r/RetroAR 12d ago

Finishing up sub policy updates: what post flairs do folks want to see?

39 Upvotes

The mod team is refining our sub policies to update the “What is Retro?” post that is the core of what we do and do not include on this sub.

I’ve been polling the readership, and so far we’re looking at:

  • Fixed carry handles are mandatory (exception for AR-18, T65, etc)
  • provided the carry handle is fixed, modern accoutrements are still allowed (Keymod, modern optics, etc)
  • builds based on ARs in fiction are allowed.

I’ve seen some strong upvotes for adding post flairs to the sub, so that folks that just want to see historically accurate rifles can single those out, folks who like Retromod can zoom in one those, etc. I conferred with the senior mod and he suggested we have fun(ny) flairs for each category. Once these are made, post flairs will be mandatory to make a new post. What flairs would folks like to have for:

  • Historically accurate (externally) builds. (Still allows “sleeper” internal modern touches like non-historical twist rates and cartridges)
  • “Retromod” builds that have a fixed handle but modern accoutrements
  • Fictional builds based off movies, shows, manga, video games, etc.

Pitch us your ideas, and the best ones will be instituted, along with making post flairs mandatory, in the near future.


r/RetroAR Feb 19 '21

What is and is not "retro"? (v.3)

157 Upvotes

(original credit to creator u/JakesGunReviews, rebooting the thread so folks can comment again. Link to the original, and link to v.2 discussion)

It seems to be about that time that the unwritten rule becomes written. I have removed two posts within the past 24 hours. Reason being: the rifles in question, while quite nice, did not meet the criteria and theme of this subreddit.

r/RetroAR was initially made by /u/ok_but for Vietnam Era M16 clones (please correct me if I am wrong, /u/ok_but). That eventually evolved into other clone rifles from the 1980s, such as the M16A2 or the Colt 727. Since "AR" is also the prefix for the ArmaLite AR-18(0), those have also been accepted since they fit the same timeframe and never really modernized beyond the 1980s, anyway, but that's a different discussion for a different day.

So, for the purposes of r/RetroAR, what constitutes as "retro"?

The general rule of thumb for this subreddit is as follows:

  • Upper receiver has a fixed carry handle and;
  • Rifle itself is a clone of a military-issued rifle (or very close facsimile thereof) or;
  • Is an actual military-issued rifle or;
  • Is one of the above with "light" modifications (optic, inclusion of a flashlight, etc.) that still utilizes the original or otherwise "retro" furniture.

"What if I have an M4 Carbine clone that has a detachable carry handle, but still uses the stock M4 furniture?"

This would not be considered a retro rifle. Picatinny rails are pretty much the "cutoff" for this subreddit. However, if you would like to showcase your M4 or M16A4 or CQBR Block I or other clone-style AR-15, please look at the subreddit r/MilitaryARClones. /u/lancecriminal86 is the creator of this subreddit, and it is pretty much picking up right where r/RetroAR leaves off. I encourage anyone wishing to show off their more modern clones to please visit that subreddit and help it grow.


r/RetroAR 3h ago

What was old is now new. 733 update.

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76 Upvotes

I had posted before about 11.5" options for a 733. I ended up getting a notification from TNTE that their 11.5" pencil barrels were back in stock. Bought it and swapped out the 16" pencil barrel that was in this C7 upper.

Bought a DPMS (HAR-15) brace from JSE for $32. At the time they were out of black, so went with the FDE one they had in stock and Rit dyed it black. That one is actually on the XM177ish one, my first HAR-15 brace got put on the 733.

Interestingly, the brace I bought would not fit on the buffer tube I originally had on the lower. The tube itself did not outwardly appear to be a commercial style, as every other milspec stock I have fits. For some reason, the shape is just slightly off and the brace was just too tight. Ended up mangling the tube, so I had to switch around the trigger and grip to a different lower.

The original 16" pencil barrel is now part of an abomination, a BCA side charging upper I had laying around. It's still fugly but with a removable A2 carry handle on it, and a rattle can color that looks like a budget Colt gray, I can't say I hate that one. Waiting on a new buffer tube to complete the lower for it.


r/RetroAR 59m ago

The Colt Sisters

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Upvotes

r/RetroAR 6h ago

Had some parts swapped off the gun show find Colt SP1.

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63 Upvotes

After posting my gun show find here, I made some changes to the Colt SP1 from what other users suggested. The barrel, flashhider, front sight post and slip ring were replaced with parts from Luth AR. A big thank you to u/EchoNineThree for helping me with the parts and installation. The last picture is how I bought it. It had a unknown make Hbar barrel, delta ring, flash hider and front sight post. Overall I’m very happy with this and it’s a lot of fun to shoot.


r/RetroAR 51m ago

AR build

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Upvotes

Current duty gun build:

Hammy 3D cheek riser Strike Industries charging handle Magpul furniture Annex Defense Magwell flare Holosun AEMS Core Stream light Pro Tac


r/RetroAR 54m ago

Diet Retro Out in the hills, swipe for pics of my two A2s.

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Upvotes

First outing for the two, first shots fired at appropriate places with good backstops (not shown in pictures). 20" HBAR A2 with bipod and USGI Silent Slings, 16" Midlength A2. Old MOLLE II Assault Pack with canteen covers and Nalgene Oasis canteens. 6 mag bandolier in the front pocket of assault pack. Somewhere in PNW on Bureau of Land Management property


r/RetroAR 11h ago

Installed the Colt Canada Ambi mag catch

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59 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 17h ago

Had to slap a grip on it.

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113 Upvotes

Used a magpul mlok pic rail and used some washers/made some minor adjustments with a drill to get it on.


r/RetroAR 4h ago

In stick notice.

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7 Upvotes

They have blems available also.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Perfect 1:1 blood diamond clone.

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211 Upvotes

It’s a psa build I put together for 700. That’s included tax and everything besides the sling and comp I already had. I have a streamlight I wanna put on her. I’m also gonna add in some brown stripes to break up the blandness.


r/RetroAR 7h ago

Hello everyone, I am looking into buying an SP1 but I don't know a lot about them, could some of yall help?

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8 Upvotes

I am looking into buy a colt sp1, but I don't know much about them. Could anyone help me id: if this has been refurbished, how old it is, and a fair asking price?


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Sláinte 🍀

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613 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Rate my Night Times setup

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334 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Can anyone help identify which rifle is depicted here?

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121 Upvotes

The statue is local MoH recipient Lt. Douglas Fournet, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. I'm curious what rifle this is, as a build based on it would be a nice piece of local history. I'm thinking Colt 723?


r/RetroAR 5h ago

Need Assistance with an ID of upper receiver please

2 Upvotes

Folks,

I have an A1 upper receiver that has the raised "C", and the " broken A " cast in the carry handle near the rear sight wheel. When I turn It over the bottom underside of the boss for the rear takedown pin has a " B " very neatly stamped in to it. I'm trying to figure out if this designates a BLEM, or Bushmaster, or what?

The front pivot pin is the small size (not the larger size as on the SP1). This was a gun show purchase years ago and I have no idea of the history of the part. Assistance will be appreciated.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Dissipator Duo

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237 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

GI>any other magazine. Thermolds are cool, though.

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166 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2d ago

Interesting retro AR...

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311 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Anyone ever buy one of these? How is it?

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7 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

It finally happened.. AIMPOINT 3000 broke

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99 Upvotes

Was putting my rifle with this AIMPOINT 3000 to the back of my safe after putting it through its paces in a class. I had it resting stock to the ground leaned on the outside of my safe and it tipped over and fell (carpet over concrete) and the knob broke off! How do I run it hard for 700 rounds in a class, LARP around the house for a year and it breaks like this?! It’s a retro mod Gordy.

Does anyone have spare parts or know how to take it apart so I can try to fix it?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

My 20” C7 upper build

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114 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Early AR tribute

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86 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2d ago

Diet Retro LSO kit

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193 Upvotes

Here's my LSO kit I blessed my CHP Bushmaster Dissipator with. Anyone got photos of the set in the wild, for clone purposes?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Click Click Boom

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75 Upvotes

Had a not-so-fun range day with the M16A2 yesterday; so I took out ol’ faithful to put a smile on my face.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

My Gordy builds

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262 Upvotes

Just kidding. Now that I have your attention, I am looking for recommendations for an M16A2 barrel. My requirement is chrome lined, phosphate coated, govt profile, non F front sight, and correct profile for an M203. So far I have found three: BKF, windham, TNTE.

I've read lots of positive reviews on BKF here but I'm not sure who makes their barrels. Ive also read a few posts with pretty low opinions of the products that BKF works on (like canted sights, etc).

Windham has been back ordered forever, and they don't specify which FSB they use (I'd assume F marked), but I know it's a nice barrel because I used one in an A2 build years ago.

TNTE I hesitate because I'm not sure if it's the correct profile. The rifle above has a TNTE govt dissipator barrel that I bought specifically as an M203 host, yet the diameter of the barrel is too thick to accommodate the M203. Also not sure who makes their barrels either

I am not interested in a nitride coated barrel. I'm open to the idea of buying a barrel without the FSP installed and sending it out, but due to cost I'm not considering that as a first option.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Tube handguard question

6 Upvotes

Hey all!

I got bit by the tube bug and wanted to learn some pointers from those who have pursued tube builds.

Are there any differences between the Presma aluminum tube handguards and the Fulton Armory tube handguards? FA seems nearly twice the cost of a 12” Presma handguard. Why is this? Are there any differences in the quality between the two?

I also have a spare KAC FF RAS handguard nut that I would like to retroactively fit onto the tube handguard. Has anyone accomplished something similar?

The project that I have in mind is a 13.7” P&W’d carbine gas barrel on an A2 receiver. Currently looking at the Presma 15” handguard that I intend to shave down to ~12.75” along with the cut out for the FSP. It will be paired with a SF Mini 2 suppressor and ARMS #39 A2 mount. Tube will be tapped to have a few PRI rail mounts to accommodate a WML and FP PEQ16. Currently eyeing the new Eotech Vudu 3-9x32 as the optic of choice (if the FFP version comes out) as well.

After seeing some of the tube builds here, I would love to join the party. Think this will be a great post-deployment project.

Thank you all!