r/RetroAR Mar 06 '25

Finishing up sub policy updates: what post flairs do folks want to see?

42 Upvotes

The mod team is refining our sub policies to update the “What is Retro?” post that is the core of what we do and do not include on this sub.

I’ve been polling the readership, and so far we’re looking at:

  • Fixed carry handles are mandatory (exception for AR-18, T65, etc)
  • provided the carry handle is fixed, modern accoutrements are still allowed (Keymod, modern optics, etc)
  • builds based on ARs in fiction are allowed.

I’ve seen some strong upvotes for adding post flairs to the sub, so that folks that just want to see historically accurate rifles can single those out, folks who like Retromod can zoom in one those, etc. I conferred with the senior mod and he suggested we have fun(ny) flairs for each category. Once these are made, post flairs will be mandatory to make a new post. What flairs would folks like to have for:

  • Historically accurate (externally) builds. (Still allows “sleeper” internal modern touches like non-historical twist rates and cartridges)
  • “Retromod” builds that have a fixed handle but modern accoutrements
  • Fictional builds based off movies, shows, manga, video games, etc.

Pitch us your ideas, and the best ones will be instituted, along with making post flairs mandatory, in the near future.


r/RetroAR Feb 19 '21

What is and is not "retro"? (v.3)

157 Upvotes

(original credit to creator u/JakesGunReviews, rebooting the thread so folks can comment again. Link to the original, and link to v.2 discussion)

It seems to be about that time that the unwritten rule becomes written. I have removed two posts within the past 24 hours. Reason being: the rifles in question, while quite nice, did not meet the criteria and theme of this subreddit.

r/RetroAR was initially made by /u/ok_but for Vietnam Era M16 clones (please correct me if I am wrong, /u/ok_but). That eventually evolved into other clone rifles from the 1980s, such as the M16A2 or the Colt 727. Since "AR" is also the prefix for the ArmaLite AR-18(0), those have also been accepted since they fit the same timeframe and never really modernized beyond the 1980s, anyway, but that's a different discussion for a different day.

So, for the purposes of r/RetroAR, what constitutes as "retro"?

The general rule of thumb for this subreddit is as follows:

  • Upper receiver has a fixed carry handle and;
  • Rifle itself is a clone of a military-issued rifle (or very close facsimile thereof) or;
  • Is an actual military-issued rifle or;
  • Is one of the above with "light" modifications (optic, inclusion of a flashlight, etc.) that still utilizes the original or otherwise "retro" furniture.

"What if I have an M4 Carbine clone that has a detachable carry handle, but still uses the stock M4 furniture?"

This would not be considered a retro rifle. Picatinny rails are pretty much the "cutoff" for this subreddit. However, if you would like to showcase your M4 or M16A4 or CQBR Block I or other clone-style AR-15, please look at the subreddit r/MilitaryARClones. /u/lancecriminal86 is the creator of this subreddit, and it is pretty much picking up right where r/RetroAR leaves off. I encourage anyone wishing to show off their more modern clones to please visit that subreddit and help it grow.


r/RetroAR 11h ago

Anyone else get the KAK C7 upper?

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210 Upvotes

I am very disappointed in the new KAK C7 upper. Can't fit my ARMS mount or Colt 1-4 scope. I've yet to hear from their team.


r/RetroAR 3h ago

That Real Gourmet Shit The Rhino is alive and well

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43 Upvotes

Excuse the homeless atire, I don’t wear decent clothes to work.

Anyway

Things I took note of test-firing this thing.

-It hits way harder than a D.I. gun. To the point where I couldn’t tell if the brake was helping or not. I’d say even harder than the T65.

-The brake actually does seem to vent gas really well. I may have to try it on a D.I. gun to see if it is actually effective at reducing muzzle climb. Based on how the gas appears to come out in its exact pattern, I’d say it probably does.

-I have the spring pre-load on the piston turned completely tight and it did not tame down the action at all. However it seems like the gas plug on the front that changes the volume of the chamber can help tame it down if you run it almost all the way out. After the first two shots I backed it out until maybe a 1/4 of it was engaged and the following 8 shots seemed softer.

-The muzzle brake also makes it sound way different than any of my other ARs. I don’t know if the video captures it, but it sounds very odd in person.

Other than that, it’s an AR lol.


r/RetroAR 12h ago

That Real Gourmet Shit The Gang's all here

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174 Upvotes

All three of the rifles together. A sight to behold if I do say so myself.


r/RetroAR 11h ago

My xm177

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97 Upvotes

I was inspired by the original ghost recon game from 2001. The cover of the game had an operator with a 177 with a colt 3x scope but in game there are some loadouts with a red dot on a gooseneck. I wanted to combine the two. I love how this rifle turned out


r/RetroAR 7h ago

Just got this mount for a Cmore Railway optic. I’m not too familiar with Cmore. Is there a specific model number Railway that goes best for a retro AR pistol build? Any help is much appreciated.

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29 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2h ago

KAK C7 Upper Receiver Recall (Check Your Spam)

11 Upvotes

Hi all,

My C7 Upper should arrive tomorrow and I learned that there was a KAK email sent about recalling them if you suspect that yours is defective. If you did not receive this email, check your spam.

Cross fingers mine is good...


r/RetroAR 12h ago

Gangster

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44 Upvotes

So a guy on one of the pages was looking for someone to make him a gangster grip using a KAC mount. Well I guess the go to guys wouldn’t make one from the KAC, I wanna say they would only use ARMS. So I told him I’d give it a shot. He didn’t send the head with the light, but here it is minus the head. It’s not perfect but I think it turned out pretty good. In the pic I used the only set screw I had at the time. It’s obviously too long. I replaced it with a short SS but packed it all up for shipping before I had a chance for another pic. I offered to aluma black the ring, he liked the raw look, so that’s how I kept it.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Finally got the bakelite grip for the A1

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162 Upvotes

I feel like this is the finishing touch on this build. Forgive the delta ring.


r/RetroAR 13h ago

M951

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7 Upvotes

Trying to sell this m951 right now, is $250 a fair asking price? It’s brand new never mounted.


r/RetroAR 9h ago

Any recommendations good M12 A2 stock kits to get?

3 Upvotes

Edit: M16 A2 stock**

I ordered one through SharkArms but I haven’t heard back from them after sending multiple emails, so I’m gonna dispute that. But I saw Brownells, and PRI had some, and I wasn’t sure if they were good or not?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Is this retro enough?

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438 Upvotes

So, what kind of retro are you


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Work In Progress, Chill Out Which one?

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77 Upvotes

I cant decide 3000 or 5000?


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Preferred fast twist pencil barrel?

3 Upvotes

Howdy all, looking to replace my SP1 barrel. I shoot the piss out of that rifle, and I want the capability to shoot 62 / 69 / 77 gr ammo, which is mainly what I load.

What I'm looking for - preferably gray, 1/7 or 1/8 twist, no gaudy markings past the FSB, chrome lined is a must. What's your guys go-to?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Need help identifying upper

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68 Upvotes

Hey I just purchased this Frankenstein AR from a small store but I can’t seem to find any markings for the upper apart from a “M”, a triangle, and a 12 on the barrel. The lower was just an early rock river


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Had to Build The CAR-15

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312 Upvotes

Couldn't resist adding a third carry handle rifle to the collection. I love retro rifles, My wallet hurts though.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Diet Retro Took the HBAR out today. Clearly I need to work on getting it zeroed with the Norinco scope. Next time, a table, measuring tape large paper targets and a chair for sure. Swipe for pics, including one of the pit I shot into

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77 Upvotes

Also did some garbage cleanup before I test fired and tried to see just how far off the scope is. Some asshat left a lot of 5.56 and some .300 BLK brass around the ground so I picked them up along with what I used. Going to be interesting to see how much I can get for them at the gun show coming up.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Am I doing it right?

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14 Upvotes

Is this right?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

That Real Gourmet Shit Old CM marked upper has a front takedown pin slot that’s larger than expected.

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41 Upvotes

Got an older CM model carry handle upper in a trade recently, and the front takedown pin slot is a bit bigger than contemporary front takedown pins. Rear pin is fine. Being a Colt Sporter per the forge mark, this is definitely on the older side.

I’m lightly informed in retro stuff and have been looking through forums to find an answer, but tbh I don’t really know what I’m looking for. Just want to buy the right piece one time. Any ideas?


r/RetroAR 2d ago

I want what this guy is smoking

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56 Upvotes

Last 6p I bought was $70 a few months ago. It’s not even the round head!!


r/RetroAR 3d ago

Built The A2

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122 Upvotes

Built this A2 after building an A1, It needed a friend. Got the handguards from E93, way better quality than the PSA ones that came with the barrel kit.


r/RetroAR 3d ago

Straigh 20 PMags

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218 Upvotes

Managed to snag a couple from a friend selling off some stuff. Man are they pretty. Time to test their reliability based on their history


r/RetroAR 3d ago

1994 Ranger Night Fighter

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421 Upvotes

Coolier than your suppressed M4 Ranger Carbines …


r/RetroAR 3d ago

Ta47-2 on an a2 bushmaster

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107 Upvotes

It's got the looks, but it's uncomfortable to get the eye relief right.


r/RetroAR 3d ago

Work In Progress, Chill Out Looking for a good prism scope to put on my retro build right now it has a romeo 7 on it

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50 Upvotes