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Thread: 601 Clone

  1. #1
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    601 Clone

    A couple years back I visited the National Museum of USAF at Wright Patterson AFB. Among the firearms they had on display was a 601 from the initial batch that the Air Force ordered in 1962, complete with the original green furniture. Since seeing that rifle, I’ve had a 601 on my wish list. With the release Brownells Retro Line of rifles and parts last year I finally decided to dive into the project.

    Starting with Brownell’s stripped grey 601 slab-side lower and striped slick-side upper receivers, I spent the last serval months acquiring the rest of the required parts. I was very disappointed with the color of the Brownells green furniture, so I sent my stock, grip & hand-guards to John Thomas at Retro Arms Works for refinishing. His proprietary finish is color matched to original 601 furniture and looks amazing.

    Just when I thought that I had all of the parts I needed, I realized I didn’t have a dimpled take down pin. I once again contacted John. He had me send in a takedown pin which he dimpled and re-parkerized for me. I can’t say enough good things about working with John Thomas and I highly recommend his services. He has outstanding communication and very reasonable prices. The quality of his work is top-notch and, as I'm sure most of you probably know, it was featured in Vickers Guide AR15 Vol I.

    Overall, I’m extremely pleased with how it turned out.


    - Slick-side grey upper (Brownells)
    - 20” barrel assembly w/ 1/12” twist (Brownells)
    - Duckbill 3 prong flash-hinder (Brownells)
    - A1 rear sight kit (Brownells)
    - Vintage A1 front sight post (GM Hydra-Matic?)
    - Chrome BCG (Brownells)
    - 601 triangle charging handle (Brownells)
    - Reproduction 601 style ejection port door (Retro Arms Works)
    - Retro furniture (Brownells)
    - 20rd Waffle Mag (Brownells)

    - BRN601 grey slab-side lower (Brownells)
    - A1 Rifle buffer tube assembly and weight (Brownells)
    - Removable Pivot Pin (Brownells)
    - Reproduction 601 style dimpled takedown pin (Retro Arms Works)
    - Reproduction 601 style bolt catch (Retro Arms Works)
    - Reproduction 601 style “horizontal lines” type magazine release button (Retro Arms Works)
    - LPK & QMS Trigger (ALG)
    - Reproduction 601/602 dimpled selector (AR15sport.com)
    - Reproduction cotton M1 sling
    - Custom 601 Green Finish on furniture (Retro Arms Works)












    Last edited by Korgs130; 04-07-19 at 21:21.

  2. #2
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    Looks great. JT does do great work.
    "A Bad Day At The Range Is Better Than A Great Day Working"

    USMC Force Recon 1978-1984
    US Air Force Res. 1995-2004 (Air Transportation)
    M16/AR15 shooter since 1978, gun collector and AR builder since 2004

  3. #3
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    Lowcountry, SC.
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    Very cool rifle.
    RLTW

    Former Action Guy
    Disclosure: I am affiliated PRN with a tactical training center, but I speak only for myself. I have no idea what we sell, other than CLP and training. I receive no income from sale of hard goods.

  4. #4
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    That green is beautiful

    Sent from my Z839 using Tapatalk

  5. #5
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    Love it!

  6. #6
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    Pretty damn neat!
    Moon

  7. #7
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    Looks great. I take it that the Brownell's green furniture is a bit too bright?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Korgs130 View Post
    - Vintage A1 front sight post (GM Hydro-matic?)
    Make that Hydra-Matic
    (hydra as in hydraulic).

    Great looking rifle.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dknight16 View Post
    Make that Hydra-Matic
    (hydra as in hydraulic).

    Great looking rifle.
    Thanks! Typo fixed. I can’t verify that it’s actually a Hydra-Matic post, but it has the A1 profile.

  10. #10
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    I worked at the Hydra-Matic Willow Run site for 2 years in the middle 80’s and then again for most of the 2000’s. I looked around but was never able to find any lost parts or rifles.

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