Vintage AR and Clone pic thread.....

[ddrfires308]

Second one done....

Nice pair. I had intended to build an A1.. bought all the mil-surp parts back in the late 90s, many still sealed.. then shelved it. It's good to see how it should turn out if I ever get the project going.

[albatrossarmament]

I didn't build this one, it was built by a friend and I later bought it from him when he put it up for sale.

[Rogue7a]

Sorry for the repost. However, for what it’s worth, while I’ve carried many an iteration of the M16/M4 SOPMOD in combat, this is the one I “popped my cherry” on.

My unit issued two primary “long guns”. For black side ops (so named for the color of the kit we wore) we used the MP5 and MP5SD. During green side ops, the primary was the M16A2, though some members, primarily team leads, were issued either an XM177 or 733 which we all colloquially referred to as “CAR15s”.

The area of operations was taking us into an area which would involve vehicle operations and ranged from rural to urban. Therefore we needed something with a range beyond that of the MP5, yet compact to facilitate combat in the confines of urban areas under low light.

Much to our pleasure, we were fielded the Colt 723 (which we of course called “CAR15s) along with LBV88 vets vests and from what I can recall, black Second Chance vests with steel plates. These vests were lower profile than the assault vests with snap button pouch attachment point we used for Black Side ops and we for some stupid reason we wore them under our DCU blouses which sucked in the equatorial heat.

In addition to the carbine, we were issued Aimpoint 5000s, (though some opted to use the ARMSON OEGs), and Surefire 660s.

Some members rigged their MP5 slings while some of us opted to use the USGI sling, all of which were “silenced”. Per standard operating procedures, magazines were modified with loops made of 550 cord with a piece of zip tie to make it stiff to aid in drawing it from the pouch and tape around the base to keep them from rattling. In addition, we placed Butler Creek covers over the light to reduce the risk of “negligent” activation.

In regards to the build, I kept it as close to the original as possible with only two exceptions. I used the ADCO KAC Spacer to ensure the overall length was 16”, and opted to use a SOPMOD barrel because it was hidden under the handguard.

I was able to hold a respectable group at 50 meters even with a 10 MOA dot.

Regardless, out of all the variations I’ve carried in combat, this is my favorite. It truly is an “Elegant weapon for a more civilized age.”
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[JediGuy]

Can you explain the zip tie with magazines?

[Rogue7a]

Can you explain the zip tie with magazines?

You gut the 550, tie an overhand knot on one side. Next, determine how big you want the loop to be. Cut a piece of a zip tie about 1/4” shorter than the loop, insert into the 550 and secure the other end with an overhand knot. Remove the magazine floor plate, insert knotted ends and replace the floor plate. The knots will hold the loop in place.

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[Diamondback]

I didn't build this one, it was built by a friend and I later bought it from him when he put it up for sale. [photos snipped]

Very convincing Nam Reenactment setup there, Albatross--the kind of "living history" more young'uns need to have the chance to learn from.

You gut the 550, tie an overhand knot on one side. Next, determine how big you want the loop to be. Cut a piece of a zip tie about 1/4” shorter than the loop, insert into the 550 and secure the other end with an overhand knot. Remove the magazine floor plate, insert knotted ends and replace the floor plate. The knots will hold the loop in place.

Sort of "How You Made Magpuls Before There Was Magpul"?

Posting next pic on the C8 will wait until its furniture gets back from the shop for refinishing, but even with the black plastic and Umbrella lower I shot the last update off to a Canadian Afghan-vet buddy and his response was "How'd you get my old gun?" M4's URG will probably wait til next year unless I get an unexpected windfall or a fat overtime contract.

[Rogue7a]

Sort of "How You Made Magpuls Before There Was Magpul"?

I believe the first MAGPUL products I used were in 2004’ish and consisted of the the anti-tilt followers and Ranger floor plates

[Diamondback]

I believe the first MAGPUL products I used were in 2004’ish and consisted of the the anti-tilt followers and Ranger floor plates

That would be about the timeframe if I'm recalling their history right, was referring to the rubber magazine-pulls they take their name from. Your way looks a lot cheaper, lighter and more compact.

[1168]

Sort of "How You Made Magpuls Before There Was Magpul"?
.

Yes. I suspect the SOP of 550 and green duct tape is where they got the idea for their original product. Some guys also did the 550 loop without anything inside; not sure why.

[Rogue7a]

That would be about the timeframe if I'm recalling their history right, was referring to the rubber magazine-pulls they take their name from. Your way looks a lot cheaper, lighter and more compact.

No, I was never a fan of the rubber pulls. The Ranger Floor Plate replaces the USGI one.