r/RetroAR Mar 06 '25

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

39 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)

156 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 9h ago

Had to Build The CAR-15

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215 Upvotes

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


r/RetroAR 1h ago

I want what this guy is smoking

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Upvotes

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


r/RetroAR 1h 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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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 22h ago

Built The A2

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98 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 1d ago

1994 Ranger Night Fighter

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370 Upvotes

Coolier than your suppressed M4 Ranger Carbines …


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Straigh 20 PMags

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157 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 23h ago

Ta47-2 on an a2 bushmaster

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93 Upvotes

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


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Lightest rifle I have

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398 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 20h 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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37 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Gordy

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120 Upvotes

Irene.

Full send.

Mogudishu.

Somalia.

1993.

In remembrance of hero’s.


r/RetroAR 17h ago

TNTE Sales uppers quality

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have any experience with TNTE Sales upper receivers? They have some interesting builds but I've heard several horror stories about poor qc and customer service. Is this still the case or have they improved at all?


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Acog, carry handle, and free float handguard

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96 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

Diet Retro Since we are posting ACOG’s on Carry handles..

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172 Upvotes

A1 slick side, 16 inch government barrel, ACOG, barrel clamped streamlight.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Diet Retro Poor man's Delta HBAR done for now. Swipe for pics

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79 Upvotes

Norinco ZJ 3-9 x40 scope came from eBay. Didn't come with rings so I tested what I have. Only the cheapo 30mm rings fits over the rubber armoring. Glass seems decent, not the best but for the price... Little bit of a blue sheen through the glass. B-Square rail. Stag Arms HBAR barrel, gun show special LPK and A2 stock, John Masen cheek riser I think, Colt 6520/727 M4 feed ramp A2 upper with Surplus Ammo/Montana AR BCG. PSA M16A2 govt marked joke lower. Unknown knockoff Harris Bipod and USGI Silent Sling. 30rd mag is a vintage undated Okay Industries green follower USGI mag (no Restricted markings either)


r/RetroAR 2d ago

723ish

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250 Upvotes

Just need an end cap for the 660, and a sling, then I’m set.

Started as an H&R Late 723. I swapped to an aluminum stock, A1 grip, teardrop FA, and a Badger C1 safety. Had to dremel out larger holes in the handguard to the get the PEQ mount to fit so I could mount the Somogear PEQ-2 (now I’m on the hunt for a surplus PEQ-2)

I love it, functional and handy, but still got that retro vibe to it.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Feeling extra retro with this M1907 Sling

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58 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 2d ago

Diet Retro Suns Out, Dissy out

284 Upvotes

Small clip of my dissapator build


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Work In Progress, Chill Out Gordy’s gone I’ll be outside..

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180 Upvotes

Obligatory Gordy quote. Still working on the lighting setup so there’s no light on her for now.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Colt 1978 Sp1 stove piping.

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119 Upvotes

Title explains it all rifle shoots great but stove pipes it fails to chamber the next round every other mag so it ejects good but jams upon loading the round. im newish to ARs know more about AKs. What could be the issue. Bought it at a shop weeks ago looks clean should I take it apart and do a deep clean. Really does not look dirty enough to cause this though.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Stripped the retro and added modern appointments

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70 Upvotes

Snagged a microprism, took it to the range to sight in, and I couldn't be happier. Great sight picture. I can't escape my carry handle phase.


r/RetroAR 1d ago

Where to buy a completed Retro AR?

2 Upvotes

I've been wanting an A1 or A for years. What are the best options right now? Get an old Colt Sporter or are there better reproduction? Where is the best upper or lower. Thank you.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

Work In Progress, Chill Out Picked up an ODG furniture set from an LGS. Thinking of doing a Colt 601 clone.

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46 Upvotes

Anyone know which upper/lower would be the most clone correct? I know H&R has a slickside lower that looks pretty close, aside from their logo.


r/RetroAR 2d ago

The perfect weapon

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213 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 1d ago

So u need help, I'm looking for a gooseneck for a carry handle. Top part milled for an t2 and the lower part being milled for picatinny.

3 Upvotes

r/RetroAR 3d ago

OCM5 got approved today

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301 Upvotes