I couldn't resist...

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2021, 01:10 AM

Palmetto State Armory is having a sale and I couldn't resist getting an M4 flat-top complete upper for $309.99.

While it's not what I was really lusting after, I have a spare lower still in the package and this way I'll have one working (in theory) AR15 while I can wait on building my heavy barrel A2. I suppose later on I could sell the 16" barrel and put on a 20 incher like I wanted now. Maybe I'll find I like the carbine length rifle...

My plan is to build a Vietnam era dedicated marksman rifle if such a thing had existed. Now I can wait for a time when I can better afford the more expensive barrel and BCG...

Anyway I'm really looking forward to shooting it. I have a couple hundred rounds loaded with PMC brass and I don't care if I loose those cases...

Tony

imashooter · May 24, 2021, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geezerbiker

Palmetto State Armory is having a sale and I couldn't resist getting an M4 flat-top complete upper for $309.99.

While it's not what I was really lusting after, I have a spare lower still in the package and this way I'll have one working (in theory) AR15 while I can wait on building my heavy barrel A2. I suppose later on I could sell the 16" barrel and put on a 20 incher like I wanted now. Maybe I'll find I like the carbine length rifle...

My plan is to build a Vietnam era dedicated marksman rifle if such a thing had existed. Now I can wait for a time when I can better afford the more expensive barrel and BCG...

Anyway I'm really looking forward to shooting it. I have a couple hundred rounds loaded with PMC brass and I don't care if I loose those cases...

Tony

Vietnam-era? How? Perhaps I'm missing something. A coffee can with a broomstick could be called Vietnam-era if one chose to designate it that. Hope you enjoy the gun but no way, no how, is your "plan" related to the Vietnam era. .30 sniper rifles ruled the day. Perhaps a "what if", "fantasy dmr", etc.

stagpanther · May 24, 2021, 08:47 AM

Brownell's has some great-looking "retro" AR's that I've looked at longingly several times.

10-96 · May 24, 2021, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Vietnam-era? How? Perhaps I'm missing something.

You might be... To me, Vietnam ere would entail a 20" pencil barrel, likely in 1:12 twist, 3-prong flash suppressor, shiny chromed bolt carrier, A-1 Rear sight on a carry handle, no finger groove/lump thing on the pistol grip, triangle handguards, no brass deflector, and maybe no forward assist if early enough in the Vietnam era-ness. Oh, and a 1/2" or so shorter buttstock than an A-2.

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2021, 12:52 PM

I said "Vietnam era dedicated marksman rifle if such a thing had existed" so no need to get your panties in a wad. I supposed if such a rifle had existed at the time it would have been scoped and had a heavier barrel. I'd love it if I could find a free floating triangular hand guard but I don't think any one makes it. Not that I really expect there to be enough demand for such and item to be made...

Anyway I hope the carbine length upper I just bought from, PSA is a good shooter. It also answers the question of what to do with that second new lower I have laying around still in the factory packaging...

Tony

10-96 · May 24, 2021, 01:43 PM

Slow down and breathe Geezerbiker, you're not the one I quoted. For your freefloated triangular handguards, they make a DCM or National Match freefloat tube that the GI handguards attach to. https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...-prod9943.aspx. I notice these have a triangular nose cap, and I think the triangle handguards used a round one, it could be make to work, but I'm not sure how labor intensive that would be. Good luck, have fun, and quit worrying about my drawers.

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2021, 02:56 PM

i wasn't aiming my post at you. I was having trouble quoting and I figured the person I was talking to would figure it out.

Thanks about the freefloat tube. I just might go that route. Right now I have a skeltonized free float guard that I got cheap and it'll stay on for the time being...

Tony

10-96 · May 24, 2021, 03:58 PM

Gotcha. I'm trying to work up the courage to figure out how to put walnut on one of those tubes. That ought to look like a million bucks.

ballardw · May 24, 2021, 05:03 PM

More than one place selling wood stock sets for AR, even with triangular forestock. Heres' just the first on my search:
http://blackgunswood.com/

I sometimes think the "black rifle" should have ebony stocks.

Geezerbiker · May 24, 2021, 06:17 PM

Boyds makes a laminated set for the AR15. It's pretty cool but not what I was looking for. Perhaps if I ever get a 3rd AR15, I'd go for that...

I checked out that link, very cool and it would be even cooler if the hand guard was free floated...

Tony

imashooter · May 24, 2021, 08:12 PM

Received it Lima/Charlie. I just find it it dumb to refer to it as "Vietnam-era"; imagined or not. For that matter it could be Roman Empire era, 2525 era, etc.

imashooter · May 24, 2021, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10-96

You might be... To me, Vietnam ere would entail a 20" pencil barrel, likely in 1:12 twist, 3-prong flash suppressor, shiny chromed bolt carrier, A-1 Rear sight on a carry handle, no finger groove/lump thing on the pistol grip, triangle handguards, no brass deflector, and maybe no forward assist if early enough in the Vietnam era-ness. Oh, and a 1/2" or so shorter buttstock than an A-2.

Depends. Several variants of M16-type guns over the near 15 year span.

10-96 · May 25, 2021, 09:59 AM

Yeah, the Ar's and M-16's never really got the era identifier references that other have had such as Pre-war Colts, Pre Model number S&W's, or Pre-64 Winchesters. I guess it's just a way to try to put a finger on what features, style, age, etc on them. Since not much has changed, I guess there's not much of a way to group the Post-1980's rifles and carbines, huh? I might dedicate some thought to that some day.

Geezerbiker · May 25, 2021, 01:56 PM

Getting back on topic... Anyone know how long it usually takes PSA to ship? I'm really looking forward to trying out this M4 style upper... Before anyone complains, PSA called it that...

Tony

Shadow9mm · May 25, 2021, 09:30 PM

Maybe Vietnam Era inspired would go over better with the subject matter "experts"

Sounds like a cool build. Make sure to keep us updates, preferably with pics included.

Geezerbiker · May 25, 2021, 10:12 PM

The A2 DMR is on hold until I have more funds. The barrel alone I want cost more than the complete PSA upper I have on the way. Not to mention the cost of a nickel-boron BCG. I suppose if I called it a A2 style varmint rifle the "experts" wouldn't have gotten their nickers in a twist...

BTW, I may have been a kid in the 60's but I remember the times very well. My family didn't loose anyone in the conflict but we lost friends.

I bought the M4 style 16" upper on sale so I'll have a working AR and I will already have an upper for my 2nd lower in case things get "sticky" over the next couple years. The original plan wasn't to complete the other lower for another year or two... Like I said, I couldn't resist. I'm now almost as bad as my ex for not being able to resist a sale...

I just got a an eMail from PSA saying my new upper assembly has shipped. It'll be interesting to see how well it shoots... I bought 3 new 20 round mags on the 20th of January and most here will get the point of when I did that...

Tony

imashooter · May 26, 2021, 06:38 AM

No idea on PSA shipments nowadays. In the past, I've had them from literally overnight to approx 10 days. Mostly the longer times were always around the end of the year holidays with all the big sales and such. Enjoy.

GarandTd · May 26, 2021, 07:48 PM

I ordered their 2 stage nickel boron trigger with free shipping On the 19th. It shipped the 20th and was at my house on the 25th. Installed it tonight. Hopefully an assembled upper moves through their system as quickly.

Geezerbiker · May 31, 2021, 12:00 AM

The tracking number says it'll be here Wednesday. That's not as reliable as it used to be but I should have it by Friday at the latest.

Tony

Geezerbiker · June 2, 2021, 09:36 AM

It's here. Right on time and it looks great. Even though I should be doing other things right now, I fitted it up to the lower. It's my busy season, well sort of since COVID, there's not a lot of work but I still should be doing other things.

I can only see 2 problems so far but I kinda expected them. First off there's a front site on the gas block that's right in the way of the scope. It's pinned in place and if I can't figure out how to remove the gas block, I suppose I could cut the sight off and paint the bare aluminum. That wouldn't take more than 15 minutes going slow and careful...

The second issue again minor and expected. I need to paint the hand guard from flat dirt/olive drab mixed color to black. It looks like the ring at the back of the guard is spring loaded but I can't seem to pull it back far enough to release the hand guard.

For now, I'm not going to mess with it. The scope picture is surprisingly good considering that honking big front sight in the way.

Tony

10-96 · June 2, 2021, 09:53 AM

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...rod136527.aspx
I resisted getting a handguard tool for too many years- always thought that if the Army didn't have me use one, then I just flat didn't need it. Finally broke down and bought one. They sure are handy.

GarandTd · June 2, 2021, 09:55 AM

The front sight mostly disappears through the scope. You'll see a shadow, but otherwise should be able to use it as-is. Also, the handguard, if polymer, can be dyed as an alternative to paint.

Geezerbiker · June 2, 2021, 10:47 AM

I still need to figure out how to take the hand guard off. For now I can live with the mismatch but eventually I'll deal with it.

Tony

DaleA · June 2, 2021, 02:00 PM

FYI people that follow these threads don't always post on these threads.
Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Geezerbiker · June 2, 2021, 04:30 PM

I'm thinking about getting some higher rings and maybe a riser block. I'll post more after I've got the scope on the way I want it and get it out to the range.

I'm hard to please when it comes to scope rings. There used to be all kinds of scope ring sets that were both high and had one off set ring to get the scope positioned just right. I've put way to long into looking for rings today and I need to set the project aside for a couple days...

I have a new Vortex scope on the way for my K-Hornet and I plan to use the hand-me-down scope on the AR. I'm a big guy and I've taken a beating over the years so getting my head down to see though a low scope is uncomfortable anyway so I try to put high rings on all my rifles... I'd like to get it so half or less of the front sight is in the way of the scope. Right now it's all in the way.

Update: I just order a peep sight that clamps on to the picatinny rail. It cost less than a good set of rings. So maybe I don't need to scope this rifle...

Tony

May 24, 2021, 01:10 AM	#1
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I couldn't resist... Palmetto State Armory is having a sale and I couldn't resist getting an M4 flat-top complete upper for $309.99. While it's not what I was really lusting after, I have a spare lower still in the package and this way I'll have one working (in theory) AR15 while I can wait on building my heavy barrel A2. I suppose later on I could sell the 16" barrel and put on a 20 incher like I wanted now. Maybe I'll find I like the carbine length rifle... My plan is to build a Vietnam era dedicated marksman rifle if such a thing had existed. Now I can wait for a time when I can better afford the more expensive barrel and BCG... Anyway I'm really looking forward to shooting it. I have a couple hundred rounds loaded with PMC brass and I don't care if I loose those cases... Tony

May 24, 2021, 08:47 AM	#3
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,789	Brownell's has some great-looking "retro" AR's that I've looked at longingly several times. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

May 24, 2021, 01:43 PM	#6
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Slow down and breathe Geezerbiker, you're not the one I quoted. For your freefloated triangular handguards, they make a DCM or National Match freefloat tube that the GI handguards attach to. https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...-prod9943.aspx. I notice these have a triangular nose cap, and I think the triangle handguards used a round one, it could be make to work, but I'm not sure how labor intensive that would be. Good luck, have fun, and quit worrying about my drawers. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

May 24, 2021, 03:58 PM	#8
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Gotcha. I'm trying to work up the courage to figure out how to put walnut on one of those tubes. That ought to look like a million bucks. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

May 24, 2021, 05:03 PM	#9
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	More than one place selling wood stock sets for AR, even with triangular forestock. Heres' just the first on my search: http://blackgunswood.com/ I sometimes think the "black rifle" should have ebony stocks. __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

May 24, 2021, 12:52 PM	#5
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I said "Vietnam era dedicated marksman rifle if such a thing had existed" so no need to get your panties in a wad. I supposed if such a rifle had existed at the time it would have been scoped and had a heavier barrel. I'd love it if I could find a free floating triangular hand guard but I don't think any one makes it. Not that I really expect there to be enough demand for such and item to be made... Anyway I hope the carbine length upper I just bought from, PSA is a good shooter. It also answers the question of what to do with that second new lower I have laying around still in the factory packaging... Tony

May 24, 2021, 02:56 PM	#7
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	i wasn't aiming my post at you. I was having trouble quoting and I figured the person I was talking to would figure it out. Thanks about the freefloat tube. I just might go that route. Right now I have a skeltonized free float guard that I got cheap and it'll stay on for the time being... Tony

May 24, 2021, 06:17 PM	#10
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	Boyds makes a laminated set for the AR15. It's pretty cool but not what I was looking for. Perhaps if I ever get a 3rd AR15, I'd go for that... I checked out that link, very cool and it would be even cooler if the hand guard was free floated... Tony

May 24, 2021, 08:12 PM	#11
imashooter Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 395	Received it Lima/Charlie. I just find it it dumb to refer to it as "Vietnam-era"; imagined or not. For that matter it could be Roman Empire era, 2525 era, etc.

May 25, 2021, 09:59 AM	#13
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	Yeah, the Ar's and M-16's never really got the era identifier references that other have had such as Pre-war Colts, Pre Model number S&W's, or Pre-64 Winchesters. I guess it's just a way to try to put a finger on what features, style, age, etc on them. Since not much has changed, I guess there's not much of a way to group the Post-1980's rifles and carbines, huh? I might dedicate some thought to that some day. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

May 25, 2021, 01:56 PM	#14
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	Getting back on topic... Anyone know how long it usually takes PSA to ship? I'm really looking forward to trying out this M4 style upper... Before anyone complains, PSA called it that... Tony

May 25, 2021, 09:30 PM	#15
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,974	Maybe Vietnam Era inspired would go over better with the subject matter "experts" Sounds like a cool build. Make sure to keep us updates, preferably with pics included. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

May 25, 2021, 10:12 PM	#16
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	The A2 DMR is on hold until I have more funds. The barrel alone I want cost more than the complete PSA upper I have on the way. Not to mention the cost of a nickel-boron BCG. I suppose if I called it a A2 style varmint rifle the "experts" wouldn't have gotten their nickers in a twist... BTW, I may have been a kid in the 60's but I remember the times very well. My family didn't loose anyone in the conflict but we lost friends. I bought the M4 style 16" upper on sale so I'll have a working AR and I will already have an upper for my 2nd lower in case things get "sticky" over the next couple years. The original plan wasn't to complete the other lower for another year or two... Like I said, I couldn't resist. I'm now almost as bad as my ex for not being able to resist a sale... I just got a an eMail from PSA saying my new upper assembly has shipped. It'll be interesting to see how well it shoots... I bought 3 new 20 round mags on the 20th of January and most here will get the point of when I did that... Tony

May 26, 2021, 06:38 AM	#17
imashooter Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 395	No idea on PSA shipments nowadays. In the past, I've had them from literally overnight to approx 10 days. Mostly the longer times were always around the end of the year holidays with all the big sales and such. Enjoy.

May 26, 2021, 07:48 PM	#18
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I ordered their 2 stage nickel boron trigger with free shipping On the 19th. It shipped the 20th and was at my house on the 25th. Installed it tonight. Hopefully an assembled upper moves through their system as quickly. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

May 31, 2021, 12:00 AM	#19
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	The tracking number says it'll be here Wednesday. That's not as reliable as it used to be but I should have it by Friday at the latest. Tony

June 2, 2021, 09:36 AM	#20
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	It's here. Right on time and it looks great. Even though I should be doing other things right now, I fitted it up to the lower. It's my busy season, well sort of since COVID, there's not a lot of work but I still should be doing other things. I can only see 2 problems so far but I kinda expected them. First off there's a front site on the gas block that's right in the way of the scope. It's pinned in place and if I can't figure out how to remove the gas block, I suppose I could cut the sight off and paint the bare aluminum. That wouldn't take more than 15 minutes going slow and careful... The second issue again minor and expected. I need to paint the hand guard from flat dirt/olive drab mixed color to black. It looks like the ring at the back of the guard is spring loaded but I can't seem to pull it back far enough to release the hand guard. For now, I'm not going to mess with it. The scope picture is surprisingly good considering that honking big front sight in the way. Tony

June 2, 2021, 09:53 AM	#21
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,159	https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...rod136527.aspx I resisted getting a handguard tool for too many years- always thought that if the Army didn't have me use one, then I just flat didn't need it. Finally broke down and bought one. They sure are handy. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

June 2, 2021, 09:55 AM	#22
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	The front sight mostly disappears through the scope. You'll see a shadow, but otherwise should be able to use it as-is. Also, the handguard, if polymer, can be dyed as an alternative to paint. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

June 2, 2021, 10:47 AM	#23
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I still need to figure out how to take the hand guard off. For now I can live with the mismatch but eventually I'll deal with it. Tony

June 2, 2021, 02:00 PM	#24
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	FYI people that follow these threads don't always post on these threads. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

June 2, 2021, 04:30 PM	#25
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	I'm thinking about getting some higher rings and maybe a riser block. I'll post more after I've got the scope on the way I want it and get it out to the range. I'm hard to please when it comes to scope rings. There used to be all kinds of scope ring sets that were both high and had one off set ring to get the scope positioned just right. I've put way to long into looking for rings today and I need to set the project aside for a couple days... I have a new Vortex scope on the way for my K-Hornet and I plan to use the hand-me-down scope on the AR. I'm a big guy and I've taken a beating over the years so getting my head down to see though a low scope is uncomfortable anyway so I try to put high rings on all my rifles... I'd like to get it so half or less of the front sight is in the way of the scope. Right now it's all in the way. Update: I just order a peep sight that clamps on to the picatinny rail. It cost less than a good set of rings. So maybe I don't need to scope this rifle... Tony Last edited by Geezerbiker; June 2, 2021 at 04:50 PM.