Wait on NDS or buy Brownell's A1 upper/lower and use Norrels? - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Wait on NDS or buy Brownell's A1 upper/lower and use Norrels?

Posted: 8/9/2017 11:38:58 PM EDT

I've got my A1 barrel, now I need an upper and lower. I've used Nodak for AK receivers in the past and have been very pleased. Brownell's has A1 uppers and lowers in stock, but the color is black and the upper carry handle is apparently slightly out of spec. I could go Brownell's and use Norrels to get the A1 grey, or I could put a NDS order in and wait 6-8 months.

I'm leaning toward the Brownell's as I'm experienced with Norrels and have had good success and this rifle is going to be a shooter and not necessarily 100% "clone correct".

Thoughts? Is NDS really at a 6-8 month wait time?

Posted: 8/9/2017 11:42:02 PM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:

Thoughts? Is NDS really at a 6-8 month wait time?

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Yes, it is really that long.

Posted: 8/10/2017 12:35:43 AM EDT

[#2]

Brownells uses Nodak's forges but I believe someone else finishes them so both should be very close. At that point it is which color you want vs the time it is going to take to get(or the effort to refinish).

Posted: 8/10/2017 12:36:57 AM EDT

[#3]

Depends on how correct you want to be. You can still source colt m16a1 kits but they are pricey. If you just want the look im sure brownells will work.

Posted: 8/10/2017 7:00:20 AM EDT

[#4]

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh531/A1Bandit/received_437295336647492_zpsolyeplcr.jpeg

Brownells NDS upper with norrells. NDS forging removed. Older uppers had issues. They are good now.

Posted: 8/10/2017 7:01:11 AM EDT

[#5]

Double post

Posted: 8/10/2017 2:12:17 PM EDT

[#6]

One thing to be aware of with Brownells A1 Lowers, they have 'Safe/Fire' on the right side of the receiver. So if you get that lower and you want it to be correct, you'll have to fix that some way. Otherwise, it'll just be incorrect. If that matters to you.

Posted: 8/10/2017 6:20:09 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Brownells uses Nodak's forges but I believe someone else finishes them so both should be very close. At that point it is which color you want vs the time it is going to take to get(or the effort to refinish).

View Quote

Brownells buys receiver forgings from NoDak Spud, but Brownells is responsible for the machining and the anodizing of the finished receivers.

Harlan
NoDak Spud LLC

Posted: 8/10/2017 7:24:11 PM EDT

[#8]

If you are as restless as I am....Brownells

Posted: 8/10/2017 7:28:59 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
One thing to be aware of with Brownells A1 Lowers, they have 'Safe/Fire' on the right side of the receiver. So if you get that lower and you want it to be correct, you'll have to fix that some way. Otherwise, it'll just be incorrect. If that matters to you.

View Quote

I thought they ended up saying that was a mistake and the new ones wouldn't have it on the right hand side.

Posted: 8/10/2017 7:51:51 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
I thought they ended up saying that was a mistake and the new ones wouldn't have it on the right hand side.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
One thing to be aware of with Brownells A1 Lowers, they have 'Safe/Fire' on the right side of the receiver. So if you get that lower and you want it to be correct, you'll have to fix that some way. Otherwise, it'll just be incorrect. If that matters to you.

I thought they ended up saying that was a mistake and the new ones wouldn't have it on the right hand side.

IIRC, the first small run had the right side markings, the second batch didn't, and the most recent (current) batch had them again.

Posted: 8/10/2017 8:20:47 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
IIRC, the first small run had the right side markings, the second batch didn't, and the most recent (current) batch had them again.

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Did any of their lowers come out right? I thought all of their batches had the markings on the right side.

Posted: 8/11/2017 12:23:52 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
One thing to be aware of with Brownells A1 Lowers, they have 'Safe/Fire' on the right side of the receiver. So if you get that lower and you want it to be correct, you'll have to fix that some way. Otherwise, it'll just be incorrect. If that matters to you.

View Quote

Don't care. Clone correct down to that level doesn't matter to me. As long as it looks and feels like an A1 that's all I really care about. It's not a collectors item, and regardless it's missing some holes/parts to really be "correct" no matter what.

Posted: 8/18/2017 4:59:37 PM EDT

[#13]

I put in an order with NODAK on December 6 and received the upper and lower receiver a couple of weeks ago. The quality is well worth the wait.

Posted: 8/18/2017 6:46:59 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
I put in an order with NODAK on December 6 and received the upper and lower receiver a couple of weeks ago. The quality is well worth the wait.

View Quote

But the wait can be frustrating...

Posted: 8/20/2017 11:56:45 AM EDT

[#15]

I use nodak , I waited 6 months for my lower/upper for my SBR gau5-a clone and my to be 605 clone. They are worth the wait. Plus I like to put money in Nodaks pocket book , they have done more for this retro community than any other individuals, well John Thomas is up there too, bit the point still stands. Buy from nodak and you won't be disappointed.

Posted: 8/27/2017 5:33:40 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
But the wait can be frustrating...

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I put in an order with NODAK on December 6 and received the upper and lower receiver a couple of weeks ago. The quality is well worth the wait.

But the wait can be frustrating...

Tell me about it lmao.. I Pre-Ordered 1 in Late March..

Hope it ships soon

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Wait on NDS or buy Brownell's A1 upper/lower and use Norrels?

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