11.5 Commando build question

[t15]

I would really like an all Colt 11.5 A2 style rifle. I want the M4A1 CARBINE roll mark, so first, will a complete 6920SOCOM rifle still feature this roll mark? Does Colt still make A2 carry handle 11.5 uppers and are they for sale from reputable dealers?

I would like a forward assist, don't really care about the style of of deflector. Is this possible to keep all Colt including building from parts or am I going to need to start with an Aero precision A2 with FA?

Thanks!

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SOCOMLWR

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/scooter1942/photo-4.jpg

[t15]

after some calling around, i realized what im asking here lol. i did find this wikipedia page that lists a lot of the colt ar's, specs, and model #/name. i think im going to hunt for used A1's with carbine gas and cut one down, try and copy something that i think is the m733?

29344

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR-15_variants#Numbered_Colt_civilian_models

[scottryan]

A colt 733 uses A1 sights on the carry handle.

A colt 738 uses A2 sights on the carry handle.

Finding a Colt 738 upper will be difficult.

[usmcvet]

I would really like an all Colt 11.5 A2 style rifle. I want the M4A1 CARBINE roll mark, so first, will a complete 6920SOCOM rifle still feature this roll mark? Does Colt still make A2 carry handle 11.5 uppers and are they for sale from reputable dealers?

I would like a forward assist, don't really care about the style of of deflector. Is this possible to keep all Colt including building from parts or am I going to need to start with an Aero precision A2 with FA?

Thanks!

http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SOCOMLWR

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c35/scooter1942/photo-4.jpg

What did you end up doing?

[daddyusmaximus]

Tagged. I've always want a similar build but in the old A1 triangle handguards. Is this even possible these days?

[t15]

classically i shelved the idea to think it over some more and missed out. i got an email alert this post was bumped today and i concluded that all i really care about is the a1/c7 style upper and went to buy. at the time, dpms was making a stripped a1 with forward assist for $60. as of tonight i cant find anyone making one or selling them anywhere.

i did find this, only 3 left. someone please buy these so i can put the idea to rest and hope to find a used rifle in a lgs somewhere..

http://www.cdnnsports.com/ar15-custom-nfa-upper-556-nato-14in-black-rail-aac-21176.html#.VfjwsRFVhBc

anyone want to sell me a c7 upper for a fair price, send me a PM.

(posting a wtb now)

[Renegade04]

A1/C7 upper receivers are very hard to come by these days. They have become more "in demand" since the retro craze has really taken off the past few years. The upper assembly you show would be a good choice to get the A1/C7 upper you want. You can always sell off the barrel assembly and the handguards and keep them for future use. If you want to use the barrel, you would most likely have to have it re-profiled to .625" and get a corresponding .625" FSB installed if you want it to be correct. If not worried about being exactly correct, you may be able to have the barrel cut down to 11.5" and have it rethreaded. One thing you will need to do is find a large head forward assist for it to be a correct 733 setup. These are also hard to find these days. You could get away with a standard round forward assist. The CAR 6-hole handguards are out there. I have a couple connections that may have a set or two. A repro fiberlite CAR stock is available from Model 1 Sales (kit w/ 4-pos. buffer tube) and M&A (stock body only). The 733 did use a 2-pos. buffer tube like the 723 and the XM177. These are available from Nodak Spud. As for the lower receiver, you will see them mostly with A1 lowers, but some of the late models may have had an A2 lower.

[halo2304]

Sent a couple of IM's.
Colt M733 uppers are out there for sale if you look. If need be, I can get you some reference pics of one. ;-)

[Renegade04]

Sent a couple of IM's.
Colt M733 uppers are out there for sale if you look. If need be, I can get you some reference pics of one. ;-)

You would have to look very hard. I did a search for Colt Model 733 and Colt Commando uppers and came up with nothing. You will be looking for an A1/C7 upper receiver, a 11.5" lightweight barrel (.625" at FSB), round forward assist (large head if you can find one), A1 port door, Delta ring, A2 FH, A2 pistol grip, A1 lower receiver, fiberlite CAR stock, 2-pos. buffer tube, standard carbine buffer and spring, and early style castle nut. Nodak Spud, like I said, has the lower receivers, 2-pos. buffer tube, and repro early castle nut. BCM does have a 11.5" lightweight barrel (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Standard-11-5-Carbine-Barrel-light-weight-p/bcm-brl-s-11lw%20std.htm). There are some .625" FSBs available, many of which are F marked. You may be able to find an original .625" FSB by asking around on various other forums.

[Ruff Shod]

I walked around a gun show asking if anyone had an A2 upper. One guy said he did and mailed it to me for $50. Ended up being an A1 from Colt Harvey Forge.

Score!!!


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[Renegade04]

I walked around a gun show asking if anyone had an A2 upper. One guy said he did and mailed it to me for $50. Ended up being an A1 from Colt Harvey Forge.

Score!!!


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That is a very good buy for $50. Most original Colt A1 uppers are going for around $135-$150. Even a little more if they are complete.

[Ruff Shod]

It is complete


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[daddyusmaximus]

And you're gonna sell it right???

[t15]

renegade, i appreciate your expertise and taking the time to outline all of the period correct parts. if i may ask 1 more thing of you, i sacked up and bought this upper on gunbroker.. first time on that site, we'll see what happens! could not contact seller, but if the receiver and barrel are original/not monkeyed with ill be happy. probably getting a no brand crap bcg, in which case i will leave him a dirty review lol.

could you please help me with identifying marks on the receiver, barrel, bolt, and carrier to authenticate it once i've got my grubby hands on 'er? i remember seeing these old expired ads for police trade in uppers, i am assuming that is what i've got here.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=507901510

thank you to one of our users who PM'd me this auction, never would have found it otherwise--exactly what i wanted--assuming its what i think it is, colt LE trade in :-)

[halo2304]

Congratulations on the new upper. Hopefully it is all authentic. One interesting thing to note, the splash of green paint under the rear sight matches mine. I'm assuming it's to either mark the uppers as police trade-ins or having come from the same department or distributor. Anyone know for sure?
Here's (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/296919_USGI_Colt_Carbine_parts_variation_guide_Edition_IV.html) where I checked mine out to determine it's legitimacy.
Treason, I know, but excusable in this instance, IMO.

[Renegade04]

renegade, i appreciate your expertise and taking the time to outline all of the period correct parts. if i may ask 1 more thing of you, i sacked up and bought this upper on gunbroker.. first time on that site, we'll see what happens! could not contact seller, but if the receiver and barrel are original/not monkeyed with ill be happy. probably getting a no brand crap bcg, in which case i will leave him a dirty review lol.

could you please help me with identifying marks on the receiver, barrel, bolt, and carrier to authenticate it once i've got my grubby hands on 'er? i remember seeing these old expired ads for police trade in uppers, i am assuming that is what i've got here.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=507901510

thank you to one of our users who PM'd me this auction, never would have found it otherwise--exactly what i wanted--assuming its what i think it is, colt LE trade in :-)

I would be happy to help.

[Renegade04]

Congratulations on the new upper. Hopefully it is all authentic. One interesting thing to note, the splash of green paint under the rear sight matches mine. I'm assuming it's to either mark the uppers as police trade-ins or having come from the same department or distributor. Anyone know for sure?
Here's (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/296919_USGI_Colt_Carbine_parts_variation_guide_Edition_IV.html) where I checked mine out to determine it's legitimacy.
Treason, I know, but excusable in this instance, IMO.

The ARFCOM retro forum is a great place to source info. I have been there for 10 years. It looks like the upper he is getting is going to be correct except for the M4 handguards and the Trijicon front and rear sights. I will curious as to what the pictures show once he gets it.

[Ruff Shod]

Not for sale daddy.

I guess mine was a 653.


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[Renegade04]

Colt C K marked uppers were used from 1972-1973 and the Colt C H uppers were used from 1974-1982 (some C M uppers were used in small number from 1972-1973). The C H marked uppers were primarily used for the Model 603/M16A1 and the Model 653. They were also used for early Model 723s. The later Model 723 and the 733 had the C H marked C7 type upper receiver.

[Ruff Shod]

Mine has tear drop forward assist like the 653


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[halo2304]

Some pics of my M733 upper for reference.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221717_zpsn5ibtecv.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221852_zpsplclhqm8.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221841_zpsppabmaqt.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221825_zpsd7zuqzra.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221803_zpsxuocenun.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e309/halo2304/Guns/20150916_221739_zpsuexvbujf.jpg

[halo2304]

t15, Any update?

[t15]

t15, Any update?

yes, i have received the upper! all went smoothly and i am satisfied. bolt was dry as a bone and there was quite a bit of carbon around the bore. barrel looks good, far from being shot out. passes the head space gauges and everythings marked colt!

i hope it is a shooter, it will be a while before i can spend any decent amount of time on the range. mine seems to have more wear than yours especially on the deflector and top of the handle, but thats ok. has tritium sights installed and the same green paint under the windage screw.

35221

[halo2304]

Awesome! Now you need some skinny 6-hole hand guards and an N1 fiberlite stock to 'finish' the M733 look. ;)
Mine is surprisingly accurate. At least, it is at 25yds. The green paint is a strange trait to have in common.

[t15]

i think i am going to try the rock river arms carbine hand guards are they are said to be very comparable to the colts @ $20 ouch! the stock situation is a bit worse as model 1 sales seems to only sell them as a kit with buffer and spring for $40 :-(

[Renegade04]

i think i am going to try the rock river arms carbine hand guards are they are said to be very comparable to the colts @ $20 ouch! the stock situation is a bit worse as model 1 sales seems to only sell them as a kit with buffer and spring for $40 :-(

M&A Parts has just the stock body.

http://mapartsinc.com/shop/details.asp?id=1592&iCat=21&iSubOne=397&iSubTwo=408

[kaltesherz]

Here's my budget 733 clone-

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/kaltesherz/IMG_1470_zps5cb41a5c.jpg (http://s165.photobucket.com/user/kaltesherz/media/IMG_1470_zps5cb41a5c.jpg.html)

Got a used Diemaco (Colt Canada) 6933 upper for cheap off Gunbroker, switched out the upper receiver for one I bought off Midway USA, and threw it on a Gen I Noveske lower with some LMT parts and a M&A buttstock. It's not 100% accurate, but for a shooter it's perfect.

[Stengun]

Howdy,

This thread has caused serious flashbacks.

Back in the "Day" I carried a 11.5" barreled CAR-16 Commando w/ A1 flash hider ( removed the long birdcage unit ).

Back in '82 during a field day at the armory I came across a chrome lined 14.5" 1:12 twist Commando barrel and was told to "shitcan" it. Instead I kept it and one day I'll do something with it. I thought about building a dedicated .22LR upper ( I have 2 Ciener kits ) but lately have been thinking about a Commando clone

Here's a pic:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728947_zpseidn85dc.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728932_zpsro8ihfdq.jpg

It even has the caps for the old triangle handguards.

Paul

[daddyusmaximus]

Howdy,

This thread has caused serious flashbacks.

Back in the "Day" I carried a 11.5" barreled CAR-16 Commando w/ A1 flash hider ( removed the long birdcage unit ).

Back in '82 during a field day at the armory I came across a chrome lined 14.5" 1:12 twist Commando barrel and was told to "shitcan" it. Instead I kept it and one day I'll do something with it. I thought about building a dedicated .22LR upper ( I have 2 Ciener kits ) but lately have been thinking about a Commando clone

Here's a pic:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728947_zpseidn85dc.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728932_zpsro8ihfdq.jpg

It even has the caps for the old triangle handguards.

Paul

That would be hard to find handguards for, but perfect if you find them. The old smooth triangle guards take me back to my youth...

[t15]

Howdy,

This thread has caused serious flashbacks.

Back in the "Day" I carried a 11.5" barreled CAR-16 Commando w/ A1 flash hider ( removed the long birdcage unit ).

Back in '82 during a field day at the armory I came across a chrome lined 14.5" 1:12 twist Commando barrel and was told to "shitcan" it. Instead I kept it and one day I'll do something with it. I thought about building a dedicated .22LR upper ( I have 2 Ciener kits ) but lately have been thinking about a Commando clone

Here's a pic:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728947_zpseidn85dc.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728932_zpsro8ihfdq.jpg

It even has the caps for the old triangle handguards.

Paul

I'm not sure, but cutting down the 1:12 barrel might cause some stability issues. I'd call adco, I'm sure they'd know the answer to this question and do the best chop jobs in the business!

[Renegade04]

Howdy,

This thread has caused serious flashbacks.

Back in the "Day" I carried a 11.5" barreled CAR-16 Commando w/ A1 flash hider ( removed the long birdcage unit ).

Back in '82 during a field day at the armory I came across a chrome lined 14.5" 1:12 twist Commando barrel and was told to "shitcan" it. Instead I kept it and one day I'll do something with it. I thought about building a dedicated .22LR upper ( I have 2 Ciener kits ) but lately have been thinking about a Commando clone

Here's a pic:

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728947_zpseidn85dc.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/stengun/1448728932_zpsro8ihfdq.jpg

It even has the caps for the old triangle handguards.

Paul

The triangle shaped encap was used until the mid-1980s, when the A2s came out. Carbines had the same endcap as the rifles and they used the round CAR 6-hole handguards. The only carbine to ever have triangular handguards was the Model XM607 and they used a special cap on the backside in order to use it with the slip-ring. The Commando had the round CAR handguards.

My Model XM607
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/Weapons%202014/Retro%20ARs/XM607/013_zps38e83791.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/jamesrea_2006/media/Weapons%202014/Retro%20ARs/XM607/013_zps38e83791.jpg.html)