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Posted: 8/16/2004 8:57:14 AM EDT
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I have a pre-ban Colt A2 Sporter 20" and would like to convert it to a flat top to mount a scope. I would like to just rebarrel to a flat top, but am unsure of which brand will fit the large Colt front pivot pin. Can anyone tell me were I can purchase an flattop upper compatible to a colt lower ? or do I just assemble with an offset pin,or expandable tension pin ? Also, am I de-valueing this weapon by such a conversion. out edited: Is it a waist of time to scope this rifle without also free floating the barrel ? Thanks |
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There are adapter pins and bushings that will allow you to mount any upper onto your Colt lower, so you can use just about any upper receiver and you will be able to mount on the Colt lower. If you have a 100% Colt rig right now and you install a non-Colt upper receiver on it, you would likely devalue the rifle in the eyes of a Colt enthusiast - they will call blasphemy on you and call you mean names like heretic, retard, etc. Most othres probably wouldn't care that you have a non-Colt receiver on it. Functionally, you haven't changed a thing unless you get a out of spec, junk receiver. The receiver is a guide tube for the bolt & carrier and a place for the barrel to thread on. If the receiver is in spec, it has very little impact on the operation of the rifle as a whole. To keep the Colt elitists from calling you names, get yourself a genuine Colt A4 receiver. You will pay alot for it but you probably won't regret it, as it will not give you any problems and color match will likely be better for you. Most any other receiver won't match the color of your Colt, unless you have one that is black in color. I would check the EE for used Colt receivers, look for a guy named BILLBO, he always has Colt A4 receivers for sale. Good luck. |
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There are a few options for you: 1. (CHEAPEST) buy a run-o'the-mill flattop free float upper, and use the conversion pins. Keep your existing upper intact, for your collector value. (To be honest, unless it's marked M4, or Government Carbine, i am not sure how much collector value there will be). 2. Buy a Daniel Defense large hole flattop receiver (http://danieldefense.com/) for $225, and build as you please. This will require some fitting. 3. Have your lower front pivot welded shut, and redrilled to the smaller hole (as detailed here: www.assaultweb.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=005342). The guy offering this service is www.american-manufacture.com. 4. (MOST EXPENSIVE) Buy a large hole Colt (or the ever elusive Armalite) flattop with large hole. Prepare to grab ankles. |
Some say there is a dramatic increase in accuracy when you FF an AR barrel. In theory, I agree, therefore all but one of my uppers/rifles are FF. It is likely that I will never be able to shoot the rifles accurately enough to see a difference, but I sure do try. For true precision shooting, you probably should FF. |
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OK, I have a 6551 Colt Sporter Target with small pivot pin. Where can I find an A4 small pivot pin upper that will be the matching Colt grey finish? What I's like to do is build a complete extra upper for it, thus maintain any future "collectability" by being able to readily restore it to original configuration.  Lonny |
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Lonny, Try ARFCOM member BILLBO. He usually has some Colt grey flattop uppers available. I have dealt with him a couple of times and he is very good to deal with. See this link: BILLBO Stuff for Sale |
Thanks, mongo. I've seen BILLBO's ad. Nothing there that quite matches what I am looking for. I'm keeping my eyes open and in no hurry. Lonny |
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