AR15 build help needed

[CableguyJJS3]

I have an old school style lower that's complete that I'd like to finish assembling. I want to assemble it into a complete piece as a Christmas present for my father and I want to build it into a replica-ish type deal of a Vietnam era M16. He was in the Air Force in the late 60's early 70's and he had one then so want to give him this one back. Now 100% authentic isn't necessary, but similar appearance-wise is the goal here.

I found a place for GI surplus handguards and such, Brownells is having a sale on GI style barrels, where would I look for the rest?? I guess I'd need an upper and all the stuff that goes in it, my apologies at this point, I don't know much about AR-15's. Can anyone point me to a parts list I'd need to get? I haven't bought anything yet so if anyone local has something they'd unload, parts or pieces, that'd be fine as well. I have a buddy in Macon who has built a few of these so he said he'd help me assemble everything, and I have been working on guns since I was a kid, so I really don't want to buy a completed piece. As they say the build is half the fun!! Any and all help is appreciated!! Thanks. Jim

 

[Benhad]

Check brownells

 

[Hunng]

so you would need an A1 upper receiver...check pkfirearms...Fulton armory...cavalry arms (for an A1 stock)...jse surplus has A1 birdcage flash hiders for $6...

 

[furious]

If you're REALLY wanting an authentic looking A1 then I'd look for an Armalite or Colt lower as well. A stripped Armalite will be MUCH easier to find (and cheaper). Fast Firearms in Lawrenceville used to keep them in stock.

Don't forget the three-prong flash hider and the slant bottom 20 round mag.

As much as I hate to say it, AR15.COM is a good place to look for old style parts like these. Maybe not the friendliest group of guys but they do have the parts.

 

[T-Roy]

There are original m16 kits available out there. I'd try sarco, or google m16a1 kit. If they're imported kits they won't have a barrel,even though they are us made, exported,and re-imported. Fulton Armory sells 20" pencil profile barrels,I'm sure others do too.

 

[CableguyJJS3]

The lower I have is a Bushmaster, so close enough for me I think. I've hit the google hard, seems these parts kits are harder to find than I expected, but they are out there. Lots of places list them, but they are backordered, and a lot of the links I'm finding are a few years old anyways. But thanks for the info guys, I have a good idea what I'm looking for now at least.