M16A1 replica

[KS63]

Anyone here complete one of these builds? From my limited research so far, I know that some small parts are specific to different models and such, but I'm not going into that much detail. Just like the looks. Got any pics or helpful info that you could pass on? Thanks

[mutt]

I did one when m16a1 parts kits were plentiful a few years back. It was a fun project to restore an old war horse. With today's prices you might be better off just buying a Colt SP1, though that is more like an original m16 vs an a1. Last I looked m16a1 parts kits aren't plentiful nor cheap anymore. A Colt SP1 will hold/grow in value better than a parts kit gun.

[Lurch]

I just built a replica for around $700 minus BCG and lower receiver. Still waiting for my receiver to finish the build. I posted a link to a couple of sites.

http://www.nodakspud.com/AR%20Lowers.htm

http://www.retroblackrifle.com/

[mutt]

You'll be waiting for awhile for a nodak spud lower. Took almost a year to get mine and that's only because I accepted a blem. Hopefully their shipping time has improved.

Brownells has a1 replica lowers in stock but the color is wrong for an m16a1 build: http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/lower-receivers/ar-15-m16-a1-lower-receiver-sku080001304-88173-174441.aspx

[Lurch]

I'm building mine off of a SP1 lower. It is currently have a little work done to it.

I just posted those links for reference.

[USMC88-93]

Im patiently waiting in line for my Nodak Spud lowers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/PhotoTWB/Weapons/A1%20uppers/bothA1uppers_zps79f74b4a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/PhotoTWB/media/Weapons/A1%20uppers/bothA1uppers_zps79f74b4a.jpg.html)

[KS63]

I read that the Brownells receivers are sourced from NoDak Spud?

[USMC88-93]

I read that the Brownells receivers are sourced from NoDak Spud?

Perhaps but the ones from Brownells would have the modern black finish. Straight from Nodak you can get the older gray anodizing.

[mutt]

Brownells a1 lowers are made by Nodak Spud. Why they decided to anodize them black is beyond me. People who are willing to pay 3x the price for a correctly machined a1 style lower also want the correct color anodizing.

[KS63]

What's the deal on the rear sight and its parts being difficult to source? No one has tooled up to repro these so only used are available? I'll have to ask my father what color anodizing his M16 was when they took his M14 away. He loved that M14 and hopefully one day I can give him an M1A.

[mutt]

What's the deal on the rear sight and its parts being difficult to source? No one has tooled up to repro these so only used are available? I'll have to ask my father what color anodizing his M16 was when they took his M14 away. He loved that M14 and hopefully one day I can give him an M1A.

No one I know of really makes repro small parts. Nodak does stripped uppers, stripped lowers, and charging handles. Parts kits are the only real source for the correct small parts and those kits, for cheap, dried up some time ago. You can get individual parts off of gunbroker if you are willing to pay. Your cheapest option is most likely getting a complete A1 upper with all the parts still installed.

Vietnam era M16a1s are all grey. As they were rearsenaled some were anodized black but retro builders aren't interested in that look generally. They want the Vietnam era correctness.

[KS63]

Thanks Mutt.

[Erni]

I have an M1 in black, on a preban PWA reciever. Some body should talk me out of it. =)

[KS63]

^^^^That smiley face at the end concerns me of the asking price!

[Joe_K]

Colt is producing Repro M16A1's no idea on price.

Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi

[USMC88-93]

Colt is producing Repro M16A1's no idea on price.

Incredibly llimited run at too high a price from what Ive seen of it those rifles will actually be for the serious collector vs getting out to the masses.