Somehow I managed to catch the AR bug recently. Seems I have this overwhelming urge to get a retro looking AR. I considered a build but I think I would rather buy a complete rifle the first time around. Maybe a build will follow later.

 

I'd love to pick up an original Colt SP-1 but, since I live in NJ, that is a non-starter. Here is what my pea brain tells me I would like instead:

20" barrel

Solid stock

Carry handle, either fixed or removable

Less than $1K out the door.

 

Internet searching is leading me to either the Colt Match Target HBAR MT-6700 or the ArmaLite M15-A2. I remember both from the early/mid 1960s when Uncle Sam let me use his. Reading tells me the ArmaLite is now built in the Philippines (WTF!) which kind of surprised me.

 

Your expert thoughts would be appreciated.

I hear what you're saying. I like the look of the carry handle, solid stock, and triangular hand gaurds. Not real big on the tacti cool look that's so popular these days.

Follow the for sale forums on Ar15.com, retro 20" uppers with A1 sights seem to pop up fairly regularly. Couple that with a stripped lower (NoDakSpud has some simple, retro-looking ones for under $100 shipped), and you can have a full-on '60s replica build for well under $1K.

Here is something close to what you are looking for:

 

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M16-A4-AR15-Bravo-Company-carbine-rifle-s/146.htm

 

I have the same upper on a lower I had handy, shoots very soft.

Thanks, Jimmy and Papercut. Wouldn't the Bravo be illegal in NJ due to the bayonet lug? Adding the BCM to the short list if I can get around the lug.

 

Checking out the uppers an AR15.com now

almost all with that front site have the lug that i've seen. just send it to one of the vendors here to grind it off.

You can get the bayo lug removed and brake pinned at many places which would make it NJ legal.

I had the same craving for a straight A2. I went with a complete RRA upper and lower purchased separately. This way, you don't have to worry about having a complete compliant rifle shipped to your FFL. The upper needed the brake welded and lug chopped, there a plenty of instructions out there.

 

Lower came from PK: http://www.pkfirearms.com/Rock_River_Arms_Lowers/78/c

Upper cams straight from RRA: http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=267

 

Fit was flawless. Total price at the time came in around $800.

Thanks, All, for the input. I think that, for once, I got lucky and snagged a post-ban ArmaLite for a very good price. In fact, way below my targeted budget. Here's what I have coming this way: http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=15A2B-2

 

I know it's not top end but seems to me to be a decent rifle that fit my parameters. These things are probably like 1911s and I'll have a stable of evil black guns growing here also!

 

The only pre-delivery issue is trying to find NJ-Compliant magazines at a reasonable price. What do you locals prefer?

Check with PK90 over at Arms-N-Ammo - he sells cut down 15 rounders that work great.

 

Also MidwestPX is a forum sponsor - they sell blocked Magpul 15/20's and 15/30's.

Never used MidwestPX before, i've been getting my 15rd PMAGs from riflegear:

 

http://www.riflegear.com/p-578-magpul-pmag-15-round-new-jersey-legal-magazine-223556mm.aspx

Thanks, folks. I didn't realize until now there are no native 10 or 15 round mags available. At least now I know where to go.

 

Thanks again!