build for my AR. I would like to build a complete XM16e style rifle with most parts being GI. To start with, all that I own is a PSA (Palmetto State Armory) Lower receiver in fine condition. Picked it up for $50 back a few months ago. I know most of you on here have built your own ARs and have seen way too many M1 builds, but one more wouldn't hurt. I believe i should start with my upper, bolt assembly and barrel next. These parts do not necessarily have to be GI. What do you think?
    Capitol Armory ad
     

    grumper

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    An aluminum PSA lower transformed into a .30-06 steel and walnut battle rifle? Post pics when done, I wanna see this.

    If what you meant is building a retro XM16 or M16 clone the best place to start is with a demilled M16 parts kit and a Nodak Spud receiver. They make XM, M16, M16A1, and other styles of receivers from times past. You'll still have to hunt down some parts to recreate an authentic clone of whatever era rifle you want to build, you'll possibly need a certain type of upper receiver, flash hider, forward assist, pistol grip, stock, etc...

    The modern AR receivers look nothing like vintage ones. New ones have thicker reinforced areas, caged in mag release buttons, shell deflector and whatnot.
     
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    Saltyag2010

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    Didn't the originals lack a forward assist, m4 feedramps, and came with what would be considered a pencil barrel in 20in with a rifle gas system and non removable handguards?
    correct me if I'm wrong.
     

    cbigclarke

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    Didn't the originals lack a forward assist, m4 feedramps, and came with what would be considered a pencil barrel in 20in with a rifle gas system and non removable handguards?
    correct me if I'm wrong.

    I would cosign on that

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    Ole Cowboy

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    http://www.retroblackrifle.com/

    Tons of info on vintage AR-15, XM, M16 models at that link. With pics showing what parts you need to build a convincing repro.
    Interesting site.

    I had an early model, but I cannot figure out from the data which model as mine did not fit exactly the M602 or the M 603/XM16E1:

    I had the open flash hider which would make it a M 603: If I opened 1 I open a thousand cases of C Rats using the duckbill/open flash hider...insert into C Rat case wire wrapping, twist hard and snap the wire x 2

    My BCG was black: On this point I am positive, we were overun and my weapon jammed in the BCG/upper, next day I contacted my unit and they sent out a CHROME BCG and said that would solve the problem, well it did

    I am sure I had the bolt assist and not slick side: (on this point it may be possible that memory fails me???)
     

    Sapper740

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    I recently built an M16E1 for Vietnam War reenacting. Sportsman's guide has M16A1 parts kits: Used U.S. Military Colt M16a1 Parts Kit - 1143546, Tactical Rifle Accessories at Sportsman's Guide and NoDak Spud has the correct lowers. Read the description of the M16E1 here: http://www.retroblackrifle.com/ There are a few niggling details that will ensure a correct rifle such as a partially gated mag release, a flat slip ring, no finger grooves on the pistol grip and an oval shaped forward assist button. Post some pics of your rifle when complete, here's a pic of mine: CIMG2052.jpg
     

    Sapper740

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    I recently built an M16E1 for Vietnam War reenacting. Sportsman's guide has M16A1 parts kits: Used U.S. Military Colt M16a1 Parts Kit - 1143546, Tactical Rifle Accessories at Sportsman's Guide and NoDak Spud has the correct lowers. Read the description of the M16E1 here: http://www.retroblackrifle.com/ There are a few niggling details that will ensure a correct rifle such as a partially gated mag release, a flat slip ring, no finger grooves on the pistol grip and an oval shaped forward assist button. Post some pics of your rifle when complete, here's a pic of mine: View attachment 27534
    And no case deflector!
     

    Sapper740

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    Hello everyone, I have just started my project build for my AR. I would like to build a complete XM16e style rifle with most parts being GI. To start with, all that I own is a PSA (Palmetto State Armory) Lower receiver in fine condition. Picked it up for $50 back a few months ago. I know most of you on here have built your own ARs and have seen way too many M1 builds, but one more wouldn't hurt. I believe i should start with my upper, bolt assembly and barrel next. These parts do not necessarily have to be GI. What do you think?
    If your lower has a fully gated mag release, it's no bueno for a M16E1.
     

    Sapper740

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    Didn't the originals lack a forward assist, m4 feedramps, and came with what would be considered a pencil barrel in 20in with a rifle gas system and non removable handguards?
    correct me if I'm wrong.
    You're thinking of the Colt Model 602, the majority of which went to the Air Force. The Colt Model 603 (M16E1) incorporated the forward assist and soon transitioned into the M16A1 that all grunts love (hate).
     

    T2_Tactical

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    Yes and no, the 601-02 did not have a forward assist, but the 603 did. The hand guards were removable, however good luck getting them off without breaking them, another improvement on the 603. I'd go with Kabob, if what you are wanting is a M16 V.E clone, trade that PSA for a colt. If you use the PSA the fit to a real M16 upper or cloned upper won't be the best, and you lose the look you are going for, and end up with what will look like a crappy garage build.

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    Didn't the originals lack a forward assist, m4 feedramps, and came with what would be considered a pencil barrel in 20in with a rifle gas system and non removable handguards?
    correct me if I'm wrong.
     

    Acera

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    Something to watch out for, a lot of retro builds use a modern front pivot pin set up. The originals, and up into the 80's, had an offset screw and nut. You need to choose which way you want to go and make sure the upper and lower are compatible. The one you have now is the new style, so be careful when ordering an upper.

    This is what many of us have as a front pivot attachment on our older rifles, the cam like action of the offset pin allows you to tighten the upper and lower fit in the front.
    129409m2_ts.jpg
     

    Acera

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    Here are a couple of pictures of a rifle I once owned, however got an offer on it I could not refuse and sold it before I finished it out the way I wanted. Got a 3 prong flash hider I never put on it, also had a lead on a non-trapdoor stock and a pair of 20 round waffle magazines that would have matched the look I wanted.

    Rifle was light and shot well as it's showed.................................this thread makes me want another one.

    ColtSP-1Assembled1_zps94909ea9.jpg

    ColtSP-1Assembled2_zps9a92eca1.jpg
     
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