XM177E2 Returns From Retroarmsworks - 1911Forum

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My XM177E2 upper parts mess that I sent to John Thomas at www.retroarmsworks.com arrived. Wow, John did an excellent job with the fake Moderator and grenade ring he provides (barrel is pinned and welded to approx. 16"). This project was something I put together from scratch until it all came together. Thanks again to boywonder777 for needed major parts. And US Anodizing for there excellent anodizing services. And of course John Thomas for his attention to detail, excellent communications and fast turn around time. Parts are mainly late 70's Colt parts. But handguards are aftermarket 6 hole LGS marked, cut down 16" Daniel Defense 1/7 chrome lined barrel, NoDak Spud XM16E1 lower, NoDak Spud 2-position CAR tube, aftermarket aluminum XM177 stock, and M14 sling. I can't wait to shoot this puppy once the weather clears up. John said it was dead nuts on when he test fired it, and reliability was 100%. Good start! My only complaint with this whole kit is the aluminum stock to car tube is not the best fit. Too much wiggle left/right and up and down? It's what I get adding a quality 2-position car tube to an aftermarket stock. I'll figure a way to tighten it up or sent it to John and see if he can do some tightening magic.

#1 · Feb 4, 2015 My XM177E2 upper parts mess that I sent to John Thomas at www.retroarmsworks.com arrived. Wow, John did an excellent job with the fake Moderator and grenade ring he provides (barrel is pinned and welded to approx. 16"). This project was something I put together from scratch until it all came together. Thanks again to boywonder777 for needed major parts. And US Anodizing for there excellent anodizing services. And of course John Thomas for his attention to detail, excellent communications and fast turn around time. Parts are mainly late 70's Colt parts. But handguards are aftermarket 6 hole LGS marked, cut down 16" Daniel Defense 1/7 chrome lined barrel, NoDak Spud XM16E1 lower, NoDak Spud 2-position CAR tube, aftermarket aluminum XM177 stock, and M14 sling. I can't wait to shoot this puppy once the weather clears up. John said it was dead nuts on when he test fired it, and reliability was 100%. Good start! My only complaint with this whole kit is the aluminum stock to car tube is not the best fit. Too much wiggle left/right and up and down? It's what I get adding a quality 2-position car tube to an aftermarket stock. I'll figure a way to tighten it up or sent it to John and see if he can do some tightening magic.

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2 Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Feb 4, 2015 Perhaps the carbine buffer tube is not mil-spec but the stock is (or vice-versa) - I think that would be wobbly, but most all collapsible stocks are, so that wouldn't be a major issue to me on a replica build that mainly is for looking at. #4 · Feb 4, 2015 Exactly 1saxman. The XM177 aftermarket aluminum stock I.D. is not in spec. The NoDak Spud 2-position CAR (receiver extension) is. Already reviewing simple fixes recommendations.

bradsvette said: It looks great. I'm considering a retro AR myself. I've already visited John's website thanks to your post. Again, nice job on your AR! Click to expand...

Thanks. John does excellent work. His prices are more than reasonable, quality of work superb, and turn around time is usually within a week. Can't enough positive things about him and his talents. 0 Reply #3 · Feb 4, 2015 It looks great. I'm considering a retro AR myself. I've already visited John's website thanks to your post. Again, nice job on your AR! #5 · Apr 26, 2015 John does great work. I saw his retro Armalite "Protoype" builds and they completely blew me away. Nice XM! #6 · Apr 27, 2015 Thx. John Thomas is great to work with and his workmanship on retro weapons is superb. 0 Reply #7 · Apr 27, 2015 Brings back some old memories. #9 · Apr 28, 2015

FN in MT said: I have a pretty "proper" upper done, basically what You did. But need to do a proper lower. I'm aware of the NoDak spud folks and need to get a lower ordered up. Currently mine is in an older, Colt Sporter, lower. My biggest issue is finding a stock. OP what are your suggestions there? I have a cheapo plastic stock now, a faux Commando style but every few rds fired, it will collapse. Did you do any retro engraving on the stock? If so...a close up is required. Yours looks great! Love those RETRO AR's. Click to expand...

Thx. Last week a "proper" M16A1 Nodak Spud lower arrived and is now on this rifle. But I've seen pictures of XM177E2's sporting a partial fence lower like mine from "in country" pictures. Original aluminum Colt stocks in vinyl acetate finish bring a premium. $250 and up depending on condition. Mine came from Tony's Custom Guns with a 5 position buffer tube. I swapped it out for a 2 position from Nodak Spud. Essential Arms also sells an aluminum stock. Tony's is cheaper, EA is more expensive, but better quality fit. You'll still need a 2 position stock to keep it correct. Another option is a replacement Colt marked N M plastic stock which are still around and reasonable in cost. No, didn't engrave my lower. Still stock NDS. Maybe down the road in the future. If I did I'd have to have re-anodized in XM gray which isn't cheap. Or you could by an 80% lower in the white and come out ahead. This retro hobby can be fun but add up in cost. Hope this helps. 2 Replies #8 · Apr 27, 2015 I have a pretty "proper" upper done, basically what You did. But need to do a proper lower. I'm aware of the NoDak spud folks and need to get a lower ordered up. Currently mine is in an older, Colt Sporter, lower. My biggest issue is finding a stock. OP what are your suggestions there? I have a cheapo plastic stock now, a faux Commando style but every few rds fired, it will collapse. Did you do any retro engraving on the stock? If so...a close up is required. Yours looks great! Love those RETRO AR's. #10 · Apr 28, 2015 Wags, I go back and forth between REALLY finishing this...and doing it "good enough". the latter is the much quicker and cheaper alternative. I also do LR rifle and just started dabbling in 3 gun (at 65 yoa) so lots of other "irons in the fire". Thanks for the info on the stocks...I may simply do a retro stock and call it done. Have parts on the way for another LR rifle build....still need a Jewell trigger, mounts and GLASS. So my fun money is going out faster than I can replace it. FN in MT #11 · Apr 28, 2015 My youngest brother is big into the LR shooting. I can see considerable dollar signs with those nice rigs that reach out there. #13 · May 3, 2015 My early nineties Colt Hbar national Match. Well that is about as "retro" that I care to go for an AR type rifle. Actually mine is NIB.

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#14 · May 3, 2015 GAU = Gun, Aircraft, Unit. GAU-5/P later re-designated as GUU-5/P. GUU = guns, miscellaneous personal equipment. Insert Quotes Post Reply

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