Why are there not more 654/ 653 type uppers?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why are there not more 654/ 653 type uppers?

Posted: 9/16/2017 11:16:00 AM EDT

I'm taking my 653-type out today and I freaking LOVE it.

I WISH I could pick up one of these:

https://www.theammosource.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_24_544&products_id=7455

So why aren't there more CAR-15 types out there with correct 14.5" barrels?

Not just surplus like the above, as I know the 654/ 653 was a very low density weapon, but commercially available complete uppers?

Posted: 9/16/2017 11:19:28 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
I'm taking my 653-type out today and I freaking LOVE it.

I WISH I could pick up one of these:

https://www.theammosource.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_24_544&products_id=7455

So why aren't there more CAR-15 types out there with correct 14.5" barrels?

Not just surplus like the above, as I know the 654/ 653 was a very low density weapon, but commercially available complete uppers?

View Quote

Clearly not enough demand for that configuration to make it a regular, popular offering. If people were clamoring for it, someone would supply it to pick up those dollars.

Posted: 9/16/2017 11:51:04 AM EDT

[#2]

Get the 14.7" barrel from Brownells and send it to John Thomas for a pin/weld.

Pron

Posted: 9/16/2017 4:57:05 PM EDT

[#3]

Well I always did dig the 653. Built one a few years back but they were always over shadowed for the XM177 series. This summer 2017 at Camp Perry during the national matches I picked up a slick side M16 style upper from Fulton Armory for $30. Yes I said $30. I swapped out my C H marked A1 upper and installed this one. A couple bad places and so forth, but fully functional. So I built a GUU/5P since my barrel I used was a cut down Colt AR6720 1/7 twist by John Thomas. If it was 1/12 twist, it would be a 654. So yes, I like this series or the last of the 600 series before the A2. If I ever get around to it I'll personally take my NDS M16A1 lower to Braceman and have him engrave my lower properly and hand stamp GUU5P. Then re anodize both the upper and lower to match. I've put a lot rounds down range with this rifle so far without a hic cup. This picture was taken today for a friend. The size 11 flip flops were thrown in to show how short this carbine is.

Posted: 9/16/2017 5:01:36 PM EDT

[#4]

The 653 is my grail!!
My next build is close, but is using a C-7 upper..

Posted: 9/17/2017 3:59:37 AM EDT

[#5]

Because the 653 is that oddball, where the funds / parts are better spent somewhere else.

For me, it is to close to a XM177 or 723 build.

Posted: 9/17/2017 4:04:18 AM EDT

[#6]

Yeah, I've got a 723, and a 177, don't feel the need for the 65x between em.

Posted: 9/17/2017 9:30:41 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Get the 14.7" barrel from Brownells and send it to John Thomas for a pin/weld.

View Quote

Helllllllllllllll no!

First off, nothing should ever get welded onto the end of a barrel. Secondly, improper length is just as bad as improper profile, IMO.

Twist rate is where I differ from most, perhaps... you can't see it, and 1/7 best suits my needs.

I just wish we could order those surplus C8s from up north...

Posted: 9/18/2017 7:44:04 AM EDT

[#8]

C8 upper would awesome. Missed out on those last ones. Still some available for $700 but I just can't justify a purchase at that price.

They wouldn't really fit in a 654 clone. Take a look at the photo. FSB is .750" and the flare is much larger in dia than in a regular pencil profile. Cold hammer forged and 1/7. Nordic Marksman even ended with a couple from 2015? That had Colt Canada cage code, likely for spare parts.

There is supposed to more coming, hopefully at a reasonable price.

Posted: 9/18/2017 8:33:27 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Helllllllllllllll no!

First off, nothing should ever get welded onto the end of a barrel. Secondly, improper length is just as bad as improper profile, IMO.

Twist rate is where I differ from most, perhaps... you can't see it, and 1/7 best suits my needs.

I just wish we could order those surplus C8s from up north...

View Quote

The only other option is to pay Uncle Sam the $200 for an SBR. It just isn't worth it for a barrel which is only 1.5" shorter than the unrestricted 16". With the 14.7" + welded flash hider, you get 99% of the look, without the SBR "hassle". I guess if you already have an SBR or full auto lower, an extra 653 upper makes good sense.

Posted: 9/18/2017 12:42:41 PM EDT

[#10]

652 is better

Posted: 9/18/2017 2:56:02 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
652 is better

View Quote

Posted: 9/18/2017 7:36:42 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

The only other option is to pay Uncle Sam the $200 for an SBR.

View Quote

For me, if an AR lower is getting a carbine RE, I'm SBR'ing it.

Are all my SBR'd lowers wearing sub 16" barrles?

Nope, but the hassle it saves you in thinking, "Can I put this-on-that and be safe and happy doing BANG?" is more than worth $200.

...and for purposes of Retro, improper barrel length or profile looks TERRIBLE.

Posted: 9/18/2017 8:19:59 PM EDT

[#13]

Sorry for the bad photo. Here's my 653 build with C MP B barrel.

Posted: 9/18/2017 8:24:26 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

For me, if an AR lower is getting a carbine RE, I'm SBR'ing it.

Are all my SBR'd lowers wearing sub 16" barrles?

Nope, but the hassle it saves you in thinking, "Can I put this-on-that and be safe and happy doing BANG?" is more than worth $200.

...and for purposes of Retro, improper barrel length or profile looks TERRIBLE.

View Quote

Short of attacking it with a ruler, I very much doubt you would notice a 2/10" difference.

Posted: 9/18/2017 8:59:01 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sorry for the bad photo. Here's my 653 build with C MP B barrel.
https://i.imgur.com/ldQosuN.jpg

View Quote

Nice

Posted: 9/18/2017 9:05:23 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

https://bpullignwolnet.dotster.com/retroblackrifle/sitebuilder/images/652-sm-723x252.jpg

View Quote

As y'all know, I'm a big proponent of fixed stock carbines with a GP sling. They handle perfectly, and just plain work. I prefer the CNC Warrior spacer with a regular FH on a 14.5" barrel, myself. Just looks better, IMO.

Posted: 9/18/2017 9:38:54 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

As y'all know, I'm a big proponent of fixed stock carbines with a GP sling. They handle perfectly, and just plain work. I prefer the CNC Warrior spacer with a regular FH on a 14.5" barrel, myself. Just looks better, IMO.

View Quote

Wait, what?

You like fixed stock carbines with GP slings Morg?

Me too though

Posted: 9/18/2017 9:39:52 PM EDT

[#18]

years ago, somebody on EE had new COLT 14.5"skinny 1:12 barrels for sale cheap.

Posted: 9/18/2017 9:42:42 PM EDT

[#19]

Very Nice !

Posted: 9/19/2017 6:00:04 PM EDT

[#20]

I don't know man...

Attached File

Attached File

Yes, I built the shelves to fit the parts...who needs a TV cabinet.

Posted: 9/21/2017 7:06:09 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sorry for the bad photo. Here's my 653 build with C MP B barrel.
https://i.imgur.com/ldQosuN.jpg

View Quote

Beauty

Posted: 9/21/2017 7:16:54 PM EDT

[#22]

deleted

Posted: 9/21/2017 7:47:26 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
653's are a fav of mine. I bought a big-hole upper from jhud years ago which will be the basis for a 16" all-Colt SP1/653'ish carbine. I've almost got kit complete, just waiting on a NOS Colt teardrop coming in and a few other items.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/IMG_20170921_175511214-313418.jpg

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/IMG_20170921_175440277-313417.jpg

Colt "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7" pencil barrel:

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/Untitled-313425.jpg

View Quote

Never seen a SP-1 upper like that (big hole + fa). Is that from some Sporter II or something?

Posted: 9/21/2017 8:49:20 PM EDT

[#24]

Posted: 9/24/2017 12:30:12 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Never seen a SP-1 upper like that (big hole + fa). Is that from some Sporter II or something?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
653's are a fav of mine. I bought a big-hole upper from jhud years ago which will be the basis for a 16" all-Colt SP1/653'ish carbine. I've almost got kit complete, just waiting on a NOS Colt teardrop coming in and a few other items.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/IMG_20170921_175511214-313418.jpg

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/IMG_20170921_175440277-313417.jpg

Colt "C MP 5.56 NATO 1/7" pencil barrel:

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/228605/Untitled-313425.jpg

Never seen a SP-1 upper like that (big hole + fa). Is that from some Sporter II or something?

Yes, it's from a Sporter II. That's what I used on my SP1 lower to make a faux XM177-E1. You can't see the FA in the photo because of the shadows but it's there.
I've got another SP2 upper in the parts bin but I'm not sure what I'll build with it.

Attached File

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why are there not more 654/ 653 type uppers?

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