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Posted: 5/4/2012 2:45:12 PM EDT
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Big brown truck dropped off a box today containing a bunch of new-to-me retro parts. The collection appears to be much of what was once an early (I place it at 1965) SP1.
I have to say, these parts are gorgeous––as close to "new" as I've seen. But we've all see plenty of old barrels, Edgewater buffers, early buffer tubes, square pad dust covers, etc. This "Transitional" bolt carrier group, however, I thought is worth sharing. They are referred to here from time to time, but we don't seem to see too many––at least not that we can be sure are the way they left the factory. Admittedly, I can't document this one to the factory build, either, but based on the rest of the parts that came around it, and comparing it to notes in the SP1 guide, I do believe that this one is 1965-fresh. 
Some of the interesting characteristics: ––Parked carrier with automatic sear trip cut back ––Full round carrier key with two round stake marks on the inside edges of the screws ––Chromed bolt with thin band and electro-pencil marked "M P" ––Machined retaining pin, parked (unlike the chrome ones in 601s) ––Second gen "flat head" firing pin 
Good pic here showing the carrier cut-back. Bottom carrier is full-auto from an XM16E1. Middle carrier is this early SP1. Top carrier is a modern semi-auto. 
So...now I need to find a '65 SP1 lower in pristine condition. 
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M1Sniper, I do love those photos of yours!
I'm really not an SP1 guy––the only one I have is my 6007. But these parts are so clean that the rifle is crying out to be restored. Not "restored" like refinished...just rebuilt in its original factory configuration. I'm going to do my best to track down the lower and hope it's in similar condition. I bought this upper with a plan to part it out–– I only wanted a couple of the pieces. But now that I've seen it, I would hate to break it up without at least trying to make it whole again. |
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Quoted:
M1Sniper, I do love those photos of yours! I'm really not an SP1 guy––the only one I have is my 6007. But these parts are so clean that the rifle is crying out to be restored. Not "restored" like refinished...just rebuilt in its original factory configuration. I'm going to do my best to track down the lower and hope it's in similar condition. I bought this upper with a plan to part it out–– I only wanted a couple of the pieces. But now that I've seen it, I would hate to break it up without at least trying to make it whole again. I DO like your plan.... 
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Just to brag a little, here's the rest of what came today. Condition of every piece is excellent.
––Early SP1 upper, original finish, with early (sqaure pad) port door. Interestingly, the detent housing on the back of the square pad is angled, not round like the 601s. ––M-VP barrel (the "M" is upside down), with a small "S" and "12" on the bottom of the barrel, out near the flash hider. ––Machined FSB, no forge marks, no drain hole, with roll-pinned, rubber-coated sling swivel. ––Improved 3-prong FH with knurled lock washer. ––Carbon steel gas tube, early bend. ––Flawless "no-drainhole" handguards. ––Type D stock; the no-hole stock screw showed no sign of having been removed before tonight. ––Early buffer tube with tightening holes, absolutely perfect except where the thread was pinned. ––and the Edgewater buffer. Not a bad start. 
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Quoted:
Just to brag a little, here's the rest of what came today. Condition of every piece is excellent. ––Early SP1 upper, original finish, with early (sqaure pad) port door. Interestingly, the detent housing on the back of the square pad is angled, not round like the 601s. ––M-VP barrel (the "M" is upside down), with a small "S" and "12" on the bottom of the barrel, out near the flash hider. ––Machined FSB, no forge marks, no drain hole, with roll-pinned, rubber-coated sling swivel. ––Improved 3-prong FH with knurled lock washer. ––Carbon steel gas tube, early bend. ––Flawless "no-drainhole" handguards. ––Type D stock; the no-hole stock screw showed no sign of having been removed before tonight. ––Early buffer tube with tightening holes, absolutely perfect except where the thread was pinned. ––and the Edgewater buffer. Not a bad start.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r500/AR10er/65parts.jpg wow that is a nice start. fyi, none of my early ones have the angled detent housing. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_123/566245_Square_Ejection_Port_Cover_Variations_and_Timelines.html |
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If you end up with a complete rifle after buying a 'parts kit' per the email you sent me, I'm just going to laugh. I hope it works out for you - I really do - those are nice parts. It just makes me chuckle. For a guy who 'isn't buying any more parts' you seem to sure be coming into some...
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| Now Gunner,,,the real question. What happened to the original lower?? Didn't the seller have it??? If yes,maybe offer him an NDS or 2 to cough it up for you? It really sux to think that the original lower for that beautiful set may now be wearing (yuck) tacticrap........ |
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