Armory Sponsor
Posted: 5/12/2025 7:43:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RogerRoger][Edited]
|
I have acquired an early SR-25 upper receiver. It would appear to be a commercially available SR-25 Standard, but the barrel seems to tell a different tale. I’ve been unable find any information or other pictures of the upper without a phosphated barrel. This one appears to have a nitrided barrel? As well as some interesting markings. There is a recurring FFG-45 on the barrel, bolt and Carrier. Any help identifying this upper receiver would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance                   |
"If I had a real job, I wouldn't have time to be a genius!"
|
Originally Posted By SecretSquirell: I've got a bolt that's very similar to yours. Marked "EHJ 46" and "PM" as well. No idea of the history of it, though. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/204916/20250512_190841-3539334.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/204916/20250512_190845-3539335.jpg Interesting, hopefully we can find out more! Thanks |
"If I had a real job, I wouldn't have time to be a genius!"
|
I can tell you this. A Match SR25 rifle serial # 21197 was shipped to Larry's Gun Repair on 01/19/94. So, I am thinking your serialized upper was originally intended as a "mate" in our old "Standard" format for that Match SR, but perhaps never shipped for various reasons. Subsequently as an odd piece floating around in the shop, it could have "walked," most likely as an unbarreled upper. The barrel, being so shiny, could also have been a "floater," that walked "in the white." Then subsequently finished and assembled to the upper. My first SR25 was such a combo, a match rifle with an accessory stand upper, serial 20015.Attached File Sorry, no photo of it with the Standard as this was before we all had cell phones. I sold the "set" to the fatherinlaw of my dentist back in 96 (I think) when I was severely financially challenged. I remember he drove all the way to Vero Beach from Wisconsin overnight with a buddy to complete the sale. |
|
Originally Posted By coldblue: I can tell you this. A Match SR25 rifle serial # 21197 was shipped to Larry's Gun Repair on 01/19/94. So, I am thinking your serialized upper was originally intended as a "mate" in our old "Standard" format for that Match SR, but perhaps never shipped for various reasons. Subsequently as an odd piece floating around in the shop, it could have "walked," most likely as an unbarreled upper. The barrel, being so shiny, could also have been a "floater," that walked "in the white." Then subsequently finished and assembled to the upper. My first SR25 was such a combo, a match rifle with an accessory stand upper, serial 20015.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/19411/Daves_20015_jpg-3540107.JPG Sorry, no photo of it with the Standard as this was before we all had cell phones. I sold the "set" to the fatherinlaw of my dentist back in 96 (I think) when I was severely financially challenged. I remember he drove all the way to Vero Beach from Wisconsin overnight with a buddy to complete the sale. Thank you so much for the info coldblue! I really appreciate you taking the time to look it up! Any idea about the FFG-45 markings? I’m assuming this was all assembled in house at KAC? |
"If I had a real job, I wouldn't have time to be a genius!"
|
Looks like the barrel was originally marked DDT16. I’m trying to remember when we started the Date Code marking on the bolt and barrel. I just don’t know if we started on 1992 (like the serial number of the rifle starting at “2” for 20000), or did we start it the year we started production? If it’s 92, D would equal 95. The remarking on the barrel to coincide with the bolt could be legit, or an effort to make the assembly more original to increase value. Then again, the original numbered bolt DDT16 could have failed QC and was replaced. Needless to say, who really knows what happens behind closed doors 30 years ago. My advice is to get it on a lower and start shooting it and enjoy. |
|
Originally Posted By coldblue: Looks like the barrel was originally marked DDT16. I’m trying to remember when we started the Date Code marking on the bolt and barrel. I just don’t know if we started on 1992 (like the serial number of the rifle starting at “2” for 20000), or did we start it the year we started production? If it’s 92, D would equal 95. The remarking on the barrel to coincide with the bolt could be legit, or an effort to make the assembly more original to increase value. Then again, the original numbered bolt DDT16 could have failed QC and was replaced. Needless to say, who really knows what happens behind closed doors 30 years ago. My advice is to get it on a lower and start shooting it and enjoy. Thanks again for the insight coldblue. After looking closely at the rifling it would appear this may be a 5R rifled barrel. Were those at all common on some of the early rifles? |
"If I had a real job, I wouldn't have time to be a genius!"
|
Early on, we were the only customer Remington would sell their 5R barrels. So, its very likely you have one. And sometimes a delivery from Remington would include a stainless barrel or two. We found this out when they came back from mag phosphate finishing by their color. These 5R barrels were a key element in us achieving the SR-25's history of accuracy and precision.Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By coldblue: Early on, we were the only customer Remington would sell their 5R barrels. So, its very likely you have one. And sometimes a delivery from Remington would include a stainless barrel or two. We found this out when they came back from mag phosphate finishing by their color. These 5R barrels were a key element in us achieving the SR-25's history of accuracy and precision.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/19411/5r-barrel_jpg-3541432.JPG So when is the book coming out? This kind of history would sell like hotcakes! |
Armory Sponsor