This is my first A2. I normally hang out in retro land where perfection is an addiction. I pieced this one together with a mixture of USGI and after market parts. It still needs a sling and sighting in. It's not much, but it's mine!

Looks good. Any specifics on the build?

I bought one of the $75 Apex Arms take off barrels that were talked about in one of the threads
$6 EE USGI FSB
$5 set of aftermarket hand guards off EE
New aftermarket bird cage and washer ($10)
The aftermarket upper assembly, charging handle, delta ring, and the complete BCG were off a complete upper I bought a while back and striped. ($250)
The A2 lower was a complete Stage Arms unit currently not being used. ($170 including LPC)
The complete butt stock is NOS USGI ($20 off EE new in the bag).
Buffer, spring and  .750 triangle end cap $20 used
Buffer tub came out of an A1 parts kit I believe and was on the lower already
Spacer and screw, new aftermarket ($9)
I just ordered a black silent sling off eBay for $6.

Total for the build $571
I could have done better if I shopped and used the PIF thread on retro (free!), but it is not too bad. Out of pocket this time around $146

......There are many like it...but this one is yours !  

I remember the thread you posted about barrels.  Nice build, let us know how that shoots with the Apex barrel.

Will do, I shoot most weekends.

Thanks to all for the kind words. The A2 seems so much larger then any of my A1's when I shoulder it, even thought it is only a small amount longer. I kind of like the feel. Who knows, I may have a new favorite toy...

Nicely done.  Looks good and fun to gather parts and build it yourself. It's worth more to you now. $571 is a very good total cost now days.

Oops DT

I sighted it in today and put 300 rounds down range. 25 yards indoor from a sand bag rest shooting at USGI 25/300 targets. Once sighted in, I was able to keep every round in the black of the 300 meter target. I opened up a fifty cent piece hole. I very happy with the build in general, but also in the cheap barrel. Wish I could shoot like that standing free hand, but those days are behind me now.

Good to know all is working out for you. Build looks good to me. I am an old school guy.  Are you using 223 Rem, or 5.56 mm? I saw Apex said the barrels were 223 Rem, and I was curious. If 5.56 mm, any signs of excess pressures? I am putting 2 A2's together now, one is rifle length, the other is carbine length.

That's a nice build.  Sounds like it's shooting real good too.

I saw the post that said they (Apex) replied they were .223. The add said .223/.556 when I bought it and I checked again after the post about them being .223 only. The site still said .223/.556. I tried both today. 40 rounds were .223 and the rest were .556 (260 rounds) I had no issues of any kind with either.

I added a black silent sling also... Really enjoyed the feel of the A2. I miss being able to shoot acurately without a rest...

OP, Thank you so much for posting this.
That is a very nice looking rifle.

I don't get in a hurry buying parts and watch for the good deals.
Shopping the EE is the best way to get some really good parts and a cheap price.
It is a win for the seller and the buyer.
I want to thank all the seller for giving us here a chance to build some great rifles.

I am with the group that thinks the barrels were removed from rifles to build carbines.

Ron