Old-School Handguard

[Ernst]

I'm thinking of buying a pre-ban Colt Sporter HBAR, but I'd like to replace the handguards with the more old-school triangular handguards. My goal is to have a rifle as close to the original Vietnam-era design of the M16 as possible, without spending $36,000 for a NFA model!Can anyone give me a good source for this kind of thing? And, I assume it would be a matter simply of switching handguards. Thank you for any info.

[Dump1567]

I got a pair off ebay. My concern would be whether they'll fit the HBAR? Putting on triangles isn't really going to get you there. You need an A1 style upper (and sights), A1 lower, A1 pencil barrel, A1 stock, etc. And than there's always the finish issue (Colt gray?)

I ended-up building a semi M16A1 clone. Brownells is selling correct uppers, lowers, and barrels. The rest of the parts are out there.

Below is some info. I posted for someone on another forum after I completed my build:


Just finished an M16A1 build last week.

Brownells just started selling A1 uppers and lowers (I think both are NDS made). They also have 1/12 new production 20" inch pencil barrels with front sight tower and correct delta ring installed. You'll need the correct sight post and guts. Also got my BCG from them and upper receiver parts (sans sights).

A1 carry handle sight sets are available from Windham Weaponry for around $25. You have to call them. Not on their website.

A1 stocks and other parts are available from Numrich gun parts. I ordered 2 and used the nicer one. I think they're around $23. Complete with trapdoor buttplate (don't forget to order the screw). They also have the black web slings for cheap if you want that style.

I found my buffer tube, spring, and buffer on Amazon (everywhere else was out of stock).

A1 PG I had.

LPK's are available everywhere.

Found a nice set of triangle handguards on eBay for $65.

Correct color (Colt gray) is available from Norrells (moly resin). Goes on with an airbrush picked-up from a hobby store.

I left mine all black, as I was going with a late 80's early 90's look (what I used in basic and during the 92' riots).

[LoboTBL]

This site has just about everything you will need. Some of it is original issue unused, some is used equipment and some is reproduction. Search the site, paying particular attention to the retro and surplus sections.

http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com

[Renegade04]

Instead of buying a Colt Sport HBAR and trying to make it look like a Vietnam era M16, you may want to consider building one that will be more of what you are looking for. I found this on GB for you. All you would need is a stripped lower, a LPK, a firing pin, and an A1 pistol grip.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/559422094

You could end up with something like this.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/Weapons%202014/Retro%20ARs/M16A1s/040_zpsllyae8at.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/jamesrea_2006/media/Weapons%202014/Retro%20ARs/M16A1s/040_zpsllyae8at.jpg.html)

[LoboTBL]

In addition to changing out the round handguards, you'd also have to change the handguard endcap to one made for the triangular handguards. If you really want it to be as close to an original Vietnam era design as possible you're better off building it.