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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:16:51 PM EDT
Hello all, well after a year. ,,, maybe two, she is finally done!
It seemed every time I was close to finishing it , Something else popped up. Not a lot to tell about this model rifle, no history lesson needed. most of you probably know More than me anyway. But a big round of thanks are in order. First up is my man Braceman, he supplied and engraved the 80% lower, And supplied the upper receiver, barrel, handgaurds ,and flash hider. And he made the gas plug and faux sear pins. Next up is jhud who made the stock , buffer assembly And supplied the fire control plate, I think this was the second stock he made ? Right after John Thomas. . Last but never least,,, thanks to John Thomas. Who did all the anodizing ( pre retirement ) And parkerized all the lower parts and stock assembly. Thank you all . 
Enjoy ! |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:21:08 PM EDT
[#1]
Always cool to see obscure retro builds.
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:31:49 PM EDT
[#2]
Very Nice!
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:32:15 PM EDT
[#3]
That carbine is a work of art...!!! 
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:47:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Very nice looking firearm!
dumb question: are you going to mount a carry handle optic for shooting? |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:49:20 PM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 4/21/2014 5:49:21 PM EDT
[#6]
Nice weapon. Also are real M231 blowback or did they have gastubes?
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Posted: 4/21/2014 6:26:48 PM EDT
[#7]
Sweet! Now all you need is a Bradley Fighting Vehicle to mount it in!
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Posted: 4/21/2014 6:47:08 PM EDT
[#8]
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Posted: 4/21/2014 8:53:50 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice weapon. Also are real M231 blowback or did they have gastubes? The real ones did have gas tubes, and fired from a open bolt. . But making those parts work in a semi auto would probably not be Possible. . I think John Thomas came the closest with his system. |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 8:55:41 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Very nice looking firearm! dumb question: are you going to mount a carry handle optic for shooting? Ya , it is a little silly to build a gun with no sights . I've got a colt scope I'll stick on at the range. |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 8:58:47 PM EDT
[#11]
Very nice work OP
 But then again, I wouldn't expect anything less 
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Posted: 4/21/2014 9:18:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sweet! Now all you need is a Bradley Fighting Vehicle to mount it in! This is the real danger of the M231. Many of us have ended up with a rifle build from the smallest part of a gun. An M231 is a small part of an M2... I guess the good news is you can sleep in the back once your wife finds out! |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 9:24:00 PM EDT
[#13]
I would like to come across one of the ball mounts.
I think it would fit right in on a HMMWV turret |
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Posted: 4/21/2014 9:30:24 PM EDT
[#14]
Very nice. Loaded with tons of detail and craftsmanship. Will definately be a head turner.
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Posted: 4/22/2014 4:23:57 AM EDT
[#15]
Great job on a not so easy to build Retro AR! Now its time to SBR it.
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Posted: 4/22/2014 5:36:13 AM EDT
[#16]
Late to the love fest (been attending my 16 hour CCW course) BUT I want to add my
feelings to this build!
Nice job! |
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Posted: 4/22/2014 5:50:34 AM EDT
[#17]
16 hr CCW course?
 We can do it online here in AZ! ANyway, kudos to the OP on finishing a very difficult build. Definitely one of the tougher models to clone - maybe the toughest, alone with the 607 and 608. Very nice!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 7:16:50 AM EDT
[#18]
Me likes, me likes a lot... .
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Posted: 4/22/2014 7:36:54 AM EDT
[#19]
Nice job duplicating the oversize pin look on the right side of the receiver!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 10:12:27 AM EDT
[#20]
Love it!
Is that an original M231 gasblock, or a repro piece? Are the handguards the "solid" resin versions? Would love to put a wire stock on mine, but I wasn't going to pin and weld an original M231 barrel, nor was I gonna pay a $200 Form 1 tax to SBR it, especially when "mine" was in pistol form to begin with! ~Augee |
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Posted: 4/22/2014 11:41:27 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Love it! Is that an original M231 gasblock, or a repro piece? Are the handguards the "solid" resin versions? Would love to put a wire stock on mine, but I wasn't going to pin and weld an original M231 barrel, nor was I gonna pay a $200 Form 1 tax to SBR it, especially when "mine" was in pistol form to begin with! ~Augee Thanks! No the gas block was made by braceman, really there aren't Many original parts on it, except the upper. , carrier and fire control plate. Everything else was reproduced. The handgaurds ...... I don't know. I'll have to look when I get home. Pretty sure they have the heat shields. Ya I wouldn't cut a original barrel either . I'm not sure who Made the barrel on mine..... Braceman got it off the inter-web But can't remember where . And that's fine with me. I like whatever I do to be new on the inside and Retro on the Outside. It leaves more original parts for you guys 
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Posted: 4/22/2014 11:42:26 AM EDT
[#22]
Congrats Trimdad! One box down. 239,183,605 to go!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 2:27:26 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Congrats Trimdad! One box down. 239,183,605 to go! Ya ..... 
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Posted: 4/22/2014 2:34:54 PM EDT
[#24]
That is one badass build my man. Congrats, very well done!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 3:00:33 PM EDT
[#25]
You have so many nice builds man! As always she's beautiful and i'm jealous.
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Posted: 4/22/2014 3:06:55 PM EDT
[#26]
I wonder why they went Open bolt on that model, seems like it would limit parts availability
Now I want one 
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Posted: 4/22/2014 4:57:06 PM EDT
[#27]
Wow! That is sharp!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 6:53:45 PM EDT
[#28]
Great lookin' piece....Love the cartouches!
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Posted: 4/22/2014 8:10:25 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I wonder why they went Open bolt on that model, seems like it would limit parts availability Now I want one It's open bolt because the rate of fire is stupid high in the real thing. All in all, not the Army's best idea. |
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Posted: 4/22/2014 9:08:53 PM EDT
[#30]
Most of the Brad's rear mounts are welded up now, and the side ports have long been covered over. A 231 build was what got me reading the Retro forum. OP, that's a beautiful example.
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Posted: 4/22/2014 11:53:09 PM EDT
[#31]
While It's not my cup of tea, it's looks impeccable. I just don't understand wtf Colt was smoking when they designed this ugly monstrosity
But, if you like this model here's one that looks the real deal. Well done my friend you did it right and took your time and it paid off in the end. I hope you put that scope on it and find a role for it shooting wise or just keep it as a safe queen.
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Posted: 4/23/2014 1:50:40 AM EDT
[#32]
awesome build man, thats something you dont see everyday
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Posted: 4/23/2014 5:59:32 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
While It's not my cup of tea, it's looks impeccable. I just don't understand wtf Colt was smoking when they designed this ugly monstrosity But, if you like this model here's one that looks the real deal. Well done my friend you did it right and took your time and it paid off in the end. I hope you put that scope on it and find a role for it shooting wise or just keep it as a safe queen.It was a different time.
It wasn't exactly "their idea" - they were asked for something, and they built what was requested. The ROF on the shortened open-bolt system with the nestled springs is amazing - IIRC, 1,600-1,800 RPM or something - the loading is not the most intuitive, though - the magazine locks back the bolt "traditionally" - but not in the same position as the open bolt system - you still need to slap the bolt release to get it into firing position - the LMG variants had an extended bolt release that was activated by the magazine catch - it should've been used on the M231 as well. The stocks were removed on production versions to prevent their use as dismounted weapons - even if they'd had sights, they're not exactly the most controllable. You can dump a magazine almost faster than you can react and release the trigger.
~Augee |
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Posted: 4/23/2014 7:42:13 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You have so many nice builds man! As always she's beautiful and i'm jealous. Thanks man! One day the 656 might get done, if I stop getting sidetracked |
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Posted: 4/23/2014 7:53:33 AM EDT
[#35]
Thanks everybody for all the compliments, I appreciate it.
But the credit goes to brace, Thomas and jhud, I assembled it And made sure the checks cashed, and was dumb enough to build A gun with no sights .
I'll admit it isn't the sexiest model colt made, but it grows on you. I always liked the 231 but never really planed on building one,, the parts were rare and Expensive . But... I always try to support a members projects So when jhud was going to make stocks ,,,,, and brace making The gas block ( thanks to augee for sending him a original ).... Well , I guess I'm building one. I hate to say it but most or my guns are safe queens. Not really intentional, it just seems if I have 100$ to blow on ammo I usually buy parts with it. I've had a 601 for a couple of years And still never fired it .
But hopefully this weekend the 231 is going to the range , I'm curious to see what kind of attention it brings . Most people aren't used to seeing retro rifles, at least not this one. So I'll post some range pics |
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Posted: 4/23/2014 8:52:35 AM EDT
[#36]
No Sights?
I figured the sighting system was similar to the LaFrace guns.
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Posted: 4/23/2014 8:57:56 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No Sights? I figured the sighting system was similar to the LaFrace guns.Nope. , nothing. The upper receiver isn't drilled or Milled to accept a sight assembly. I've got a armson OEG I can use at the range . |
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Posted: 4/23/2014 9:28:11 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nope. , nothing. The upper receiver isn't drilled or Milled to accept a sight assembly. I've got a armson OEG I can use at the range . Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
No Sights? I figured the sighting system was similar to the LaFrace guns.Nope. , nothing. The upper receiver isn't drilled or Milled to accept a sight assembly. I've got a armson OEG I can use at the range . Not entirely accurate... There was a sighting "system" - Load "hot" with a thirty-round magazine of M196 (tracer) with a periscope above the firing port - then "walk" on to your target - which is presumably in the process of crawling over your Brad. It's a system.
The earlier prototypes did have sights - but as I said, the production models actually omitted the stock to discourage dismounted use. ~Augee |
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Posted: 4/23/2014 9:44:51 AM EDT
[#39]
Damn! Now I have to get braceman to make a periscope !
Here is one in the wild 
And the 231 prototype with flip up front sight 
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Posted: 4/23/2014 4:29:48 PM EDT
[#40]
Nice build, Trimdad !
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Posted: 4/23/2014 6:08:59 PM EDT
[#41]
Nice build. Great attention to details. Have a great range day. It should be a pretty cool experience.
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Posted: 4/24/2014 2:23:59 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I wonder why they went Open bolt on that model, seems like it would limit parts availability Now I want one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjVE6bocSNk |
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Posted: 4/24/2014 4:05:11 PM EDT
[#43]
Trimdad, I'll go halvsies in with you on an Bradley. . .
You can have it MWF, I'll take TThS, and we can alternate Sundays. |
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Posted: 4/25/2014 6:20:56 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trimdad, I'll go halvsies in with you on an Bradley. . .
You can have it MWF, I'll take TThS, and we can alternate Sundays. That would definatly get me through traffic faster! I did talk to braceman about making a gimble ( is that what the thing is called That tge gun screws into?). And than I would make a piece of ply wood you could sit Behind with a periscope. Paint it tan , screw the gun in and get to shooting. That would be the proper way to shoot a 231,,,,, but I don't think my local Range would dig it too much |
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Posted: 4/25/2014 7:51:47 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That would definatly get me through traffic faster!
I did talk to braceman about making a gimble ( is that what the thing is called That tge gun screws into?). And than I would make a piece of ply wood you could sit Behind with a periscope. Paint it tan , screw the gun in and get to shooting. That would be the proper way to shoot a 231,,,,, but I don't think my local Range would dig it too much Needs more bump fire & tracers. Gonna be hard to bump fire when it's solidly attached to a 35 ton mount...
This crew needs to find some Armor officers @ Bliss or Hood, & arrange a demo shoot... |
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Posted: 4/25/2014 7:57:10 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That would definatly get me through traffic faster! I did talk to braceman about making a gimble ( is that what the thing is called That tge gun screws into?). And than I would make a piece of ply wood you could sit Behind with a periscope. Paint it tan , screw the gun in and get to shooting. That would be the proper way to shoot a 231,,,,, but I don't think my local Range would dig it too much Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Trimdad, I'll go halvsies in with you on an Bradley. . .
You can have it MWF, I'll take TThS, and we can alternate Sundays. That would definatly get me through traffic faster! I did talk to braceman about making a gimble ( is that what the thing is called That tge gun screws into?). And than I would make a piece of ply wood you could sit Behind with a periscope. Paint it tan , screw the gun in and get to shooting. That would be the proper way to shoot a 231,,,,, but I don't think my local Range would dig it too much It's a Firing Port Weapon. I'd call that a Firing Port. . . but that's just me. |
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Posted: 4/25/2014 8:43:34 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I did talk to braceman about making a gimble ( is that what the thing is called That tge gun screws into?). Gimbal - "A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis." So technically the bradley firing port incorporates a dual gimbal, since it allows up and down as well as left and right rotation. |
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Posted: 4/25/2014 10:18:29 AM EDT
[#48]
Also, if Braceman is reading this, I too would be interested in buying one of these hypothetical gimbals. . .
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Posted: 4/25/2014 12:23:15 PM EDT
[#49]
I'd like to see close-up pics of the XM231 flip-up front sight and the area around it frankly.
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Posted: 4/26/2014 4:26:04 PM EDT
[#50]
Morg. I am with you on the flip front sight model...
I want one of those prototype guns stupidly bad. |
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