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605B replica complete... (photos)
4/1/2012 5:05:33 PM
Hello,
I've had a model 605B replica on the back-burner for a while. I finally got time today to take some photos. For those unaware, the 605B is a very early carbine with the four position selector including a "Burst" option. Of course, mine is semi automatic only, but the stampings reflect those of the 605B. I cut off a 20" barrel, re-threaded it, and permanently installed the flash hider to meet the barrel length requirements. I opened up the gas port to .110 inch. The lower recevier started out as an 80% lower. The upper is from a model 604, which is also a correct option for a 605. I removed the bayonet lug and casting flash from the front sight base for a more authentic look. I re-parkerized all of the steel, and anodized all of the aluminum in "retro gray", other than the upper receiver, which retains its original finish.
The setting of the photos is kind of a Vietnam "advisor" type theme. From what I can gather, the case is French, so I can envision that as an item someone might have acquired in Vietnam. The knife is a replica "SOG" knife; this is one of the Chinese replicas that I removed the markings from (the blade) and kind of re-worked and weathered to make it look a little more authentic.
If anyone knows the details on that gun case, let me know. It's a really nice case, with leather strengthening inside and out. I got it for $30, but it may only be worth $5. No matter what, it's tough, and it is a perfect fit for the 605.
Enjoy the photos... and stay tuned... I'll have two unususal projects ready to post soon!
John Thomas
I've had a model 605B replica on the back-burner for a while. I finally got time today to take some photos. For those unaware, the 605B is a very early carbine with the four position selector including a "Burst" option. Of course, mine is semi automatic only, but the stampings reflect those of the 605B. I cut off a 20" barrel, re-threaded it, and permanently installed the flash hider to meet the barrel length requirements. I opened up the gas port to .110 inch. The lower recevier started out as an 80% lower. The upper is from a model 604, which is also a correct option for a 605. I removed the bayonet lug and casting flash from the front sight base for a more authentic look. I re-parkerized all of the steel, and anodized all of the aluminum in "retro gray", other than the upper receiver, which retains its original finish.
The setting of the photos is kind of a Vietnam "advisor" type theme. From what I can gather, the case is French, so I can envision that as an item someone might have acquired in Vietnam. The knife is a replica "SOG" knife; this is one of the Chinese replicas that I removed the markings from (the blade) and kind of re-worked and weathered to make it look a little more authentic.
If anyone knows the details on that gun case, let me know. It's a really nice case, with leather strengthening inside and out. I got it for $30, but it may only be worth $5. No matter what, it's tough, and it is a perfect fit for the 605.
Enjoy the photos... and stay tuned... I'll have two unususal projects ready to post soon!
John Thomas
4/1/2012 5:15:52 PM
Very nice. I like it a lot. still waiting for my 605 upper to arrive from nodak.
Any pics of cutting and retreading the barrel?
Any pics of cutting and retreading the barrel?
4/1/2012 5:27:27 PM
BEAUTFUL!! 
Job well done
Job well done
4/1/2012 5:31:38 PM
Nice!! 
4/1/2012 5:32:29 PM
i assume you relieved the selector on the underside to clear the selector stops? did you find a 4 position safety or did you create a 4 position?
looks good.
looks good.
4/1/2012 5:41:39 PM
top notch work right there, officially jealous in 4...3...2...
4/1/2012 5:43:15 PM
Hi guys,
I don't have any pictures of the barrel cutting/threading. Nothing special to show on that anyway, I did it on my lathe.
The underside of the selector is relieved for cosmetic purposes, but it's an AR15 selector that only rotates to the standard "SAFE" and "FIRE" positions.
Thanks for the complements,
John Thomas
I don't have any pictures of the barrel cutting/threading. Nothing special to show on that anyway, I did it on my lathe.
The underside of the selector is relieved for cosmetic purposes, but it's an AR15 selector that only rotates to the standard "SAFE" and "FIRE" positions.
Thanks for the complements,
John Thomas
4/1/2012 6:03:00 PM
Very nice!!!
4/1/2012 6:25:52 PM
Well done sir! Par normal. The two "unusual" projects intrigue for sure.
4/1/2012 6:27:08 PM
That is just nasty (in a good way). You did it again my friend 
4/1/2012 6:34:06 PM
Very nice work, especially on the color match of the receivers, the older furniture, parts selection, markings, and overall fit & presentation.
I'm still waiting on my barrel. On April 30th, it will be one year since I dropped it off at the smith. I coulda shoulda woulda went with ADCO if time was the priority, but I wanted a tapered profile underneath, with fluting, so I had to turn elsewhere.
I still have 2 other major hurdle areas to go over, and the handguard will be the first big one, so who knows when it will be finished. Most of my efforts and resources go to long-range shooting, high-volume carbine, and pistol work, so retro stuff is not top of the list.
I'm still waiting on my barrel. On April 30th, it will be one year since I dropped it off at the smith. I coulda shoulda woulda went with ADCO if time was the priority, but I wanted a tapered profile underneath, with fluting, so I had to turn elsewhere.
I still have 2 other major hurdle areas to go over, and the handguard will be the first big one, so who knows when it will be finished. Most of my efforts and resources go to long-range shooting, high-volume carbine, and pistol work, so retro stuff is not top of the list.
4/1/2012 7:02:00 PM
Unbelievable John! That one turned out really nice, I'm gonna have to get some parts together and send them out to you for some work.
Well done sir!
Well done sir!
4/1/2012 7:16:47 PM
NICE. Beautiful work as usual John. The 605 is one of my favorites. The case is, I believe for the MAS49 or 49/66. I nearly bought one of those myself - can't remember where I saw it, but it's a nice looking case. Great pics, thanks for sharing it with us.
4/1/2012 7:18:44 PM
Originally Posted By LRRPF52:
Very nice work, especially on the color match of the receivers, the older furniture, parts selection, markings, and overall fit & presentation.
I'm still waiting on my barrel. On April 30th, it will be one year since I dropped it off at the smith. I coulda shoulda woulda went with ADCO if time was the priority, but I wanted a tapered profile underneath, with fluting, so I had to turn elsewhere.
I still have 2 other major hurdle areas to go over, and the handguard will be the first big one, so who knows when it will be finished. Most of my efforts and resources go to long-range shooting, high-volume carbine, and pistol work, so retro stuff is not top of the list.
Very nice work, especially on the color match of the receivers, the older furniture, parts selection, markings, and overall fit & presentation.
I'm still waiting on my barrel. On April 30th, it will be one year since I dropped it off at the smith. I coulda shoulda woulda went with ADCO if time was the priority, but I wanted a tapered profile underneath, with fluting, so I had to turn elsewhere.
I still have 2 other major hurdle areas to go over, and the handguard will be the first big one, so who knows when it will be finished. Most of my efforts and resources go to long-range shooting, high-volume carbine, and pistol work, so retro stuff is not top of the list.
What smith did you use? Barlow's?
4/1/2012 7:24:15 PM
That is just a beauty. The 605 just keeps growing on me. I had to look reallllly closely because that thing looks real. Great job.
4/1/2012 7:34:16 PM
That is so awesome!
ETA: Did you stamp the rollmarks yourself?
ETA: Did you stamp the rollmarks yourself?
4/1/2012 8:11:16 PM
- Morg308, thanks for the info on the case.
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
4/1/2012 8:37:18 PM
Just another work of art! She's Purty! Still working on getting my 605 finished.
4/1/2012 8:56:10 PM
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
- Morg308, thanks for the info on the case.
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
- Morg308, thanks for the info on the case.
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
It was likely used for the MAS36 as well. FWIW, in 'Devil's Guard' the author said the FFL often used suppressors, on everything from sniper rifles to belt feds. The 'lizard pattern' camo was/is very effective. The French 'X-frame' on their medium pack is nearly identical to the later U.S. tropical pack and ARVN packs.
4/1/2012 9:05:21 PM
Used to think this was an ugly variant...but they have definitely grown on me.
Another sweet build, JT!
Another sweet build, JT!
4/1/2012 9:28:44 PM
Very nice build!
4/1/2012 9:56:10 PM
Nice rifle John.
4/2/2012 12:17:26 AM
Hmmm 605B is starting to grow on me! Nicely done John - as usual you set the bar high for the rest.
4/2/2012 1:26:37 AM
Nice work by you and nice work by redbaby. Who does the serial number? If this is done by redbaby, can one of you tell us more about what options are available for serials? 
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
- Morg308, thanks for the info on the case.
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
- Morg308, thanks for the info on the case.
- Forum member "redbaby" did the stamping for me.
John Thomas
4/5/2012 3:46:00 AM
Love the 605's.
You've got a great example of one.
Thanks for the pics.
You've got a great example of one.
Thanks for the pics.
4/5/2012 3:51:52 AM
Another fine specimen.
4/30/2012 1:11:00 AM
Awesome 605B, have you put any rounds downrange and how does it run? I'm seriously contemplating a 605 as my next project and I'm curious as to how it runs with a cut 20" barrel. Once again fantastic build.
