Advice on current retro kits

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Posted: 7/9/2014 6:14:58 PM EDT

Hi, new member here,

Backstory is that I grew up watching Vietnam on the evening news and several family members and friends served in Nam- it's part of our family history. Also, I've always had an interest in military history and milsurps. A few years ago I bought a Century C15A1 to have a retro AR. The short version is that even though it was made of mostly Colt parts, there were problems with that rifle. So I traded it off and picked up a S&W M&P Sport. The Sport is a great functioning carbine, but I still have the itch to get an A1 style, gray parked, retro AR. I've been looking and the current M16A1 kits available and would like your opinions on the ones available. It seems that either a McKay or Gunthings kit are quality kits, but some of the more, shall we say, "commercial vendors kits" are kind of questionable as far as quality. Also, other than RGuns is anyone selling an A1 upper these days? Although the RGuns upper seems to really be a C7 upper with the shell defector. It seems like it is better to go with a kit from a previously assembled rifle than an assembly of parts from different sources. As I want a shooter I don't mind some internal improvements in feed ramps and twist.

Just as kind of a question, when these kits come in, are they just a bunch of parts or are the individual rifles kept together as much as possible?

Thanks in advance

Posted: 7/9/2014 6:37:06 PM EDT

[#1]

I didn't build my 603 from a kit, although I wish I did. I bought original parts from here and there and added in some PSA parts as well. I really like it, but it doesn't quite have the appeal of an all Colt (minus the lower) rifle.

I used a 1/7 McKay barrel on it.

If I were to do it over again I would find a NDS lower and build it off of one of the nicer kits (not sure who's that is at the moment) and use one of AR15sports chrome 1/12 barrels.

I think you would like it better knowing that it's an 'original' rifle rather than a frankenrifle like mine.

Posted: 7/9/2014 6:44:23 PM EDT

[#2]

Welcome to the disease... Kits are a crap shoot if you are looking for perfection. If you are looking for parts, most are great. Personally, I have seen little consistency in the kit grading system. I built two grade B LG kits that were nice, but had broken parts and finish wear. Then I bought a RTI grade C kit for spare parts and it was in great shape. Ended up becoming a complete rifle... Others have had the exact opposite result. Kits are also full auto LPK. They must be neutered before you install them in an AR semi lower. If you enjoy the process of collecting parts, restoring them and then building them into a complete rifle, a kit may be the way to go. If not, keep your eye out on the EE for a completed build. Good luck!

Posted: 7/9/2014 7:21:34 PM EDT

[#3]

I have a suspicion that all of the kits come from the same source, and different vendors then sell them for different prices and buying different "grades" is a crap shoot. I couldn't say if each kits parts are from the same rifle or not. I got a grade C from RTI, and the upper is pretty worn, but I've seen other grade C that look really nice. For $300. it's hard to complain, I got what I asked for.

Posted: 7/9/2014 8:52:46 PM EDT

[#4]

The de-mill kits to date have been brought into USA by the same importer. For grading it's a crapshoot as they were supposedly sold in better condition than it actually turned out. Hence when they first hit they were asking $500 and those who purchased were very disappointed and the same kits have been reduced to todays $300-325 actual selling price in most instances. Some vendors have supposedly opened the boxes (all of which are the same and not marked by grade) and done a little hand select but have also charged plenty for doing this and even then it's still a crapshoot at best..

Boils down to who grades and how but these kits by actual industry firearm grading are only very good at best and most fall in the fair to good range by professional standards. Always exceptions and a few excellent condition pieces are out there. I've purchased two kits out of a few that were actually unfired IMO and the rest hd seen various degrees of use. If you get a very good to excellent kit then great but don't expect it IMO.

For the most part the pieces came off the same rifle in kit form as part of the process usually. If parts are damaged while doing de-mill then doner parts are used from doner de-mills. As stated above it's a crapshoot regardless of which vendor you purchase from. Some will have better customer service than others and some will advertise and sell kits incomplete or parts delete. I'd probably stay away from these unless one has a stash of Colt M-16A1 spare parts do to expense of finding authentic retro replacement parts today. By the time you locate and spend / purchase missing parts it would have been far more economical to simply purchase an advertised complete kit.

Good luck. The complete kits on GB and such aren't usually from this batch of de-mills and could easily be in much better condition but also expect to pay more for the pristine pieces especially in auction setting where bidder with most coins or willingness to part with the most coins presides.

Posted: 7/9/2014 10:16:33 PM EDT

[#5]

Centerfire has some inexpensive kits. Now that I know of a source for barrels and handguards, those aren't a problem. I'm not concerned about finish wear either, Alumamhyde and new lower/barrel fix that. I'm just worried about pitting in the receiver, and though it doesn't say it doesn't come with them, the receiver extension and bcg aren't in the stock photo.

Posted: 7/9/2014 10:25:32 PM EDT

[#6]

I got a SARCO supreme grade kit- not expecting miracles. It wasn't new, but 45 years old and "Lightly used", but I will say that wear-wise it was in excellent condition. I had a McKay 1/7 barrel put on it, and stuck it on an A2 lower. Not correct- a "Frankenrifle" perhaps, but it looks and shoots great. I am pleased.

Posted: 7/9/2014 10:44:52 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Hi, new member here,

Backstory is that I grew up watching Vietnam on the evening news and several family members and friends served in Nam- it's part of our family history. Also, I've always had an interest in military history and milsurps. A few years ago I bought a Century C15A1 to have a retro AR. The short version is that even though it was made of mostly Colt parts, there were problems with that rifle. So I traded it off and picked up a S&W M&P Sport. The Sport is a great functioning carbine, but I still have the itch to get an A1 style, gray parked, retro AR. I've been looking and the current M16A1 kits available and would like your opinions on the ones available. It seems that either a McKay or Gunthings kit are quality kits, but some of the more, shall we say, "commercial vendors kits" are kind of questionable as far as quality. Also, other than RGuns is anyone selling an A1 upper these days? Although the RGuns upper seems to really be a C7 upper with the shell defector. It seems like it is better to go with a kit from a previously assembled rifle than an assembly of parts from different sources. As I want a shooter I don't mind some internal improvements in feed ramps and twist.

Just as kind of a question, when these kits come in, are they just a bunch of parts or are the individual rifles kept together as much as possible?

Thanks in advance

View Quote

Based on kits I bought and markings I've seen posted by others, I'm guessing the majority were repatriated from Malaysia and maybe some from Israel. Not conclusive just my observations.

Posted: 7/11/2014 5:28:55 PM EDT

[#8]

Selling the C15A1 was a mistake. Those were pristine kits in light to unissued condition. Im sure whatever minor was wrong could have been corrected. Mine is awesome. None of the current parts kits are anywhere near as close in quality. They can still make a great rifle, and i just finished a BTDT build with one thats pretty nice. Id say your best bet is to buy a complete build from someone made with better parts or find a colt sp1. Thats the only way youll find one in as good of condition as what you let go.... If your ok with a beat up version, the parts kits are cheap and barrels are currently available so get to it..

Posted: 7/11/2014 6:00:52 PM EDT

[#9]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you haven't ordered a kit from Centerfire Systems
yet they are showing out of stock.

Posted: 7/11/2014 6:05:27 PM EDT

[#10]

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Quoted:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you haven't ordered a kit from Centerfire Systems
yet they are showing out of stock.

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Anyone bought one of the $279 CFS Starter kits? What did you get and whats the condition of the parts?

Posted: 7/11/2014 6:10:20 PM EDT

[#11]

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Anyone bought one of the $279 CFS Starter kits? What did you get and whats the condition of the parts?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you haven't ordered a kit from Centerfire Systems
yet they are showing out of stock.

Anyone bought one of the $279 CFS Starter kits? What did you get and whats the condition of the parts?

I took the gamble but I will have to let you know next week when it arrives.

Posted: 7/11/2014 6:36:49 PM EDT

[#12]

There have been quite a few examples of the SG, CS and other budget kits posted recently, which is really good info. I am just curious about the e-sarco kits, advertised as "unissued condition". Does anyone have any info about these? They are more expensive ($495). which would suggest a difference in condition. I think someone posted about Sarco a while back but I lost track.

This is what I refer to - http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/colt-m16a1-g-i-parts-kit-excellent.aspx

Says they are in stock, but my experience with Sarco is they don't mark an item out of stock until someone complains -

Posted: 7/11/2014 7:45:07 PM EDT

[#13]

Kits can be a good source to start with. There are still things like a lower receiver and a barrel that have to be procured. When I built my 603 several years ago, I was fortunate to score a USGI M16A1 upper from Ohio Ordnance Works. These did not last long. I did have to source out everything for the lower assembly. At the time, everything was easily available, even the A1 lower from NDS.

Posted: 7/11/2014 10:02:41 PM EDT

[#14]

Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

Posted: 7/11/2014 11:52:00 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

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The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

Posted: 7/11/2014 11:57:42 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

Hey I bought one of the CFS kits in NOV 13 but it was really beat down, Wonder what the condition is now?
See my link with pics. Results varied from different buyers. Some got some really nice ones.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=628854

Posted: 7/12/2014 12:10:47 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

This is a RTI grade C right out of the box. Still needed to be cleaned up when I took the picture. I think I was one of the lucky ones. Nothing wrong, just a few minor chips in the upper finish. My buddy just got one delivered today. More wear on the upper and one tooth missing on one hand guard. He is thrilled for $299.

Posted: 7/12/2014 12:13:44 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:

This is a RTI grade C right out of the box. Still needed to be cleaned up when I took the picture. I think I was one of the lucky ones. Nothing wrong, just a few minor chips in the upper finish. My buddy just got one delivered today. More wear on the upper and one tooth missing on one hand guard. He is thrilled for $299.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag132/58Bisc/guns/F6179F21-A69C-4E97-983D-62E7BDCEB7A5_zpsflzhyw1t.jpg

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

This is a RTI grade C right out of the box. Still needed to be cleaned up when I took the picture. I think I was one of the lucky ones. Nothing wrong, just a few minor chips in the upper finish. My buddy just got one delivered today. More wear on the upper and one tooth missing on one hand guard. He is thrilled for $299.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag132/58Bisc/guns/F6179F21-A69C-4E97-983D-62E7BDCEB7A5_zpsflzhyw1t.jpg

Nice kit. I just dont want to deal with RTI took them 20 days to ship a order from them!

Posted: 7/12/2014 12:17:27 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:

Hey I bought one of the CFS kits in NOV 13 but it was really beat down, Wonder what the condition is now?
See my link with pics. Results varied from different buyers. Some got some really nice ones.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=628854

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

Hey I bought one of the CFS kits in NOV 13 but it was really beat down, Wonder what the condition is now?
See my link with pics. Results varied from different buyers. Some got some really nice ones.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=628854

Still just wondering the difference between the Royal Tiger grades. I assume the stock photo on their site depicts an "A-Grade" kit. Are the CFS kits equivalent to a "C-grade" kit or a "D-grade" kit

[EDIT] thanks, 5437. I swear this post didn't take that long to type. :P It looks like I'm going Grade-C then (especially since a respray with XM-gray was a foregone conclusion)

Posted: 7/12/2014 11:00:59 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

Still just wondering the difference between the Royal Tiger grades. I assume the stock photo on their site depicts an "A-Grade" kit. Are the CFS kits equivalent to a "C-grade" kit or a "D-grade" kit

[EDIT] thanks, 5437. I swear this post didn't take that long to type. :P It looks like I'm going Grade-C then (especially since a respray with XM-gray was a foregone conclusion)

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

Hey I bought one of the CFS kits in NOV 13 but it was really beat down, Wonder what the condition is now?
See my link with pics. Results varied from different buyers. Some got some really nice ones.
http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=628854

Still just wondering the difference between the Royal Tiger grades. I assume the stock photo on their site depicts an "A-Grade" kit. Are the CFS kits equivalent to a "C-grade" kit or a "D-grade" kit

[EDIT] thanks, 5437. I swear this post didn't take that long to type. :P It looks like I'm going Grade-C then (especially since a respray with XM-gray was a foregone conclusion)

Here is enlarged pic of the CFS Picture in the ad.

Posted: 7/12/2014 11:19:50 AM EDT

[#21]

I pisses me off frankly that they are demilling all these barrels that came from the US in the first place!

Assholes. It would make more sense for them not to include the FA FCG parts but give us the barrels we paid for as taxpayers. The people who came up with these new import laws are a bunch of asshats IMO.

Posted: 7/12/2014 11:27:29 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
I pisses me off frankly that they are demilling all these barrels that came from the US in the first place!

Assholes. It would make more sense for them not to include the FA FCG parts but give us the barrels we paid for as taxpayers. The people who came up with these new import laws are a bunch of asshats IMO.

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I totally agree with that Morg.

Posted: 7/12/2014 6:55:35 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
Selling the C15A1 was a mistake. Those were pristine kits in light to unissued condition. Im sure whatever minor was wrong could have been corrected. Mine is awesome. None of the current parts kits are anywhere near as close in quality. They can still make a great rifle, and i just finished a BTDT build with one thats pretty nice. Id say your best bet is to buy a complete build from someone made with better parts or find a colt sp1. Thats the only way youll find one in as good of condition as what you let go.... If your ok with a beat up version, the parts kits are cheap and barrels are currently available so get to it..

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First, thanks for all your replies! They certainly help. It seems like there are a few options out there.

Cycline3, I'm glad your C15A1 works well, maybe I just got a bad one. On mine several parts were pretty worn as well as some other problems. That just kind of soured me on the C15. My goal is to make a retro as functional and accurate as my M&P Sport.

Posted: 7/14/2014 6:38:25 PM EDT

[#24]

Well I bought one of the $279 CFS Kits with free shipping and i think i got a winner. Handguards are in one peice and no cracks, reciever is in decent condition. Butstock is intact with just a crack buttplate. Slipring assembly almost looks new. missing trigger, hammer, hammer spring, trigger guard and roll pin, bolt catch roll pin. Everything else is there and in pretty good shape!

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Posted: 7/14/2014 8:09:48 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well I bought one of the $279 CFS Kits with free shipping and i think i got a winner. Handguards are in one peice and no cracks, reciever is in decent condition. Butstock is intact with just a crack buttplate. Slipring assembly almost looks new. missing trigger, hammer, hammer spring, trigger guard and roll pin, bolt catch roll pin. Everything else is there and in pretty good shape!
<a href="http://s268.photobucket.com/user/tom051876/media/101_0804_zps25821583.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/tom051876/101_0804_zps25821583.jpg</a>
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[U<a href="http://s268.photobucket.com/user/tom051876/media/101_0831_zpsaed0619b.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/tom051876/101_0831_zpsaed0619b.jpg</a>RL=http://s268.photobucket.com/user/tom051876/media/101_0832_zps4acec32b.jpg.html]http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/tom051876/101_0832_zps4acec32b.jpg[/URL]

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That is a good looking kit for $279 shipped. I'll take it .... ooops, thought I was on EE there for a second

Posted: 7/16/2014 12:31:18 AM EDT

[#26]

Just ordered a RTI grade-C, we'll see if I'm as lucky as 5473. I'm looking for the pictogram showing how to mod the FCG into ATF-legal form, but I'm already going to be using a standard lower, I'm not horribly concerned about originality, probably replace it.

Posted: 7/16/2014 7:56:27 AM EDT

[#27]

I filled the chart in with red for what tidbits to remove in Red years ago. The only area not in Red is the trigger disconnector slot. The rear end should be filled in on a M16 FA trigger.

Posted: 7/18/2014 10:05:59 PM EDT

[#28]

first off, thanks Hal. I'll see how awful the original trigger is [after rendered semi-auto], but I can hold-up my unloaded M727ish by the trigger, so as long as its not worse than that... X3

Also, how long does it take RTI to process an order? I ordered a kit Wednesday night and the hold on the funds expired. they sent a PDF of the packing slip, but I committed that money and its back in my account again.

Posted: 7/18/2014 10:29:06 PM EDT

[#29]

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Quoted:
first off, thanks Hal. I'll see how awful the original trigger is [after rendered semi-auto], but I can hold-up my unloaded M727ish by the trigger, so as long as its not worse than that... X3

Also, how long does it take RTI to process an order? I ordered a kit Wednesday night and the hold on the funds expired. they sent a PDF of the packing slip, but I committed that money and its back in my account again.

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If you got the packing slip in your email, the kit is on it's way. It took about a week after I got the slip.

Posted: 7/18/2014 11:19:50 PM EDT

[#30]

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If you got the packing slip in your email, the kit is on it's way. It took about a week after I got the slip.

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first off, thanks Hal. I'll see how awful the original trigger is [after rendered semi-auto], but I can hold-up my unloaded M727ish by the trigger, so as long as its not worse than that... X3

Also, how long does it take RTI to process an order? I ordered a kit Wednesday night and the hold on the funds expired. they sent a PDF of the packing slip, but I committed that money and its back in my account again.

If you got the packing slip in your email, the kit is on it's way. It took about a week after I got the slip.

Like I said, the hold on my card expired, that money is back in my account, and this isn't monopoly, there is no such thing as a bank error in your favor.

Posted: 7/18/2014 11:49:09 PM EDT

[#31]

If I remember correctly it took about a week for RTI to ship out my order. I'm not quite following the language you're using, but it sounds like you stopped the credit payment?

I'm actually thinking of ordering another one

Posted: 7/19/2014 12:08:12 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I remember correctly it took about a week for RTI to ship out my order. I'm not quite following the language you're using, but it sounds like you stopped the credit payment?

I'm actually thinking of ordering another one

View Quote

I didn't stop any payment. Guess I'll see in a couple days, but as of now, according to my bank statement, I've not been charged for the kit.

Posted: 7/19/2014 1:00:16 AM EDT

[#33]

I think they charge it when they ship it

It will show up as IO INC

Posted: 7/29/2014 4:45:28 PM EDT

[#34]

The kit arrived today while I was at class. The kit in question is a Royal Tiger Grade-C kit.

The first thing in the box under the packing slip were the magazines. A pair of black-follower Colt mags with roughly 80-90% finish on them, mild discoloration on one. Next up were the handguards. Not a whole of of scratches, the buttstock had more surface blemishes, but one tooth on each side was broken off. More than adequate to get this thing shooting until I want to spend $40 on new guards. Buttplate was intact and trapdoor works, if not a little stiff. Might replace with a Cav-Arms piece in future. The upper has some discoloration and marring but nothing a coat or two of alumahyde or duracoat won't fix. The charging handle shows severe wear down to aluminum with softened edges, will work but a new CH is on the short list of parts to buy. The BCG is pristine and unmolested. Great staking on the key, and a MPC bolt that literally looks brand-new. The hg cap and slip ring are dirty but 95%+, flash hider and lock ring similar. The kit is missing a FCG pin, but the detents are all there. Roll pins need replacing. Trigger and hammer springs still strong. Taking the FCG out after I write this to neuter it. All in all, my only gripe is the abnormally worn charging handle, but even then its a small gripe. Worth the $300, just waiting for payday to buy a barrel and the little bits I need. :)

Posted: 7/29/2014 9:08:10 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:

This is a RTI grade C right out of the box. Still needed to be cleaned up when I took the picture. I think I was one of the lucky ones. Nothing wrong, just a few minor chips in the upper finish. My buddy just got one delivered today. More wear on the upper and one tooth missing on one hand guard. He is thrilled for $299.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag132/58Bisc/guns/F6179F21-A69C-4E97-983D-62E7BDCEB7A5_zpsflzhyw1t.jpg

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Buy a c kit from royal tiger, buy a1 furniture from boywonder777, 1/9 twist pencil barrel from ar15sport.com, and mill out an 80 lower, and reproducible it to a1. Lts of money and work involved but you'll never regret it.

The Royal Tiger kits give me a bit more confidence than the Centerfire Systems stock photo. What is the difference between the kit grading, furniture condition and receiver finish? Is the BCG the same condition between kits? Is the buttstock in the grade-C kit unusable or heavily distressed?

This is a RTI grade C right out of the box. Still needed to be cleaned up when I took the picture. I think I was one of the lucky ones. Nothing wrong, just a few minor chips in the upper finish. My buddy just got one delivered today. More wear on the upper and one tooth missing on one hand guard. He is thrilled for $299.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag132/58Bisc/guns/F6179F21-A69C-4E97-983D-62E7BDCEB7A5_zpsflzhyw1t.jpg

I am so glad this thread is still going and people are still building these kits. My RBRD got the best of me this weekend and I ordered ANOTHER kit, this time from RTI - grade C cause they dropped the price to $269. I hope mine is as good as this one pictured above, as this beats my LGO grade B I got sometime back for $350... which did turn out nicely. I put the AR15Sport 1 in 12 chrome lined on it and ordered another for this kit... here's a pic of the prev kit build:

Posted: 7/30/2014 7:42:51 AM EDT

[#36]

Damn, at that price I'm going to tempt fate and I ordered another one. God knows what I'll build with it... Thanks for the heads up, I think...

Posted: 7/30/2014 10:39:41 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
Damn, at that price I'm going to tempt fate and I ordered another one. God knows what I'll build with it... Thanks for the heads up, I think...

View Quote

Anytime!

dont forget to post pics when its done!

Posted: 7/30/2014 11:58:04 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:

I am so glad this thread is still going and people are still building these kits. My RBRD got the best of me this weekend and I ordered ANOTHER kit, this time from RTI - grade C cause they dropped the price to $269. I hope mine is as good as this one pictured above, as this beats my LGO grade B I got sometime back for $350... which did turn out nicely. I put the AR15Sport 1 in 12 chrome lined on it and ordered another for this kit... here's a pic of the prev kit build:

http://seanrose.com/guns/images/a1partskit032.jpg

View Quote

Nice rifle bud. I know I've told you that before, but you did a great job on the finish. Great job. Never worry about scratches again!

Posted: 8/5/2014 1:12:02 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Damn, at that price I'm going to tempt fate and I ordered another one. God knows what I'll build with it... Thanks for the heads up, I think...

View Quote

I am a lucky man... Got my $269 kit today and it looks great. Butt plate missing a piece, one magazine worn and one hand guard missing a tooth. It broke off in shipping and was in the box. Everything else looks great! The upper has a few small scratches, the grip looks new as does the BCG and one of the magazines. No rust on anything and everything is there. That's two grade C kits I lucked out on. I think I should not push my luck any further.

Posted: 8/5/2014 2:30:41 PM EDT

[#40]

This was built on a Royal Tiger kit - with one of those GunBroker $39 80% lowers.

I did buy kits from other vendors, too. Good stuff.

Ray

Posted: 8/5/2014 3:05:11 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:

I did buy kits from other vendors, too. Good stuff.

Ray

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I've bought LG grade B kits and they worke well also. The big item here was others had issues with RTI and a grade C kit at $269 you wouLd expect much lower quality. Hence, "I've gotten lucky" twice. How about you? What shape was yours when you got it?

BTW, great looking rifle! More pictures? What barrel did you use?

Posted: 8/6/2014 8:27:58 AM EDT

[#42]

5437,

I've done five or so of these Malaysian kits - all on 80% receivers. I've used McKay barrels, and AR15Sport.com barrels. McKays are raw - so you have to install the kit's used FSB. AR15Sport.com has a kinda OK looking FSB already attached.

Here's another of that particular critter:

Squinting at the picture above, I'd say this is a AR15sport.com barrel. (looks like the FSB is too new to be the one from the kit...)

Ray

Posted: 8/6/2014 8:46:27 AM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
5437,

I've done five or so of these Malaysian kits - all on 80% receivers. I've used McKay barrels, and AR15Sport.com barrels. McKays are raw - so you have to install the kit's used FSB. AR15Sport.com has a kinda OK looking FSB already attached.

Here's another of that particular critter:

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/user/d4xycrq/media/MalaysianM16A1005_zps05f0430d.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/d4xycrq/MalaysianM16A1005_zps05f0430d.jpg</a>

Squinting at the picture above, I'd say this is a AR15sport.com barrel. (looks like the FSB is too new to be the one from the kit...)

Ray

View Quote

Hey Ray, very nice build. May I ask what used for finish ? Duracoat, anodized ? It's a nice matched set.

Posted: 8/6/2014 9:44:27 AM EDT

[#44]

Hal,

Thanks for the complement. I use John Norrell's moly resin. You airbrush it on and then bake the part(s). Here's their description of the color I use:

GRAYISH-BLACK Flat
Dark gray-black coloration with a flat appearance. This color is a very close match to the early original Colt model SP-1 AR-15 and M16-A1 finish. This is the same product that is purchased from us by the U.S. Military to refinish M-16's at various military bases and armories.

Ray

Posted: 8/6/2014 10:42:47 AM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hal,

Thanks for the complement. I use John Norrell's moly resin. You airbrush it on and then bake the part(s). Here's their description of the color I use:

GRAYISH-BLACK Flat
Dark gray-black coloration with a flat appearance. This color is a very close match to the early original Colt model SP-1 AR-15 and M16-A1 finish. This is the same product that is purchased from us by the U.S. Military to refinish M-16's at various military bases and armories.

Ray

View Quote

Thanks Ray, That is a beautiful match and nearly impossible to tell it's not anodizing,

Posted: 8/6/2014 11:01:19 AM EDT

[#46]

Here's the whole gang - notice two of the receivers are those cheapies from GunBroker, and two are Tactical Machining:

This is a Tactical Machining lower - one of their "blems"

One of these days I'll get set up for anodizing. For now, the Norrell's will do.

Ray

Posted: 8/6/2014 12:18:38 PM EDT

[#47]

These three are kits as well as the fourth one. I'm not sure what I will build with the latest kit (number 5). I was thinking about a model 651.

Posted: 8/20/2014 9:11:13 PM EDT

[#48]

Let's keep this thread alive awhile...

So, I came by a RTI grade C kit for just over $200 and was like - I CAN'T SAY NO. And I didn't. Ordered another Ar15Sport 1/12 chrome lined and went to town.

My free time these days is short and I did not put the effort in to this build like my recent BTDT/BFPU one from LGO. So not a huge list of pictures, just one of the completed weapon.

The grade C kit was just that... a mix of great and not great. The upper finish was almost entirely gone, teeth on handguards gone, the butt plate shattered and 1/3 of it missing. The good was the BCG looked near new, like it had almost never been fired. Nothing was really broken and the kit came with all the pieces, nothing was missing. I had John Thomas handle the conversion of the fire control group. He's awesome. Look him up if you need work on just about anything...

Had a Century C15A1 sporter that I had replaced the lower with one from NoDak so that spare lower went on this weapon. Refinished both and threw it all together after fixing everything up and attaching a new sling.

So, I already have a pristine 603, and now I have a 603 B. Not sure what I'll do with it, keep it or maybe let it move along.. not sure. But I sure do like how it turned out either way. These kits are fantastic and we need to build and save as many as we can.

Requisite pic:

Posted: 8/20/2014 9:51:24 PM EDT

[#49]

Great rifle! These kits are addictive though. Working on my last one now.

Posted: 8/20/2014 11:07:24 PM EDT

[#50]

Looks really good, whatever the effort. Classic

Quote History

Quoted:
My free time these days is short and I did not put the effort in to this build like my recent BTDT/BFPU one from LGO. So not a huge list of pictures, just one of the completed weapon.

View Quote

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Advice on current retro kits (Page 1 of 2)

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