Part 4 - Physical/Autopsy/Test Firing a 60 year old Armalite/Colt 601 AR15 Parts Kit

Published on November 28, 2021
Duration: 73:50

This video provides an in-depth inspection of a 60-year-old Colt 601 AR-15 parts kit, utilizing a comprehensive array of USGI and modern gauges. The instructor, identified as a technical expert, meticulously checks various components including the barrel, bolt carrier group, and lower receiver for wear, corrosion, and proper function. The process highlights the importance of specific tools and techniques for assessing the condition of vintage firearms.

Quick Summary

An expert firearms instructor demonstrates how to inspect a 60-year-old Colt 601 AR-15 using a comprehensive set of USGI and modern gauges. Key checks include barrel erosion, bolt carrier group wear, receiver fitment, and firing pin condition, providing valuable insights into maintaining vintage firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt 601 Parts Kit Inspection
  2. 01:52Identifying Original vs. Reproduction Parts
  3. 03:27Disassembling the Upper Receiver
  4. 04:20Inspecting the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
  5. 06:03Replacing Damaged Parts (Gas Tube, Extractor)
  6. 06:49Examining Lower Receiver Components
  7. 09:35Using USGI Gauges: Overview
  8. 09:49Throat Erosion Gauge Explained
  9. 10:35USGI Headspace Gauges
  10. 11:01Vintage Firing Pin Protrusion Gauge
  11. 12:00Modern Gauges: Comparison and Use
  12. 13:09Throat Erosion Gauge for Non-Chrome Barrels
  13. 14:42Commercial Gauges and Tools
  14. 15:05Applying USGI Gauges: Takedown Pin Holes
  15. 16:37Hammer and Trigger Pin Gauging
  16. 19:13Firing Pin Protrusion Gauge (Friction Type)
  17. 20:49Modern Firing Pin Protrusion Measurement
  18. 22:15Headspace Check with USGI Field Gauge
  19. 23:10Using the Chamber Reflector Tool
  20. 24:10Throat Erosion Gauge Test Results
  21. 25:30Muzzle Erosion Gauge Test
  22. 26:12Barrel Straightness Gauge Test
  23. 28:29Firing Pin Hole Gauge Test
  24. 29:32USGI Gauge Summary & Carrier Key Tool
  25. 30:20Modern Gauges: Barrel Straightness & Muzzle Erosion
  26. 31:14Commercial Throat Erosion Gauge Test
  27. 33:21Chamber Function Gauge Test
  28. 34:07Headspace Check with Commercial Gauges
  29. 35:22Firing Pin Hole Gauge (Modern)
  30. 35:51Extractor Inspection and Spring Tension
  31. 38:26Cam Pin Wear Check
  32. 39:02Bolt Face and Bolt Tail Gauging
  33. 39:29Magnetism Check on Bolt Components
  34. 41:18Magazine Lip Gauge Test
  35. 42:47Mag Well Gauge Test
  36. 43:19Buffer Assembly Inspection (Edgewater Buffer)
  37. 44:29Buffer Spring Length Check
  38. 45:08Bolt Carrier Travel and Gas Key Gap
  39. 46:33Fixing Gas Key Gap with Spacers
  40. 48:08Upper Receiver Clocking Check
  41. 49:04Charging Handle Latch Engagement Test
  42. 50:10Upper and Lower Receiver Gap Check
  43. 51:27Bolt Carrier Length Check
  44. 51:47Gas Path Check (Weed Trimmer Line)
  45. 52:06Bolt Support Ring Micrometer Measurement
  46. 52:44Reverse Check Caution (Old Bolt Carriers)
  47. 54:25Bolt Support Shoulder and Gas Ring Efficiency Checks
  48. 56:12Alignment Check (Bolt Carrier to Gas Tube)
  49. 57:08Cam Pin Inspection and Retention
  50. 58:23Bolt Carrier Finish and Internal Corrosion
  51. 59:09Gas Ring Check Results
  52. 60:19Fire Control Group Function Check
  53. 61:14Borescope Inspection: Firing Pin Tip
  54. 62:20Firing Pin Crater Defect and Loading Caution
  55. 63:22Borescope: Bolt Carrier Interior Corrosion
  56. 66:02Borescope: Barrel Chamber and Throat Inspection
  57. 68:07Borescope: Muzzle Crown and Gas Port
  58. 69:35Estimating Barrel Round Count from Erosion
  59. 71:39Preparing for Test Fire
  60. 71:44Test Fire: Original Magazine Function
  61. 72:35Test Fire: Full Function Check
  62. 73:39Conclusion: Colt 601 Back to Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between early Colt 601 AR-15 parts and modern AR-15 components?

Early Colt 601 parts often featured distinct designs, such as a full-round carrier key on the bolt carrier, a beveled bolt catch without a button, and specific extractor lug designs. The barrel was typically a 1:14 twist non-chrome bore. Modern AR-15s have evolved with squared-off carrier keys, buttoned bolt catches, and different extractor designs for improved durability and function.

How can you check for excessive wear in the hammer and trigger pin holes of an AR-15 lower receiver?

To check for wear in the hammer and trigger pin holes, use a specialized gauge designed for these dimensions. Early AR-15s used a .159-inch spec, while modern ones use .163 inches. It's crucial to use a gauge that measures from specific points, as holes can wear into an egg shape, which a simple round gauge won't accurately detect.

What is the significance of throat erosion in a rifle barrel, and how is it measured?

Throat erosion is the wear at the junction between the chamber and the rifling. Excessive throat erosion significantly degrades accuracy and can cause projectiles to tumble. It's measured using a throat erosion gauge, where a reject line indicates the barrel is worn out. This wear is common in high-round-count barrels.

What is an 'Edgewater' buffer, and how does it function in an early AR-15?

The 'Edgewater' buffer is an early AR-15 buffer design, also found on some SP1 models, that uses a stack of beveled washers inside. When the firearm cycles, these washers slightly collapse, absorbing some of the recoil impulse. Unlike modern buffers with rubber pads, the Edgewater buffer is lighter and doesn't absorb recoil in the same way but still provides some impact mitigation.

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