Colt m16A2 upper build

[ssgross]

So I got a good deal on this colt A2 upper. Surprised how good of shape it was in. My first time doing an AR from scratch. It was way easier than building a Garand or 1903!


I just wanted to build a shooter - nothing special - just a govt. spec A2 like what I carried for a bit of nostalgia and for the kids to plink with. Been wanting to do this for a while, but A2 uppers have been very scarce lately.
So I bought a new FN 20" govt. profile barrel. I didn't want to hassle with drilling the taper pins for the front sight. I found one store that sold the assembly, with a cheap monstrom stripped flat top upper attached, for only $50 more than the price of a stripped barrel anywhere else. Figured I'd sell the stripped upper or use it later.

I was about to pat myself on the back and look forward to shooting this week, then I patched out the factory grease and took a peek in the bore.

There is a spot where there is no chrome!, and it's right against the crown! Likely there was a drop of oil there when they did the plating? Further inspection showed normal tooling marks and in general the surface certainly looked brand new, except for some scattered imperfections - like pitting. Here is the worst spot, about 2" behind the gas port. There are maybe a dozen spots similar to this.


I sent the company an email with pics and asked for an exchange.

Information

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Don't forget a completed photo. I need some inspiration to build an A2 as there is an A2 void in my collection.

[ssgross]

Don't forget a completed photo. I need some inspiration to build an A2 as there is an A2 void in my collection.

It won't be terribly interesting as I'm just going for something fun to handle and shoot. I was thinking about doing a very plain lower, painted with Norrells "Very Flat Black" to match, might even do an 80% lower. I've seen some go all out and clone the colt markings with a salt water etch, but I don't think that is me.
Another thought was to put a very good barrel on it, swap out the sights, and make a competition rifle. Can't find any barrels for that though - not without a 12 week lead - not that I'm not patient. I'm not in a hurry, but just didn't want it to collect dust on the shelf while I make up my mind.

[ssgross]

FYI: The build video CD that Midway sells on the AR15 is well done.

Not sure if those are the same as the YouTube videos with Mr. Potterfield. If so, I agree. Made it very easy.
The upper is all done, assembled, but I'll have to take it apart to exchange the barrel.

[mrclark303]

I'm toying with an A2 build here in the UK.

It will have to be straight pull here, but I also plan on a semi automatic .22 Win mag (A2 profile) barrel, bolt group and magazine, so I can swap out as needed.

[ssgross]

It will have to be straight pull here

That sounds interesting - and we have something in common but for different reasons. I'm a brass miser at the range and I hate to lose my good stuff when it bounces off the walls or in front of the firing line.
I've seen adjustable gas blocks for AR's. I suppose if I close up the gas port all the way I could keep it from ejecting. Right now I just drape an old t-shirt over the receiver. Makes practicing offhand undoable.

[browningautorifle]

if I close up the gas port all the way I could keep it from ejecting.

Can't you still get brass catchers?
Caldwell AR Pic Rail Brass Catcher, Hunting Accessories - Amazon Canada

[ssgross]

Can't you still get brass catchers?

I've got them. The ones that clamp onto a flat top work pretty good. The strap on ones slip around, and brass eventually gets caught around the edges, or bounce back into the receiver.

[ssgross]

Hats off to DSArms.com. I sent the pictures above of the bore, and within 24 hours they contacted me with a return authorization. Although I asked for an exchange, they kindly offered a full refund as they have no more left in stock.

Back to the drawing board. Right now it's a beautiful paperweight on the workbench.

[ssgross]

After staring at my beautiful paperweight, I decided on a barrel. Fulton Armory finally received more stock of their match service rifle barrels, made by criterion. It was a bit pricey, but considering it had a non F marked front sight already aligned by laser and taper pins installed, and I didn't need to wait up to 12 weeks to get one from compass lake, I went for it. It's beautiful inside and out. I figured I'll just shoot it, enjoy the pretty good barrel, then maybe later upgrade to a free float rig, different barrel, whatever. The only part of the decision I'm disappointed about is not finishing the chamber myself. Fulton ships them already finished in 5.56, and I didn't think to ask if they could kindly leave it alone.

I was getting excited about the idea of doing an 80% lower for it, but decided I'm not set up for it yet, and I'm too busy with work to do something so involved. Instead, I searched for a lower without logos and other BS not engraved all over it. Just plane Jane. Seems Brownells' lower is the best answer. Nice and simple, only markings are those required by law. Put it all together tonight. All is well, but metal magazines are very tight - have to clamp the mags in the vice and pull up to get them out. Plastic magpuls are no issue. Will need to do some lapping maybe in the magwell maybe.

I bought a "Mil-spec A2 butt stock kit" from palmetto state armory. waited a week for it, and when I got it the stock was covered in stains, dings and scratches. The extension tube had the anodizing worn off on part of the threads. Ok...clearly someone used it, returned it, and they tried to pass it off to me as new. I tried to call today...machine said 2hr wait time. sent an email yesterday morning. no reply now 2 days later. This was the first, and will be the last, time I order anything from them. Should have just ponied up the extra 30 bucks and ordered from Fulton. They have always been quick, fair, and honest.