So it seems the M16A1 parts kits for a decent price are coming to a end??  Only SG, and royal tiger has them,  for sub $400, and royal tiger states they expect more in in 10-14 days, so it sounds like they are getting low....  I don't want to buy from SG, as the stories of their parts kits kinda scare me, and dealing with them, can be "fun" to say the least.  Royal tiger i have delt with a few times, and i seem to hear more good than bad on them from the parts kits stand point.  I'm planning on ordering a kit next week sometime, I'm planning on refinishing the upper, so finish on it i don't care about, along as it is functional and free of cracks.  The furniture I'm hoping to be decent, but that can also be purchased in the after market easily, for not a whole lot.  What I'm after is a kit I can order receive and use, and not have to make 100 calls bitching about junk that I was sent.  I'd order from Sarco, but it seems all they have are grade 1 $500 kits, and all the other places i see are $500 up, which is too much money for a kit with no barrel.

So, any other decent places out there with decent grade kits for sub $400??

I'm glad I recently spent an extra $150 on my two Sarco superb condition M16A1 kit's. My kit's were like new with no issue's. No horror story's here. Plus they match up almost perfectly with my NoDak Spud lowers. Plus I prefer new vs. battle beaten looks. I'll tear it up myself.

Thing is, you put $500 in a parts kit, $200 plus in a barrel, and among other parts tools, and refinsihing the parts, and you soon end up in a deep $$ hole

People do get good sub 400 kits, and it is always really cool to see them displayed here. But I don't fault anyone for opting to pay a little more if they have the funds for the higher end kit elsewhere. Less hassle with some guarantee of higher grade usually does equal more dinero. A retro rifle for less than a grand is a good deal all around.

$349 - $500 kit
$189 barrel
$160 NDS

(sling, bayonet, magazines sold separately)

Very well said yankee-V. Thank you.

http://s29.photobucket.com/user/bwagss/slideshow/XM16E1

So the consensus is that the Royal Tiger kits are a good way to go?  I am just curious if I should pick one up now or if I can wait till after Christmas?

Just wait til all thise parts come in from Cuba! Lol.

449 royal tiger with barrel, and 80 percent lower miled out on your own equals a 500 dollar retro.....

Yeah, forgot about the barrel included, That is a good value, especially for a first retro. Then you're hooked!

The only kits I see are $389 + $100 for the barrel.  Where did you find the $449 kits at?

I got a BEAUTY the last one I ordered from RTI.


















 

I plan to just order the parts kit, with no barrel.  I'm going to wait till i get my upper and such refinished, and shop around for a barrel.  I'm hoping to find a 1:8 twist chrome lined barrel, as i believe that'll give me about the best for any ammo I want to feed it?

I just have to decide, $389 for a RTI kit, and run the chance of getting a shitty kit, or pay $495 for a excellent kit from Sarco.

Sorry, but that 449 deal probably exists no longer. It was that price about two weeks ago.

 

The upper being worn, I'm ok with, like I said it is going to be refinished to match the lower, as long it is not cracked.  The furniture is what I'm worried about, but i guess all in all, if i get cracked handguards, I can buy a excellent set for $40, and sell the others here to someone. The buttplate, can be had for cheap too.  

Their $100 barrel, is a 1/8 twist but isn't chromed correct??  I might order a kit with a barrel, and see what i think, I guess if I decide to buy a Chromed barrel, I can sell it to one of you folks too

RTI is showing 11 kits in stock, although they say they have more coming.....

They are not chrome barrels.

I'm planning on sending it off to JT "someday" to have the 605 treatment done then I'll torque it and try it.

However, I am as slow as old people fornicating when it comes to projects so don't hold your breath for a range report.

The RTI kits have 2 mags, a sling and cleaning kit if you add a barrel too, from what I understand of their description, so i might just go with that, and see what i get.  I may sell the mags, as I have a small stash of colt 20rnders I like better.  I guess for $489, with a barrel, the extra stuff it is worth the risk.


Well, I have a week, before all the funds for some rifles I sold to buy this get here, so I have some time to think.

BTW, what is the 605 treatment

A dangerous road, once you step away from the standard M16A1 the disease gets nasty,  I've seen it.

Morg308 has an absolutely beautiful 605, I can't find the pic though.

Thanks, no wonder I couldn't find it  I don't need a 5.56 barrel anyways

I like that

Darn it! Now I'm thinking about doing one.




I have a McKay 1/7 barrel that would be perfect for that, but then I'd need a Colt barrel for my A1 clone.

I can attest to that.  

Me before and after joining the Retro forum.

This thread has officially went to hell

Not the best picture, but you get the idea. JT does great work. RBRD is a bitch once it takes hold. I had to go out and buy another safe...