Retro AR's anyone?

[gunluvver]

I have 2 AR-15 Retro rifles that are in the Colt 604 configuration. I have 2 Colt M16 uppers (no foreward assist) on Olympic full fenced receivers. I'm waiting for NDS to come out with their slabside retro lower so I can configure 1 into a 601. Anyone else doing a retro? Here's a couple of sites that help nail down what's needed: www.retroblackrifle.com , www.totalsilenceinc.com

[M1 Tanker]

I have been thinking about it...if NDS is coming out with a receiver I may do it.

[Hoot]

Where is the glossary for understanding what you are saying? 601, 604, full fence :confused: If you have functional weapons, why would you re-do them in retro pattern? Do I understand what "retro" refers to even? I ask, because in all likelihood, some day soon, I'll add a poodler to my collection. Not sure whether to go for authenticity or accuracy when I kit it up. DCI and DPMS and Vulcan are locals for me. Neighbor down the road is a DPMS rep.

Hoot

[gunluvver]

Retro refers to building a Vietnam era AR. A 601 was one of the first, no foreward assist, no fence around the mag release (slabside), 3 prong flash hider, smooth chromed carrier. A 604 was the Air Force version, which could have a full fence around the mag release as modern lowers do, but no foreward assist. It could have either the 3 prong or bird cage flash hider. They both have the triangular handguards and A1 short buttstock. As far as what's best, retro or modern? Dunno, but the only poodler that appeals to me is the retro. If you go to those sites I posted, you'll get a better understanding of the terms for retros.

[wandering_ronin]

My SP-1 is as retro as I'll get. I'm currently working on a carbine. Bushmaster lower, A-1 upper, 10" barrel with a 6.25" flash hider permanently attached. Haven't fully convinced myself to go with the collapsible stock, as the fixed stock doesn't look too bad.

[GearShanty]

Getting into Retro? I was just about to sell my Bushmaster A1 upper. Actually, the vietnam era uppers were huge at the last Gun show I was at. They were reasonable priced and in decent enough condition. I gave it some thought.

[KnobCreek]

I've got an SP I and an SP II, so I think I'm all set on the retro-look for now. Currently have 9 uppers that are waiting on a couple receivers to arrive, but mainly focusing on the current M4 configuration....

BTW, it's about time the AR got a section all to itself. :)

[Patria Povo]

Yeh, my dad has a '68 Vietnam-vintage AR15 - forward assist without deflector, three-prong flash hider, old-style furniture, etc. Like the one he had over there 40 years ago.

[k98k792]

One of these days I am going to have to add an AR type rifle to the collection. When I do I would like to go with a Viet Nam era type.

[Seattlefungus]

When I was 1st assigned to 3rd Mar Div in 73 I was issued an XM16. No foreward assist. smoth carrier, three prong flash suppressor (Which we use to pop the wire wraps on a C rat case. Buttstock had no cleaning storeage recess. We called them Mattie Mattels for the toy company. In the States, we still used the M14. When you went through ITR and the range you were taught to throw your M14 buttstock out and break your fall to get in to a prone fire position . Then we went to 3rd Mar Div overseas and started snapping off or folding the buffer tubes LOL...

[Seattlefungus]

My RRA Kit M4 :D

[gunbunny]

Dragged an XM-16 for a bit...not bad, but the A2 shoulders nicer and is more accurate. Any of you guys going retro, I'll gladly take your new-fangled A2s off your hands.

[Seattlefungus]

Yeah, and mabe we should have a black powder and spear section too LOL

[gunbunny]

Yeah, and mabe we should have a black powder and spear section too LOL

Now those things, I got!;)

[okie shooter]

I asked my father what he carried in vietnam, and he was more retro than you guys and retro M-16's. I am not sure he ever carried one or qualified with one, his sidearms were an M-1 carbine and 1911a1(he was a MP though). I asked what he qualified in basic and it was the old M1 rifle. He got out of the army in the mid seventies and didnt know much about my ar when I got it.

[Cavalryman]

My RRA Kit M4 :D

I thought about getting that style of upper, but with my vision fading, I wanted to get some type of optical sight -- kinda like what you have there. Does it see over the front sight okay? Did you have to elevate it any to clear the front sight?

[landtoy80]

Who is selling the parts kits? Sarco HAD them but are out and not getting more.

[drhall762]

I built two ARs. First a Retro 603/M16A1. First rifle I was issued in BCT in '73. The other is an M16A2. Last rifle I was issued in '90. Also, first brand new rifle I was ever issued. Retired 5 years later. Love the hell out of both of them.

Dave :sniper:

[Seattlefungus]

Oh yes the bane of age, after 50 I had to wear "Cheaters" to read, then to shoot a pistol. Can still use a rifle sight tho. But yes, that's an Eotech and it "Co Witnesses" the sight. If I turn it off, I use the sight. If I turn it on, low light and such, I have a nice floating red bull’s-eye circle with a dot right in the middle. And your eye relief or cheek possession does not matter either. If you see the dot, that's where the rounds go. (One of our Swat guys told me it was almost cheating. I laughed and told him you can't cheat in a gun fight!

You know the saying: Old age and deviancy will always overcome youth and skill... LOL

[Cavalryman]

Oh yes the bane of age, after 50 I had to wear "Cheaters" to read, then to shoot a pistol. Can still use a rifle sight tho. But yes, that's an Eotech and it "Co Witnesses" the sight. If I turn it off, I use the sight. If I turn it on, low light and such, I have a nice floating red bull’s-eye circle with a dot right in the middle. And your eye relief or cheek possession does not matter either. If you see the dot, that's where the rounds go. (One of our Swat guys told me it was almost cheating. I laughed and told him you can't cheat in a gun fight!

You know the saying: Old age and deviancy will always overcome youth and skill... LOL


I've seen the EOTech sight and I want one. I was just concerned that the sights might interfere with the "red dot" system. Apparently they don't. I just don't have enough faith in technology to dispense with iron sights entirely.

[drhall762]

Smart choice. When all else fails, you've got your irons!

Dave :sniper: