Thanks koffee! I think I may have looked at those before and they were clamp on? I'll take another look! Thanks!

Thanks Ryan! Something to look at for sure! I've had good luck with Wilson Combat on other builds but maybe this is one that's off?

Thanks Shawn! Yes, a little more fine tuning is in order but I'm getting close! Thanks for watching and commenting!

Thanks John! Started out wanting to use mostly Colt but found out quick that wasn't going to happen! I just used what I could find that I thought might be decent parts and this is the Frankenstein that I ended up with! Lol! I think it's dialed in now with enough left over for weak ammunition, cold weather or other adverse conditions. Although I would rather have something that works from the start I do enjoy figuring out what the show stoppers are. I can honestly say it's always parts or parts combinations that should have worked in the first place! It is impossible for me to understand what is going on in this country and society. Doesn't just seem to be here either! A lot of insanity on a global level! Our founding fathers were very intelligent to give us the means!

Ha! Ha! You'll have to me show how that's done on your's first!

I have put together quite a few carbines over the years and this was the first one that needed additional tuning! Not sure what the gas port size was on the Brownells barrel as it already had the FSB installed but they really wanted to make sure it was getting some gas! I got it reliable at 2:30-3:00 more towards 3:00 which I guess for a carbine gas system isn't too bad. Brownells claims that their barrels are made to USGI spec by a military contractor and proof round tested. Maybe that's why the gas port is the size that it is? Leaves some operating room for weak ammunition, cold weather or a dirty dry action. I may try a different buffer spring in the future but for now I think it's good enough? Thanks for watching and commenting!

@@peteregger7928 Watching a video does not always give a real account...Glad it worked out for you..

Yep!

Thanks! I've put together quite a few AR's over the years and from every build I learn something. One of the things that seems to be changing is the quality of parts especially in the realm of Retro. I should say lack thereof! Once what I thought of as reputable companies putting out of spec or complete junk on the market nowadays! Buy, try and then a lot of it ends up in the trash can! One of the reasons I assemble my own is to try and ensure I own something decent. Buying a complete rifle that was slammed together with little or no QC by a manufacturer I think is now the new normal regardless of what you pay. There are still a lot of things that I cannot see or test like metallurgy, heat treatment and coatings but I do my best. Actually considered buying a Rockwell hardness tester but a decent one is way above my budget! Been on an A2 Retro build bender lately!

@@peteregger7928 I added an A2 butt stock to my Ruger AR 556. I really like the looks of it and the feel. It's not totally A2 retro, but I do enjoy shooting it. Keep up the great work. Enjoy the videos.

Thanks! My son recently lived in Fernley for a couple of years but relocated for his job to Salt Lake. I spent some time at NAS Fallon back in the late 70's. I'm stuck here in Vegas for now but always wanted to move up to the Reno/Sparks area.

@@peteregger7928 better have your money ready is all I can say. Vegas is open later, oper more days and cheaper. I was shocked at the about 10pm shut down for a lot of business and Sundays (sat for some as well) closed.

Thanks Chris! One of the guys did take a cactus hit towards the very end of the ride but he waited until we got back to the truck to pull it out! The desert floor was still a little toasty but mid 70's I think when we got to higher elevation. We are often missing the cactus by inches!

Just be prepared for the horror show! Lol! The Teslong's are very affordable.

@@peteregger7928 thanks

Wilson Combat had the insert installed but not the O-ring. Thought I would try the BCG without the O-ring during testing. I think this rifle needs it. Have some heavier buffers on deck and the O-ring installed. Will be getting this one out for some more testing soon! Stay tuned! Thanks for watching and commenting!

Ok. You are absolutely correct. I went back and watched it again. It’s black and blended in. The BCM SOPMOD upgrade kits I got in the early 2000s to fix my bad BushmasterA1 had blue ones. I was looking for the wrong thing.

@@joesephkingston1621 Most of them I have seen are also blue! The black ones are hard to see even if you have good eyes... which I don't anymore! New rule for AR BCG manufacturers, use easily seen insert colors!

Didn't do as good a job as usual on the Army 25 meter zeroing procedure explanation. Detachable carry handles are 2 clicks up or the "Z" mark. A2 fixed carry is 1 click. Small aperture and elevation adjustments on the front sight post. Been off my game a little lately! Haven't been sleeping worth a crap for months! Keep waking up around 0300 no matter what time I turn in. Both barrels are very accurate! I was at 25 meters (27.34 yards) just to get the sights zeroed in. I now have an H1 buffer (3.8oz) installed for the MForgeryA1 and bought an H2 (4.7oz) yesterday and installed the O-ring on the extractor. If after that the carbine hasn't calmed down I'll try springs. Last option would be with a heavybuffers.com setup at 6.5oz or 8.5oz using his springs? His stuff worked out great on my LR308 builds! Once I get it dialed in I'll stretch it out to 50 yards which is about as good as my eyes work these days for iron sights for any kind of more precise accuracy. Maybe a scope after that and get out a little further to see what happens. I was shooting the A2 around 1-2 MOA but wasn't really trying hard as I just wanted to get some break-in rounds through it. I'm presently putting together my 3rd A2 which will make 3 of them using Criterion barrels. HBAR, Hybrid, and this last one will be the STD A2 Govt. profile. The barrel should be delivered today. I'll have to send it out for the FSB install. I'll get them all out at the same time to see what the differences are. Thanks Allen!

​@@peteregger7928.. Those definitely seem to be accurate barrels. I know about waking up in the middle of your sleep, it sucks. You do us a good service sharing your knowledge.

@@Allenmar73 Thanks again Allen!

Glad it helped!

Appreciate you looking out for me! Thanks for watching!

If it's going to happen it's going to happen to me! Lol! Apparently, I used that brush one too many times! It was a Hoppes brush. That borescope has more than paid for itself! I'm going to up my game on cleaning supplies! Another adventure to find out who makes a better quality barrel brush.

@@peteregger7928 OTIS There Pull Thru Cleaning Kit Is Really Good

@@peteregger7928 Yes Would Hate Too Get Those Bristles Stuck in The Gas Port That’s a Recipe For Disaster 😳😳😳😮

@@peteregger7928 I Would Also Panic if I Found Bristles In The Gas Port That Could Be a Recipe For Disaster 😩😩

Thanks again John! I really need to see this ironing board bench! Lol! The more you describe it the more I smile! If it works that's all that matters! I'll be getting an H2 buffer probably today to take back out to the range with the H1 I already have. I'll get the Mforgery straightened out very soon! The Brownells SOCOM barrel is accurate! First time using one of their barrels and the one I got is no slouch even using junk ammo! Overall the A2 is also my favorite! Everyone now refers to them as RETRO's but these are what I came up with and funny to realize that younger people refer to them that way. Old is new again... except me! Lol!

@@peteregger7928 Thanks for the reply, Pete. I'm with you on the old is new again, except for me. I'm mid 60's, probably close to your age! Your being a little modest on the barrel being accurate, even with a laser, the man behind it is the determining factor! You're a marksman, Pete! I'll bet it takes you quite a long time to set up all your shooting equipment, your shooting bench, chair, targets, etc. I'd like to pry a little more info from you, if I may? I'm looking at roll pin punch sets and I'm unsure on two options. The first is Brownells 7 pc. punch set along with their 5 pc. pin starter set, total inc. tax. & s & h is $90 and change. second is from our buddy, who uses Lok-Tite on buffer tubes. LOL! They are Grace, starter & punch sets, each having 7 pcs for $70 and change. Also, I've found a Midway combination upper receiver block/AR bench block for $20.88 (Primary Arms), add tax. & s & h, total $33 and change. Our biddy also has a Wheeler Clamshell upper receiver block for $22 and change, which includes the gas tube alignment tool. I'm trying to put some decent AR tools together without breaking the bank. I have some lumber coming tomorrow to build a workbench. I was looking at a Wheeler combo including a needle type torque wrench with an armorer's wrench for $47 and change. Dang, Pete, I apologize for all the questions, I don't know anyone else to ask, that I would trust actually knowing everything! Thanks, Pete and have a great evening!

Lots and lots of garbage on the market! Quite a bit from once reputable brand names. More and more retailers and manufacturers in it for just the money!

KZfaq is censoring my comments, so if double posts come up that's why

I was thinking that! I got it fixed but as usual annoyed by the ever decreasing "Honey I shrunk the QC!".

@@Theloss52 Happens to me often for no reason that I can understand!

Thanks Hybrid! Finding all the broken off bore bristles was an eye opener! Lol!

I don't know how many times I've used it but at least one too many times! Lol!

We've had quite a few record breakers this year! You guys got all the humidity and Gators too! Lol!

@@peteregger7928 Yup Don’t Pet the Alligators 🤕🤕😎

@@chrischiampo7647 My wife's side of the family is from Louisiana! They got some Gators there too! Lol!

Thanks! More to come! I was an AD2 my first 5 years! Got out for a few and went back in as an AT and retired after 21 years! Go Navy!

Thanks Hybrid! Got outta there before it really started blazing! I heard it's been warmish in your part of the country!

Thanks Gary! I'm going to go out tomorrow and find an H2 as all I have right now is an H1. I think you're right in that one of them should do the trick! Both barrels are accurate which I always expect from Criterion but nice to know that the Brownells SOCOM is no slouch either! Thanks again!

@@peteregger7928 I wait to see your updated video. I appreciate your videos. You are one of only three channels which seems to understand the AR platform well. I am looking forward to getting the Matech sight for my M4A1, which seems to be stuck in a USPS merry-go-round. I tested it with a good scope and the "build" is good. It hasn't been "zeroed" but it is accurate. After I zero the iron sight at 25 yards, I will take it over to the 300 yard range and fire at the full size metal silhouette targets. If I can consistently hit those targets at 300 yards...I call it "done". I have an H2 buffer in mine and it ejects at 3:30 and all the brass would land in a good sized hat. For the last couple of carbine builds, I just start with an H2. I had all sorts of frustrating feeding issues with another carbine build, which used a standard buffer. I put in an H2 and VOILA!, the troubles vanished. Those marks on the cases can come from a bolt opening too soon also, rather than a headspace issue. My M4A1 uses a 14.5" Bushmaster barrel. (pinned and welded extended A2 flash hider) Seems very accurate, I'm happy with it.

@@garyK.45ACP The rings at the base of the first two rounds fired subsided and the carbine quit doing it by the third round so that was a bit perplexing. The first round fired you could hang your finger nail on it! At first I thought it was a dwell time issue because of the over gassing but then it quit doing it! I suspect I'll be at an H2 but will try the H1 first. Sounds like your M4A1 is dialed in! Hopefully your MATECH hasn't been involved in a USPS heist! Is your barrel from the new owners of Bushmaster out of Carson City, NV.? Thanks again Gary!

@@peteregger7928 The Bushmaster barrel is an older one. As I understand from the seller (he had several of them) he purchased a bunch of Bushmaster parts post-bankruptcy and had quite a few to choose from, in various lengths, with various barrel markings. They were all phosphate finished (which is what I prefer) Some were "blank" barrels, others were in various stages of completion. I bought one that already had an FSB, barrel nut, weld spring and standard A2 flash hider. (no sling swivel, which is OK because I wanted to install the side mount swivel anyway). It was ready to install, except that I had to change the flash hider to an extended A2 and have a gunsmith pin and weld it. It is marked "BFI 5.56 1:9 MPI" It is chrome lined, but not marked chrome lined. ALL the barrels I checked were chrome lined.

@@garyK.45ACP Nice! Original Bushmaster stuff now days are like Unicorns!

Yep! I have heard about them! Sounds like they work! Hopefully a heavier buffer gets things slowed down but at least there's an additional option. Too bad AR's aren't like the Mini 14 that uses a gas port bushing sandwiched between the barrel and gas block.

I also had 20/15 and around mid-40's started to notice. About 5 years ago I had my right eye lens replaced and it's getting time for the left one now. I worked with an older guy years & years ago who was in his 70's at the time and he would always say "getting older ain't for the chickenshit!". I thought at the time I knew what he meant... I do now! Lol! Thanks Shawn!

This is my first over gassed carbine. Odd thing was during firing it didn't feel punchy or snappy. Probably because of the heavy SOCOM barrel. Thought I had an H2 in my spare parts but when I got home it was an H1. Also, put an O-ring on the extractor which was not installed by Wilson Combat and I wanted to see how it would behave. So back out to the range here soon! Thanks Rifleshooter!

@@peteregger7928 When you put the heavier buffer in the carbine, I bet it will be ejecting about 3:30/4:00. That's where I like to see it fall. If that doesn't work, try an H2. One or the other will get it where it is acting right.

@@davidstevens6117 Got a new H2 yesterday in addition to the H1 I already had. Should be back out early next week for round two of testing!

Thanks Pacman! Much appreciated!

Absolutely. Love his builds. Always well done and not gaudy instagram stuff haha.

Good fit and finish but comes with the plastic door using the metal A2 style release latch. Dark gray until you get some oil on them then more of a black.

Thanks! I think they are the best on the market! Everything I have purchased from them has been top notch so far!

Ha! Ha! I'm not sure about that! Lol! Thanks Urbicide!

Thanks! In the last videos I did on these LR308's I finally got them dialed in and able to run on anything! It was a journey!

Thanks Chris! I haven't fired the H&R M16A2 medium contour yet either! Lol! Temps here in Vegas are starting to cool down a little so I should be getting out soon! It's like that planet in Chronicles of Riddick called Crematoria around here! Lol!

@@peteregger7928 🥵😮‍💨🥵

Aeroshell 64... it's the correct stuff! The only thing that could be an issue with the Midwest Industries rail is that they include QD holes at each end of the side rails which would prevent you from using the correct 11 rib RAS rail cover. I believe the 11 rib would still work on the top and bottom rails. The 9 rib rails should work on the sides but they would run up against the very edge of the QD holes. Probably would look the best with all 9 rib. I haven't tried any of this yet so just going off the different size rail cover dimensions.

Thanks Chief! More to come!

Thanks Urbicide! For furniture I believe P&S was purchased by Prudent American Technologies (P.A.T.) cage code 8FW25. I'm not sure but I believe P.A.T. is presently only producing RAS rail covers and waffle stocks and they are usually listed as just MilSpec. Arms Unlimited sells the P.A.T. waffle stocks as Colt because Colt is using them as a supplier. I found trying to find NOS (new old stock) Colt, Knights Armament, P&S now P.A.T. has become increasingly difficult. If you can find anything used in excellent condition the price is usually way more than I'm willing to pay. I've had good luck with H&R branded uppers/lowers and the H&R branded A2 and Carbine hand guards recently from Palmetto State Armory. They do not have separate A2 rear sights if building from a stripped upper. If you can even find a new flat top Colt upper right now it's probably going to have the cage code on it and the same for the carry handle. I mentioned some of the flat top stuff in case your LEO didn't start out as an A2 but it sounds like it did. Finding a new Colt chalky deep charcoal grip has also become mission impossible and they may be gone for good? Finding affordable correct parts for your LEO can still be done but I think it won't be easy! I don't know what part of the country you're in but here in Vegas you can sometimes get lucky at pawn shops. Another possible source may be estate sales or firearms auctions.

@@peteregger7928 Thanks for responding. I'm in east-central GA. The waffle stock is the only part that has a cage code, 4U486, & looks relatively new. I was thinking about the retro B-5 carbine stock, if that type was correct. I've read about retro hand guards having either 6 or 7 holes, so that is another question of which number is correct. The rifle came from AIM Surplus, & all of these AR-15A2's were fitted with Rock River flat tops. Apparently they were all converted for some police department so that they could more easily run an optic. The MOE hand guard has a small section of pic rail for a light. I wonder if they pitched all of the fixed carry handles in the trash, or if they are sitting in some forgotten parts box underneath a work bench? It's ironic how yesterdays trash is today's treasure.

@@Urbicide Colt has a serial number look-up at their web site if your lower is Colt. they only list a fraction of what they built but for a small fee they will go into their archives and look it up and then also give you a letter of authenticity. It sounds like your's started out as a CAR15 pre-M4 so the waffle stock may not be correct. My old Colt CAR15 has an aluminum butt stock that most people refer to as two position but the way I look at it 3 position. Fully closed, midway and fully open. Mine has the 6 hole hand guard with the 1:9 twist 16" HBAR. Mine also uses the old style spanner locking ring instead of the newer castle nut for the buffer tube and was configured with the flat top receiver. Purchased in the mid 90's.

Ha! Ha! Thanks! It starts out flush with the butt plate at the hinge but then goes a little below flush at the release pin. It's very tight and does not rattle at all. This is my third metal door A2 from Fulton Armory and they all fit the same. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Unfortunately because of the economy I will be slowing down on the builds but not stopping! Lol! I've had good luck with CMMG and sometimes Aero Precision for the LPK pins, mag release. bolt catch and selector but I don't use their triggers. I've been using AERO lately on the Retro builds because they don't dimple the take down and pivot pins. My Windham's have been solid rifles although I have been critical of them for not sticking with MilSpec dimensions on buffer tubes and not using the correct "F" marked sight bases and carry handles on their flat tops. Otherwise they are solid well finished rifles. Not sure what's going on with Windham right now but it doesn't look good to me? I did make the shooting bench using Rugged Buddy folding legs which last time I checked are no longer made. I know he was selling a boat load of them because they were always in and out of stock on Amazon. I'm going to have to see that ironing board bench you're talking about! The Fulton Armory A2 butt stocks are decent. You can get them with the plastic door metal latch release pin or the all metal door version. I believe the metal doors are actually the A1 design using the A1 release pin. They're not the best fit as far as being flush with the butt plate but they are tight and don't rattle. The FA A2 hand guards are junk! Lok-Tite on a buffer tube... nope! Have a good one John!

@@peteregger7928 Thanks for all the great info! Have a great week!

I did take a look at UTG. I noticed the plastic door release latch pin and just couldn't. The rest of the UTG butt stock wasn't too bad. The Fulton Armory A2 is decent and you can still get the metal door although I believe the door it's actually for an A1. Not the best fitment but all metal.The Fulton Armory A2 hand guards are junk! Very little in the Retro world is the same quality as it once was and especially true for the furniture. The H&R A2 hand guard is good! The original Bushmaster was very good back in the day! In some regards better than Colt was! Bushmaster went to crap when the Freedom Arms Group (Remington) purchased the company from the original owner Richard Dyke! Interesting story how Remington destroyed Bushmaster and then not to much later themselves!

​@@peteregger7928.. Freedom Group ruined a lot of companies. I just saw a video where S&W had purchased some years back all of the old Thompson Center brand with all the machinery and stock then just let it sit in a warehouse. Some guys bought it and are going it bring back to life. They're in the process of trucking it out of Springfield, Mass. Cool video on KZfaq about it. Your builds and content are the best to us that are into it. Thanks.

I could be wrong as I have never done it, but would seem to me to balance out you cut the spring the length of the set screw.

Thanks Malcolm! Usually no more than two coils or just a little less than the length of the set screw. The set screw usually has a little taper at the end that will just start to enter the first coil that it comes into contact with.

@@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8 That's how I do it.

@@peteregger7928 makes sense, thanks.

The replacement had both seals intact. The first one missing the hammer did not have a seal installed at the bottom of the box. There were no signs that one had been there to begin with.

Ha! Ha! I use some of mine to dig holes! So many rocks here in Vegas it's impossible to use a shovel or even a pick!

I used to see folks bringing back Craftsman screwdrivers to Sears for"warranty" replacement when I would be shopping the tool section. The blades were usually driven at least half way back through the handles, and/or bent over at a nice angle.

@@Urbicide Ha! Ha! Yep! Back then no questions asked!

Thanks! Much appreciated! I try to do my best to get things right as much as possible!

@@peteregger7928 I especially like the attention to detail on not buggering up the edges of the screw slot, that would really piss me off and I would have to get another one.

@@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8 That's one of my peeves too! Especially on something new that I paid full retail on! If I do it then I replace the screw or do my best to fix whatever I've screwed up.

Thanks Gary! I have never had an issue on any build where there wasn't enough clearance on the gas key to receiver but I have seen where others did have that issue. This is the 6th A2 butt stock I have installed but only the 2nd one where I felt a shim was required. Got lucky on the other ones I guess. I can almost guarantee a manufacturer would just slam it all together with no concern about over torquing the plastic butt plate from excessive clearance. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

I check this when building but often forget to mention it in my videos. I haven't seen any negatives using quarters to adjust this dimension. So far in all the builds I've done this has not been an issue but I have seen where the use of quarters solved the problem. Guess I've been lucky so far but checking this clearance is not optional. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Sometimes I forget to show everything! Checking that dimension is very much recommended. I've been lucky so far as nothing has been needed to fix that one... yet! Thanks for watching and commenting!

A friend has one in the box r6551.also has the lug bayonet

I can't remember exactly what I paid but I think back then out the door it was close to $1200. This was due to the impending California AWB taking place in January of 1990 long before the 1994 Federal Ban. As things got closer to 1990 in California FFL's couldn't keep them on the shelves. I don't think it's even worth that now because it's a sear block lower. I could be wrong but I don't believe the sear block lowers are sought after or thought of as collector rifles? Might try GunBroker to see what they are going for?

@peteregger7928 thank you love your toy

I haven't fired it too much! It's in great shape with barely a scratch on it! Thanks for watching and commenting!