Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
3/8/2013 11:05:49 AM EDT
I was researching cutting off non-removable carry handles and the threads here were old and the pics were gone. Can someone please post some pics of their OWN rifle that you removed the carry handle Yourself? I am debating doing it, but I want to see what others have been able to accomplish themselves and would like to get some feedback on the process. (BTW, if non-carry handle uppers were readily available (for a reasonable price, as well) I would buy one -- so save the comments. This is what I have to work with and I love working on firearms.) Thank you!
3/8/2013 11:26:24 AM EDT
[#1]
http://store.ar15.com/product.html?cat=45&pr=648
3/8/2013 11:58:38 AM EDT
[#2]
You are better off with a flattop with a removable fixed rear sight mount.  Yes, you can cut off the carry handle get a weaver rail section and drill and tap in the screw holes.  However, this is going to restrict your choices of optics in the future,
3/8/2013 12:25:27 PM EDT
[#3]
What are you trying to accomplish with a flat top upper with no rail?
3/8/2013 2:38:08 PM EDT
[#4]
Working on guns should result in an improvement, what you propose isn't.
 
3/8/2013 2:47:48 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I was researching cutting off non-removable carry handles and the threads here were old and the pics were gone. Can someone please post some pics of their OWN rifle that you removed the carry handle Yourself? I am debating doing it, but I want to see what others have been able to accomplish themselves and would like to get some feedback on the process. (BTW, if non-carry handle uppers were readily available (for a reasonable price, as well) I would buy one -- so save the comments. This is what I have to work with and I love working on firearms.) Thank you!


I've seen this question come up over the years, especially around a decade ago.  A lot of people felt it was cheaper, easier, and pretty straight forward to chop their own carry handle off their A1 or A2 upper receiver.  What I have always found interesting is that when asked to post pictures, or do follow up on how the operation went, there was always crickets.  The same people were later found with flat top upper receivers on their weapons at a later date.  I know of no one who started the project who was satisfied with their decision.  

I'm not saying it can't be done, or that it shouldn't be done.  Just pointing out that it did not seem to go well for the bulk of people who thought this was a good idea.  

3/8/2013 2:50:45 PM EDT
[#6]
On a side note, if you were using a Colt upper, you should be able to just make an even trade with someone for a flat top.  I know a couple guys looking to build clones of the M16A2s they carried.
3/8/2013 2:53:36 PM EDT
[#7]
Your debate should be over now.  Just buy a flat top and be done, I don't think you would regret this decision.
3/8/2013 8:00:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I was researching cutting off non-removable carry handles and the threads here were old and the pics were gone. Can someone please post some pics of their OWN rifle that you removed the carry handle Yourself? I am debating doing it, but I want to see what others have been able to accomplish themselves and would like to get some feedback on the process. (BTW, if non-carry handle uppers were readily available (for a reasonable price, as well) I would buy one -- so save the comments. This is what I have to work with and I love working on firearms.) Thank you!


I know you said that you would buy a flat top if they were available, but I just can't see any benefit to cutting the carry handle off of an a2 receiver.  you wont have any rail to mount optics to, so you're still stick with just the iron sights.  If it were me, I would wait until I could find a flat top for a decent price and put a fixed sight on it so I could have the option of mounting an optic.

maybe go for a goose tail mount like this if you're looking to mount an optic at some point?
3/8/2013 9:34:51 PM EDT
[#9]
I cannot fathom why anyone would want to do this.

But, to each his own I guess.

<---From an older generation, when there were no flat top uppers.  Loves the carry handle.
3/9/2013 5:04:25 AM EDT
[#10]
Cutting off the carry handle gets you less than nothing. With the carry handle cut off, you do not have the option of mounting anything. You still have the fixed sight that you had to start with. With the carry handle cut off you have lost all value in that upper. It will not be worth anything; no one will buy it nor will they trade you anything for it. What you have now has some value, what you will have if you cut it will have no value.

Make no mistake, I will not judge you at all either way; it's your rifle and you are free to mod it any way you want. For all I know it might look cool, I've never seen one done. I just don't think it's a good idea and I cannot see any benefit from this change.

Good luck with whatever you decide and remember to post pictures when your done.
3/9/2013 5:30:14 AM EDT
[#11]
Don't destroy a beautiful A1 or A2. These days, a lot of people think they are obsolete, but I love them. I would kill to get my hands on another 6520 again.
3/9/2013 9:01:35 AM EDT
[#12]
Here's an A1 upper that has had the handle cut off and a section of rail screwed and pinned to the stubs and the top of the receiver.  This was made WAAAAY before on-purpose flat top uppers were made commercially.

AR Sponsor