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3/7/2015 10:55:30 PM EDT
Id like to build a slick sided rifle.  I have to wait for nodak to get the uppers this summer. Iv been reading up looking for barrels.  Id like to get one with the front sight.  Will any 5.56 barrel fit or do i need certain threds to fit the upper
3/7/2015 10:57:52 PM EDT
[#1]
Any barrel will work but for best results you want to go with a non F marked front sight base.

The F marked ones are made for flat tops and are a little taller.

They will still work it just isn't optimal.
3/7/2015 10:58:45 PM EDT
[#2]
Nope they all slide right in and index with a little pin
3/7/2015 11:13:07 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Id like to build a slick sided rifle.  I have to wait for nodak to get the uppers this summer. Iv been reading up looking for barrels.  Id like to get one with the front sight.  Will any 5.56 barrel fit or do i need certain threds to fit the upper
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Don't hold your breath too long on the slick upper! Get a colt!
3/8/2015 7:24:10 AM EDT
[#4]
Scour the EE and GB for a Colt upper. Slick sides are out there but not as plentiful as the 603 uppers.

SP1 uppers come up pretty regular. If you can tolerate the large front pin or if you shim it you can go that route.
3/8/2015 11:40:41 AM EDT
[#5]
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Quoted:

Don't hold your breath too long on the slick upper! Get a colt!
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Id like to build a slick sided rifle.  I have to wait for nodak to get the uppers this summer. Iv been reading up looking for barrels.  Id like to get one with the front sight.  Will any 5.56 barrel fit or do i need certain threds to fit the upper

Don't hold your breath too long on the slick upper! Get a colt!
why are they not worth the wait
3/8/2015 12:04:38 PM EDT
[#6]
He may be unaware that a new batch is on the way.

Nodak parts are very much worth the wait.
3/8/2015 1:07:00 PM EDT
[#7]
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Quoted:
why are they not worth the wait
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Id like to build a slick sided rifle.  I have to wait for nodak to get the uppers this summer. Iv been reading up looking for barrels.  Id like to get one with the front sight.  Will any 5.56 barrel fit or do i need certain threds to fit the upper

Don't hold your breath too long on the slick upper! Get a colt!
why are they not worth the wait

They are worth the wait, but last I spoke with them the forging for slick side were $$ for them. The cost will not go anywhere but up. Colts are top notch you can get a colt for now back order a ends and sell colt later it will not lose value
3/8/2015 2:05:28 PM EDT
[#8]
So if i wanted to do a M16A1 build which colt upper would be accurate
3/8/2015 2:36:07 PM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:
So if i wanted to do a M16A1 build which colt upper would be accurate
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Depends on the year you are trying to represent.

There are beaucoup CH forge code 603 upper on the market and can be found in the $150 range with sights and ports door but nicer examples can go $200.

Early 603 uppers with no forge codes and "square forged uppers" will be more and EARLY 603's with the little rebate under the port door will be more expensive yet.

None of my uppers have the little rebate. All of my 603 uppers are CH coded. None of my 604 uppers are square forged.

I'm lucky that none of that bothers me.

The worse your RBRD the more expensive the hobby becomes.

I am QUITE HAPPY with my mid to late 70's uppers.

YMMV
3/8/2015 2:40:40 PM EDT
[#10]
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Quoted:
So if i wanted to do a M16A1 build which colt upper would be accurate
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colt 603 = m16a1 no burton bump, with tear drop foward assist. this would be your easiest "first" retro build
as parts are still somewhat easy to find compaired to eariler m16's.

putting together a 603 correctly should answer the question of if you are willing to possibly wait years to gather
parts for older builds. i have known of guys taking 5 years or more doing 601, DOE, port firing weapon, lmg
clones using correct colt parts.

good luck with this new quest.
3/8/2015 3:15:22 PM EDT
[#11]
I dont have a certain year im mind because id like to find an upper first and then make my decsion based on that.  I do wasnt to build it as accurate as possible. Being my first build id like to keep cost relatively low although i do understand its better to go all out on
major components such as the upper, lower and barrel.
If i could find a colt 603 upper id jump on it. Right now im still in my research phase and going through web sites.  I may decide to buy a complete surplus upper and just rebarrel. As of right now im trying t. Save some money so when i see the upper i can buy it
3/8/2015 4:13:32 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
I dont have a certain year im mind because id like to find an upper first and then make my decsion based on that.  I do wasnt to build it as accurate as possible. Being my first build id like to keep cost relatively low although i do understand its better to go all out on
major components such as the upper, lower and barrel.
If i could find a colt 603 upper id jump on it. Right now im still in my research phase and going through web sites.  I may decide to buy a complete surplus upper and just rebarrel. As of right now im trying t. Save some money so when i see the upper i can buy it
View Quote


This is probably the cheapest route to go right now.

It's a crap shoot as far as condition.

http://www.royaltigerimports.com/product-p/ar150011.htm

Then you have the upper and bolt control group and most of the pieces you will need.

First few kits I got from them were "salty". Looked rough on the outside but the internals were near perfect. Carried much. Shot little.

The last kit I got from them was a full kit with a barrel and I got a BEAUTIFUL CH upper! Nicest one I've ever seen!

This is a good way to get started.
3/8/2015 7:24:52 PM EDT
[#13]
I was thinking of this barrel but i would have to see if i can find a gunsmith that will drill it. http://www.mckay-ent.com/featured/m16-a1-replacement-barrel.html
3/8/2015 7:52:23 PM EDT
[#14]
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Quoted:
I was thinking of this barrel but i would have to see if i can find a gunsmith that will drill it. http://www.mckay-ent.com/featured/m16-a1-replacement-barrel.html
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Good barrel. Send it off to this guy, he's the best in the business and his prices are very affordable.

http://retroarmsworks.com/
3/11/2015 2:07:19 PM EDT
[#15]
If i did a slab side 601/602 do i need a certin BCG or can i use a reg chrome BCG
3/11/2015 2:47:30 PM EDT
[#16]
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Quoted:
If i did a slab side 601/602 do i need a certin BCG or can i use a reg chrome BCG
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You can use any BCG you'd like, but it all depends on how anal you want to get.
For most people--at least, until the retro bug really takes hold--any unmarked chromed carrier will do...or even anything "silverish" like NiB.  You'll probably want to steer away from anything with a logo engraved on it, but some companies offer their carriers as unmarked if you ask for it.

As you study and learn more, though, you'll eventually most likely want to find an original Colt chromed BCG with the "correct" bolt and gas key.  That's why we call it a disease.
3/11/2015 2:56:04 PM EDT
[#17]
I was looking at this one.  It says it dosnt have the forward assist on it. http://www.fulton-armory.com/bolt-carrier-chrome-m16-no-forward-assist-notches-1-1.aspx
Id rather spend the money once and get the colt but finding the correct one is the problem
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