My latest AR project, despite hysteria prices

[imarangemaster]

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.

Information

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[jmoore]

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.

[Midmichigun]

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!

[imarangemaster]

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.

[imarangemaster]

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!

[Prince Humperdink]

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!

[imarangemaster]

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!

[jmoore]

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

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.

[imarangemaster]

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.

[Midmichigun]

Looking forward to this!!