My first AR-15 was a 16" A2 Hbar carbine with a fixed A2 stock and a set screw comp.

That was 20 years ago, and as ARs tend to do, it gradually morphed into something else entirely. At some point, the only thing that remained original was the lower receiver. Although I sold or traded off all the other parts, I always held on to that A2 upper receiver. Having grown up in the 1980's I always loved the look of the A2 and planned to someday

Due to recent corona boredom, I've been going through and organizing my ammo and parts. Over the weekend, I came to the realization that I was but a LPK and a barrel from having everything needed to build a handy little retro carbine. So, I ordered a LPK, gas tube and LW carbine barrel today.

Here's what I've got gathered together just waiting on the other parts.

complete A2 upper
delta ring assembly
Colt BCG
charging handle
Colt CAR stock and hand guards
FN receiver extension and buffer assembly
end plate and castle nut

I've got at least a half dozen A2 flash hiders and pistol grips but will probably be using the A1 FH and Duckbill pistol grip shown here. I've also got a Colt M4 front sling mount I'll be adding to use with a 2 point quick adjust sling.

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Feel free to share photos of your lightweight A2 carbines.

Should be a nice build.  I’d like to pick a Colt 6520 at some point in the future.  My only fixed carry handle build is my 733.  It’s definitely light compared to my other rifles.

All Colt Build

I’ve always wanted one of these. Seems like it would be a good all around/truck gun. I don’t feel like building the upper so if there’s a decent deal on an upper that fits the bill I may pick one up after this drama is all over.

The only original part on my first AR is the takedown pin and it went from 6 to like 12 pounds :-/

You’ve got the makings of a 6520.

Very nice. Just looking at it makes me want so rapid mag changes with a duffle bag full of cash strapped to my back.

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m going for.

No front sight?

I've never seen a carry handle mounted first sight. Details?

Originally done Timothy F. La France to make super small AR's in the 80's.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_France_M16K

https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/My-Retro-LaFrance-M16k-Clone/123-748765/

http://www.thenewrifleman.com/the-ar-k-a-do-it-yourself-lafrance-m16k-clone-retro-project/

Nice, thanks for sharing.

That’s very interesting. when I saw that first picture with no FSB I thought it was something similar to the M231.

That's Fn sweet.

Almost there. LPK came in today and the barrel should be here tomorrow to finish it up.

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Ooooo

Nice op.  Can't wait to see it With the barrel.

I was planning to update with pictures of the finished carbine today but it looks like this project is on hold for a while. The vendor I ordered the lightweight barrel with A2 FSB appears to have sold me an F marked FSB with the F ground off.

Link to thread

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It’s pretty much done. Still need to order a sling and I’ve got a Colt front sling mount to add as well. Also looking for a slim rubber butt pad as I forgot how slick these CAR stocks can be.

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Looks good. That’s about as classic as it gets. Job well done.

Thanks!

Looks great! I got the john masen butt pad for my car stock from brownells, I love it on mine. How do you like that duck bill grip?

It’s great for plastic grip. It’s actually the first aftermarket grip I ever bought, probably 18-19 years ago. I use the MOE+ on all of my modern guns but wanted something more original looking for this carbine. It a similar shape to an A1 but with a more aggressive texture and, of course, covers that annoying void behind the trigger guard.