Question on early upper

[pcox]

Assuming you could find an early upper without the forward assist, what would be a fair price? I've seen the reproduction made by NODAKSPUD, and I guess that would be the most cost effective way to proceed. Are there any sources out there for surplus M16 uppers? Thanks.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[irishsteve]

Sarco has had them recently.

[mparsons]

They show up on Gun Broker about once a week for the complete upper minus the BCG. If you want new then NoDak is the way to go. Some thimes AR15.com has them in their EE (equipment exchange)

[Orlando]

Barreled Receivers were fairly plentiful 6 months ago. They still come up on auction sites but prices are up, usually starting at $350.00 or more

[RCS]

The early front sight base was still used on some three digit Colt SP1 rifles

[Johnny Peppers]

Is this an early front sight base, and what is the difference?

[Bingo]

Is this an early front sight base, and what is the difference?

Early ones will be cast. with a 1-14 between fron sight legs (601) VP 12 for a late 601 or early 602.
No drain hole in the front sight for starters. Forged, Front & Rear of FSB will be machined. Proof will be M VP with 12 towards end of Barrel. The one pictured is forged. Circa 1964-1966.

Check out Home Retro Black Rifle

[RCS]

I have seen the early "flat" front sight base with the UP in raised letters on a Colt SP1 in the 007xx serial number range. Barrel is stamped M with the Colt triangle under the front sight base also stamped 12 near the front on the bottom. This rifle is "new" and was purchased by a collector in KC years ago.

Could Colt have changed the front sight base during the early SP1 production?

[Mike in NC]

Another thing that is hard to find is the bolt carriers without the notches for the forward assist. Colt continued to use the no forward assist uppers in the SP1 rifles for a long time after the military had adopted the forward assist, but only the very early Sporters has the no notches bolt carriers. The vast majority of the Colt commercial no forward assist uppers had the later bolt carriers with the notches for the forward assist.

[Orlando]

There are several companies that make no notch carriers today