Hell, does anyone sell any 20" A2 Uppers at all? Seems everything is A4 these days.
Trying to build an M16A2 clone. I’ve got the lower assembled but carry handle uppers are elusive.
I’m sure there has to be some stuff from the early/mid 90’s when the 6520’s came out before the ban
had to be some sporter types out there too
Check out item #424370632 on GB
WOW… I didn’t think those were available…
The only one I’ve found is from Model1 Sales. I’d prefer to buy from a more reputable company though. I’ve heard horror stories about them.
There is money to be made in retro guns. I’m in my 40’s, make good money during my “peak earning years”, and feeling a bit nostalgic. I’d pay good money for a quality A2 (fixed carry handle).20 inch government profile barrel with round handguards, 1/7 twist barrel from someone the likes of BCM, or even PSA and a FN barrel. Apparently I’m not alone in the desire.
Edited to provide the link: http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=278
I decided to give them a chance.
Have you considered building the upper from scratch?
That may be my next option. I do not have the tools nor the skills to install taper pins in a fixed front sight and barrel. Add in paying someone to do this and buying the individual parts…it adds up, particularly for something that appeals to me more for nostalgia (it’s what I was issued when I was in the Army) vs something that would get used hard. That’s the reason I’m willing to give Model1 a try.
I’ve got a well used Colt 20" upper from an M16. I could refinish it to include re-anodizing the receiver and re-parking the barrel. That may be option 3.
I wonder what the OP ended up doing?
John Holliger sells A2 service rifle uppers with 1:7 twist barrels.
I haven’t done anything. The A2 match upper like T2C posted is not what I’m looking for and it doesn’t seem like anyone’s got one.
I’m a bit younger than you, I was issued an M16A4 in Iraq, but I had an M16A2 in boot camp and I would love another one. But, like you, I do not want to drop $1,000 on an upper just to say “I’ve got one”. Model 1 sales seems like a good bet, but I also want it to be able to shoot 
I’m not trying to burn through 1,000 rounds in a carbine class, but putting some M855 on target at 500 yards Parris Island style would be a nice range trip for me. Let us know how yours does (specifically with 5.56mm ammo if you have any)
Friends don’t let friends buy Model 1.
I would agree with this advice.
I’d honestly start with a “WTB” ad in the EE here and on some other forums, and see if you could hunt down the appropriate upper receiver. Maybe if you offered a trade (an M4 or A3 upper receiver), you might get what you need.
There is a part of me that would like to have an M16A2 configured rifle as well, just for nostalgia. The ol’ tactical 2x4 was a lot of fun to shoot, and a lot more accurate than the A1 I learned on.
Good luck with the hunt.
Surplus ammo has stripped Aero Precision uppers for like 100ish$ right now 
(probably one of the only newly made a2 receivers I’d recommend. DPMS and the other crap is just that… crap).
Lots and lots of barrels on the market right now for decent prices also. IMO it’s a builders market right now with the stockpiles of shit everyone is clearing out as a result of the backorders that were/are still being filled leaving shops with pretty large inventories.
Cdnn has used colt complete a2 for sale from time to time in there emails for either 599 or 699 if I remember correctly. Might want to look them up.
I haven’t ordered from them yet but I intend to for my next build which will be a CAR 15. They even have the 7" triangle handguards.
Check out http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/category_v3.aspx?categoryid=81
I thought it was neat that they give you the choice of a retro with 1/7 1/9 or 1/12 rifling twist and that the FSB is already mounted.
Would it be possible to buy BCM 20" M16A4 upper, remove the gas tube, dismount the barrell and mount it to an A2 upper?
Yes, but the FSP would be taller than ideal since it is F marked.
I’ve used them once for parts. All I remember was the quick shipping. $579.99 for a complete A2 upper with BCG and 1/7 chrome lined barrel doesn’t sound too bad. I can’t comment on the quality of their uppers, but their small parts were of very high quality. I’m looking to make a M16A2 build myself right now so I’ll let you know if I find anything. I’ve been building my own uppers from scratch lately so it’s been awhile since I looked at complete uppers.
Excellent point!
The Quantico MCX has a Colt AR-15 A4 for sale, I think it was listed for $1300, I’ll check again tomorrow. The A4 does have a detachable carry handle…so you can’t stick your thumb through it. The only other thing you would have to get is http://www.autoweapons.com/photos14/apr/coltrifup.html
You would have a Colt “A2” minus the burst cam, burst cam disconnector, & sear. If you are ever around Quantico on a weekend, we could checkout a KD range.