Kalifornia compliant Colt Model 653 (kinda) carbine clone now my PATROL CARBINE)

[imarangemaster]

Posted a variation of this on AR15 retro and Milsurps Carbine forums.

Just got clearance from my job to carry my 653 as a patrol carbine. I have a armed contract patrolling dams and powerhouses in the Sierra at night (Homeland Security mandated "Critical Infrastructure Protection") Up to now I have been only armed with 9mm. Considering the plethora of mountain lion (saw 2 different ones this week), Mexican Mafia dope growers in the National Forest, and the fact that I am on patrol to prevent Akmed and his Muji buddies from blowing up dams, I have been feeling under-gunned . It is a solo patrol, and the county Sheriif is only back up. It is a good gig, three 12 hour shifts a week in a new Jeep Rubicon, but it will be nice to have a 5.56 backup now. When I was a deputy, I carried one that was NOT nuetered. Oh, well,my retro will get used for the AR15s original intended purpose.

Here is the 653 project. In order to use magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds in Kalifornia, it must be a "Featureless" build: i.e. NO pistol grip, no collapsible stock, no EVIL flash hider.

It is a JD Machine A2 lower,
M16A1 upper, including BCG,
ER Shaw 16" 1/9 twist barrel,
Wilson Combat Comp muzzle brake,
pinned 4 position Fiberlite stock (pinned open)
Hammerhead non-pistol grip.

The high capacity magazine must have been possessed by the shooter in Kalifornia, prior to the ban in 2000. Kalifornia's laws are beyond moronic, but this carbine embodies the ways around it. I wanted a KISS retro carbine as a snatch and grab weapon that could use my high caps. The hammerhead is more secure, and handles much better than the other two grip options, Monsterman Grip and Kydex grip panels. It shoots and handle very well, though I need a ambidextrous safety, as the hammerhead (and other two options) prevent using strong hand to take the weapon off safe.

Pardon cell phone pics.

Information

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[Bob Womack]

It's ingenious, but what a crock with Kali rules.

Bob

[imarangemaster]

Ugh, took the AR last night so I could check function, since I had just switched to the M16A1 upper from the slick side I used to have on it. Gave me a chance to check battle sight at 25 yards until I can get to the range.

Good news was it was only one click right off, bad news is I had about 10-12 failures to feed in 60 rounds! Every one was a short stroke, not going back enough to pick up a round from the magazine. I doubt if it is ammo, as the IMI M193 is hot stuff, and I have never had any issues in the last two years shooting it. I also doubt if it was the mags, as they had new USGI springs and Magpul gen II followers.

This morning I checked, and the gas ring gaps were lined up. Also, I had a new in wrap USGI M4 spring I put in it, rather than the spring that came with the knock off CAR-15 stock. Lastly I put in a new gas tube. The last one did not look or feel right when I re-installed it in the weapon when I switched upper.

I'll try it again when I go back Wednesday evening. If I can't get it fixed, I will switch to the Inland Carbine until I get it wrung out. I had more FTFs in the AR-15 yesterday than I have had in the last 10 to 15 years!

[jmoore]

I'd suspect it was the gas tube. If misaligned, it can wear on one side badly enough to create such problems. Generally easy to diagnose once removed. But if it is badly worn, then a check of your inlet on the bolt carrier would be in order. Might check the gas key screws as well, but properly staked screws never seem to be a drama.

I always check newly installed tubes for effortless engagement with the bolt carrier, and bend to suit. If the barrel nut has been turned due to a barrel change or similar, it may need fine tuning first, before altering the tube. Best way to get a good feel for the alignment is to remove the bolt from the carrier.

[imarangemaster]

I had three new gas rings, so I swapped the, out too. The bolt seemed too lose in the carrier, looser than my 602 build with its new chrome Young Manufacturing BCG. I should have a chance to function fire this afternoon after I get up to work.

[imarangemaster]

After my rehab session (new rings, new spring, new gas tube) of the AR15, it functions 100% (except one bad round Federal/Lake City M193 - almost a squib with very low charge with about half the report and flash, that failed to cycle). With the exception of the defective round, 90 rounds functioned flawless

[imarangemaster]

While it fired 59/60 rounds after the new gas rings and gas tube, that 1/60 bothered me. Well, when I broke it down to clean it, I found the roll pin that holds the rubber bumper in had drifted, protruded about 3/32"+ out of place. That alone could cause a problem with feeding.

That would explain why it functioned 100% before I switched the barrel to the M16A1 upper from the slick side SP1 upper. It had nothing to do with the switch, but rather the displaced roll pin. with the worn rings it significantly affected functioning. Replacing rings and gas tube overcame some of it, but not all. The difference in sound of the round may have been the bolt not opening all the way, rather than light load.

I would bet it will function 100% now.

[joem]

To check your gas rings: Remove the bolt from the carrier, Clean to bolt and carrier, put a drop of oil on the rings and assemble the bolt in the carrier, extend the bolt and stand it on end on a level surface. The gas rings should support the carrier in a extended position. If it doesn't replace the rings. A sign that your rings are going bad is after firing six rounds, remove the magazine and if there is heavy carbon on the rounds in the magazine your getting blowback throught the gas rings.

[imarangemaster]

I replaced the gas rings with new ones already. They were worn and the problem was worse before I replaced tham. That is a good tip, though, thanks!

[imarangemaster]

Here it is mounted in my patrol Jeep