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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.
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.
Any thoughts on how the handle was attached please let me know.
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.
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.
German made M7 just as you described on eBay with the butt screw for $245. 00
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.
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.
PM
Originally Posted by Madcap
