AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/11/2011 2:31:21 PM EDT
|
In trying to find out about the different site wheels. I know some have different sized numbers but thing that stands out the most if the rounded 3 vs the flat topped 3. Looking at the 603 guide, it looks like both were used at different times. Is this just different contractors? I've noticed that the rounded 3 is harder to find.
Thoughts? From Ekie in this thread http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/401263_USGI_Colt_603_XM16E1_M16A1_upper_buyers_guide_Edition_II.html No forge code 1964-1971: 
CK forge code 1972-1973 (standard): 
CM forge code 1972-1973 (alternate): 
CH forge code 1974-1982: 
From CaptRichardson in this thread: http://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=241681&page=7 Here are some Colt Model 603 / E1 & A1 (has Forward Assist) Upper / Rear Sight Variations for you: This Upper has Colt Proof Marks but no Forge Codes. The Upper has almost a cast appearence, the angles and lines are sharper / more squared off. The "R" and Arrow on the Rear Sight are very Fine and Sharp. The Rear Sight Screw has the divot in the center. 
This Upper has Colt Proof Marks and "P" & "M" Forge Codes. The "R" and Arrow on the Rear Sight are Fine, but different than the ones pictured above. The Rear Sight Screw has a recessed circle in the center. The Rear Sight Wheel has a recessed rebate that runs around the outside. The Rear Sight Wheel has a "Rounded" # 3. 
This Upper has Colt Proof Marks but no Forge Codes. The "R" and Arrow on the Rear Sight are Heavy/Fat. The Rear Sight Wheel has an "Angled" # 3. 
Here's a post from LusciousClay in this thread with some differences in the arrows as well (thanks somebob for bringing that post to my attention) http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/546477_Parts_kit_heads_up.html Here is a pic of the 604 receivers and FSB. Notice the different arrows near the rear sight wheel. Top 604 early square forge, second 604 mid square forge. third 604 late round forged. 
To make things a little more interesting, adding pics of the difference screws i have: 
|
THIS is why I love the retro board. I love the details, but I never thought about looking at the little small numbers on the sight wheel, until now
I pulled all my uppers and looked at the sight wheels. Most of mine have the rounded 3. Only one has the flat 3. I would assume the rounded 3 would be more common if they were used on the 70s and 80s uppers. |
|
Quoted:
THIS is why I love the retro board. I love the details, but I never thought about looking at the little small numbers on the sight wheel, until now
I pulled all my uppers and looked at the sight wheels. Most of mine have the rounded 3. Only one has the flat 3. I would assume the rounded 3 would be more common if they were used on the 70s and 80s uppers. interesting. i picked up a large lot of rear sight parts and the rounded 3 was the harder to find, only about 10% of mine had the rounded three. |
|
Besides the round/flat 3,,there are also site wheels with smaller numbers. Not fact based,but probably just sub contractor variations. 1st time I noticed the smaller numbers was on a mint,appeared never messed with very early square forge 604 upper,,then my 602 upper came with one.
ETA,,Both had the dimple on the end of the adjusting screw. |
|
Quoted:
Besides the round/flat 3,,there are also site wheels with smaller numbers. Not fact based,but probably just sub contractor variations. 1st time I noticed the smaller numbers was on a mint,appeared never messed with very early square forge 604 upper,,then my 602 upper came with one. ETA,,Both had the dimple on the end of the adjusting screw. yeah besides for the dimpled pins, i've seen quite a few with a circle cut into it. i assume those came after the dimpled ones. also seen some with a little nub that sticks out too. i've seen some pivot/takedown pins with the little nub as well. updated the first post with some pics i took a while back |
|
What is also interesting is there are similar / same era 603 and 604 uppers that have what seem to be the same shape arrow etc. (I'll have to look at my upper when I get home) I am curious how the reliefs for the "| -> R" are cut into the forge. I recall mike_nds saying each forge must be flood welded after a few thousand uses, did the arrow features survive this or were they replaced? What is also interesting is the similarities between Colt proofed uppers and H&R ones with flash on the rear of the handle.
[archived thread by Engineer5] http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/495598_Handamp_R___GM_upper_photos_______attn__Willp_.html ETA: here is my square forge 603 with arrow very similar to LusciousClay's mid square forge 604. It has a "MP 12" barrel, early gas tube, and the (newer) black slip ring on it. 
|
| Most the wheels I see are the rounded 3 and on later not earlier style uppers. When buying surplus wheels this also seems the case. If seller has the earlier parts the wheels are flat line 3 and sellers with the later parts are round top 3. Never really looked for dimple pins for sight wheels as I usually don't replace these just the cosmetic pieces but I might give it a try. I could easily be wrong here it's just what I usually see. Think I have 3 wheels in spare parts and they are all round 3 but I'm sure I bought the cheapest I could find also. |
AR Sponsor