AR Sponsor
Posted: 8/19/2007 11:41:19 AM EDT
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Still have some work left to do. Paint for rack numbers is drying, needs a second coat. Lower needs to be modded to A1 specs (bead over fire/safe markings, Stag logo, remove A2 re-enforcements, re-anodize to correct color) Need correct sling and bayonet, etc. For my first retro, it is coming along pretty well. Already planning another one.     And the mag which I got last night (FOR FREE) while at a party. It was sitting in my friends basement, I asked him where he got it from, said it was in a box of his dad's stuff, and that he didn't want it anymore. Asked if I did.  Full of blanks (LC 75 headstamp) too. 
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Convenience. Maryland considers AR15 rifles (except HBAR) and AR15 lowers regulated weapon. This means a 7 day wait after purchase. In addition, if you transfer a regulated weapon from out of state through an FFL, you are looking at somewhere around $75 in transfer fees.  I bought this lower when I was still living in PA, where such things are cash and carry. I will probably use an NDS for my upcoming retro carbine build - they look very nice. 
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I've caught myself mocking up the costs on builds in excel today.  Some specs on the 603. All Colt, except the lower (Stag) and the LPK (CMMG) minus the pistol grip, which is Colt as well. I took it to the range yesterday, put 250 rounds of SA Ball through it with out a single hiccup - I'm very pleased. Now that I have it up and running mechanically, I want to start getting the finer points of my rifle correct. Is a notched selector correct for a later Model 603? Any other small parts that are current mfg that would not be correct? |
Might wanna read the first few replies. 
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Grinding down your lower will still be more work than buying a NDS lower even if you live in MD. |
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You all may yet convince me to abstain from modding the Stag. For the time being, it will be molyresined to the correct color, until I can come up with the funds for an NDS. BTW scottryan, thanks for the BCG. It runs much better than the bushy BCG I had in an old rifle.  Only Colt parts for me from now on. Function fired the rifle at an indoor range, 100 for 100 with no malfs. Very pleased with the build from a mechanical standpoint. |
Now your talking, but H&R, FN, Hyrda-Matic, and Diemaco are all good too.
As far as the full size AR goes, there has been no real modifications made to increase reliability since about 1972, but versatility and durability have been enhanced, at the cost of weight. The late M16A1 is the bench mark in 5.56 rifles, and frequently used as a control weapon. |
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I can't believe I'm going to disagree with Ekie, but I would think the o-ring around the extractor mod would be an exception here, even on a rifle. I also see a lot of SBRs apparently running better these days due to heavier buffers and BCG mods to slow down the cyclic rate. I totally agree with the statement that the M16A1 is a benchmark...and I never thought I would say that. It's a viable, combat-proven rifle smaller and lighter than many designated carbines. I'm no Kool-Aid drinker, but I've become fascinated with the damn thing. Just one thing about all this rail fanaticism of late: Rail systems allow you to carry a lot of great tools on your weapon, but you pay for it in weight, particularly added to the barrel which I can see slowing response time, and can be a lot like wearing ankle weights to go running. This could be a life-saving difference IMO, but it might be argued that having a light for example, would save your life also. I see the need for lights, and the operational requirement for such things as lasers, so great...but let's consider for a minute carrying all that on a rail in an extremely HUMID jungle environment. Rust, fungus, mud jammed into the damn thing during a river crossing. It would be an absolute bitch to clean...just a thought. ETA: The lack of a FA might actually be an advantage in mud - just a thought. |
Heavier buffers and O-rings are Band-Aids to get the carbine gas system to APPROACH the reliability of full size rifles such as the M16A1. And shorties such as the MK18 MOD0 are granted a waiver on endurance testing, even with the O-ring. |
Good looking rifle you got there doc.  But did you see my retro builds? 
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Thats it. I'm getting an NDS reciever. You guys will be the death of me yet, I swear. 
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