Colt 601 Build

It's been a while since my last post after completing a M12 Trench Gun repro build and now interest in retro AR15's has bitten.

I've been lucky to acquire an early original USAF complete Colt 604 upper that I hope to complete into a semi-auto legal version. PSA and H&R seem to be one of the best options for lower receivers but don't seem to offer clone M16 stripped lowers that I find. So far that would seem to be the closest possible period option if they had them.

As a note, the early style rear sight on this receiver has no "Arrow" on the receiver frame around the windage drum and the drum has no arrow indicator either. I think some of the windage drums had a direction arrow included with the numbers if the direction arrow wasn't visible on the receiver which seem to be the most common.

I'll look forward to any advice, info or experience that might help with the project. I'll also try to post some photos.

Thanks, :thup:

Dick

Depending on whether you're doing an 'Early' or 'Later' Colt 604 you have a choice in partial or full fence lower and a three prong or birdcage flash hider. Yes, I believe the rear sight had the arrow. If you do an "Early" version a waffle mag wouldn't be out of place.

First choice would be an early 604 version with the partial fence and three prong flash hider. I'm having difficulty finding a photo reference of a windage drum with arrow.... they must be out there somewhere. Meantime I'll be looking around a fairly decent "D" stock but they're getting hard to find at a decent price anymore, but it is what it is. I don't care to much about an original buffer or Waffle mag at this point but will keep the options open if something comes available. For the BCG I may temporarily donate an H&R non-serrated chrome bolt from an H&R USAF Slick Side upper.

That's about it for now - thanks for the interest you guys

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Originally Posted by Madcap

I'm having difficulty finding a photo reference of a windage drum with arrow....

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I have a link here might help... Page Title

Also an Apex gun parts page showing almost complete rifles...for an example. https://www.apexgunparts.com/colt-60...t-rcvr-gd.html

Is it too late to change the thread title to Colt 601 Build...?

Found a correct windage drum (repo) with arrow from AR15SPORT.COM - super pleasant guy to talk with and helped discover what I have is an original Colt 601 upper. I hope to find a method to remove whatever black paint was used to cover the original grey anodizing. After that to do justice by finding the best available option for a lower receiver.

Dick

P.S. excellent link - found good info on the 601 thanks Jim

I bought one of these a while back for my future 601 project.

Slick Side A1 Upper Receiver, Stripped | Luth-AR

If there's any Nodak Spud lower receivers available anywhere that would be my first choice. H&R (PSA) 601 would be fine but they have their trademark logo on it. If there's no luck finding an original former NDS lower I guess I'll have to go with the H&R.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

If there's any Nodak Spud lower receivers available anywhere that would be my first choice. H&R (PSA) 601 would be fine but they have their trademark logo on it. If there's no luck finding an original former NDS lower I guess I'll have to go with the H&R.

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I put my M16A1 parts kit on an NDS lower to build a Colt 603. Last I heard 3 years ago JJE acquired Nodak Spud LLC and made it a subsidiary of Harrington & Richardson. Mike Wetteland, one of the NoDak Spud co-owners was made CEO of H&R. NoDak Spud ceased all operations at their Edina MN facility and moved to West Columbia SC causing a delay in getting orders out. Shooters had been complaining about lengthy waits on backorders but in all honesty I haven't followed No Dak Spud's progress recently.

Yea, I'm aware of NDS moving in with PSA. I've got an H&R receiver and pleased with the quality and customer service. The problem is the H&R trademark logo detracts too much from the lower if trying to build anything but an "H&R" period AR clone. Original NDS lowers allowed the option of adding what you preferred. An H&R "601" is available on PSA and I think probably that will be the only option for now.

tHE MORE i THINK ABOUT IT,

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:58 PM ----------

The more think about it, I'd like to go with a 601 with the green furniture. If I can locate a of Brownells Retro set and paint it green that would be something less common. Whether it's possible I don't know. It could get expensive with all the correct hardware, etc. - just a possible thought. I do have an original upper even though the barrel is 1:12..........I don't know maybe stick to an upgraded 601.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

Is it too late to change the thread title to Colt 601 Build...?

Dick

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Got that for you.

Bob

Found a correct Windage Drum for a 601 from AR15SPORT.Com - perfect replacement. Also realized the original cast 601 FSB with raised direction arrow was replaced with FSB with stamped direction arrow. It might be a challenge to find the earlier one but will try. If there's one out there the holes may not mate up with the barrel grooves...not sure.

Anyway, this will be an interesting learning experience.

Searching and collecting parts for the 601 the last week or so has turned up an M16/SP1 Buttstock and a repo Triangle Charging Handle. An H&R stripped Blem 601 Sickside Lower with will be used for the bottom half with a chrome BCG from a former AirForce "GAU5A/A project.

The buttstock hasn't arrived yet but meanwhile I've been looking for an "Edgwater" buffer which probably isn't very realistic anymore, but a standard Colt M16/AR15 rifle assembly might be possible.
Pistol Grip, Hand Guards and Buttstock will be painted as close to what the Armelite/Colt 01 OD green was.

If anyone knows what the original pistol grip was made from... (Bakelite?) please let me know.

That's about it or now. Photos will be posted soon as more parts show up.

Thanks,

Dick

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Originally Posted by Madcap

If anyone knows what the original pistol grip was made from... (Bakelite?) please let me know.

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Yes, they were painted Bakelite. Some for sale here: Colt Pistol Grip - AR15 / M16 / M16A1 - Retro Rifles

The Edgewater buffer when located is very expensive now, figure over $200 and maybe more.

All the early original parts are rare and you might have to depend on the reproduction parts.Attachment 135636Attachment 135637Attachment 135638

The Edgwater Buffer is just a fantasy at this point. I'll have to use what I can and since it won't be visible it's not practical considering the cost. I ordered an H&R stripped Lower from PSA and it looks great except for "H&R" on it. Older NDS lowers apparently are not to be found anywhere so H&R was the best I could do.

Most of the small additional parts may take some time but feel confident they'll show up. I may have a pistol grip but not sure if it's the correct one, if not might serve temporarily. An M16 "D" stock might arrive next week and meanwhile will be looking for the receiver extension and buffer assembly.

Hopefully I may have a source for some of the small parts but will wait and see. Brownells has a 601 front pivot pin for $13.99 but want $11.00 to ship.... $30.00 with tax. :thdown:

More to follow -

The 601 handguards have been sanded and sprayed with three light coats of Duplicolor Red Sandable Primer/Filler. A few more coats and sanding scratches and light blemishes should all but be unnoticed after final finishing with the green paint. After internet research it appears the correct green finish was probably FSN 34151 ANA 611 "Interior Green".

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Originally Posted by Madcap

"Interior Green".

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Whatever it is that looks close. I had a set that came on a test rifle, fibrite brown butt and handguards. They had been painted green and then black. Hardest coating to remove, to get back to the fibrite brown.

Jim,
Out of curiosity what is "Fibrite"...? it's not fiberglass - the examples I see of some originals it looks like molded "Masonite". (My handguards appeared to be fiberglass after sanding them down a bit.)

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Originally Posted by Madcap

what is "Fibrite"

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Don't know what it is, no not fiberglass it seemed. They looked to be a pressed composition.

I had some original "green" color furniture and installed it on an early four digit Colt SP1 semi auto sporter- sort of a fake 601. Added an original triangular charging handle too and early bolt catchAttachment 135788Attachment 135790Attachment 135791Attachment 135792

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Originally Posted by Madcap

Jim,
Out of curiosity what is "Fibrite"...? it's not fiberglass - the examples I see of some originals it looks like molded "Masonite". (My handguards appeared to be fiberglass after sanding them down a bit.)

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My understanding, and this is decades old is that fibrite was made from a long fiber polymer. Colt was experimenting with various materials for the M16's furniture and experimented with acetate covered aluminum as found in the CAR 15 telescopic stock and Bakelite in the pistol grip. Fibrite wasn't as strong as required and was eventually replaced by foam filled nylon. There's lots of good info here: Variations in Early AR-15/M16 Rifle Buttstocks - Armament Research Services (ARES)

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Originally Posted by Sapper740

a long fiber polymer.

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That would follow what I remember from the looks of it. Mine weren't shredded or broken so I had no exposure to it's makings. Those acetate covered aluminum butts were also what we started with on the C8 carbines. Although I started off liking them, once I carried the polymer models a bit the weight was evident.

Thank you, guys, for the previous info. The SP1 with the and green furniture really has a unique presence.

I've been waiting on an SP1/M16 buttstock to be mailed for over two weeks from a seller on GB and was pretty sure it would go out this week but no joy so far.

A friend is a civ USAF armorer and took some photos of an original Colt Armalite "01" if anyone would like, I'll post them.

Thanks again,

Dick

The buttstock has shipped - trk shows arriving tomorrow. Soon I can look it over and evaluate the conversion process I'll post some photos. I think I also managed to get lucky and score an original Edgwater Buffer from Amherst Mil Depot - the last one they had for $150....not too bad in comparison from what I've seen if available anywhere else. They're photo looked very good if it's accurate.

The buttstock arrived this morning and looks very good. The sling swivel was removed and the stock lightly sanded with 180 and 220 W/D.

The tab that inserts into the receiver has a hole with some sort of material that I assume was stuck in there for some reason and I'm confused as to what it is or the purpose.
Photos attached are the best description...anyone also know what the purpose was for the hole??

edit:
Help...! The realization has struck me that I'm not sure where the detent spring for the takedown is supposed to go on this stock....is this the wrong stock for a 601?? Something doesn't seem to make sense.

Dick

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Originally Posted by Madcap

the detent spring for the takedown

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Goes off center. Don't sweat, you're fine.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Goes off center. Don't sweat, you're fine.

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Jim, do you mean the spring is inserted into that hole in the tab...? What's that thing I picked out of the hole?
Thanks for your help.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

the spring

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No they go off center in a hole and are retained by the flat surface. Don't know what that center hole is. I had an early test model Colt, and the assembly wasn't any different than later models. Just no fence and markings are different. That projection keeps the butt from turning in the receiver.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

No they go off center in a hole and are retained by the flat surface. Don't know what that center hole is. I had an early test model Colt, and the assembly wasn't any different than later models. Just no fence and markings are different. That projection keeps the butt from turning in the receiver.

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You must mean the hole offset in the end of receiver where the detent spring inserts, and protrudes out then just rides flush against the end of the stock...correct? I mistakenly thought there was a shallow hole on the later stocks that helped to index and hold that detent spring. I think I confused myself, but think I finally get it now.
Thanks for your help once more - always appreciated.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

You must mean the hole offset in the end of receiver where the detent spring inserts, and protrudes out then just rides flush against the end of the stock

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That's right.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

thought there was a shallow hole on the later stocks that helped to index and hold that detent spring

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Nope, they just sit flush. Inexperienced people sometimes damage the spring by pinching it while rotating the stock.

Thanks to Jim here, the confusion on the detent spring is a non-issue. I still cannot understand what the function for hole the middle of the tab or the material that was inside. Another photo online of the same style "D" buttstock had the same hole with the identical same material inside. I'm not concerned about it at this point as much as just curious.

The buttstock and pistol grip will get painted this week in the red.

Searching for an Edgwater Buffer last week produced one from Amherst Depot and apparently, I snagged the last one they had. They immediately shipped it out and it arrived in the mail already this morning. It looks very good.... except for wear around the edge of the buffer where the bolt carrier made contact. Other than that, it doesn't look bad at all...hoping to be as lucky to find a buffer tube next.

Dick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

an Edgwater Buffer

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There's something you don't see much any more. Not common at gunshows either, kind of hens teeth...

Yes sir, I was a bit shocked actually and surprised. It was the last one they had, and it shipped free, no tax for $150.00 considerably less than I'd any seen anywhere else - and it showed up two business days later in the mail! Finding the proper buffer/extension tube for it may not be that easy, but it's an adventure and the challenge is the half the fun.

Dick

I had a look at their site and drooled a bit over the .50 Quad gun...

....they definitely have some interesting inventory.

POI>

The hole in the center of the buttstock tab was where they filled the stock with foam during production and the tiny "straw" was part of the process.

An aerosol can of "ANA611 Interior Green "arrived today and is not the example shown online at all. It's more like the Brownells 601 Lime Green they used on their first production 601's... $40.72 a can, sucks out loud.

Ha...but wait there's more!

USPS Tracking indicated delivery today from Brownells for a retro 601 front pivot pin. It arrived at the local Post Office OK - just like it was supposed to, but someone decided that made too much sense. So..... they sent it to some place called Rockdale, TX. Tracking now says maybe Wednesday.

Pressing Onward

Jim, pr anyone familiar with the Edgwater Buffer - how is it disassembled?
Thanks

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Originally Posted by Madcap

anyone familiar with the Edgewater Buffer

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They are the same as the AR10, those roll pins go in and the end slips off. One side would do perhaps, then when cleaned you tap them back from outside. Make sure they're flush before using them.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

They are the same as the AR10, those roll pins go in and the end slips off. One side would do perhaps, then when cleaned you tap them back from outside. Make sure they're flush before using them.

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(Sorry, not familiar with the AR10.) The role pin is accessed only on one side. If the pin is tapped in - clear of the piston and piston is removed I assume the pin is then free to fall out? After disassembly the pin is re-inserted and tapped back in?

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Originally Posted by Madcap

If the pin is tapped in - clear of the piston and piston is removed I assume the pin is then free to fall out?

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Yes. It shouldn't be too magic either. Almost just that easy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

An aerosol can of "ANA611 Interior Green "arrived today and is not the example shown online at all. It's more like the Brownells 601 Lime Green they used on their first production 601's... $40.72 a can, sucks out loud.

Ha...but wait there's more!

USPS Tracking indicated delivery today from Brownells for a retro 601 front pivot pin. It arrived at the local Post Office OK - just like it was supposed to, but someone decided that made too much sense. So..... they sent it to some place called Rockdale, TX. Tracking now says maybe Wednesday.

Pressing Onward

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Now then, I had an old can of "Testors 1265 Olive Drab Flat Spray Enamel" I've had several years for model airplanes. After a few minutes of shaking, it sprayed well enough for a few light coats, and it looks like a perfect match. Another can is on order and that should finish it up.

Meanwhile, the Brownells retro front pivot pin is supposed to be "out for delivery" (again) this morning.

I had an old can of "Testors 1265 Olive Drab Flat Spray Enamel" I've had several years. After a few minutes of shaking, it sprayed well enough for a few light coats, and it looks like a perfect match. Another can is on order and that should finish it up.

Photos include initial first light coats the Testors OD Flat that I that look very good. The first can is getting low and I don't want it to spit so I have another small can of the same stuff on order.
The independent square paint swatch is the ANA 611 that was ordered for comparison. It isn't very accurate compared to its online example that was offered.

The first coats of the Testors OD will be lightly sanded and given one or two finish coats and cured. Then the receivers can be assembled, after I find a Colt full-length buffer tube and spring.

The last couple photos are a handguard and stock of an original USAF 601 a friend took for me. I t appears the Testors OD enamel model paint a perfect match.

The Brownells 601/602 dimpled front pin came it the mail and fits perfectly. That only leaves a safe/selector switch to be drilled and fitted to add the correct period detail hardware.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

I t appears the Testors OD enamel model paint a perfect match.

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Looks good.

The internal parts of the Edgewater Buffer

There you go...

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

There you go...

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Even after thinking it out several times I was hesitant, not knowing some unique engineering method would mess up a very difficult item to replace if I wasn't cautious. I thank you for your alway continued advice and assistance.

:thup:

Jim - or anyone have experience drilling a standard takedown pin to convert to the earlier one with divot or dimple?

Thanks

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Originally Posted by Madcap

drilling a standard takedown pin

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Those are hard so stand by...and a lathe would work best too.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Those are hard so stand by...and a lathe would work best too.

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OK, looks like I need a proper gunsmith or machinist - :thup:

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

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.

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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...

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..

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Originally Posted by Madcap

If an original cast FSB were found it would probably require custom fitting unless the taper pin holes weren't already drilled.

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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.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

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.

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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.

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 ~

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

an M7 Green Handle Bayonet.

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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.

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

Nothing much to add to date. I'm waiting for a safe selector switch to be center drilled to match the 601 original dimpled switch. Most available parts, repro or original have been found and added and I'm pretty satisfied this build will be a close example of a 601considering the lower isn't an original "01" and not full auto. Soon as the selector switch is finished photos of the competed build will be posted.

Best,

Madcap

Still waiting on the selector switch but meantime I'm thinking of trying to duplicate a Colt Armalite 601 Bayonet.
I ordered a Colt bayonet from Numrich that was listed as made by Armalite for the AR18 in "good - exc condition". The photo was not that good so it's difficult to know if the marking actually says "Colt's Armalite" on the blade. If it's possible I'll try to find some round plastic stock and duplicate a 601 bayonet handle. I'm not sure what type of plastic the original was made of, but the idea might be possible to replace the standard M8 handle with one that looks correct for the 601.

I can't tell how the handle was attached since original example photos only indicate two round depressions on the right side. Any thoughts on what type of plastic might be appropriate or how the handle was attached please let me know.

Dick

Madcap, I think you're mixing the nomenclature for the bayonet with the scabbard. The scabbard was an M8A1, the bayonet an M7.

Yes, sir right you are and thanks, math was never my strong point. :p

Off Topic: I haven't wanted to comment up to now but I'm curious ...when did all these annoying pop ups appear?

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Originally Posted by Madcap

I can't tell how the handle was attached

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

Any thoughts on how the handle was attached please let me know.

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Pics always show a blank butt, like it was flat peened and painted. No sun burst or screw. If you could find a German example there's a phillips screw at the butt and you could slide a handle on, they're available.

Pic of the butt...

RARE PROTOTYPE M7 COLT ARMALITE BAYONET FOR THE AR15/M16.

There's a German made M7 just as you described on eBay with the butt screw for $245. 00...more than I'd want to pay. The one ordered from Numrich Gun Parts was $112 free shipping so I'll have to try and figure what can be done with it. The German example with that butt screw would be easier to add a modified handle - I'll have to wait and see what shows up from "Gun Parts". The description they gave was " Marked Colt 62316, Original Colt MFG AR18 ARMALITE " I like a challenge and look forward to finding out what's possible.

As always thanks again for your help Jim.

Dick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

German made M7 just as you described on eBay with the butt screw for $245. 00

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I was looking at the actual green handle and fibrite brown handle painted green...for over a grand USD...and the one I last saw was far from perfect. Anyway, they ARE available.

Here's a thread that shows clearly the butt end, how rough. Anybody interested in any M16 bayonet info? - AR15.COM

Apparently Cogburn arsenal has the grips. Well, out of stock but you can see what they did. Retro Style M7 Bayonet Grips (No Screw Glue-on DIY) Cogburn Arsenal

Jim,

Prices on original 601 bayonets are cost prohibitive. I discovered the same reference on the repro grips. The resulting plastic texture used during the 3-D process looked odd but maybe could be sanded smooth. They're unavailable now but the process may offer a possibility.

Thanks to the M16 bayonet reference I understand now how the handle consisted of two halves and was attached with rivets or screws with plugs. Maybe after the Numrich bayonet shows up, I'll be inspired to carry on with ideas.

Meanwhile, I found some lower-than-normal prices and convinced myself to spend money on an original, unissued double mag pouch and some repro Brownells 601 magazines. The mags had a heavy preservative that was wiped off then rubbed down to give a "used" appearance. They look very good, and I'll be interested to see how well they function at the range.

Anyone interested Gun Broker has the mags available from "Gun Doc" for $34.99.

Something I just thought of and realized that the Colt AR18 Armalite bayonet may not fit the AR15/M16 flash hider if both the rifles flash hiders aren't the same diameter ...even though they're both .223 barrels.
Photo comparisons of the two rifles look identical but it should be delivered Saturday, so we'll see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

Colt AR18 Armalite bayonet

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I'm sorry, I've never heard of a bayonet specific for the "AR18"... I think you'll be fine. The AR18 is same as the AR180, they interchange perfectly, I had an early Armalite.

The M7 Bayonet arrived early yesterday in near mint condition. Marked Colt but no "Armalite" marking as hoped. None the less I feel very satisfied and indeed fits the 601 perfectly. It may take some time, but maybe a means to reproduce a 601 handle can be made despite the lack of the Armalite marking.

Nice looking bayonet...

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Nice looking bayonet...

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Do you understand why there are gaps between both ends of the handle on these bayonets? It seems to be common on all the M7's I've seen.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

gaps between both ends of the handle

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Just the fit of the bakelite, done a bit short to allow for differences. If the pommel becomes loose, the direction was to re-rivet and that would shorten a bit. If the muzzle ring became loose, hammer the retaining fork. Weld as a last resort. All these things made differences.

Just visited GB and see an Edgewater Buffer is at $380 - ending 17:45 today.

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Originally Posted by Madcap

an Edgewater Buffer

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Good luck if you're going to jump at it. Set to snipe and be ready to pay. Historically one sold on Gunsamerica for $250 USD. One guy on Reddit said he sold his for $500 USD if you believe him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Good luck if you're going to jump at it. Set to snipe and be ready to pay. Historically one sold on Gunsamerica for $250 USD. One guy on Reddit said he sold his for $500 USD if you believe him.

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The GB Edgewater Buffer final sale price was $455.00...there's no way I could spend near that kind of money for one. However, as posted earlier (see post 32) I stumbled on a nice one a few weeks ago from Amherst Military Depot for $150. I consider it a really rare stroke of luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Madcap

The GB Edgewater Buffer final sale price was $455.00

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Wow...I couldn't find it after it finished. That's half the price of an older SP1. They also showed for sale a couple of nice old SP1s one all original with edgewater and early Colt bayonet. Those went high.

Indeed, it was shocking to see the final price on that buffer and all the more how lucky I was to find one that I never thought was possible.

A Dutch M4 Bayonet two-piece handle from Numrich was ordered and may be a possible option to replicate the 601. The Dutch handle is slightly shorter in length by about 3/16" from the M7 but the difference might be made up by adding and sculpting with some JB Weld.

Note the reddish color is perfect and will allow it to slightly possibly wear through the green paint if desired also.

Dick

I saw those and was thinking they might do but didn't suggest. Guess we'll see. Looking forward...

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

I saw those and was thinking they might do but didn't suggest. Guess we'll see. Looking forward...

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Yes sir, expected delivery Tuesday...should be interesting