Reviving the Carry Handle AR-15

Published on December 20, 2023
Duration: 13:19

This video details the construction of a retro-inspired AR-15, specifically a 'Blood Diamond' Stuart Gordon build, which serves as a clone of the speaker's first M4. The build incorporates period-correct components like a CAR-15 stock and an A2 upper receiver, aiming for both functional viability and a nostalgic aesthetic. The speaker emphasizes the importance of component selection, such as the non-F marked front sight post for A2 uppers, and discusses the use of modern accessories like an Aimpoint PRO and Scout Light Pro for practical application.

Quick Summary

This retro AR-15 build, a 'Blood Diamond' Stuart Gordon clone, replicates the speaker's first M4 from 2000 with a CAR-15 stock and A2 upper. Key components include a Rock River Arms A2 upper, TNTE Sales barrel, PSA lower, and accessories like an Aimpoint PRO and Scout Light Pro, making it a functional and nostalgic firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Build Overview
  2. 00:41Blood Diamond Stuart Gordon Build
  3. 00:50Clone of First Army M4
  4. 01:10Thoughts on Retro Builds
  5. 01:26Live Laugh Lar Podcast Mention
  6. 02:11Rattle Can Finish Experience
  7. 02:31Build Breakdown: Buttstock
  8. 02:42CAR-15 Stock Details
  9. 02:47First M4 Setup in 2000
  10. 03:04Deployment to Iraq 2003
  11. 03:13Receiver Extension/Buffer Tube
  12. 03:19CAR-15 Stock Source
  13. 03:21Lower Receiver: PSA M4 Style
  14. 03:32PSA Bolt and Bolt Carrier Group
  15. 03:39Upper Receiver: Rock River Arms A2
  16. 03:47Barrel and Setup: TNTE Sales
  17. 03:5316-inch M4 Style Barrel
  18. 04:00Delta Ring & Non-F Marked Front Sight
  19. 04:06F Marked vs. Non-F Marked Sights
  20. 04:22Scout Light Pro Installation
  21. 04:34Light Mount Details
  22. 04:51Sling Loop Modification
  23. 05:12A2 Style Picatinny Section
  24. 05:17Aimpoint PRO Optic
  25. 05:21Vortex Low Ring Mount
  26. 05:30Chin Weld Comfort
  27. 05:37Accuracy at 36 Yards
  28. 05:42Preferred Zero Distance
  29. 07:01Shooting Group Improvement
  30. 07:16Adjusting Point of Impact
  31. 07:19Reasons for Liking the Build
  32. 07:35Nostalgia and Movie References
  33. 07:40Picatinny Section & Iron Sights
  34. 08:04Utilizing as a Truck Gun
  35. 08:22Practicality: Light and Red Dot
  36. 08:43Use Cases for Retro Builds
  37. 08:54Trend of A2 Style Uppers
  38. 09:06Cost of A2 Upper Receivers
  39. 09:37Sourcing Retro Components
  40. 09:53TNTE Sales Lead Times
  41. 10:15H&R and PSA Inventory
  42. 10:33Another A2 Carry Handle Build
  43. 10:41Afghanistan Clone Rifle
  44. 10:50Versatility of M4 Style Rifle
  45. 11:03Potential Uses: Hunting, Defense
  46. 11:10Truck Gun Fitment
  47. 11:14Greyman Tactical Rack System
  48. 11:30Rack System Versatility
  49. 11:48Build Performance Summary
  50. 11:51Rounds Fired and Reliability
  51. 12:08Aesthetic Appeal of Retro Rifles
  52. 12:16Not for Everyone's Taste
  53. 12:24Conclusion & Support
  54. 12:34Upcoming Retro Build Video
  55. 12:38Intended Use: Competition, Casual Shooting
  56. 12:53Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this AR-15 build a 'Blood Diamond' Stuart Gordon clone?

This AR-15 build is a 'Blood Diamond' Stuart Gordon clone because it replicates the aesthetic and components of the speaker's first M4 rifle from the year 2000, which featured a CAR-15 stock and an A2 upper receiver, reminiscent of firearms seen in movies like Blood Diamond and Black Hawk Down.

What is the significance of an F-marked versus a non-F-marked front sight post on an AR-15?

An F-marked front sight post is designed for flat-top AR-15 receivers to ensure proper sight height alignment with adjustable rear sights or optics. A non-F-marked front sight post is typically used with A2 upper receivers that have fixed rear sights.

What are the key components used in this retro AR-15 build?

The build features a Rock River Arms A2 upper receiver, a 16-inch TNTE Sales barrel with an M4-style setup, a Palmetto State Armory lower receiver with PSA internals, and a CAR-15 stock sourced from Brownells. It's accessorized with an Aimpoint PRO and a Scout Light Pro.

Why is a retro AR-15 build like this considered a viable option today?

Despite being a retro build, this AR-15 is functional and practical, incorporating modern accessories like a red dot sight and weapon light. It serves effectively as a truck gun, suitable for various uses including home defense and casual shooting, while offering a unique aesthetic.

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