I completed my first retro build, an xm16e1 a couple weeks ago. I want to thank everyone here for the information they post. I have learned so much from here. The upper is a ch forge code with a green Mountain barrel instead sent to JT. He plugged the drain hole and removed all markings and outside forging flashing. Great guy to deal with, he even installed my flash hider for me with a split washer! Wasnt expecting that! The flash hider is an innovative industries that JT reparked for me. Lower is a nodak 80% that braceman engraved for me. He is another huge asset to the retro community. I sprayed the lower and most of the lpk with norrells grayish black flat. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Bcg is a rra chrome carrier. I tried to make it correct as possible without spending a ton of money. It's also going to be a shooter so I wasn't too concerned with original parts.

Excellent work! How does she shoot?

Nice job!

Haven't shot it yet. Hopefully this weekend. I forgot to mention that the handguards are no drain holes.

I like how you admit up front you have the disease.

VERY nice first outing! I can't wait to see which carbine you will build next!

He's hooked, and our retro enablers are wringing their hands.
Nice first build for sure! Congrats

That is a really nice first build.  I don't think that I will EVER post photos here of my first attempt at a retro. I like how you used your birthday as the serial number.  I did that on one of mine too.

Thanks you! I made sure I did my homework so I could get it right. I've been working on it since June. The serial number is actually just a random I picked. I looked at some early xm16e1's and chose this as it was close. 126xxx was a picture of one I saw. I changed the last three digits to 257 because it is kind of a special number to me. I was handed down a remington 722 in 257 Robert's. It is a very underrated and unique cartridge that my grandfather was a big fan of. Everyone that has one loves it. And yes, this will absolutely not be my only retro! The first thing I thought when I started looking at retro m16's was wow, I need to build all of these! Next is either a 601 or an xm177e2.

Very nice.

One thing I'd like to address for you all so you aren't suspicious. At the time of these pictures I was in Utah visiting a relative and we were supposed to go shooting there so I switched out the bullet button while I was over there. Unfortunately we couldn't make it to the range. Now that I'm back I have the bullet button back on. Figured I'd post pics of it when it didn't have that ugly bullet button on there!

Looks great! The lower is a great touch and especially well done!

Looks great OP make sure you keep us all in the loop for a range report

That looks great! Good job. I like the blue Dymo label on the stock.

John T. and Braceman do FANTASTIC work.

Cant say enough good things about them. The stock came with the label on and I thought it was a cool way to make a rack number so I kept it.

Fantastic build!

Looks great!