help me build an AR15

[T77911S]

i originally started out to build an A2 but i am seeing parts for the A1's. I really like the very first AR's, the A1 since that is what i shot in the military. but I don't know if I should up grade to some of the A2 parts.
i found this complete gun but i am not sure about the 1:12 twist. most barrels i see are either 1:7 or 1:8.

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/rifles/semi-auto/brn-16a1-rifle-5-56mm-20in-black-prod113314.aspx?avs%7cCartridge_1=AKK_5xzzx56%2bmm %2bNATO

i like the A1 rear site as that is the one i used in the military, very very long ago, but i don't know if it has any disadvantages over the A2 sites.

i have also found the uppers with NO forward assist. cant remember what the one i used had or if it is that big of a deal to not have it.

i found the original style hand guards too.

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/furniture-sets/ar-15-furniture-set-black-m16a1-sku078000353-109340-192973.aspx

i would like to be able to shoot either 223 or 556.
i have also considered 7.62


i have some concerns about building the upper.
the gas block concerns me a little. i read somewhere about the "venting" but i cant find where i read it.
i found this tool kit, i know its out of stock but what do you think.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/gunsmithing-tool-kits/ar-15-m16-critical-tools-kit-prod41214.aspx?psize=96&avs%7cMake_3=AR-15

i want colt for the BCG

i also want either COLT or ARMAlite for the lower just so it has the name on it.

rock river arms trigger.


anything else or any suggestions.
i don't want to mix parts that wont work.

here is the site that got me interested in build my AR instead of just buying one.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/building-m16a2-clone/

i had considered one of the rockriver arms national match guns like my brother has but he has added weight in the butt to balance it and i don't think i want a heavy gun like that plus i am not in to match shooting like he is.

[T77911S]

here is an upper

CUSTOM 20" LW RETRO RIFLE KIT

looks like the A2 sites but the A1 hand gaurds

[A930Rocket]

Make a trip to visit Tim and go to palmetto state armory here in MTP. They have everything to build a gun. And cheap.

I’ve modified my AR15 that my son can’t use it now, so I’m thinking of building one myself for him.

[Jim Bremner]

7.62 requires an AR10Lower. I want an AR 15 Replica of a A1

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

7.62 requires an AR10Lower. I want an AR 15 Replica of a A1

The problem with doing a true retro build is hunting down all of the parts.

Here's the retro forum on ar15.com - https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/AR-15-M-16-Retro-Forum/123/


If you don't care about absolute correctness, and just want something similar to an A1/A2 like most grunts in hte service carried (18" or 20" barrel, fixed stock, carry handle w/ sights), then you could do....

Fixed stock -

A2 style lower (5/8" longer than an A1, otherwise same same) https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-complete-rifle-lower-receiver-a2.html

A2 style upper - https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-20-chf-rifle-length-5-56-nato-1-7-a2-upper-with-bcg-charging-handle-30796.html

Or if you prefer the collapsing stock

A lower - ready to go - https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-complete-classic-lower-5165447829.html

Complete upper - shorty M16 style - https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-midlength-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-freedom-upper-with-bcg-and-ch.html

Either upper needs one of the carry handles -
https://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-mil-spec-carry-handle.html


All that said, I personally prefer a more "modern" AR with flat top receiver, and a low power scope or red dot sight. Maybe a set of flip up irons for backup use.

I built a couple from surplus kits. They came out really nice and have awesome patina. I got A1 replica lowers from Nodak Spud. Uppers are no more difficult than lowers and there are plplenty of how to's out there. Consider a Geissele 2 stage trigger. More $$ but silky smooth.

The kit









Completed

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Mark Wilson

Consider a Geissele 2 stage trigger. More $$ but silky smooth.

Best cheap trigger I've managed has been using PSA's EPT trigger ($55 for LPK with it and an ambi safety) and a $7 KVP low pull weight spring set. Equal to my 'smithed 10/22 target trigger, and almost as nice as my 2lb single stage Hiperfire which other than pull weight is equal to my KIDD 10/22 trigger ...