The Original AR Colt Armalite AR604 Tabletop Drool Time

Published on May 24, 2020
Duration: 15:14

This video provides a detailed examination of an early Colt Armalite AR604, highlighting its historical significance and key differences from modern AR-15 platforms. The presenter, with apparent familiarity with firearms, breaks down the rifle's components, discussing its original features and the evolutionary changes that led to contemporary designs. The AR604 is presented as a foundational piece of AR-15 history, offering insights into early manufacturing and design choices.

Quick Summary

The Colt Armalite AR604, produced around 1963-1964, showcases early AR-15 design with features like a 1:12 twist barrel, a three-prong flash hider, and a non-captive front pivot pin. These elements differ significantly from modern AR-15 platforms, offering a glimpse into the rifle's historical development.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Early M16s and the AR604
  2. 00:31Acquisition and Origin of the AR604
  3. 00:56Aftermarket Lower Receiver and Original Parts
  4. 01:17AR601 vs. AR604: Early Production Differences
  5. 01:44Lower Receiver Examination
  6. 01:54Original 20-Round Waffle Magazine
  7. 02:41Takedown and Pivot Pins
  8. 03:45Internal Lower Receiver Components
  9. 04:04Magazine Release and Bolt Catch
  10. 04:37Grip and Selector Features
  11. 05:12Buttstock and Spring Guide Buffer
  12. 06:30Upper Receiver Examination
  13. 06:36Winchester Barrel and Twist Rate
  14. 06:53Three-Prong Flash Hider
  15. 07:19Handguard Removal and Heat Shield
  16. 07:48Triangular Handguard Design
  17. 08:00Front Sight Adjustment Marker
  18. 08:12Colt 'C in a Square' Marking
  19. 08:22Charging Handle Design
  20. 08:39Rear Sight Adjustment
  21. 08:57Bolt Carrier and Forward Assist Absence
  22. 09:16Original Firing Pin Design
  23. 09:48Bolt Cam Path Wear
  24. 10:16Gas Key Staking
  25. 10:30Extractor and Bumper Absence
  26. 10:44Feed Ramps
  27. 11:20Reassembly and Action Smoothness
  28. 12:31Barrel Condition and Rarity
  29. 13:05Stripped-Down Design Philosophy
  30. 13:35Bare Bones Operational Design
  31. 13:42Range Day Expectations
  32. 14:04Condition and Discoloration
  33. 14:19Authenticity of Components
  34. 14:31Black vs. Early Green ARs
  35. 14:45Production Year and Historical Context
  36. 14:54Conclusion and Range Footage Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Colt Armalite AR604 and modern AR-15s?

The AR604 features a non-captive front pivot pin, an unfenced magazine release, a triangular handguard, and a 1:12 twist barrel. Modern AR-15s typically have captive pivot pins, fenced magazine releases, different handguard designs, and often faster twist rates for heavier bullets.

What is notable about the barrel on the Colt Armalite AR604?

The AR604's barrel is rumored to have been made by Winchester and features a 1 in 12-inch twist rate. This slower twist is less ideal for stabilizing the heavier bullets common in modern ammunition, unlike the faster twists found on many contemporary AR-15 barrels.

What distinguishes the charging handle and firing pin of the AR604?

The AR604 has a small, tubby triangular charging handle that was later abandoned for being difficult to grip. Its original firing pin is also more bulbous and heavier, a design that was modified in later versions for safety reasons to reduce the risk of slam-firing.

What are some of the early design features of the AR604's lower receiver?

The AR604's lower receiver has an unfenced magazine release, a non-captive front pivot pin that sits flush, and a bolt catch that requires a deep press to engage. These features highlight the evolutionary path of the AR-15 towards more user-friendly and robust controls.

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