Retro AR-15.

[NaughtyMonkey]

I want an AR-15 but I want one that looks like it was from Vietnam I did some research and its called a Retro AR-15 and I been trying to look for parts and stuff because I want to build it myself but I'm not fully sure where to start. I don't have a lot of money and I thought I could buy it piece by piece until its complete. But like I said I have no idea what I'm doing here. I'm a C&R guy and I thought its about time to get some thing more modern, a cheap round to go plinking when I'm bored, etc.

I'd like it to look something like this.

[U5512]

I am currently working to complete a couple of Retro AR15s so let me help you to get going! You can start by buying an M16A1 USGI Kit from Gunthings (link below) with the barrel. It's everything to need to complete the build sans the lower receiver.

http://gunthings.com/

Or you can buy this M16A1 Kit from Apex without the barrel:

https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/49/products_id/1484

The gun in your post is an M16 that the US Air Force used. This model is without the forward assist but if you like it better than the M16A1 (with teardrop forward assist) you can buy that slab side upper receiver (Gun Broker or EE on AR15.com) as well since they're not rare at all.


To build a correct looking Viet Nam era "late" M16 or M16A1, you need an A1 "full fence" lower from Nodak which has the Colt gray anodized coating to match the upper receiver:

http://www.nodakspud.com/AR%20Lowers.htm

If you decide to buy the Apex kit without the barrel, keep an eye on Gun Broker or the EE on AR15.com for an original Colt C Chrome Bore barrel. They do pop up for sale, however, they're sold fast since there a lots of retro builders out there looking for those barrels too!

[NaughtyMonkey]

Hey thanks a bunch for the links! haha. Come with instructions on how to assemble? Well it was just an example picture.

Is this more like the Vietnam style?

[U5512]

It doesn't come with assembly instructions but you can find instructions online. The gun shown isn't Viet Nam style M16A1 since it has a "shell deflector", large round forward assist button, round A2 type hand guards, and A2 butt stock. To learn about different type of Viet Nam M16s, go here:

http://98.196.65.94/retroblackrifle/ModGde/RflGde/603A1.html

[NaughtyMonkey]

Thanks, yeah I'm a WW2 gun guy so anything after that I get lost since I havn't done alot of research, thanks for the info and links and help.

[Fate]

Here's my M16A1 70's version. Original unissued Colt upper (she's no virgin no mo'!) NoDak Spud semiauto lower. Lower parts kit, I did the Naval Jelly trick to make them grey.





Two of the hardest things to find for many people are the correct trigger guard and the charging handle in grey! Have fun. I love this girl. She's light and accurate!

[slomofo]

You can build one for about $500.

http://www.nodakspud.com is where you can find a retro receiver.
http://www.apexgunparts.com is where you can find the M16A1 parts kit for around $300-400

You're all done after that.

This is a good source for information if you need it: http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=123

[G lock]

how much do one of these things weigh? (roughly)

[dieselpower]

Here's my M16A1 70's version. Original unissued Colt upper (she's no virgin no mo'!) NoDak Spud semiauto lower. Lower parts kit, I did the Naval Jelly trick to make them grey.





Two of the hardest things to find for many people are the correct trigger guard and the charging handle in grey! Have fun. I love this girl. She's light and accurate!

Are you sure that muzzle device came on that upper with those HGs and that delta? Sorry to say I dont think thats possible. The delta tells me someone reworked it. I don't think there ever was a flat delta with an A2 MD...I could be wrong though. I have seen 1980s SF units with A1 uppers reworked to carbines so it is possible to get a unit with that configuration, but as an issued weapon I would say no.

If the MD was upgraded the Delta would have been upgraded too. Like I said..I could be wrong. When I sent weapons to be repaired or reworked they did so in refit packages, in the field anything was possible though. A field armory can do whatever they want within specs. Hell some SF units had some weird stuff.

Just checked AR15 retro, that MD did come issued for 1.5 years. the tell tale sign is the dust cover door + the lower slats on the MD.

Nice find, a 1968 A1 upper.

[user name]

What is the overall llenght of the early style rifles?

[slomofo]

What is the overall llenght of the early style rifles?

5/8" shorter than a modern 20" A2.

[Sturnovik]

I want an AR-15 but I want one that looks like it was from Vietnam I did some research and its called a Retro AR-15 and I been trying to look for parts and stuff because I want to build it myself but I'm not fully sure where to start. I don't have a lot of money and I thought I could buy it piece by piece until its complete. But like I said I have no idea what I'm doing here. I'm a C&R guy and I thought its about time to get some thing more modern, a cheap round to go plinking when I'm bored, etc.

I'd like it to look something like this.

I absolutely love the look and feel of the triangular forend. It's just is awesome. And good luck on the build.

[tiger222]

how much do one of these things weigh? (roughly)

About two henweighs (joke question- "So what's a Henweigh?" answer "About three pounds for a fat one!")

IIRC the unloaded M16A1 was 7.2 lbs with sling.
They are the most badass imho.

[MrOrange]

I'm with ya! I've been seriously thinking about just getting one a these:

http://www.hendersondefense.com/store/pc/NY-Compliant-M-16A1-Semi-Auto-Rifle-10p262.htm

and putting an open-end suppressor and a regular pistol grip on it. They went ahead and assembled rifles from the surplus kits floating around out there, and they have a CA-compliant model available with Raddlock and 10/30 mag. I spoze it wouldn't be completely pur sang, but it'd give me the ole-time vibe.

[ElvenSoul]

Ironwood Designs makes wood furniture in a Retro AR Style.