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)
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