OK, looks like I need a proper gunsmith or machinist - :thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
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OK, looks like I need a proper gunsmith or machinist - :thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
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.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Madcap
Looks good...
Thanks Jim - No sir, it definitely doesn't function auto. I like the fact it rotates it the way and wish I would have it center drilled it first - maybe some other time.
Best,
Dick
Waiting on the final selector switch now. An original auto selector and a semi are both being center drilled. The only parts that might represent a more complete 601 other than a different lower would be a cast FSP with raised adjustment arrow and an original buffer tube, but it's been very satisfying have arrived at the point and I'm looking forward to taking to the range sometime soon. If an original cast FSB were found it would probably require custom fitting unless the taper pin holes weren't already drilled. Considering the original parts that have been found and has made this project particularly interesting and exciting..
That might even make it harder, the FSB was pressed on, drilled and pins pressed in. They were done with a double set of tapered drills... Good luck with that one, yes they could be out of whack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Madcap
I think it's possible the older one may have been replaced by the present FSB due to some finish removed from the barrel. I've removed taper pins on a couple barrels a while ago and understand it would take a lot of luck for sure to find one first then fit it properly.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
The next crazy idea is to find a way to replicate an M7 Green Handle Bayonet. Original handles look like plastic or possible finished stacked leather. Maybe it might be possible to use M1 Carbine Bayonet handle somehow if it fit...(?) GB had an original that "ended" at $1900 plus $50 shipping... shucks, just missed it.
It's apparent I must be obsessed ~
I don't know about those, you'd need an M7 and M4 to compare measurements. Using a M4 with late bakelite handle would make measuring easy, they have enough repros around.Quote:
Originally Posted by Madcap
here are some photos of an early three digit Colt semi auto AR-15 Sporter
note the "dimpled" selector and square front sight baseAttachment 136191Attachment 136192