Welp, I'm *this* close to being done, except for minor 601-type details like the rear sight wheel... and a couple more serious issues.
(edit: fixed the title, not sure how I lost nearly an entire word there)
Looking at an Airsoft build for details of the front sight (see below for more on that), and lo and behold, I have Learned A Thing.
(Image from Sturmgewehr sale thread in 2020)
The handguards had extra vents on the bottom, which no one had posted pictures of before (or I managed to miss them, always possible). They seem doable, I guess... I don't suppose anyone has measurements? Or even a nice high-resolution picture taken straight on at the bottom?
As for the sight, I've gotten rather nervous about my ability to braze that thing on without damaging my slickside upper. Quick, to the John Thomas-mobile!
And just as quick, a response. "Sorry, not doing these any more." (I can see why, custom work and he's already stacked with pin-and-welds, FSB pinning and everything else.) Question is, is there anyone else who might be able to do this? (I've read the Cloning The LaFrance article, and would rather have the correct-ish brazed front tube.)(The Airsoft dude did his with epoxy, but I rather suspect there's a slight difference in recoil between 6mm BBs and 5.56mm out of an 8.5" barrel.)
At least the 601-ish N-23 is down to just the same minor details, and the rather more simple handguards build...