Colt 601 Build

[Madcap]

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.

Information

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[Madcap]

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.

[Madcap]

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

[Sapper740]

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

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

[RCS]

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.

[Madcap]

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.

More to follow -

[Madcap]

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".

[browningautorifle]

"Interior Green".

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.

[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.)

[browningautorifle]

what is "Fibrite"

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