Colt 601 Build

[Madcap]

It's been a few days since spraying the stock, handguard and pistol grip. High humidity has prevented it from completely curing but will dry hopefully soon. A total of about 2-1/2 cans of Testor's 1265 Flat Olive over all over the red primer. As far as I can determine and from a personal friend who sent photos of an original it looks like the OD appears to match pretty well.

A later style selector switch is being "dimpled" and should be the final bit of hardware to be added to complete the project, I think.

Final photos will be posted ASAP.

[Madcap]

The stock has been sprayed OD Green a couple times, sanded with W/D 220 and 400 grit; then lightly rubbed with 0000 steel wool. It could use another coat along the bottom seam but humidity has been very high and time to cure has taken much longer so I'll wait for better conditions.

It's been exciting how this project has evolved from the discovering the upper receiver was an original "601" and finding an original Edgwater Buffer. Not all parts are original Colt due to the prices for them but considering that fact I'm very happy with the build. It should be finished soon as I can get the selector switch back after having it center drilled to match the original earlier style. Meanwhile I temporarily put an M16 selector on it out of curiosity. It rotates all the way to the AUTO mark which is interesting but there's no way the trigger is capable of firing so hopefully it's legal. The other selector that's being dimpled doesn't rotate all the way.
* Mag is orig Colt AR15 .223 - but not the Colt Armalite Waffle Style (rather not pay $50 for a repo not to mention cost for an original)

Photos include about 98% of the complete project - details include:

1.) Dimpled T/D & Pivot Pins - repro

2.) Chrome Bolt Carrier - (H&R) repro correct non-serrated

3.) Mag Release Button - modified later style - manually cut with cross-cut file

4.) Bolt Release Catch Lever - filed down - manually cut with cross-cut file

5.) Luth AR repro Triangle Chg Handle

6.) Orig "D" Style Butt Stock - no trap door w/repro stock screw (no drain hole)

7.) Orig Early Front Sight (incorrect for orig 601) should be cast with markings raised

8.) Orig Early Style Cotton Web Sling

[browningautorifle]

Meanwhile I temporarily put an M16 selector on it out of curiosity. It rotates all the way to the AUTO mark which is interesting but there's no way the trigger is capable of firing so hopefully it's legal. The other selector that's being dimpled doesn't rotate all the way.

Should be OK as long as the mechanism doesn't function auto...if you look at the depressions for the selector detent, you'll see the difference. They're cut into the side of the selector shaft. Auto goes three quarters around.

Looks good...