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Posted: 8/15/2025 8:29:01 AM EDT
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I have wanted to build my own carry handle upper pistol for quite some time and I finally acquired one via an old simunition trade in. I read and read on the various lengths and what works better and finally settled on a Rosco bloodline 11.5”. I ordered that and a Faxon nitride bcg and a couple other things from Primary Arms. As I anxiously awaited my new parts I was day dreaming about how much fun I was going to have blasting away, it never occurred to me that the barrel wouldn’t be drilled to accept taper pins for the A2 fsb. As soon as my package arrived (surprisingly quick even through USPS), I tore into it and started to slip the fsb on and that’s when I realized my error. I’m pretty handy and I like to tinker and build, so I began searching for how to correct this egregious error of mine. I did find a pretty solid jig, but at $600, I couldn’t justify buying it. Jumping back into these forums, searching frantically for a solution, I came across an old post about John at Retro Arms Works. Every poster spoke highly of John and his quality of work. I went straight to his website and boom, he’ll drill my barrel even with it being nitrided as well. I called him the next morning to confirm he could/would and he confirmed it wouldn’t be an issue. With my previous success using USPS, I boxed everything he asked for, taped it up and shipped it out. That was the beginning of my stress  I figured out they obviously do not own a map as I watch my package sit and then bounce to Chicago, despite being in St. Louis (2 1/2 hours below John), and then back to St. Louis. An email to the post master later, my package gets delivered. This is right up on Independence Day and I know he’s not worrying about checking mail. It’s a day for celebration and relaxation. So I wait a day and I go to email John just to confirm he got the package. I didn’t have the opportunity because he had already emailed me with the return tracking numbers, he had got it and knocked it out already! Can I tell you, his work looks like this barrel assembly was created together from the beginning. Solidly assembled, straight and plumb as can be. I can’t attach my pictures from my phone, I thought we had that capability but I guess not. I also haven’t had the opportunity to blast away just yet, but believe me, I’ll report how it runs asap. I don’t know what all John does, but if you’re looking to get some work done, John would be my FIRST call! TL/DR: John at Retro Arms Works does great work, hit him up! |
Member
Joined:
Dec 2023
Posts:
548
EE: 100% (8)
AZ, USA
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Yes, he's amazing. Fixing screw ups, as well as fine quality clones. Unfortunately suppressor work isn't allowed in his A.O. But he would do that too if the law was free. I had a cobbled barrel with taper pins that were crooked. It's just a bad memory every time I look at my XM177ish dedicated. 22. |
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You’re absolutely correct, I have been here awhile and I do have an assembled picture. I still can’t figure out how to attach a picture on this site ETA: @Dex223 and apparently I can’t figure out quoting in the new site  I did find the quotation marks after the fact |
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