Thanks for the video... helped me a lot. I purchased a ‘LUTH-AR’ rear site assembly from Brownells to put on my Brownells 601 upper... but it didn’t want to work... The Flat spring curved too high, so the windage screw couldn’t go through both holes. I had to hammer the flat spring down so the curve was lower (more flat), allowing the windage screw to pass through. Then I had to press down on the aperture site while I pushed the screw all the way through, so the windage screw head was flush with the upper. Without pushing down, the windage screw could not move flush against the upper, which wouldn’t allow the windage drum to align with the windage screw how to pass the detent through... Took me a while to figure this out but it finally worked. In case this helps anyone who has the same issues I had. Love your channel.
6 years later and I have the same issue. The roll pin or the drum is also out of spec, I've got a pack of 1/16" Diam 1/4" L pins from Grainger on the way so I hope it's just the roll pin that's giving me trouble
I appreciate your appreciation for the A1 and the back to basics iron sights. I was recently engaging a 2.5' gong at 530 yards with my Colt M4 6920 and A2 carry handle with M855 ammo. I was impressed with how I could hit the damn thing every other shot with iron sights while shooting prone. As much as I love my ACOGs the iron sights are pretty hard to beat.
M4 and hit 530 yarrds>>> Why not use M16A2 for that long dis. and that kind of VELOCITY???? remember M4 for TATICAL and M16 For the Marine to attack LONG distance from the shore in...and I believe right now only Marine corp unit STILL using M16A2 Other unit ALL READY used M4 with Semi Auto and 3 round burst.....NO MORE AUTOMATIC on US Military M4 GUN ( to save ammo???) Yes...No automatic in MILITARY US......Believe or not...and same time the enemies still using AK with FULL AUTO.....( Yes We are under power and now under .....? AUTOMATIC) When they shoot automatic...we are hiding??? make a lot of sense???
I've wanted to have an A1 clone since I first saw Danny Glover and Ray Liotta use them in Operation Dumbo Drop. I can't wait to build this thing. You are numba 1.
I'd like to see a video where you explain the differences in the various versions of the m16/m4 rifles. I've learned so much from your channel, so thank you.
Started my A1 some time back. Not building it. Just finding all the parts. Thanks to Brownells for bringing them back in stock. Check there for all the retro stuff. Handguard too. Today I started. Thanks for the vid it was so helpful
Thanks big 🐕. I built an old school AR but just got a flat top upper first with the bolt on handle cause I didn't find an in-stock reasonably priced A1 upper when I was ordering parts. I finally got one and replaced the old upper. Love the look of the old ARs.
Great Video. I replaced the A1 aperture with an A2 aperture on the exact same A1 upper receiver that you had in this video, and it went swimmingly with your help. The details that you provided really are great, and I was able to get mine in with no marring. woohoo! Thanks again dude!
Zyralius 1982 I love the Daniel defense fixed rear sight I run them on all my irons only rifles and rifles with red dots I use 1/3 cowitness and with the fixed rear sight I use the dot and with a very very slight nod of my chin I can transition to irons without breaking cheek weld takes a bit to get used too having your sights always up but Its super durable with a aimpoint and fixed sights
Joshua Mount exactly just like me. Fixed DD rear sights and lower 1/3 riser for red dot. Some people who try my setup first say it's to busy but once they get used to it they said it's not bad setup.
Appreciate the video. I did this job alone and freehand without a vice or block but I wouldn't advise it. Don't worry at all about whether the peep sight is centered when you start. You will be able to adjust to whatever position you want when you finish. For me starting that micro roll pin in the windage drum was a crap shoot. I just kind of sat it in place and carefully eyeballed it while (praying and) squeezing with the channel locks. I pushed it too far in the first time and had to tap it back out using a tiny jewelers screwdriver as a punch which actually worked pretty good. Second pain in the neck was lining up the hole in the windage drum with the hole in windage screw. FYI thread the screw in so it protrudes slightly past the hole in the windage drum. You can then eyeball it with a flashlight through the hole/roll pin to get close. I didn't get it lined up the first try and munched the roll pin beyond recognition but fortunately the kit I bought came with 2. My windage drum got scratched up pretty good in the process but it really does add character and will almost certainly get scratched up anyway especially if you use a bullet. Miraculously the receiver came out without as much as a scratch.
To anyone building an A1 upper, I highly recommend buying a same-plane rear sight aperture (XS Sights makes the best one), as it will allow you to maintain the same zero no matter which aperture you choose. There is considerable confusion and machining variation with M16a1 or "commercial" SP1 sights, so you never really know how much elevation shift you'll get switching between apertures. On the M16a1, the "L" aperture was intended for 0-300 METERS, while the other one was intended for 0-200 (if I'm not mistaken). Try translating that into yardage/MOA shift, and the math is tricky before you even consider machining variation. Meanwhile, "commercial" SP1 sights are supposed to be same-plane, but they often are not...and even if they were, what would be the point of having two apertures of the same size? M16/AR 15 A2 apertures are not same-plane, either. For some reason, most people seem to think the large/low light and the small apertures on the A2 are on the same plane, but they're not! Again, one is 0-200 meters while the other is 0-300 and works with the ranging drum. Buying a same-plane aperture from XS Sights allows you to have both a small and a large aperture that maintain the same zero no matter which aperture you choose. The sight is only offset with windage in order to correct for the windage shift that occurs from switching the apertures (spinning the sight along the windage screw axis to change apertures moves it left or right slightly).
Thanks for uploading the video, I'm looking to build retro rifles like the XM16E1 rifle and the AR15A2 rifles and carbines. and maybe so interesting setups later on. i have a playlist of all helpful AR assembly and build videos. your assembly video is very helpful
dogs are a key part of protecting your family. they will alert you to things that you'd never notice. they also deter criminals . they'd move on if they hear a big dog in the house. and look for a softer target. i have three house dogs two English Mastiffs and a boxer. boxers are high energy dogs. you should do a video on the importance of having a good family dog and how they protect your family and home. don't apologize for your dog they should be like your kids. when your home they need to play. and people shouldn't chain a dog outside and leave it. I'd like to do that to the owner and see how they like it.
You failed to mention WHICH WAY (direction) the sight faces as one side of each sight hole is dished or concaved and without looking at my other uppers, I'm assuming should be facing toward the eyes of the shooter. NO?
Looking forward to seeing the finished product. I'm one of those weird guys who actually prefers the look of the A1. Granted, being a left handed shooter, I appreciate brass deflectors and (some) ambi controls, but, purely from an aesthetic standpoint, I like the A1. Then again, I'm also (kind of) one of those nutters who thinks an AK isn't an AK unless it has some wood on it. ;)
From time to time there are C7 (Canadian M16A1 hybrid) uppers available on the market. The C7 uppers have a brass deflector on them with the original A1 sight. As with any A1/A2 upper just make sure that the upper receiver and barrel extension cuts match properly.
C7 uppers are near-on impossible to find. I snagged one with complete rear sight assembly on the ARFCOM equipment exchange for $140; I consider myself lucky. Regarding feed ramp cuts, it's fine to use an M4-cut barrel with a non-M4-cut upper, especially with a rifle-length gas system. I have this combination on my rifle and it is trouble-free. Issues arise when you combine an M4-cut upper with a rifle-cut barrel. Any other combination is fine.
What I tend to do when I need a extra hand holding ar15 parts and driving a pins is i tape the part in place. Than I drive the pin, surprising it works pretty well
One trick I discovered is to run a paper clip through the hole in the center of the roll pin, then the pinhole on the receiver. It keeps the pin in place and generally aligned.
luth-AR either makes the dial pin hole too small for the roll pin or vice versa (the teardrop forward assist is way worse though). having spare pins is a good idea. unfortunately have a couple nicks in my nodak upper :(
Have you ever used the set up in this video along with a railed hand guard and a flip up front sight? If so what front sight would you use? I have a EOP upper with flip up iron sights on a rifle with a standard Matrix hand guard and would like to install a set of front sights. Any help would be appreciated.
I've always wanted a retro ar15, like the A1. Since California passed some pretty bogus laws that go in effect jan 1. I might not get the retro lower from brownells in time. I have a spare anderson lower and was wondering if the A1 upper would work on it and if it would look totally weird either way.
Remember that you can always use a Kydex grip wrap and make the rifle featureless. It'll be a bit fugly, but still quite shootable and you won't have to deal with bizarre magazine release nonsense.
I wanna put a carry handle on my M4 but I also want to get a HOLOSUN red dot.... I like the looks of a carry handle but I like the function of red dots..... poor me lol.
which sight appurature is for short or long range .. mine is set up exactly like yours with the L facing when flipped forward .. but which one is for short or long range?
The ‘L’ is for Long Range. Search for ‘M16a1 Manual’ or ‘Sighting in M16a1’ and you can download the Army Manual for the rifle. A lot of good advise on sighting in as well. I just got one of these and I’m going to go with a 50/200 yd zero on the regular aperature (gun should hit to point of aim @ 50 & 200 yards). Usually I do my initial sight in at 50 yds and then fine tune @ 200 yards. If you do this then you will be within +/- 2” all the way out to about 225 yards. The ‘L’ will hit a few MOA higher. This isn’t the correct military zero, but my range only goes out to 200 yds and the military zeros can vary from point of aim by 6” or more depending on what range you are shooting at.
It has already been asked, but no answers is that I also seem to have a issue getting the rear sight screw through the sight and to the other side. It seems like the spring underneath - positioned so that its curve is towards the top - will not compress enough to allow the installation. Anyone have this problem and how did you solve it? Brute force?
these pin sets work good for holding and starting the a1 sight pin and the gas tube pin. find a drill bit or piece of stainless heliarc wire to line up the holes. bought a small c clamp from ace hardware to hold it in place to insert pin.www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx
All I can say is, this is extremely difficult. Much harder than any part of the lower receiver. Not only do you have to get that extremely micro pin in there, you have to index the windage wheel with the bolt while under spring pressure from the detent. All simultaneously!!! 😫😫 Get an upper with one already installed if you can help it. Count on it being a multi hour endeavor, especially if you have big hands.
Thanks for the video... helped me a lot.
I purchased a ‘LUTH-AR’ rear site assembly from Brownells to put on my Brownells 601 upper... but it didn’t want to work...
The Flat spring curved too high, so the windage screw couldn’t go through both holes.
I had to hammer the flat spring down so the curve was lower (more flat), allowing the windage screw to pass through.
Then I had to press down on the aperture site while I pushed the screw all the way through, so the windage screw head was flush with the upper.
Without pushing down, the windage screw could not move flush against the upper, which wouldn’t allow the windage drum to align with the windage screw how to pass the detent through...
Took me a while to figure this out but it finally worked.
In case this helps anyone who has the same issues I had.
Love your channel.
nice!
Just bought one and had the same issue. Nice to see luth getting their tolerances right lol
You don’t have to hammer it down. Just push down HARD. I use a little piece of metal to save on my thumb.
6 years later and I have the same issue. The roll pin or the drum is also out of spec, I've got a pack of 1/16" Diam 1/4" L pins from Grainger on the way so I hope it's just the roll pin that's giving me trouble
Thanks for mentioning that, I just had the same issue with my kit
Still helping ppl today thank you Mr guns and gear
I appreciate your appreciation for the A1 and the back to basics iron sights.
I was recently engaging a 2.5' gong at 530 yards with my Colt M4 6920 and A2 carry handle with M855 ammo. I was impressed with how I could hit the damn thing every other shot with iron sights while shooting prone. As much as I love my ACOGs the iron sights are pretty hard to beat.
M4 and hit 530 yarrds>>> Why not use M16A2 for that long dis. and that kind of VELOCITY???? remember M4 for TATICAL and M16 For the Marine to attack LONG distance from the shore in...and I believe right now only Marine corp unit STILL using M16A2 Other unit ALL READY used M4 with Semi Auto and 3 round burst.....NO MORE AUTOMATIC on US Military M4 GUN ( to save ammo???) Yes...No automatic in MILITARY US......Believe or not...and same time the enemies still using AK with FULL AUTO.....( Yes We are under power and now under .....? AUTOMATIC) When they shoot automatic...we are hiding??? make a lot of sense???
I've wanted to have an A1 clone since I first saw Danny Glover and Ray Liotta use them in Operation Dumbo Drop.
I can't wait to build this thing.
You are numba 1.
nice!
I'd like to see a video where you explain the differences in the various versions of the m16/m4 rifles. I've learned so much from your channel, so thank you.
thanks; maybe one day
Started my A1 some time back. Not building it. Just finding all the parts. Thanks to Brownells for bringing them back in stock. Check there for all the retro stuff. Handguard too. Today I started. Thanks for the vid it was so helpful
Thanks big 🐕. I built an old school AR but just got a flat top upper first with the bolt on handle cause I didn't find an in-stock reasonably priced A1 upper when I was ordering parts. I finally got one and replaced the old upper. Love the look of the old ARs.
Great Video. I replaced the A1 aperture with an A2 aperture on the exact same A1 upper receiver that you had in this video, and it went swimmingly with your help. The details that you provided really are great, and I was able to get mine in with no marring. woohoo! Thanks again dude!
Great, can't wait to see the full review
ditto!
Thanks mike, 5 year old video and still usefull. Just got my sights installed on a colt 604 receiver.
Love these style sights so much I only run Daniel Defense rear fixed sight cause they have the A1 style. Great video.
Zyralius 1982 I love the Daniel defense fixed rear sight I run them on all my irons only rifles and rifles with red dots I use 1/3 cowitness and with the fixed rear sight I use the dot and with a very very slight nod of my chin I can transition to irons without breaking cheek weld takes a bit to get used too having your sights always up but Its super durable with a aimpoint and fixed sights
Joshua Mount exactly just like me. Fixed DD rear sights and lower 1/3 riser for red dot. Some people who try my setup first say it's to busy but once they get used to it they said it's not bad setup.
I really wish LMT made their rear sight in an A1 configuration too.
That little roll pin. I thought I'd lost that little guy during install and had a heart attack.
Thank God for magnets.
Lol I lost two doing mine
Appreciate the video. I did this job alone and freehand without a vice or block but I wouldn't advise it. Don't worry at all about whether the peep sight is centered when you start. You will be able to adjust to whatever position you want when you finish. For me starting that micro roll pin in the windage drum was a crap shoot. I just kind of sat it in place and carefully eyeballed it while (praying and) squeezing with the channel locks. I pushed it too far in the first time and had to tap it back out using a tiny jewelers screwdriver as a punch which actually worked pretty good. Second pain in the neck was lining up the hole in the windage drum with the hole in windage screw. FYI thread the screw in so it protrudes slightly past the hole in the windage drum. You can then eyeball it with a flashlight through the hole/roll pin to get close. I didn't get it lined up the first try and munched the roll pin beyond recognition but fortunately the kit I bought came with 2. My windage drum got scratched up pretty good in the process but it really does add character and will almost certainly get scratched up anyway especially if you use a bullet. Miraculously the receiver came out without as much as a scratch.
To anyone building an A1 upper, I highly recommend buying a same-plane rear sight aperture (XS Sights makes the best one), as it will allow you to maintain the same zero no matter which aperture you choose.
There is considerable confusion and machining variation with M16a1 or "commercial" SP1 sights, so you never really know how much elevation shift you'll get switching between apertures.
On the M16a1, the "L" aperture was intended for 0-300 METERS, while the other one was intended for 0-200 (if I'm not mistaken). Try translating that into yardage/MOA shift, and the math is tricky before you even consider machining variation.
Meanwhile, "commercial" SP1 sights are supposed to be same-plane, but they often are not...and even if they were, what would be the point of having two apertures of the same size?
M16/AR 15 A2 apertures are not same-plane, either. For some reason, most people seem to think the large/low light and the small apertures on the A2 are on the same plane, but they're not! Again, one is 0-200 meters while the other is 0-300 and works with the ranging drum.
Buying a same-plane aperture from XS Sights allows you to have both a small and a large aperture that maintain the same zero no matter which aperture you choose. The sight is only offset with windage in order to correct for the windage shift that occurs from switching the apertures (spinning the sight along the windage screw axis to change apertures moves it left or right slightly).
This is invaluable information. Thanks a bunch!
Just watched your video and installed my rear sight !
Thanks for the trick with a bullet! I have an original Colt M16A1 1972 and have no idea how to fix the sight! Thanks a lot!
Perfect....just what I needed for confirmation how to do this.
Thanks for uploading the video, I'm looking to build retro rifles like the XM16E1 rifle and the AR15A2 rifles and carbines. and maybe so interesting setups later on. i have a playlist of all helpful AR assembly and build videos. your assembly video is very helpful
dogs are a key part of protecting your family. they will alert you to things that you'd never notice. they also deter criminals . they'd move on if they hear a big dog in the house. and look for a softer target. i have three house dogs two English Mastiffs and a boxer. boxers are high energy dogs. you should do a video on the importance of having a good family dog and how they protect your family and home. don't apologize for your dog they should be like your kids. when your home they need to play. and people shouldn't chain a dog outside and leave it. I'd like to do that to the owner and see how they like it.
indeed
No...dogs are dogs. They are property, not children.
Nice! Thank you, this is the exact demonstration that I needed!
Great video. I am getting a bushmaster upper that needs rear sight. Thanks
Getting the roll pin set is the trick now isn’t it.
Use masking tape to build up a layer to line pin up with hole and pliers also grease may help to keep parts in place but can make fingers sticky
You failed to mention WHICH WAY (direction) the sight faces as one side of each sight hole is dished or concaved and without looking at my other uppers, I'm assuming should be facing toward the eyes of the shooter. NO?
Wow, an install video...they still exist.
😁
I usually use knipex pliers for roll pins, they make installing the bolt catch and trigger guard extremely easy.
nice
Thanks for sharing! Retro build must see.
You're welcome 👍🏽
Looking forward to seeing the finished product. I'm one of those weird guys who actually prefers the look of the A1. Granted, being a left handed shooter, I appreciate brass deflectors and (some) ambi controls, but, purely from an aesthetic standpoint, I like the A1. Then again, I'm also (kind of) one of those nutters who thinks an AK isn't an AK unless it has some wood on it. ;)
From time to time there are C7 (Canadian M16A1 hybrid) uppers available on the market. The C7 uppers have a brass deflector on them with the original A1 sight. As with any A1/A2 upper just make sure that the upper receiver and barrel extension cuts match properly.
should be cool
C7 uppers are near-on impossible to find. I snagged one with complete rear sight assembly on the ARFCOM equipment exchange for $140; I consider myself lucky.
Regarding feed ramp cuts, it's fine to use an M4-cut barrel with a non-M4-cut upper, especially with a rifle-length gas system. I have this combination on my rifle and it is trouble-free. Issues arise when you combine an M4-cut upper with a rifle-cut barrel. Any other combination is fine.
first!
stop it!
I'm dominating "first" lately
Mrgunsngear Channel
This isn't right.
You tool haha
I demand a recount
Nice video, a little oil and grease may help the installation.
Fences make good neighbors.
😂
thanks for the help. i'm doing the same build. the sight set was hard to find.
awesome
What I tend to do when I need a extra hand holding ar15 parts and driving a pins is i tape the part in place. Than I drive the pin, surprising it works pretty well
nice
Where can I source Model M16 stock and buffer,spring?
Stocks can be found on Ebay. Buffer tubes and springs for an A1 are available on Brownells.
One trick I discovered is to run a paper clip through the hole in the center of the roll pin, then the pinhole on the receiver. It keeps the pin in place and generally aligned.
You have nice dogs ... interesting video thanks
Miss your Pup
Going Old School!!!!!
indeed
Cool build. No need to apologize for the dogs:)
thanks
Very helpful!!!
Just got one of these uppers from Brownells, came with a horrible finish and no NDS lettering not sure what those letters even mean
NODAK-SPUD.
My screw won't go through the sights - the spring is keeping it from going through.
Thank ya!!
Can’t seem to get the roll pin started then broke it :( but managed to get a roll pin from a spare charging handle to work.
luth-AR either makes the dial pin hole too small for the roll pin or vice versa (the teardrop forward assist is way worse though). having spare pins is a good idea. unfortunately have a couple nicks in my nodak upper :(
The leaf spring has too much of a curve. I pressed down on mine for about 15 seconds a few times until the screw would fit
Love the tear drop FA
Have you ever used the set up in this video along with a railed hand guard and a flip up front sight? If so what front sight would you use? I have a EOP upper with flip up iron sights on a rifle with a standard Matrix hand guard and would like to install a set of front sights. Any help would be appreciated.
I love your furious K9 🖒🖒
furious indeed
I've always wanted a retro ar15, like the A1. Since California passed some pretty bogus laws that go in effect jan 1. I might not get the retro lower from brownells in time. I have a spare anderson lower and was wondering if the A1 upper would work on it and if it would look totally weird either way.
Never mind, The A1 upper is not compatible to the anderson lower due to the rear takedown lug depth. According to the brownells website.
Just need to mill out some material under the where the takedown lug on the upper sits. (the flat area above the pistol grip and aft of the selector)
Ryan Ashby Yeah, true, so true. I think that will be a last resort. But sounds totally doable. Thx
Remember that you can always use a Kydex grip wrap and make the rifle featureless. It'll be a bit fugly, but still quite shootable and you won't have to deal with bizarre magazine release nonsense.
What do the numbers on the windage wheel mean? I can only assume they're just for user reference. Thanks MGnG!
I don't think so, the numbers are on the windage wheel. It moves the rear sight left to right. 100 - 500 meters of windage??? Nope.
How did you center? I’m having an issue with doing so
tape on them pliers help too. :)
it does; if you care.
I wanna put a carry handle on my M4 but I also want to get a HOLOSUN red dot.... I like the looks of a carry handle but I like the function of red dots..... poor me lol.
indeed
So much for stock weld!
Gooseneck mount!
which sight appurature is for short or long range .. mine is set up exactly like yours with the L facing when flipped forward .. but which one is for short or long range?
The ‘L’ is for Long Range. Search for ‘M16a1 Manual’ or ‘Sighting in M16a1’ and you can download the Army Manual for the rifle. A lot of good advise on sighting in as well.
I just got one of these and I’m going to go with a 50/200 yd zero on the regular aperature (gun should hit to point of aim @ 50 & 200 yards). Usually I do my initial sight in at 50 yds and then fine tune @ 200 yards. If you do this then you will be within +/- 2” all the way out to about 225 yards. The ‘L’ will hit a few MOA higher.
This isn’t the correct military zero, but my range only goes out to 200 yds and the military zeros can vary from point of aim by 6” or more depending on what range you are shooting at.
Hello. Would you happen to know where I can find the windage adjustment tool? I'm having a hard time finding one for sale.
I'd have to google it
You can find a A1 sight adjustment wrench or tool on brownells. another is on amazon. so finding it isn't difficult if you look in the right place
Remove magazine, remove one round of ammo. There ya go you have your sight adjustment tool.
My rear sight is not centering it keeps going to the side
It has already been asked, but no answers is that I also seem to have a issue getting the rear sight screw through the sight and
to the other side. It seems like the spring underneath - positioned so that its curve is towards the top - will not compress
enough to allow the installation. Anyone have this problem and how did you solve it? Brute force?
I’m sure you got it by now but if not just flatten that spring a bit and it’ll go in
I flattened the spring a bit with a pair of pliers.
Do yourself a favour and avoid the LUTH-AR set. Out of spec as Hell.
I got a m16A2 but I want to install A1 rear sight....Is that Ok with accuracy ????
yes
In the same vein, will the A2 rear fit and function in the A1 upper receiver? @@Mrgunsngear
these pin sets work good for holding and starting the a1 sight pin and the gas tube pin. find a drill bit or piece of stainless heliarc wire to line up the holes. bought a small c clamp from ace hardware to hold it in place to insert pin.www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx
JSE Surplus for parts
Why does every video make it look like installing the roll pin is easy
I’m about the flip my shit over a tiny piece of metal lol
Do not buy a Kak a1 rear sight it did not slide right in.
YO MR HOW TALL IS LARRY VICKERS?
probably 5' 9'' (ish)
IM TRYING TO DETERMIN IF GEN 3 GLOCKS FIT MY HAND.
THANKS FOR THE HELP BUD
All I can say is, this is extremely difficult. Much harder than any part of the lower receiver.
Not only do you have to get that extremely micro pin in there, you have to index the windage wheel with the bolt while under spring pressure from the detent. All simultaneously!!! 😫😫
Get an upper with one already installed if you can help it. Count on it being a multi hour endeavor, especially if you have big hands.
10th!
winner
You have nice dogs ... interesting video thanks
thanks