User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
IN, USA
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Posted: 10/24/2018 7:37:13 PM EDT
[#1]
SD, I have to ask. What's up with that selector and that odd looking takedown pin?
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Posted: 10/24/2018 8:31:12 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JupiterMaximus:
SD, I have to ask. What's up with that selector and that odd looking takedown pin? |
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Posted: 10/24/2018 10:32:46 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HighpowerRifleBrony:
Commiefornia modification.  
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Posted: 10/25/2018 4:19:57 AM EDT
[#4]
A2 Valkyrie 20” Shilen 1:7 barrel Geissele trigger Service rifle free float tube |
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Posted: 10/25/2018 4:36:06 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GI_Brat:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/4382/9843-715699.jpg A2 Valkyrie 20” Shilen 1:7 barrel Geissele trigger Service rifle free float tube |
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Posted: 10/25/2018 5:13:24 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SSgt82-02: I myself have been considering an A2 Valkyrie or 6.5 Grendel, don't know why just because I guess. Here's my Grendel 
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Posted: 10/25/2018 8:25:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#7]
Added an OD nylon sling exactly as suggested above. Love it.
A2 Nylon OD sling by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
A2 Nylon OD sling by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 10/28/2018 2:10:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#8]
Picture was floating around the web - but I have re-filtered it.
Special Forces Museum, real Blackhawk Down gear when it happened in the early 1990s. Enjoy. 
Special Forces Museum, BHD Operation by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 10/28/2018 6:00:51 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pipboy344:
standard grey 5.56 NATO 1/7 twist chrome-lined M16A2 Government Profile barrel with rifle feed ramps, a standard A2 front sight post with bayonet lug, and a standard A2 flash hider. Proper A2, not PSA with M4 feed ramps. Might have the right A2 barrel you are looking for. |
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Posted: 10/28/2018 9:33:20 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLS81: Give Shark Arms a shout. Might have the right A2 barrel you are looking for. Thanks for the heads up! |
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Posted: 11/1/2018 12:54:58 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#11]
FIRST A2/A1-ish clone that I get with a shorter barrel. Of course it's a legal AR15 pistol, but you know how I get inspired by the movies.
Almost exclusively. 
Heat-ish 733-ish by SoloDallas, on Flickr ETA: What is seen here, is (additionally) all perfectly California compliant. We're looking at an AR15 pistol receiver (and registered as such under California Law) with proper markings (on the other side) legal to own in CA with all due modifications (33.3 Tactical Calcatch version 3.3) to make it compliant with all most recent regulations (other than, registering the rifle as an assault rifle). This is, in fact, an AR15 pistol with an SB Tactical SBA3 pistol brace. |
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USA
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Posted: 11/1/2018 2:02:56 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SoloDallas:
FIRST A2/A1-ish clone that I get with a shorter barrel. Of course it's a legal AR15 pistol, but you know how I get inspired by the movies. Almost exclusively. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/45667884481_70b048d690_b.jpg Heat-ish 733-ish by SoloDallas, on Flickr Damnit...I'm going to have to clone your clone. 
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Posted: 11/1/2018 2:27:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 5pt56:
Goodness....I absolutely love the hell out of this....its like all the perfect nostalgia mixed with the newness. Damnit...I'm going to have to clone your clone. Edited: I failed miserably: I watched again, they used the same style barrel as I have on here. Got lucky not even knowing! And have tons of fun. SD ETA: that A2 grip, that's the original one to the 1985 Colt M16A2. It is in fact a take off from one of those military M16A2s. It is different from today's A2 pistol grips. I know it's small stuff, but it may still count in the general look of the thing (still as well stressing the pencil barrel, I think). I bought mine at Specialized Warehouse Armament, they still have a few in stock and they're very expensive, naturally, but I thought it was worth it for a number of retro projects I have. You will find the A2 pistol grips here (new old stock): Specialized Armament Warehouse A2 Pistol Grip (1983-1998) Robert De Niro in Heat with Colt 733  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/1/2018 7:28:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#14]
But what really made me happy today, was receiving this long awaited, Capco (CO) US Military Surplus A2 upper. This would have been installed on an actual M16A2 but never made it that far.
So they are circulating around. This one is brand new, unfired, was still in its sealed plastic bag. I know we've seen these before, but for the price in my opinion these are gold (for the ones of us who are into retro's). It's a dark, very dark gray (green gray maybe, the sweet, typical US Military green gray) - not Colt gray or not this one. You see it installed on my NDS A2 lower which is contemporary black. Awesomeness. ETA: Yes, I am on a roll PS if it looks shiny, is because I just cleaned it in oil, but not the lower. So you see that striking difference. The type of paint (or anodization for that matter) would be the typical military, non reflective, matt paint we're used to. 
Capco Military Surplus A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 11/3/2018 10:24:11 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLS81: Give Shark Arms a shout. Might have the right A2 barrel you are looking for. |
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Posted: 11/3/2018 10:43:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pipboy344:
Left messages, no reply I got the Colt A2 barrel with FSP installed etc. Gov't profile - want to swap the HB in my Bushmaster pre-ban upper. ETA FYI, there is ONE more upper like the one I just got, which I love so much. And I'm bidding on another one where unfortunately I had started bidding prior to seeing this guy. Right here. Same, identical Capco upper (Government contract, 1999) as the one you see above in my prior post. |
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Posted: 11/7/2018 6:25:15 PM EDT
[#17]
That A2 14.5 upper, it's here. Love it.
Dayum I'm so... retro (yup, it's got to sit on a pistol, NO way to SBR here in CA) 
14.5 inches A2 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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USA
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Posted: 11/7/2018 6:42:03 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SoloDallas:
That A2 14.5 upper, it's here. Love it. Dayum I'm so... retro (yup, it's got to sit on a pistol, NO way to SBR here in CA) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/43953896640_5f71ee0407_h.jpg 14.5 inches A2 by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
What's the barrel length on the bottom upper in the pic? 11.5"? |
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Posted: 11/7/2018 7:21:20 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 5pt56:
Ordered my brace to clone your clone.
What's the barrel length on the bottom upper in the pic? 11.5"? YesSir: 11.5 (commando style length)! |
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USA
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Posted: 11/7/2018 8:35:30 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SoloDallas:
So happy. It's inspiring to inspire. YesSir: 11.5 (commando style length)! |
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Posted: 11/9/2018 9:51:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#21]
FINALLY got my Colt upper and NDS lower refinished (again).
Time ago I had given in to cerakote but I just couldn't stand its glossy nature. Now much better with classic Moly Resin that I love much more. More pics tomorrow with the sun 
Colt A2 Moly Resin by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/10/2018 3:02:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#22]
Here we go. Lighting conditions are not optimal and these are taken with my iPhone, but still nice - will give you a more or less objective view of Moly Resin flat black-gray.
No comparison with cerakote; I will never do that again on a retro firearm, ever. It's the texture that really makes a difference here (I think) in approximating the original finish. 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr ETA: Adding comparison with another A2 - upper is Mil contract from Capco, 1999 (lower is NDS black anodized) 
A2s by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 11/12/2018 12:34:02 AM EDT
[#23]
For those using PSA stealth lowers, what A2 uppers are you using? I'm having a hard time find one that somewhat matches in color and "texture" if you will. I hate the smooth lower with the rough Colt-like upper.
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MD, USA
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Posted: 11/13/2018 2:11:07 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bravozero:
For those using PSA stealth lowers, what A2 uppers are you using? I'm having a hard time find one that somewhat matches in color and "texture" if you will. I hate the smooth lower with the rough Colt-like upper. |
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Posted: 11/13/2018 3:32:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bravozero:
For those using PSA stealth lowers, what A2 uppers are you using? I'm having a hard time find one that somewhat matches in color and "texture" if you will. I hate the smooth lower with the rough Colt-like upper. I only did so with one of my clones - my vintage (grey) Colt A2 clone. Couldn't find anything to match that grey 1980s upper, so I refinished both the lower (NDS A2) and the upper itself. Naturally, this could/would bring the price of the original upper down - maybe. Maybe not; it's on the eventual collector (should it ever be for sale in the future) to decide that. If you look above, Moly Resin was my choice for that particular rifle and the results are stunning. Adding picture here again. There's other options too, but I think Moly Resin is cheaper, faster, easier and truly a wonderful shade of grey that is very desirable. 
Original 1980s Colt A2 Upper on NDS Lower, Moly Resin by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/14/2018 7:54:16 PM EDT
[#26]
I hope I am not bothering anyone with my consequential posts here these days; but it's obvious that I do have an A2 bug (and rightfully so, I may add) and hence, I have been researching, collecting etc.
So here is a different variation of what I posted above. It is an older (but unfired) Bushmaster when it used to be built in Maine. All upper parts are Bushmaster but the barrel, which I swapped for an original, unfired, Colt A2 government profile as the one that came with this preban A2 was a heavy barrel and, what was worse for me, it didn't have a bayonet lug (it can be seen in the pictures above). Now it's kind of perfect and pretty well matching the NDS A2 lower it sits on. 
M16A2 Clone by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
M16A2 Clone by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/14/2018 8:38:24 PM EDT
[#27]
Adding more, actually: quick comparison of two of my now favorite A2 uppers, so that everyone can, for example, see how the Capco (1999, Colorado) stands against a black anodized Bushmaster upper. Bushmaster is top, Capco is bottom.
A2 Uppers (Bushmaster, Capco) by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
A2 Uppers (Bushmaster, Capco) by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
A2 Uppers (Bushmaster, Capco) by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 11/14/2018 9:29:10 PM EDT
[#28]
Keep em coming man, love the A2's!
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Posted: 11/15/2018 12:50:28 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By theokami:
Keep em coming man, love the A2's!  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/15/2018 4:50:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#30]
So again, more in the previous spirit of 'light investigation' (i.e., easy stuff) I am juxtaposing the uppers one to the other.
So we can all see. From top to bottom, Bushamster, Capco, Colt (refinished in Moly Resin). You can't draw conclusions based on these photos. Light was not uniform especially on the two most relevant uppers (for us to compare), the Capco and the refinished Colt. I will (draw conclusions), for you, because I have them here. Despite the Capco appears to be identical (or close) to the Colt, it's actually darker. It's a slightly darker grey. Definitely NOT Colt grey. However, it appears to be close enough to still put together a satisfying 'mixmaster' as the US Military might have had back then when A2s were en vogue. I will therefore put them together and then, take more pictures. Just for the sake of curiosity and some fun. Just to remind the reader, the Capco is a US Military upper (surplus). The Colt was probably a commercial upper but with all the features of those early Colt A2 rifles (larger pin hole, large round assist, grey in color - very close to how I refinished it in Moly Resin flat grey-black - and other minor things typical of that era. 
Clone A2s by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
A2 Clones by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Clone A2s by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 11/15/2018 9:05:39 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bravozero:
For those using PSA stealth lowers, what A2 uppers are you using? I'm having a hard time find one that somewhat matches in color and "texture" if you will. I hate the smooth lower with the rough Colt-like upper. 
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Posted: 11/15/2018 9:23:59 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bravozero: So I found one, in case someone is interested. The closest I've found that matches the finish and texture of the PSA lowers is the Doublestar A2 upper. Probably not the best quality upper but it's 7075-T6 and fits fine on the lower, just keep in mind it does NOT have M4 feedramps. Excited to get this up and going soon! https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46341452_10161087677815593_521931654239879168_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=ca884445fe77ffab3d404e5d0b8d186b&oe=5C73D872 Finally, makers of these have figured out that graphics all over the place isn't exactly the best way to go when it comes to clones or simply, simple, elegant guns of today's. |
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Posted: 11/16/2018 5:59:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#33]
Update: USGI A2 sling thing
A2 USGI by SoloDallas, on Flickr (I had seen this on BlackHawk Down, the movie; as an example, it still sits on this screen used, stunt M16A2 rifle prop) 
Black Hawk Down stunt M16A2 by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
BHD-M16-4 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/16/2018 9:40:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#34]
Update: installed Capco upper (CO, 1999, US Mil surplus) onto NDS A2 lower, painted Colt gray (Moly Resin flat gray-black).
It does appear that the Capco upper is just slightly darker grey, which would still be accurate in a US Mil mixmaster A2. Love it. 
Capco Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Capco Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr All in all, it's been some work over a few months - maybe one or two years - but I am finally, finally happy with what I have. Considering that I am here in California, it's almost a miracle. Over and out, SD |
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Posted: 11/17/2018 12:35:52 AM EDT
[#35]
SD
Nice work! CD |
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Posted: 11/17/2018 3:08:54 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Combat_Diver:
SD Nice work! CD |
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Posted: 11/18/2018 1:43:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#37]
Went ahead and bought another barrel (this time, a Colt FBI 11.5 surplus barrel, always from the great guys at Shark Arms) because I didn't really like the one that came with my 2nd hand 733 upper I had bought for my AR15 pistol, recently. I didn't like the finish of the barrel, the contour etc. Better to have the real thing, always.
Because the upper is a good quality upper from Windham Weaponry, I swapped the barrel out myself. Need a new gas tube but am getting one shortly. So this is work in progress, just threw everything on this one to see what it'd look like. Always from the same shop, got a Colt BCG in a lighter shade of green grey. I truly go nuts for these phosphate finishes. It's what I truly like on these guns and these guns are all I like. 
733 Clone-ish A2 pistol by SoloDallas, on Flickr 
Colt 11.5 FBI RTI surplus barrel by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 11/18/2018 3:09:50 AM EDT
[#38]
That's a real beauty!
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Posted: 11/19/2018 1:51:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By theokami:
That's a real beauty! But as I discovered (and typically, always after the fact) the barrel I chose isn't appropriate for a proper 733 clone. Should have researched better. Although a 733 model will be defined primarily by barrel length, the barrel itself wasn't supposed to be a HB but a thin profile one. So I just bought one last night. I understand it's a rare item now (a Colt 11.5 barrel with .625" profile as opposed to my current .750" thickness) so it took me a while to find one. Will be updating the pictures here as soon as I get the barrel and install it myself.  Attached File |
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MD, USA
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Posted: 11/19/2018 9:05:27 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SoloDallas:
Thanks! But as I discovered (and typically, always after the fact) the barrel I chose isn't appropriate for a proper 733 clone. Should have researched better. Although a 733 model will be defined primarily by barrel length, the barrel itself wasn't supposed to be a HB but a thin profile one. So I just bought one last night. I understand it's a rare item now (a Colt 11.5 barrel with .625" profile as opposed to my current .750" thickness) so it took me a while to find one. Will be updating the pictures here as soon as I get the barrel and install it myself. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/326068/pix813645015_jpg-744186.JPG |
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Posted: 11/19/2018 9:12:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ArmedFerret: The other option would be buying the HRT barrel and having someone like d. wilson or adco re-profile it, for those who don't want to wait for the thinner profile to show up somewhere. Will see what goes on with that thicker .750" profile. I was thinking of getting an A2 upper for it and install it in it; but I then read on older threads here that Colt never actually did that even with actual A2 uppers (with the actual A2 rear sight, not the C7 I have) and they kept using the thinner profile. So sending it to be reprofiled might actually be a good option for that kind of upper as well! It's never over until it's over 
ETA adding the A2 type 733 that I will, eventually, have to own as well. 
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Posted: 11/20/2018 8:20:58 PM EDT
[#42]
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MN, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2018 10:41:04 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SoloDallas:
Update: installed Capco upper (CO, 1999, US Mil surplus) onto NDS A2 lower, painted Colt gray (Moly Resin flat gray-black). It does appear that the Capco upper is just slightly darker grey, which would still be accurate in a US Mil mixmaster A2. Love it. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/45191045264_874e6f0614_h.jpg Capco Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/45191054114_eb159b1485_h.jpg Capco Upper by SoloDallas, on Flickr All in all, it's been some work over a few months - maybe one or two years - but I am finally, finally happy with what I have. Considering that I am here in California, it's almost a miracle. Over and out, SD I got to say you build some incredible themed rifles! Kudos sir! |
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Posted: 11/21/2018 12:36:55 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLS81: That rifle length is BOSS!! Do you shoot your fine collection or just safe queen them? Perhaps a mix of both? I got to say you build some incredible themed rifles! Kudos sir! I shoot them all. They're all mixmasters and bastards anyway - you figured - me being unable to own original AR15s here in CA (banned by name, all those precious SP1s and stuff - can't own them). So I shoot them all as soon as I have time to go to the range. Thanks again! 
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Posted: 11/24/2018 2:47:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#45]
Bunch new old stuff came in.
This stuff is so good to me that literally, I drool. Never thought it'd happen to me. You never know. It's a bug (no! It's a feature   )
The Goodness by SoloDallas, on Flickr ETA: it ends up in this (pistol format, I have no alternatives here in CA - it's a SBA3, hence with carbine buffer - brace not shown for decency) 
Colt A2 733 by SoloDallas, on Flickr Which aims at representing this: 
BHDCommando-5 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/25/2018 5:06:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#46]
I feel truly ashamed to have to show it this way, but this state doesn't allow me anything else.
One day I will SBR even my car. 
733 Clone by SoloDallas, on Flickr The upper is entirely Colt. FA Colt BCG, vintage .625" Colt barrel (in good shape) and a vintage A2 upper receiver complete of all parts. Skinny hand guards aren't Colt but I am looking. I am addicted to Colt. |
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Posted: 11/27/2018 8:28:23 PM EDT
[#47]
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Posted: 11/30/2018 2:33:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#48]
After much debating with myself, went for the following configuration for both of my 733's
They are pistols, and it's all I can have from here. 
733s by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 11/30/2018 7:59:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_]
[#49]
Tidbits (sling), front sling loop, Colt A2 worn out grip,
Steele's Blackhawk Down 733 by SoloDallas, on Flickr |
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Posted: 12/1/2018 12:21:35 PM EDT
[#50]
I just got my first Sba3 to replace my blade. Wow, awesome. I know they're not clone correct Solo but they look awesome.
 Attached File |
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