Building a M16a1 rifle

[waltsfastz]

If you have machine skills and a mill you might think about doing an 80% lower. Not very difficult and quite rewarding. Nodak offers A1 80% lowers.

I have thought about that as well. The bug just hasnt bit me.
What is the finish on the old A1? How to make a new Black reciver somewhat match? Thank everyone for the input. I am not a AR guru by no means. Got my first one back in the winter. Like old Milsurps way more and thought a A1 replica would go good in my collection

[BEAR]

Well, the weekend is here and now I can turn my attention to my hobby.
Since the Nodak Spud/ Brownells are supposed to be exact copies of the USGI A1 upper and since I don't have a Nodak Spud/ Brownells A1 upper but I do have a USGI A1 upper, I borrowed an Anderson lower from a friend to see if they worked together.
Lo and behold ... they fit perfectly.
Attachment 73643
Attachment 73644

[BEAR]

What is the finish on the old A1? How to make a new Black reciver somewhat match?

I have known some guys to find a dark gray primer and paint both upper and lower. There is also Cerakote and Durakote finishes.

[waltsfastz]

Well, the weekend is here and now I can turn my attention to my hobby.
Since the Nodak Spud/ Brownells are supposed to be exact copies of the USGI A1 upper and since I don't have a Nodak Spud/ Brownells A1 upper but I do have a USGI A1 upper, I borrowed an Anderson lower from a friend to see if they worked together.
Lo and behold ... they fit perfectly.
Attachment 73643
Attachment 73644

Sweet, Thank you for Sharing that. Ive looked all week and am no closer to finding an original upper(other than Gun broker) than I was. About everything else is pretty avilable

[browningautorifle]

There is also Cerakote and Durakote finishes.

Probably the way to go these days for the layman...

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Probably the way to go these days for the layman...

The Alumahyde II dark park is a nice match for Colt Grey (early) but a bit light for the later (70s-80s) park on the kits that were avaliable until recently.It is user frendly but takes a long time to cure and I question the duribility.
All that to say I believe you are correct. From what I have read the Duracoat is somewhat to shiney unless you use their flattening agent (which is $5.00 and costs $16.00 to ship and is only avaliable from the mfgr. not retailers).
I think I am going Duracoat.

[BEAR]

NONSENSE! That is a marketing tactic to sell lowers. I have Anderson lowers and have used several different Nodak uppers on Anderson lowers. I am currently using a Fulton (who use the same forgings as Nodak and Brownells) on an Anderson lower for my 604 build. Absolute BullS@*T. I currently have one on an Anderson and it fit perfect. Supposedly the takedown lug is too long. Funny, I've noticed there would have been enough room in the Anderson lower for a D.I.A.S. (hypothetically speaking, if someone had one) when using a Nodak upper. I hate a liar....

waltszfastz,
This discussion was carried on at AR15.com and Brownells even got involved. here's the link Marketing BS from Brownell's - AR15.COM. You might glean some information about finding an A1 upper for your lower.

[browningautorifle]

The Alumahyde II

I've always found that stuff didn't do the job for me. It was as durable as a china marker... I'd love to set up for aluminum oxide but it would cost probably $3000 CDN to set up.

[cipherk98]

I.O. Colt M16 A1 parts kit: without full auto sear : AR15 Parts at GunBroker.com

This is sold but this shop is local to me, and I'm pretty sure they have more of them for around $450-500. I do not know if they would take a phone order or ship, but it may be worth contacting them via gunbroker or their website to see if they can get you another one. I don't know how helpful the complete kit will be if you only need an upper but wanted to pass it along.

Also, I'm really impressed with the fit of the Anderson lower posted. I can still get these very reasonable locally, and given I have a fairly valuable DPMS preban lower on my A1/A2 hybrid it's tempting to set it aside (Selling it does not seem to be an option due to the definition of "assembly" ) and put one of the Andersons on.

[imarangemaster]

I am assuming, sir, that you are referring to Brownells as the liar in your post. I simply took what they said from their web page and informed waltzfastz of their comments. I am glad your circumstances turned out favorably, however I would hate for someone to get burned if Brownells comments are true. Probably no refund due to their comment being so clearly stated on the page.

I was refering to Brownell's, though I did recant that statement. It appears some fit Andersons and some don't. I just picked up a603 / M16A1 upper on the ARFCOM Equipment exchange for $110 shipped tith port door, charging handle and teardrop FA. It had some minor corrosion on handle, and was ceracoated black, which is OK, because it is also going on an Anderson's.