Any AR-15 gunsmith gurus in my general area?

[m5215]

I have a Bushmaster XM-15 E2S Target which I purchased new back around 1992. It's a fantastic rifle and at the time I was happy to have it's 20" heavy barrel on it but now I no longer want it in this configuration. I want to have a standard 20" barrel without all the extra weight of having the heavy barrel. I know that I could just purchase a new 20" upper and run with that but I do not like the removable rear sight/handle. My XM-15 upper is the classic A2 style without the picatinny rail so I want to keep that upper but just have a new barrel for it as it seems to be nearly impossible to find standard A2 uppers without the removable rear sight/handle.

Are there any competent AR-15 gunsmiths that can easily change out a barrel? I will cover the costs of the parts and I am willing to pay a fair price for the labor involved. I am a pistol guy so I can do just about anything with a Beretta 92/M9 and a few other pistols but I only know how to use and do basic maintenance on an AR-15 rifle.

If anyone knows a good source for a quality standard 20" AR-15 upper that is only in the original A2 configuration that would work as well. I have looked but have not found one yet.

 

[Rhino]

If you decide to get rid of the heavy barrel, shoot me a price... also taking the barrel off isn't that hard. Pretty sure I have the tools.

 

[m5215]

If I don't find a complete 20" A2 upper then I would probably sell the heavy barrel if I end up replacing it. I know the heavy barrel is chrome lined and has had less than 1000 rounds though it so it has plenty of life left in it.

 

[RoadRunner]

I have a Bushmaster XM-15 E2S Target which I purchased new back around 1992. It's a fantastic rifle and at the time I was happy to have it's 20" heavy barrel on it but now I no longer want it in this configuration. I want to have a standard 20" barrel without all the extra weight of having the heavy barrel. I know that I could just purchase a new 20" upper and run with that but I do not like the removable rear sight/handle. My XM-15 upper is the classic A2 style without the picatinny rail so I want to keep that upper but just have a new barrel for it as it seems to be nearly impossible to find standard A2 uppers without the removable rear sight/handle.

Are there any competent AR-15 gunsmiths that can easily change out a barrel? I will cover the costs of the parts and I am willing to pay a fair price for the labor involved. I am a pistol guy so I can do just about anything with a Beretta 92/M9 and a few other pistols but I only know how to use and do basic maintenance on an AR-15 rifle.

If anyone knows a good source for a quality standard 20" AR-15 upper that is only in the original A2 configuration that would work as well. I have looked but have not found one yet.

You may be able to buy the tools and do it yourself for what you would pay a gunsmith to do it for you. There are a ton of videos on youtube that will show you how to do it.

 

[Big Green]

Take off A2 uppers with carrying handle are all over the place. Pick up a stripped one and build what you want. You could easily do it yourself or even most basic gunsmiths could accomplish this.

Much better to have a second upper, personally.

This guy often has Colt and FN parts, he is good to go. https://sharkarms.com/

Here’s one on gunbroker, more expensive than I’ve seen before but that may par for the course right now. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/872982651

ETA: Just noticed you’re profile says Plano. Have you contacted RifleGear and asked them? I bet they could build you one, FN barrel and all.

 

[m5215]

At the moment building one myself is not going to be an option. I need to find a complete 20" A2 upper ready to go or find someone that can build one for me. I did not know about RifleGear so I may check them out and see what they can do for me.

 

[Byrd666]

If Rifle Gear can't help, there was/is a gunsmith out on 380 heading towards Denton. Don't remember the name of the shop though.

 

[Rhino]

Its not hard. I did it with my folder pistol and added the Cry Havoc takedown barrel system when I did it. You could borrow my tool or get the $30 tool from Academy. You’ll want a vice (bigger and on a good surface) and a clamp to hold the upper in place and I’ve got that, too. But would need to check if it works with the handle upper.

 

[AZ Refugee]

https://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=278

 

[m5215]

https://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=278

Thanks for the tip on that. SOLD!

 

[candcallen]

That's the gen of bushmaster shits that's primo. Hold on to it.

 

[AZ Refugee]

Thanks for the tip on that. SOLD!

Hope it works out for you. I would be interested to know what the weight difference is.

 

[uilim]

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