My latest AR project, despite hysteria prices

I am ususally a retro guy, but decided to do an M4gery to replace the 653 clone I traded for my gorgeous Standard Products M1 Carbine. I had bought a stripped Stag Arms lower a week before the insanity, and had misc. stuff like a lower parts kit, gas tube, slip ring, grip, and a few other things.

I was worried about getting the rest, especially a barrel. I usually get my barrels from Midway, but they are not even taking back oders. The prices on Gunbroker are nuts, but I managed to snag an ESS 16" M4 barrel for $220. Too much, but still good by today's hysteria prices.

I also got a complete Colt A2 (yes, I prefer built in carry handles, as I am not an optics guy) upper that was Cerrocoated for $100, which is actually a decent price. M4 stocks are still cheap, as were the Magpul handguards.

Most of the rest I actually got from e-sarco.com. They even still had charging handles for $14. The scarcest itme for lowers are magazine catches, which I got one of GB for $200 for the complete assembly.

The only part that I don't have, or that is on the way already is a blt carrier group. I am seeing them for $350-$400, give or take, so for now I'll share my 602s BCG!

I'll post some pics when I get it done.

Be careful with Sarco AR parts. some are rubbish. Others are fine. Got a couple of charging handles from them years back that were welded assemblies. Not so very good they were.

Sir,
Yep... like the carry handles also... looking forward to building more AR's, but waiting on the insanity to end (hopefully). I was in the middle of several builds, but have a problem with spending $$ on parts.

I look forward to your posts and pictures of this fine weapon that you are building!

Only things I got from Sarco, besides the charging handle, were assorted detents and little springs, front sight and detent, front swivel, port door pin and spring, and delta assembly snap ring. I have an early Colt slip ring I am using.

Well, parts are trickling in. so far I have everything except: A2 upper receiver (should be in the mail at this writing), forward assist, barrel snap ring, bolt catch assembly, and some misc. small parts, springs and pins. Those misc. items are in a Sarco order, which according to them, has gone from the warehouse to shipping. Everything else is in my safe waiting to start assembly. DANG, I am patient on long term one piece at a time projects, but I am not a patient person when it comes to waiting on things ordered and paid for that are caught in the stupid hysteria backlog!

I bought a bit from Sarco and it was fine,but some iffy,and the charging handle almost seemed plastic(it isn't).The best parts I received were from Numrich(GPC),and some was even USGI NOS still wrapped and marked from the 60's!

Well, I got the Sarco stuff. Everything is good, even the charging handle. The only negative is that the bolt catch is PAINTED black, and is cast and not nearly as nice the Colt MIM ones. It will do for now, though. Even got the Daniel Defense ambidextrous safety in. Only thing I am lacking (besides the "shared" bolt carrier group) is the front pivot pin. No one had one except Primary Industries. I have one coming from them as we speak. Maybe this week-end I will assemble this little "post Hysteria" GEM!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by imarangemaster

The only negative is that the bolt catch is PAINTED black, and is cast and not nearly as nice the Colt MIM ones.

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Check it for hardness before install. I've seen some soft ones that would soon either bind or grab the bolt so well that you could not "slap charge" a new mag.

FINISHED IT!!!! Everything came in except the front pivot pin (I amusing okie engineering - a .25" clevis pin, for the moment.) I am using the M16 bolt carrier group from my 602 clone until my new carrier group comes in. I found an outfit (RGUNS) that had a few M16 BCGs in stock for $120. They are in stock, but shipping is backed up four weeks. For that price I wil wait. They will not hit my credit card until it ships. They have a reputation for being slow, but they do ship what you order eventually.

I am working an OT day shift patrol in the mountains tomorrow (72 worked hours this week). I'll take some ammo and targets and dial it in, and I'll take some pictures to post.

Looking forward to this!!

I'm glad you were able to get all your bits and pieces so quickly. Around mid Dec. I finally gave in to the urge and ordered a 16'' varmint upper from Model 1 Sales. I still don't have it. :bitch:

Christmas in February! :dancingbanana:A lower assembly that usually is for deer hunting went missing two years and almost two months ago. Found it this morning whilst doing something completely unrelated. Makes the spare lower build projects on hold easier to justify delaying.

Happy to see that you have been able to find small bits, though. Detents, springs and pins are on the want list.

BAD DAY! tried to sight it in on a 25 yard battle sight target, no rounds on target. Moved closer, and next shot seized the brass in the chamber, ripping the rim. Checked the three ejected brass, and it appears the chamber is very rough. I've emailed the manufacturer, ESS Solutions, for guidance. I may try to smooth it with fine emery paper on a wool .45 bore mop, spun it a hand drill, then again with crocus cloth. ! UGH!!!!!!

I went round and round with barrels until I settled for a known, DPMS chrome lined barrel with a 1/9 twist. No more problems...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by imarangemaster

I've emailed the manufacturer, ESS Solutions, for guidance. I may try to smooth it with fine emery paper on a wool .45 bore mop, spun it a hand drill, then again with crocus cloth.

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Only as a last resort, I hope! Seems like ESS Solutions needs to get you a satisfactory barrel. There's no good excuse for such a situation.

I'm with JM on a replacement barrel. Also, I would'nt do anything to try smoothing out the chamber walls as it would likely void any warranty it may have leaving you stuck with an expensive 'mater stake. Patience grasshopper, patience.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vintage hunter

I'm with JM on a replacement barrel. Also, I would'nt do anything to try smoothing out the chamber walls as it would likely void any warranty it may have leaving you stuck with an expensive 'mater stake. Patience grasshopper, patience.

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You guys are probably right. I won't do anything until I hear from ESS....DANG!

Good news: I also contacted the vendor. He is sending me a replacement barrel, no hassle. This build is trying to teach this impatient man (me) patience!

UPDATE: Vendor is out of ESS M4 barrels, so he is replacing it with a 16" DPMS M4 barrel! Just breaks my heart. A silver lining. On another note, I had my range bag loaded with mags an 5.56 ammo, so I tossed my early AR-15 602 clone into my patrol jeep to spend quality time plinking with it up in the woods today. It's been a year since I shot it, and I had forgotten how light and ergonomic the retro AR-15 (as Stoner's design team imagined it) really is. At 100 yards, no pop can was safe!

The Kalifornicating restrictions are a pain, but there are ways around them. I built an M4gery duty weapon, though, that I can use my "legally possessed before 1 January, 2000" high capacity magazines;
Stag Arms lower
Colt SP1 LPK
"Hammerhead" non-pistol grip (to be compliant)
Colt M16A1 BCG
Colt M16A2 upper (I like carry handles and don't use optics)
Magpul carbine length handguards
DPMS 16" M4 barrel
Wilson Combat Comp (to be compliant)
no-name M4 stock with USGI M4 buffer spring (pinned to be compliant)
LOTS of USGI high capacity magazines
Galati International (1988 vintage) "6-pack" mag bag.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...26eacbd4-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...cbb2af28-1.jpg

Well, I decided to join the 21st Century and add a red dot optic. Since I patrol at night, and iron sights suck in near dark conditions, it seemed the way to go. I picked up a vintage Tasco 30mm "Accupoint" red dot 1X, with what appears to be a 2 to 3 MOA variable red dot. It is a nice scope, and is all metal, including the windage and elevation cover caps which are machined aluminum. The Accupoint is the predecessor to Tasco's current "Pro-point" series, which has a larger 5 MOA red dot. I did a battle sight (2.5 inches below POA for POI at 25 yards) and could cover the group with a quarter. GOOD ENOUGH for my purposes.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81683d25-1.jpg