Hey everyone, I'm new to this side of the board. I have been running with the retro guys for a while now and I tell you I can't shake the Black Rifle Disease. I have five A1 builds and one A1/C7 build along with a new M4. I somehow ended up with an extra lower receiver and bolt carrier group and charging handle. I keep telling myself stash it away for later. But the voice in the back of my head keeps telling me I should build an A2 of some sort.

Now my problem with doing an A2 is, I'm not sure I can do just one. So knowing that in the next few months prices are going to go crazy on things with the election and whatever happens after that. So I have decided to come on over to the A2 side (The dark side of the force feels strong here too) and see what I should do.

My A1 builds consist of four 20" rifles and two carbines. One is 12.5" and the other is 14.7". With that being said, should I build a carbine A2 or a full length rifle? I really like the Delta Force Black Hawk Down builds.

How common was it to see a carbine in that time period versus a full length A2 rifle?

If you could build only one, what one would you build?

Or should I just go off grid with an A2 upper and build something fun. What I like to call a Mutt Rifle.

If I do dive into this build what are some things I need to look for? To watch out for? To stay away from?

What are the going prices for new and used A2 uppers? Both stripped and full uppers.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to getting to know you guys on the A2 side too. I may need to start a support group. One that supports the building of these fine rifles that we all seem to love.

If you are looking to build an A2 carbine used during the BHD time, then the Model 727 is what you seek.





http://imageevent.com/willyp/firearmsalbums/uscoltarmalitem16ar15556/coltmodel727carbine

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=360898

Of course, you can always build a standard 20" A2 Gov't model.





You know that I am a big fan of the Retro ARs, but I also feel that having others like the A2, the A4, and the M4 are essential to a good military clone collection.

Oh boy... I feel your pain. Just yesterday I was scrolling through the BHD thread.
I don't need anymore ARs. That said I personally am holding out on an A2 striped upper.
I know I can find one locally for under $100.00.
But maybe I'll have some other distraction. And I can shake this disease.

an A2 you say!

+1



@ mdw:  Very nice A2 family photo

I really like the carbine and the 727 is what I keep leaning to. It is so bad to want to keep building. I would have stopped (or so I say) after these A1 builds if I had not ended up with an extra lower receiver and BCG with charging handle.


A lot of great looking rifles in this thread. I also love the family photos. Makes me re-think building a carbine seeing those rifles.

Funny I am waiting for a reasonably priced upper receiver.   I had 4 uppers 2 years ago and sold them cheap. I already have my stashed lower assembled, a 14.5  M4 barrel with ext A2 FH attached.   I have a member here getting me a beater upper since I will probably paint this 727/early M4.  
ETA: I already have an FN 20" A2  build complete.

Check out Gunpartscorp if you want an A2 upper priced right. Got my AH for $75 with port door/forward assist. Add a rear sight and CH your gtg.

OP,

The first part you've done--recognized & admitted to your problem of RBRD.

The next step is to build the 727 as recommended.

Thanks! I have that linked saved. I think I saw it in one of the other threads. That is a good deal on one. Is it used or new? How was it when it came in? I saw that they have full upper receivers complete or I thought they were for that price. I need to look again.





Yeah a 727 would look good in the collection. I have to build one. I need to wait a couple of weeks and get a few things paid off before I start this adventure lol. I'm just about done with the six A1 builds. I need to stay off of ARFcom lol. You guys are killing my wallet.

If I do a 727 is it still a slip ring or a delta ring?

Delta

Okay, thank you! I'm thinking I will do this  build the same as I did my A1. Piece by piece and a little at a time. I will need to get an upper and would like to get one at a decent price. I need to call Sarco and see about those.