New AR Builder Questions

[tylerlipke38]

Hey All,

I'm looking at building an AR15 and would appreciate the community's expertise. I'm fascinated by the early Vietnam Era style ARs (A1 Variant). I found some nice A1 Furniture and an A1 Upper on Brownells that I would like to base the build around (link below). I am having a very hard time finding an A1 Lower, can I use any lower in this build or will I encounter issues. Appreciate your input and excuse my noobness! Thanks!

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/furniture-sets/ar-15-retro-furniture-sets-prod109340.aspx?avad=avant&aid=157623&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-m16-a1-upper-receiver-prod83620.aspx?avad=avant&aid=157623&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-Itwine-_-Avantlink-_-Custom+Link&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=Itwine

 

[hbean]

You are good to go, Brownells parts are all manufactured within mil spec. so it is compatible with other in spec lower.

 

[BattleRife]

I am having a very hard time finding an A1 Lower, can I use any lower in this build or will I encounter issues.

There have been four major patterns of lower receiver, but only the first and fourth were produced in large quantities as semi-autos. The M16A1 is a 3rd pattern lower. Small quantities were made by some of the early AR15 cloners in the USA, such as Sendra and Olympic, but they are few and far between, and of questionable quality.

About five years ago a firm called NoDak Spud came onto the scene with reproductions of all old style lowers, and have a fantastic reputation for quality. I haven't seen any of them up here, but I think they are importable. I also believe Brownells has made some finished lowers using Nodak Spud's forgings. These two sources are your only probable source for A1 lowers.

Lacking that, any A2 style lower with standard front pivot pin will work for you. This includes virtually every stripped receiver sold on the Canadian market.

 

[tylerlipke38]

Thanks for the help guys! Really appreciate it!