New retro AR-15 build, done on the cheap

[akolleth]

Well I just completed my first ever AR build, which just happens to be a retro A1 build. I didn't plan on building a retro, but I wanted to build an AR as cheaply as I could. I found a M16A1 barreled upper on the EE for really cheap so off I went into retro land! I gotta say though< I am really glad I did, as I truly love its configuration-

I finished her up for a grand total of.... $421 as you see it I am actually kinda proud of how cheaply I could get it done in the exact style I wanted-- It took a while, scoping out deals - but this proves it can be done with patience

I have into it--

M16 A1 barreled upper- $175
Essential Arms lower- $89
LPK (used) $30
Colt Bolt $20
Carrier $35
Buttstock/Pgrip $20
Buffer/tube $10
Handguards $10
CH $17
A1 FH $5
Bipod/pouch $10
Sling- Free (had it already)
Scope- Free (traded for)

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Where did you find a Colt bolt for $20? That is quite a steal.

 

[jackdanson]

Wow, can't beat it for the cost, how does it shoot?

 

[Bartkowski]

That's quite a deal. I'd like to know how the rifle performs, both accuracy and reliability.

Keep us updated.

 

[akolleth]

Where did you find a Colt bolt for $20? That is quite a steal.

It was on AR-15.com's equipment exchange.

Wow, can't beat it for the cost, how does it shoot?

Well... I haven't shot it yet. I know, I know. I need to get it done, Its just been a hellish summer with family obligations/work overload, and such. I am going to get it sighted in hopefully this weekend.

 

[Jim Watson]

A retro AR15.

That just makes me feel old.

 

[borntwice]

I would like to build one for that cost. I need to find a good website that shows "how to" build your own.

 

[Eightball]

I've contemplated building an A2 style......where'd you find your lower for $89?

And if that picture at the top didn't have the scope or bipod, would almost look "period" for the style.

 

[easy]

borntwice
- ask and ye shall receive!

http://www.calguns.net/OLL/assembly.html

 

[Shade00]

Holy cow! Show me where I can find a barreled upper for that price! I've been wanting an AR, and I think I could actually afford one for this price!

 

[sarduy]

I would like to build one for that cost. I need to find a good website that shows "how to" build your own.

start here:
http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/RangeBag.aspx

 

[wideym]

Looks great, reminds me of my first rifle in basic training. If it rattles like a rock in a tin can it would also sound like my basic training rifle.

Today I saw a retro A1 carbine build that looked awful. The carry handle was bent on both sides of the rear sight and belive it or not the delta ring was installed backwards! I have no idea how he got the handguards on. It was also built on a EA reciever.

 

[Big44mag]

That is great, can't beat the price. How long did it take you to find the deals?

 

[strat81]

Where did you find a Colt bolt for $20? That is quite a steal.

If it headspaces correctly. With an older upper and a used bolt, I'd err on the side of caution and get some headspace gages to check.

But you can't beat a functioning, safe $420 AR with a stick. Plus it looks cool!

 

[Shung]

good job. I like its retro style a lot ¨!

 

[akolleth]

Holy cow! Show me where I can find a barreled upper for that price! I've been wanting an AR, and I think I could actually afford one for this price!

I got lucky on the equipment exchange on AR-15.com. It just takes ALOT of patience, lots of checking and rechecking for new parts threads, and having quick cash on hand to take advantage of a great deal.

I've contemplated building an A2 style......where'd you find your lower for $89?

And if that picture at the top didn't have the scope or bipod, would almost look "period" for the style.

The Lower is from a Company called Essential Arms They make their lowers in black and grey (which matches the older A1 color fairly well). They also make a charging handle in grey as well.

And yes the Bipod and scope were actually period correct-- The bipods are a military item, no question. The 4x20 carry handle scopes were primarily a civilian item (on the AR-15 sporters) but there have been documents showing them used in the war.

 

[Browning]

WOW! That's nice.

I've kind of always wanted Vietnam era A1.

At that price it's well with reach.

I've looked on the net for the past hour and while I couldn't get the parts for exactly the same price, they're still ALOT LOWER in price than I thought originally ($89 for the stripped reciever/$250 for the Colt Sp1 A1 upper/$70-90 for the bolt & bolt carrier/$50 for the lower reciever parts etc).

Thanks for the idea, I think I'm gonna take the plunge and try building one

 

[Frog48]

I dont care much for the bipod and scope, but the rifle itself is beautiful. Congrats and great job!