I have a project that I'm working on. It's kind of a RetroMod/WWSD AR15. I want it to have an old school vibe, but be modern at the same time. I want a kind of Model 601 vibe.

So I have a OD green anodized A1 upper, an Aero Betsy Ross lower, and MagPul fixed stock, and pistol grip in OD green.

I'm looking for a OD green anodized handguard that will fit rifle length gas system, and just come to the fixed FSB.

I haven't gotten the barrel yet, but I want a Faxon Gunner barrel that 18" and have a A1 FSB installed. This barrel has a rifle length gas system. It's going to wear a JP Enterprises 3 prong Flashhider, to kind of give it a Model 601 vibe along with the OD green furniture.

So, who do you recommend to install the A1 FSB on the barrel? I'm looking for someone that's skilled and have a good price.

Also, what handguard! Want M-Lok but KMod is OK. I want OD anodized that comes right up to the FSB. Any recommendations?

This is a fun project/build, but I want it to be able to be used for serious use.

Thanks for any help.


ARman

The two names I see over and over again with positive feedback for AR work are D. Wilson in Colorado and ADCO in Ohio. I'm sure there are many more.

For a long time I didn't pay attention to carry handle ARs but I might be getting the bug. For my 5th birthday in the 1970s I got a plastic Mattel M16 which I thought was so cool. I might have to have a real one (well semi-auto anyways). I have been thinking retro modern also and maybe an Otter Creek OCM5 suppressor leaning towards a Gordy clone.

quote:

Originally posted by ibanda:
The two names I see over and over again with positive feedback for AR work are D. Wilson in Colorado and ADCO in Ohio. I'm sure there are many more.

Unfortunately ADCO doesn't work on PQP ( Melonite® ) finished barrels, which
is what the Faxon Gunner barrel has.

That's the problem I have been running into. Most don't. But that's silly since most barrels now are Melonited now.

I looked and D Wilson doesn't say one way or the other, so I'll contact them.

I'm looking for a OD anodized handguard that will fit rifle length gas system.

I have had this idea for this project for a few years. I have picked up a piece here and there, and have most everything but the handguard and barrel ( with the work done).

The whole idea is/was a KISS rifle, that was old school with a modern twist, kinda a Model 601 vibe.

ARman

A1 upper or the KISS slickside upper?

Installing a FSB on a blank barrel is not a simple job as it must be properly aligned, clamped and drilled, then reamed. It requires a jig to hold the barrel properly to the drill press. Better yet, a lathe under a drill press.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
A1 upper or the KISS slickside upper?

Installing a FSB on a blank barrel is not a simple job as it must be properly aligned, clamped and drilled, then reamed. It requires a jig to hold the barrel properly to the drill press. Better yet, a lathe under a drill press.

It's an A1/C7 type upper.
Yeah, I can buy jig for about $550.00, I have access to a nice drill press, but I would hate to spend that much, even though I plan on an FSB install in the future.

I'm going with a A1 FSB because it's 1 MOA click instead of the A2 FSB @ 1.25 MOA. This is going to be an iron sights only build.

ARman

John Thomas at Retro-Arms Works did mine. He installed a previously used original Colt 603 FSB from a parts kit on a new barrel. Everything looks original and I was one click from mechanical center on the rear sight when I was done zeroing it.

He is also very prompt on his work. He does not keep a 6 month backlog.

https://retroarmsworks.com/

quote:

Originally posted by IndianaBoy:
John Thomas at Retro-Arms Works did mine. He installed a previously used original Colt 603 FSB from a parts kit on a new barrel. Everything looks original and I was one click from mechanical center on the rear sight when I was done zeroing it.

He is also very prompt on his work. He does not keep a 6 month backlog.

https://retroarmsworks.com/

Do they do work on PQP ( Melonite) barrels? I looked at their website and didn't say anything. The big problem I have been having is most don't.

The 18" barrel Faxon Gunner barrel is PQP ( Melonite).

ARman