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Posted: 3/19/2013 7:54:55 PM EDT
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Hey folks,
Looking to do an early build sometime soon. Still not sure exactly what variant I will be doing, but probably M16A1 or XM16E1 based. Any reccomendations? Would I be better off buying an SP1 and modifying it, or would a scratch build be the best route? I'm talking in terms of enjoyment, but also the difficulty level. I'm not too experienced with ARs, but I can learn. What would I be looking at on cost with a scratch build with NoDak Spud parts and a parts kit vs. an SP1? |
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SP1's are beautiful classics that arent being made anymore.
If you want to do a build, there are parts out there in the EE and possibly other places to build on a nodak lower. 
Welcome to arfcom, the retro forum. Dont forget to stop by the Illinois forum member check in thread and introduce yourself
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If you're looking to do any military replica you should avoid the SP1 platform. SP1s are unique, beautiful machines, but they are collectors pieces and not mil spec. If you want to do an M16A1 or an XM16E1 or any other early variant, do it right and pick up the proper parts while you can. Hacking an SP1 will just be wrong both morally and realistically. An A1 receiver and a pencil barrel, proper furniture and get on NDS's waiting list...you won't regret it. |
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Kits in fair to good condition are $500. NDS with transfer is $200ish. Barrel is $300ish for anything decent. Probably your best value for M-16A1 clone today. From what I've seen the critical pieces in the kits are probably better than good condition and lower price pieces (furniture and possibly the receiver are poor to fair). I say this condition based on e-mails of condition I received from 3 vendors selling the kits when I was inquiring about condition. Could be better but they weren't guaranteeing anything but fair to good and missing small parts.(McKay, M&A and Royal Tiger).
SP-1 for $1Kish right now would be a distress situation but there are plenty of those out there but you will need to do all the legwork/homework or know someone who bought cheap. Anything decent in auction setting is gonna command more coins and as stated are you gonna want to shoot it a bunch if all original potentially decreasing it's value. Excellent condition parts are commanding too many coins right now. Many would think a DPMS LPK for $100 is a deal today. With excellent condition low tier BCG's bringing an easy $300 and retro receivers in very good to better condition bringing $175-200 all day long you aren't gonna be able to piece one together for any less more than likely using same Colt quality parts. Crap Bubba'd barrels at best, are bringing over $300 on most auctions in the last two months and anything Colt, unmolested or not worn out will bring more. Most would advise to order the NDS receiver and possibly wait until things calm down a bit, picking up all the bargains you can find until it ships. Kit for $500 is probably still the way to go. Keep the LPK, furniture and barrel accessories, BCG and possibly upgrade condition of receiver if the one iin the kit is wasted and furniture if broken. Even worn receiver should bring $150 complete to sell and buy one better for $200. Kit will be all Colt parts and they are usually a little better quality even used than most others out there IMO. They will at least be grey or dark at worst and were proof tested and true milspec at some point in life. There are plenty of exceptions but high quality exceptions are spendy for a reason. Think I'd definately rather buy a Young Mfg new BCG direct today than something off the EE for $100 more with multiple stakes and little original finish remaining. Good luck. Welcome to retroland. |
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So the only thing that is regulated when I start the build is the receiver, correct? Is there any further paperwork beyond the standard stuff that I need to fill out for building a semi A1 from a parts kit?
Any recommended places to look at for parts kits besides what has already been mentioned? Thanks for the advice, everyone! |
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Quoted:
So the only thing that is regulated when I start the build is the receiver, correct? Is there any further paperwork beyond the standard stuff that I need to fill out for building a semi A1 from a parts kit? Any recommended places to look at for parts kits besides what has already been mentioned? Thanks for the advice, everyone! Yes, making the paperwork disappear. Hiding the receipts from your wife can be a full time job around here. Not joking. |
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