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Posted: 9/19/2010 8:25:47 PM EDT
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Building an A1 that a buddy of mine is itching for. I have a complete virgin A1 GI upper with barrel & 3 prong FH (circa '69-'71) I bought waaay back when.
What I would like to know is the current market value for such an upper. It was so long ago that I don't remember what I paid. I don't want to rip him off, but still would like to get a feel for the market value. Where would ya'll recommend a source for a period compatible' lower? TIA for any responses! BTW, the slick side complete upper assembly I got at the same time back then is not, and will not ever be for sale. Sorry to rub it in... 
Again, TIA! |
| There is a pricing section on the RetroBlackRifle forum. NDS sells the period correct stripped lowers. Three prong FH should be earlier than 69-71. This may help. Pricing on this forum is basically not allowed. Slickside upper may not be as rare as the upper you are selling. It all depends on the forging. They are very desirable for a lightweight build and are right handed user friendly. |
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Welcome to the forum, GulfCrow!
While, as others have said, our code of coduct doesn't allow us to "set" prices here, we'd certainly be happy to help you identify exactly what you have and perhaps help you understand its rarity (or not). If you can post some decent photos of the receiver––particularly on the right side so we can see any marks––and describe any marks or stampings on the barrel, I'm sure we'd love to see it! Same for your slickside! If that's not already on a lower, maybe it's time you mount it up! But at least share some photos! Oh, and for an A1 lower receiver, go to Nodak Spud. NDS makes outstanding "retro" semi-auto lowers. |
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Thanx for the info/links! Sorry 'bout the value question.
603: Upper is LM = LAR / Martin Marietta (Army Spares Contract) Rear sight = Raised Directional Arrow Forward assist = teardrop Ejection port cover = Square External Detent Plate Barrel = C MP C = chrome chamber Flat HG ring 604: Upper is LM = LAR / Martin Marietta (Army Spares Contract) Rear sight = Raised Directional Arrow Forward assist = N/A Ejection port cover = Rectangular External Detent Plate Barrel = C MP C = chrome chamber Flat HG ring Did I get the model numbers correct? In retrospect, I do now remember adding the FH and HGs. I'll change the 603 FH to an A1. So as I see the 603, I could go with a partial fence lower for a 603/XM16E1 or a full fence for a 603/M16A1. Or I missing something? I also would think that a partial or full fence for the 604 would closely replicate the 604/USAF M-16. I'm pretty sure that the one issued to me in Nam '67 was a partial. Again, thanx for your assistance! |
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Quoted:
604: Upper is LM = LAR / Martin Marietta (Army Spares Contract) Rear sight = Raised Directional Arrow Forward assist = N/A Ejection port cover = Rectangular External Detent Plate ! I don't believe I have ever seen LM marked slick side upper receiver, they have all been the forward assist style upper. |
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Day-um, ya'll are awesome!
The only markings I can find on the barrels is C MP C. Since I bought both uppers at da same time, I assumed (yeah, I know...) the slick was an LM. But as we can see, no markings. Now I'm really puzzled. These were purchased prior to 1998 and were 'bagged' with NSN data. Oh, how I wished I kept the packing and labels... Slick pics... http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/2ifbyC/AR-15/604a.jpg http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/2ifbyC/AR-15/604c.jpg http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/2ifbyC/AR-15/604b.jpg Again, thanx gents... |
| Are you sure there is no markings on the receiver, like maybe in front of & above the port door? They could be very light markings, or if the receiver has been refinished, they may be covered with what ever it was refinished with. Look for something that resembles a triangle or a square (maybe even partial stampings, inside the triangle would be marked VP & inside the square would be a C if there are any stampings there. |
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Arrrrgh... http://www.warrifles.com/forums/images/smilies/banghead.gif
Nada! I took some more pics, but I can't see ANY markings. I truly don't think it's a refinish nor some after market production. Just don't know... Regardless, I'm gonna purchase a partial fence lower and pass it on to my progeny. hk45shooter, you sure have some great 'headlamps'! http://warrifles.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif |
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Quoted:
Are you sure there is no markings on the receiver, like maybe in front of & above the port door? They could be very light markings, or if the receiver has been refinished, they may be covered with what ever it was refinished with. Look for something that resembles a triangle or a square (maybe even partial stampings, inside the triangle would be marked VP & inside the square would be a C if there are any stampings there. The markings he's asking about would be in the area I've got circled in red: 
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| 604 looks like a round forge upper with CMPC barrel 1969-1970ish. Full fence lower would be period correct with later style parts. Upper looks real nice. Is the slip ring a purplish black color? Shouldn't break the bank to build this one. Should be a real tack driver and very light weight. Have fun. |
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Quoted:
Upper looks real nice. Is the slip ring a purplish black color? Shouldn't break the bank to build this one. Should be a real tack driver and very light weight. Have fun. Thanx! No purple tint to the ring that I can perceive. How far off would I be if I used a partial fence lower (604, USAF)? I'm pretty sure that was what I was issued in '67. Regardless, it'll be a memento to pass on. Again, many thanx for the assistance! |
| Don't think it really matters what lower you use. In reality it's just a M-16 rifle clone anyway. Of course in retroland big money is spent to be period dated rifle parts correct. The major problem is these rifles were issued with whatever parts Colt had on hand to use during assembly anyway, Look at most any retro era pictures and you will see some odd variances. I say use whatever you want. You originally posted for a price and period correct lower. I prefer the full fence myself, a whole lot cheaper and a revised part. Lots of re-arsenal M-16 uppers out there. Don't bet on those being virgin but anything is possible, might be why we don't see proof marks. Once test fired I don't believe it's a virgin anymore. |
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hk45shooter, you sure have some great 'headlamps'! http://warrifles.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif 
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| There's a wide range of "correct" with some variations. My father in law was with a brown-water Navy unit. They had late R604's that the unit armorer put three-prongs on; tossing the birdcages. He's got pics to prove it too. Pics that I have been unable to scan because they are stuck to the glass in the frame. |
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Boy oh boy after that email I got from HK45 the headlamp thing had me worried for a bit!! OH yes.... Welcome to retro land GulfCrow! 
Still am frustrated with that, hopefully it doesn't happen again. I was kinda worried about the headlamp thing too, now that I know it is just my eyes I feel better about the comment.
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Quoted:
They had late R604's that the unit armorer put three-prongs on; tossing the birdcages. He's got pics to prove it too. Pics that I have been unable to scan because they are stuck to the glass in the frame. Shame, I'd really like to see that! http://www.warrifles.com/forums/images/smilies/anim_peep.gif... is hk45shooter still 'round...?
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