Let me introduce Lucky 13 (aka completed Hydra build)

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Let me introduce Lucky 13 (aka completed Hydra build)

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:21:28 PM EDT

Well it's been almost three years in the making and simply started out as accidentally coming across some GM parts. I then took on the task and now that it's done it's somewhat bitter sweet. I normally don't name my rifles but due to the red stenciling of 13 on the HG's it seemed like a no brainer. A big thanks to Boywonder777, MX56, kkrad, 37thguy, Braceman, MrM1A1, Kalahnikid, BROvet04 and M16indiana for all the input, corrections and parts. If I forgot anyone sorry. The GM parts used in this build are:

Complete GM upper/barrel
NOS BCG
Stock, HG's and grip
Demilled front half of GM receiver
Trigger
Hammer
Safety
Bolt catch
Original hammer/trigger springs,
magazine release button
magazine catch
front pivot pin
hammer pin
trigger guard
buffer

Thread is worthless without pics.
The beginnings.....

Fire control parts:

NOS BCG

After the Braceman weld job (freaking amazing!!!)

Getting her put together and the rest of the story.
The muzzle is so tight on this barrel that is doesn't allow in a USGI muzzle erosion gauge.

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:28:03 PM EDT

[#1]

Beautiful. Awesome perseverence and networking. Congrats!

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:28:43 PM EDT

[#2]

That is stunning, beautiful, inspirational, and dead sexy!

The lower reweld alone is amazing.

Thats one of my favorite builds Ive seen on here in a long time! CONGRATULATIONS!

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:40:45 PM EDT

[#3]

Thanks for the kind words Kalahnikid! For a while I never thought I'd get her done. I can't even imagine trying to do a H&R build.

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:50:47 PM EDT

[#4]

Great stuff, Taz.

Posted: 6/28/2017 9:58:28 PM EDT

[#5]

Awesome!

Posted: 6/28/2017 10:04:45 PM EDT

[#6]

Well done Good sir!
i think this should be sticky reference for gm builds

Posted: 6/28/2017 11:09:34 PM EDT

[#7]

Very nice!

Posted: 6/28/2017 11:16:18 PM EDT

[#8]

Looks good, wish I could find the parts to do one but some of the prices these days are crazy!

If I finally found all of the parts to build a repro, it would cost me more than what I paid for my original M16A1 way back when!

Posted: 6/28/2017 11:51:25 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Looks good, wish I could find the parts to do one but some of the prices these days are crazy!

If I finally found all of the parts to build a repro, it would cost me more than what I paid for my original M16A1 way back when!

View Quote

I have a ritual where I spend 5 to 10 minutes a day searching GB and the EE for retro parts including GM stuff and besides GM furniture nothing worthwhile has shown up in months. This build cost me more than what my dad paid for a US Property marked Colt M16A1 back in 1983 which, including the stamp was about $900.

Posted: 6/29/2017 12:11:17 AM EDT

[#10]

Looks amazing.

Posted: 6/29/2017 12:40:16 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

I have a ritual where I spend 5 to 10 minutes a day searching GB and the EE for retro parts including GM stuff and besides GM furniture nothing worthwhile has shown up in months. This build cost me more than what my dad paid for a US Property marked Colt M16A1 back in 1983 which, including the stamp was about $900.

View Quote

He paid about the same as I did at the same time in history, the last one I bought cost me a hell of a lot more money from a buddy of mine, but not as much as they are selling for now!

Posted: 6/29/2017 2:05:03 AM EDT

[#12]

That turned out awesome! I am still working on my GM. All I have to do is put the finish on it. Building an H&R is a real challenge! Was looking for the correct bolt for my H&R and two came on GB at the same time, so I bought them both!! Let us know how it shoots!

Posted: 6/29/2017 8:21:39 AM EDT

[#13]

Great work! Love rewelds and that is a sweet one. Enjoy.

Posted: 6/29/2017 9:29:50 AM EDT

[#14]

Badass!!!

Posted: 6/29/2017 9:33:13 AM EDT

[#15]

Nice!

Posted: 6/29/2017 11:37:31 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
That turned out awesome! I am still working on my GM. All I have to do is put the finish on it. Building an H&R is a real challenge! Was looking for the correct bolt for my H&R and two came on GB at the same time, so I bought them both!! Let us know how it shoots!

View Quote

Thanks. I already test fired the upper and it's THE most accurate USGI old school barrel (sub MOA at 50 yards during a test fire) that I have ever fired. Based on no muzzle wear and the rifling being mint I'm guessing it was rarely fired. The original GM trigger does not like the newer semi hammer that I have in it. The trigger reset clunks like when I put my Harley in gear. I'll probably end up putting the GM hammer in it but I hate to have to neuter it.

Posted: 6/29/2017 12:15:25 PM EDT

[#17]

Nicely done Taz.

Posted: 6/29/2017 4:26:52 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

Thanks. I already test fired the upper and it's THE most accurate USGI old school barrel (sub MOA at 50 yards during a test fire) that I have ever fired. Based on no muzzle wear and the rifling being mint I'm guessing it was rarely fired. The original GM trigger does not like the newer semi hammer that I have in it. The trigger reset clunks like when I put my Harley in gear. I'll probably end up putting the GM hammer in it but I hate to have to neuter it.

View Quote

I know, I hated to neuter my XM16E1, H&R, and GM parts, but you don't want to leave yourself open if law enforcement wants to inspect it. I would rather have my rifles with all the original parts even if they are neutered. What did you put on your lower for a black finish?

Posted: 6/29/2017 4:30:27 PM EDT

[#19]

Very nice, takes me back to the good ole days. Was assigned one during basic at Benning, and then another at my first go around with the 24th ID. Both were great shooters. I had to do 100 push-ups late one night because of tightest fitting set of handguards ever slapped on a rifle.

Posted: 6/29/2017 6:10:12 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

I know, I hated to neuter my XM16E1, H&R, and GM parts, but you don't want to leave yourself open if law enforcement wants to inspect it. I would rather have my rifles with all the original parts even if they are neutered. What did you put on your lower for a black finish?

View Quote

I used DuraCoat "matte black" applied with a HVLP air brush. It's the closest thing I could find to match the front half of the receiver which matched the upper almost perfectly. It was also my first attempt at using an air brush and I think I did OK. It was a bit intimidating at first but now that I'm doing my own 80% receivers this as pretty easy. I probably went through about 8 different black swatches before I found the right match. I might end up going the DuraCoat route with my XM style NDS lower for my super early 604 build. I know a lot here hate the DuraCoat but this isn't going to be a trunk gun by any means so I'm not worried about severe wear and tear on the receiver finish wise.

Posted: 6/30/2017 6:07:42 AM EDT

[#21]

Looks great. Very nice lower.

I'm jealous of that charging handle. It's the last thing I need for my GM build. I need to get some pics of that posted.

Posted: 6/30/2017 1:13:18 PM EDT

[#22]

Just listed on GB if anyone else has the desire to restore one of these. Not mine or no connection with seller so just an FYI.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/662207098

Posted: 7/10/2017 9:18:42 AM EDT

[#23]

Notice the front retainer lugs have been sheared off on this GB one. Is that even going to be rebuildable?

Posted: 7/10/2017 8:39:26 PM EDT

[#24]

I'm glad to see that you put that original Hydramatic charging handle to VERY good use. Your build is simply AWESOME!

Posted: 7/10/2017 11:19:40 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm glad to see that you put that original Hydramatic charging handle to VERY good use. Your build is simply AWESOME!

View Quote

Super nice build. Great details, and a shooter to boot.

Re the charging handle; Remind me why the Hydros have the little dots there.

Posted: 7/11/2017 2:45:45 AM EDT

[#26]

I've always ass-u-me(d) that the marks were caused by a production machining fixture, aka they are "witness marks".

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Let me introduce Lucky 13 (aka completed Hydra build)

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