The A2 was the rifle I knew growing up in the 2000s. They were absolutely switching to the A4 and M4 at that time, but I still remember news footage and external media portraying guys in their woodland/chocolate chip uniforms carrying A2 rifles. That's the image of the military that sticks with me. Been trying to throw together an A2 clone, and I'm glad people are finally acknowledging the king of M16 barrel lengths.
@@user-hz7we6ue2hI believe that Ohio Ordnance is manufacturing copies of that right now, and has been for years now. Just saying. I know that Administrative Results has an updated one that he has featured on his channel.
I was issued an A2 in boot camp, first rifle I qual'd expert with. When I got to the fleet, I was issued an A4 with an RCO (ACOG). That was like putting in a cheat code. Then shortly before I deployed to Afghan in '10, I got issued an M4 with an RCO. M4 was great for clearing buildings, but we got better effect on far targets with the 20" A4's. I love all of them.
I want to get an ACOG for my A4. I got out before the ACOG and people tell me it’s an almost a joke how effective it is. Kind of leaning towards the LED TA02 with a crosshair reticle.
Same, A2 in boot and A4 later. I remember thinking how much slimmer the A2s forearm felt on long road marches without a sling. I could wrap my hand around it better and keep a more positive grip vs. the quad rail with the sliding rail covers. Add on all the battle rattle and an A4 was as heavy as an M14.
I think the two tone gray is actually more accurate if you are wanting it to look like you had in the military. In my 26 years between Marines and Army I rarely had a rifle that the upper and lower were the same color. In The Marines if the rifle started losing accuracy they would just swap the upper for a new one while the lower had been cleaned to death. I had this happen in boot camp with my very first a2. My rifle shot way left, senior marched me to the armory, five minutes later I am marched back to the range with an almost black upper, and almost silver lower. Most accurate rifle I qualified with. I could have done 500 yards slow fire all day.
Well H&R is the way to go if you want non-matching colors. I've bough several uppers and lowers and complete rifles and not a single one matches when put together
Exactly. I believe the actual specification has a color range for acceptability on the type 3 anodize. Pretty much anywhere from gray to jet black. Small Arms Solutions has a good video on this somewhere.
Absolutely love my H&R m16a2. I own Daniel’s, a BCM, and this 1200 retro rifle is my favorite. A little nostalgia cause I carried a FN m16a2 during my time in the Army in the early 2010s. It shoots so smooth and is a no frills rifle. Got it set up just like we had them issued with the basic black sling too.
I went through Army basic in '92 and got issued a brand spanking new Colt A2 ...its probably my favorite rifle of all time. AR's just dont look right without the carry handle 😉
Carry handle, triangular handguards on a thin barrel, bright finished BCG, and no knuckle behind the port, or on the grip. We were told the A2's were on the way, and burst fire was going to be the greatest thing since indoor plumbing, but we never saw them. Everyone could identify their weapon by the differences in shade between the upper and lower.😊 Ah, The good old days: cheap gas, no cell phones, no internet.
For many of us it brings back memories. I had a m16a1 my first 3 years, then came the a2, then m4 etc. I think it's actually a reflection of the times. For the majority of the people watching this, especially people just getting into firearms, it may be a budget thing. You can buy a a1 or a2, a few mags, cleaning kit, and ammo and you're good to go. You can splurge and get a m7 or m9 bayonet and sling. Or your can go down the rabbit hole of the newer style carbines with the mlok or key mods, then you're looking at 100 to 2000 or more for optics and mounts, then you may want a weapons mounted light 100 to 500 for a good one, you may want a laser of some type again 100 to 2000 plus, magpul slings with qd attachments another 100 plus. The you have the different grips, stocks, muzzle breaks or flash hider, bcg options, etc. You see where I'm going. Many of us have families, homes, bills, and other responsibilities, with inflation, the price of food, gas, taxes etc. Our dollars just don't go as far. Back in the day we used to attach the Maglites to our hand guards using 100 mph tape, and the only laser we had was a huge contraption called a an paq, that attached to the carry handle and hung down to the left with a switch that was activated by a toggle type switch and the laser flashed 3 times with each activation, and since it was ir only we had to use our pvs7 nvgs. Bottom line get what you like, and what you can afford. To be fair that a2 is going to shoot the same ammo and take the same mags as the newer 16 inch carbines. Nothing replaces training and weapons maintenance, just go exercise your second ammendment rights and enjoy the outdoors.
Am so happy I bought my Colt Sporter in San Francisco in 1992. This video is enlightening and proves the superiority of my weapon, [not the shooter though] which only has had about 300 rounds fired through it.
Always love your honest, in depth reviews. Of course, a bunch of GunTubers got SA 16’s from the manufacturer to time with their launch and nobody says anything about the issues like the squishy delta ring! That’s why I’ve followed your channel since about 30k subscribers.
Mismatch and matched anodizing for upper/lower is actually correct for military produced rifles. Many were issued new with slightly different color between the upper and lower. Many other clones are cerakoted so they will always match.
Built an A1 clone using a mix of H&R receiver set and Barrel and a colt M16A1 parts kit ,sucker shoots lights out. love it. The H&R stuff is golden.. do be aware that the blems are sometimes very Blemmy. grabbed another A1 stripped upper and it was very noticeable what the blem was.
Brownells has the Colt A2 handguards for sale. I bought some for my PSA A4 last week. They fit perfect and have the proper heat shields and they are shaped correctly.
I was issued an H&R M16a1 in Germany in 1986, shot it 5 or 6 times a year in competition only with other NATO units. It never gave me any problems. I was a M60 gunner with a MP detachment so that and a 1911a1 were my standard issue guns but being on the brigade rifle team I had access to the A1. I left my unit in 89 never seeing an A2 or the Beretta 92.
My A2 was the first AR I built back in around 02 it was pretty expensive to find all the correct parts back then but it's still one of my favorite rifles
I've always liked the A2's. Best irons on a rifle imo, easy to use and adjust plus it's quite accurate. I got the 20" PSA premium upper with the FSB and plastic handguards, FN barrel, no ch or bcg for just over $200 on sale a few years ago. I've tried different sighting systems and I keep going back to the detachable carry handle. I just really like my irons, I like nice optics and red dots too, but when I can smack a rubber dummy at 400 yards with ease just using the A2 irons, that feels really good. Plus it's extremely reliable, irons don't have batteries that die nor glass that can get blurry from weather or crack/break. Last but not least, if you're running an A2/A4 clone, gotta have a bayonet on it, I mean that just looks fricking awesome and it makes all the antigun nuts loose their marbles 🤷
I was a Marine from 99-03 and noticed that many A2 rifles were color mismatched. All the ones I was issued were black but I would estimate that about 5% of the rifles had either a grey upper/lower or both. I always thought it looked nice and is probably a nod to those rifles on the part of H&R. I like it
I bought a pre-ban lower actually let me start over. I’m about 10 years ago. I bought a AR 15 that someone had put a surplus M 16 A2 kit together on. Long story short it was a 20 inch pencil barrel FN barrel that was the second barrel for that upper receiver and its life. They turned out that the lower was a pre-band and all I’m really trying to say is that my teenage boys thought it was amazing. They love the sighting system on the carry handle. They love the weight of it. They love the balance and it didn’t even bother them For their length of Paul. In any case, I really enjoyed shooting it also and the barrel didn’t heat up as fast as I thought it would would. It was a really cool rifle. Had the original cult bolt and bolt carrier the only thing original was the replacement barrel that armor had put on it at some point made by FN. Super fun rifle, I think I ended up trading it to someone for four or five pistols. I really wanted to sell it to someone in Connecticut but no one believe me when I didn’t want to sell it for $2000. Thanks for listening! And thank you for all of your efforts.
H&R has an awesome lineup of retro ARs. I have two M16 A1s,a model 723 car and a A2 car lower on my Colt M4 16 " upper. I plan on purchasing more of them in the future. I absolutely love H&R products.
If you know where to look ,you can constantly get A2 upper receivers. As a kit or stripped... The Hbar will be the next retro thing when people rediscover a good quality Hbar can get you 1moa or better with ammo it likes and a few details lining up. Wish I had my old pictures to share. I had a 7.62x39 a2 Hbar that shot 1-1.7 moa with 10 rounds using standard handguards and 0.6 moa -1.5 moa for 10 rounds with a free float handguard. I got a plain bore , 4140 cm, 20 inch,1/10 twist barrel to test accuracy with . I broke it in with the Windex method . Reloads got me my best accuracy . 1680 powder, cci military primers, Winchester cases, speer hot core bullets. Single stage loaded with powder charges being exactly the same and components grouped by weight .
I was issued an FN M16A2 during basic training in '12. Only issue I ever had was a double feed every 36th round. Still managed to shoot expert at pre-qual with it. When I got to my first National Guard unit, I was issued a Colt M16A2. That Colt was an awesome rifle. I've wanted one just like it since then.
Never had an a2 but I had a psa a4 I put a carry handle sight on and a web sling that loops and tightens around the arm to lock in. Just a bare minimum, back to basics rifle. It quickly became my favorite AR to take to the range and plink with.
Awesome video! I have been wondering about comparing the new A2s. The only one I still wonder about is the Bushmaster. It would be cool to compare that to the H&R.
A2 is what I used in boot camp at PI in 2007 and didn't get my A4 till I hit the fleet. I hated the quad rail of the A4 but I loved the A2. my 1st AR was a M4 clone because that was the high speed low drag at the time but soon got a A2 clone for target shooting.
Literally earlier today I was telling another family member Ive been thinking of building or buying an 'A2'... I actually used the A2 through my deployment to Iraq in 2005 (yes, parts of the US military were still actively using this rifle that late...). Funny i noticed how easily you took the hand guards off the Colt in the beginning of the video and wondered if they were too loose... I always fought with mine (didnt know there was a tool actually)
PSA/ H&R are fantastic. I have the XM177E2 lower on my Colt A1 upper and love it. I have never had a delta ring give me issues at all. I use Double Star delta rings and springs because they work perfectly. If you can find an older used Bushmaster A2 from the 90s they are great rifles and can be had under 1K. I do want a H&R LMG version.
I love mine, now that I'm older i have an RCO-A4 ACOG mounted to the carry handle on mine. I live in rural Northern Illinois where if SHTF a 400-600 yard shot would be very likely and an A2 with an ACOG is perfect suited in that distance
Thank you for making this video i was on the fence on which one to buy. The M16A2 is my favorite AR platform followed by the Block II M4. But I will say you missed a perfect opportunity to break out the M81 woodland fatigues. Jokes aside this video does solidify my decision to go with the H&R with the FN Herstal barrel.
"feels right" I might add it sounds right too. I could hear the "boing...boing of every shot. That's what I remember the most. Came from a land of A bolts and BARs, hard to forget that spring sound off. Great video I'm sorry I waited 6days to watch. Good work on a "forgotten" weapon.
Funny; you made this video as soon as I just finished my first ever build and first ever gun purchase which happened to be an M16A2 clone. I bought a stripped lower M16A2 replica from PSA, along with the lower assembly, and a complete upper from H&R with a chrome barrel. Quite easy to put together. I've yet to take it to the range which will be the real test. It's a beautiful rifle. To top it off, I just bought some USGI replica STANAG 30rd magazines (with the grey film look) and m193 ammo. I can't wait to practice with it. From what I here, A2 iron sights are as good as they come.
The first half of my Army enlistment was with an M16A1 and the second half was with the A2. I loved them both, but I'm slightly more partial to the A1. But, when I wanted to build a clone, the A1 parts kits had already gotten stupid pricey, so I wound up with an A2 clone that is: Spike's Tactical lower receiver with a Stag Arms LPK; Mossberg manufactured A2 buttstock; A Cerro Forge upper receiver (don't know what brand of rifle it came off of originally); Bear Creek Arsenal CHF barrel; and a CMMG A2 flash suppressor. I have right around $500 into it. Funny thing is that it will shoot MOA 3 round groups. I figured if it got 2-3 MOA, I'd be happy (because accuracy costs $$, right?), so I was dang pleased with how accurate this rifle turned out to be.
First qualified at Edson Range in 1981 with the A1. Learned to shoot the A1 quite well over the next four years. Can't say that I liked the sights on the A1 though. Elevation adjustments sucked but once dialed in, it was very accurate. Never saw the A2 while I was in the Corps. Bought a Rock River Arms A2 Standard in 2010 and absolutely love it. Much better sights than the A1 but I've since upgraded to National Match sights. Great rifle.
I have a Ruger AR15. The only thing I want for it is a 20" barrel. I am not a fan of shorter barrels. The reason for the Ruger is the price was below 800 at the time I bought it. I am saving for a 20" barrel one day. The M16 the Air Force gave me back in '72 spoiled me on the longer barrel. Loved the M16 and still do. Wonderful rifle then and now. Went and checked out the H&R site and now I am thinking I should sell this one and get one of their 20" models. They are so sweet looking! Funny thing is I still haven't fired the Ruger LOL
Thanks for taking the time to review the different makes offered. Check out LMT Defense (government contractor) with their Rifle length handguards. They are high heat glass inlaid polymer just like Colt. The heat shields are identical to Colt and H&R.
Back in 2017 I put together an A2 clone and I’ve been running it in 2-gun/carbine matches since. This year I had to get some prescription shooting glasses to stay competitive, I still manage to place somewhere in the middle overall even with irons.
I did PSA back in 2018. I did a 20 and 16 inch rifle and carbine. I did both as complete uppers and lowers watching for sales with no shipping. I got the basic guns for just over $300 each. BCG's, charging handle, carry handles, slings and 5 aluminum magazines for each got me to a little over $600 in each. Of course you can't do that for that price anymore but I have seen base carbines done that way for $700-$750 without the three things I got or magazines in emails from them.
I have played with the psa a4 upper.. it has the exact same handguard and fn barrel. The a2 wasnt available at the time but vas very impressed with the quality
I recently put together (don't consider pinning an upper and lower building) a PSA A2 lower and DPMS flat top upper. Stock is fuzzy, metal trap door latch, A2 handguards fit tight, delta ring is strong. So the color is off, so the carry handle is bolt on. All in total investment is under $700 for a neat looking range toy.
I have a Bushmaster AR-15 A2 that shoots very well. I don't have a Colt to compare the color but mine does not seem to be black, more grey. My handguards do not move at all. I actually need the tool to remove them. I bought three of them, sequential serial numbers, over a decade ago so that I, and my two sons, would each have one.
I just finished an M16A2 clone build after an enjoyable challenge of about 2 years looking for appropriate parts. The rifle turned out great! Works perfectly and is very accurate. I am not disappointed and it is not for sale... I also own a Colt Sporter II Match Target HBAR, which _resembles_ an A2, but the "sear block" feature eliminates being able to use your choice of BCGs, triggers, etc. _At the time_ it was introduced, it was a good offering. Currently...you cannot take advantage of the much more varied after market parts that didn't exist in the late 80s, early 90s. I bought mine in the late 80s. It is not for sale. I wouldn't buy another, given the options we have now. That said, if you can get one out of the box, and don't enjoy the search (and time) for parts for $1000 - 1500...it's a good deal. I am sure my clone build exceeded $1000. (I didn't buy cheap components) As far as the slight finish difference on the H&R, if you look at military M16A2s, a slight (or even large) variation in color between upper and lower receiver is common. The A2 model is the best looking and easiest shooting of the AR series and definitely my favorite.
You know Tim, you talked so well about the AREX, and everyone thought you were crazy. But I bought one, and it is PERFECT. I think I'll take your advice on this H&R, I'll let you know on the next video.
I'm impressed w/H&R (653 and 635 clones here) for all the reasons you've mentioned. I'm looking forward to the 733 clone to get my HEAT LARP on. The loose handguards on the SA and FA would annoy the crap out of me. I'd have to shim them to the barrel nut somehow and wrap w/90 mph tape.
Made an A2 copy from Aero precision. Everything was good with the handguard but stock. I don’t remember if that was metal but the barrel would’ve been fine but it was headspace incorrectly. Everything else was perfect and I had to get a screw on handle versus a upper receiver with the handle.
Brownells has been hot on retro M-16 rifles for a couple of years, plus they offer some really cool retro wood furniture for them and they're not the only producer.
I love my pre ban Colt A2 HBAR, it’s a great shooter for sure. Unfortunately other rifles seem to jump ahead of it on range days. I definitely need to get it out to the range this weekend.
First AR I ever fired was a legit colt A1. Man that's nice. Lately I'm chasing that first high I guess but still attracted to the A2 slightly more. Maybe cause it's what my brother carried in Desert Storm. Still have it on the list.
The A-2 was the best combination of accuracy, reliability, & ergonomics. In the Marine Corp we had to consistently hit a bullseye at 500 meters (or was it yards) with iron sights with the A2, something that you couldn't do with the A1, or even now with the M4. When you get a bunch of raw recruits that can accomplish that with iron sights, then the rifle must be pretty accurate.
I know, a sample size of one, but I picked up one of the Springfield’s two weeks ago and the Delta ringing spring tension is so tight even after 1K rds that I can’t move it without a buddy to help. It seems to be every bit as tight as my original late 1980’s AR15A2 Colt government rifle, my old school Bushmaster, my current production Colt AR15A4, and my mid 2000’s DPMS. I know that he would rather bang on a gun over and over instead of sending it back to the manufacturer for them to repair a defect, kinda like what he does with the Taurus judge, but this might be a good opportunity to try something new. Test and comment on the customer service of a manufacturer after you get a defective product. When I spend my hard earned money on a new product, I want it to be right and if it’s not, I ask the manufacturer to make it right. Earlier this year I got it defective Colt anaconda. I called them and they took care of everything and eventually sent me a new one in a reasonable timeframe.
I like my H&R also. But, the rifle my friends always want me to bring along is the Colt AR15A4. I know it's slightly different with that detachable carry handle, but it's everyone's favorite. I'll have to pick up the Springfield and Fulton just to have
Back in 2006 I got a Bushmaster XM15 and let me tell you... that thing still to this day shoots insanely smooth and crazy accurate. No rattles, nice and snug. Got it new for 850 bucks lol.
It would be fun to take out to the range for nostalgia's sake. The twang of the buffer spring, the slight stress of getting the top score and maybe getting your "expert" ribbon for your booter ribbon collection.
Great comparison. I, too, was impressed with the H&R rifles at their NRA booth.
It was great to see you in Dallas!
The A2 was the rifle I knew growing up in the 2000s. They were absolutely switching to the A4 and M4 at that time, but I still remember news footage and external media portraying guys in their woodland/chocolate chip uniforms carrying A2 rifles. That's the image of the military that sticks with me.
Been trying to throw together an A2 clone, and I'm glad people are finally acknowledging the king of M16 barrel lengths.
I believe the trend for shorter AR-15s will continue, but I am glad this niche is being filled for people who love the 20” carry handle game.
Maybe the B A R will be produced for We The People.
@@user-hz7we6ue2hI believe that Ohio Ordnance is manufacturing copies of that right now, and has been for years now. Just saying. I know that Administrative Results has an updated one that he has featured on his channel.
@@user-hz7we6ue2h Ohio Ordinance makes a semi auto version, but it's like 8K...
It won't because below 11.5 is too huge of a velocity drop of 223
Ohio ordnance for BAR.
I was issued an A2 in boot camp, first rifle I qual'd expert with. When I got to the fleet, I was issued an A4 with an RCO (ACOG). That was like putting in a cheat code. Then shortly before I deployed to Afghan in '10, I got issued an M4 with an RCO. M4 was great for clearing buildings, but we got better effect on far targets with the 20" A4's. I love all of them.
I want to get an ACOG for my A4. I got out before the ACOG and people tell me it’s an almost a joke how effective it is. Kind of leaning towards the LED TA02 with a crosshair reticle.
Same, A2 in boot and A4 later. I remember thinking how much slimmer the A2s forearm felt on long road marches without a sling. I could wrap my hand around it better and keep a more positive grip vs. the quad rail with the sliding rail covers. Add on all the battle rattle and an A4 was as heavy as an M14.
A2 and A4 always been my favorites
I think the two tone gray is actually more accurate if you are wanting it to look like you had in the military. In my 26 years between Marines and Army I rarely had a rifle that the upper and lower were the same color. In The Marines if the rifle started losing accuracy they would just swap the upper for a new one while the lower had been cleaned to death. I had this happen in boot camp with my very first a2. My rifle shot way left, senior marched me to the armory, five minutes later I am marched back to the range with an almost black upper, and almost silver lower. Most accurate rifle I qualified with. I could have done 500 yards slow fire all day.
Came to say the same thing. I've never seen a M16A2 in service that had a color matching upper and lower.
Yessir you nailed it and the upper needs that weird purple hue
Well H&R is the way to go if you want non-matching colors. I've bough several uppers and lowers and complete rifles and not a single one matches when put together
Exactly. I believe the actual specification has a color range for acceptability on the type 3 anodize. Pretty much anywhere from gray to jet black. Small Arms Solutions has a good video on this somewhere.
Yeah, i seem to recall my issue A2 also was two tone... Though i dont remember it being as extreme as it looked in the video...
Absolutely love my H&R m16a2. I own Daniel’s, a BCM, and this 1200 retro rifle is my favorite. A little nostalgia cause I carried a FN m16a2 during my time in the Army in the early 2010s. It shoots so smooth and is a no frills rifle. Got it set up just like we had them issued with the basic black sling too.
I went through Army basic in '92 and got issued a brand spanking new Colt A2 ...its probably my favorite rifle of all time. AR's just dont look right without the carry handle 😉
Amen! I have a carbine with the carry handle and it’s my favorite.
Me too brother, basic 1993.
Carry handle, triangular handguards on a thin barrel, bright finished BCG, and no knuckle behind the port, or on the grip. We were told the A2's were on the way, and burst fire was going to be the greatest thing since indoor plumbing, but we never saw them. Everyone could identify their weapon by the differences in shade between the upper and lower.😊 Ah, The good old days: cheap gas, no cell phones, no internet.
@@analogludite9575 the only time I wished I had an A1 was during road marches when the A2 felt like it weighed 20lbs 😉
I agree with that.
A2 pattern rifles will always make me remember Ft. Jackson, S.C.
Ft Eustis, Va and Lewis-McCord.
For many of us it brings back memories. I had a m16a1 my first 3 years, then came the a2, then m4 etc. I think it's actually a reflection of the times. For the majority of the people watching this, especially people just getting into firearms, it may be a budget thing. You can buy a a1 or a2, a few mags, cleaning kit, and ammo and you're good to go. You can splurge and get a m7 or m9 bayonet and sling. Or your can go down the rabbit hole of the newer style carbines with the mlok or key mods, then you're looking at 100 to 2000 or more for optics and mounts, then you may want a weapons mounted light 100 to 500 for a good one, you may want a laser of some type again 100 to 2000 plus, magpul slings with qd attachments another 100 plus. The you have the different grips, stocks, muzzle breaks or flash hider, bcg options, etc. You see where I'm going. Many of us have families, homes, bills, and other responsibilities, with inflation, the price of food, gas, taxes etc. Our dollars just don't go as far. Back in the day we used to attach the Maglites to our hand guards using 100 mph tape, and the only laser we had was a huge contraption called a an paq, that attached to the carry handle and hung down to the left with a switch that was activated by a toggle type switch and the laser flashed 3 times with each activation, and since it was ir only we had to use our pvs7 nvgs. Bottom line get what you like, and what you can afford. To be fair that a2 is going to shoot the same ammo and take the same mags as the newer 16 inch carbines. Nothing replaces training and weapons maintenance, just go exercise your second ammendment rights and enjoy the outdoors.
The government gave me one when I was 17 but now I can't get one at 45 cuz you know WA and stuff 😤
So sorry brother, my only advice is to come down to Texas 👍
So stupid. WA government ruined a beautiful state
You have to leave that communist state
@@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244 as soon as I can for sure
That's sad. You can give your life to fight for government. But you can protect your life from the government. Or criminals
Crazy I've been watching this channel for close to 10 years now. Keep em coming brother.
Paul Harrel brought the A2 back!
He uses an A1 with an A2 handguard.
@@timrobinson6573 thanks, I can’t tell them apart lol
Good for keeping Paul in people's minds. 👍
I was crediting Mark McCloskey in St. Louis in 2020. 😜
@@DB-yj3qcHe has a couple shorts out the last couple days.
I took my A2 clone to the range yesterday for my 30th Birthday
Happy belated birthday
Based. Have kids and take them to the range
@@GammaRayTrae thank you!
@@maketheconstitutiongreatag5038 haha will do
shooting iron sights is fun although past a couple hundred yards no one knows if they hit anything or not especially old people like me 😂
Am so happy I bought my Colt Sporter in San Francisco in 1992. This video is enlightening and proves the superiority of my weapon, [not the shooter though] which only has had about 300 rounds fired through it.
Always love your honest, in depth reviews. Of course, a bunch of GunTubers got SA 16’s from the manufacturer to time with their launch and nobody says anything about the issues like the squishy delta ring! That’s why I’ve followed your channel since about 30k subscribers.
Mismatch and matched anodizing for upper/lower is actually correct for military produced rifles. Many were issued new with slightly different color between the upper and lower. Many other clones are cerakoted so they will always match.
Built an A1 clone using a mix of H&R receiver set and Barrel and a colt M16A1 parts kit ,sucker shoots lights out. love it. The H&R stuff is golden.. do be aware that the blems are sometimes very Blemmy. grabbed another A1 stripped upper and it was very noticeable what the blem was.
Hey, thanks for this comparison! Just so happens that I've been wanting an a2 to add to the collection. Very helpful, thanks again.
Brownells has the Colt A2 handguards for sale. I bought some for my PSA A4 last week. They fit perfect and have the proper heat shields and they are shaped correctly.
Great seeing a tee shirt from one of my favorite gun shops! Thanks Tim!
I really liked the A2 when I was in the ROTC. Qualified as sharpshooter the first time I ever shot one on the range.
I was issued an H&R M16a1 in Germany in 1986, shot it 5 or 6 times a year in competition only with other NATO units. It never gave me any problems. I was a M60 gunner with a MP detachment so that and a 1911a1 were my standard issue guns but being on the brigade rifle team I had access to the A1. I left my unit in 89 never seeing an A2 or the Beretta 92.
MP’s Lead the Way! most Deployed Smallest Department of the Military ! … we can be anywhere in 16hrs ready to go!
@@russiachinanorthkoreastatetvno lol just no
Great video for anyone thinking about picking up an A2. Very informative and helpful.
My A2 was the first AR I built back in around 02 it was pretty expensive to find all the correct parts back then but it's still one of my favorite rifles
I've always liked the A2's. Best irons on a rifle imo, easy to use and adjust plus it's quite accurate. I got the 20" PSA premium upper with the FSB and plastic handguards, FN barrel, no ch or bcg for just over $200 on sale a few years ago. I've tried different sighting systems and I keep going back to the detachable carry handle. I just really like my irons, I like nice optics and red dots too, but when I can smack a rubber dummy at 400 yards with ease just using the A2 irons, that feels really good. Plus it's extremely reliable, irons don't have batteries that die nor glass that can get blurry from weather or crack/break. Last but not least, if you're running an A2/A4 clone, gotta have a bayonet on it, I mean that just looks fricking awesome and it makes all the antigun nuts loose their marbles 🤷
Love my A2 stocks and rifle length buffers. Even switched my AR10 to an a2 stock.
I was a Marine from 99-03 and noticed that many A2 rifles were color mismatched. All the ones I was issued were black but I would estimate that about 5% of the rifles had either a grey upper/lower or both. I always thought it looked nice and is probably a nod to those rifles on the part of H&R. I like it
I bought a pre-ban lower actually let me start over. I’m about 10 years ago. I bought a AR 15 that someone had put a surplus M 16 A2 kit together on. Long story short it was a 20 inch pencil barrel FN barrel that was the second barrel for that upper receiver and its life. They turned out that the lower was a pre-band and all I’m really trying to say is that my teenage boys thought it was amazing. They love the sighting system on the carry handle. They love the weight of it. They love the balance and it didn’t even bother them For their length of Paul. In any case, I really enjoyed shooting it also and the barrel didn’t heat up as fast as I thought it would would. It was a really cool rifle. Had the original cult bolt and bolt carrier the only thing original was the replacement barrel that armor had put on it at some point made by FN. Super fun rifle, I think I ended up trading it to someone for four or five pistols. I really wanted to sell it to someone in Connecticut but no one believe me when I didn’t want to sell it for $2000. Thanks for listening! And thank you for all of your efforts.
I've been very pleased with H&R. I acquired their XM177E2 and love the fit and finish.
Built a franken A2 several years ago out of a PSA lower, DPMS upper, and a Fulton Armory barrel assembly.
just built a 727 carbine clone using a TNTE sales upper. very cool build.
My first rifle was a Buschmaster A2 and I love that rifle!
Thanks so much for this comparison.This really helps give an informed decision.
H&R has an awesome lineup of retro ARs. I have two M16 A1s,a model 723 car and a A2 car lower on my Colt M4 16 " upper. I plan on purchasing more of them in the future. I absolutely love H&R products.
If you know where to look ,you can constantly get A2 upper receivers. As a kit or stripped... The Hbar will be the next retro thing when people rediscover a good quality Hbar can get you 1moa or better with ammo it likes and a few details lining up. Wish I had my old pictures to share. I had a 7.62x39 a2 Hbar that shot 1-1.7 moa with 10 rounds using standard handguards and 0.6 moa -1.5 moa for 10 rounds with a free float handguard. I got a plain bore , 4140 cm, 20 inch,1/10 twist barrel to test accuracy with . I broke it in with the Windex method . Reloads got me my best accuracy . 1680 powder, cci military primers, Winchester cases, speer hot core bullets. Single stage loaded with powder charges being exactly the same and components grouped by weight .
Even though everyone today says HBARS were a marketing scam, my first HBAR back in 2004 was most accurate rifle I have ever owned.
USMC 1992 to 1996 so this was my rifle but I built one years ago off a Windham/Nodak A2 barrel/upper and love it.
I was issued an FN M16A2 during basic training in '12. Only issue I ever had was a double feed every 36th round. Still managed to shoot expert at pre-qual with it. When I got to my first National Guard unit, I was issued a Colt M16A2. That Colt was an awesome rifle. I've wanted one just like it since then.
Never had an a2 but I had a psa a4 I put a carry handle sight on and a web sling that loops and tightens around the arm to lock in. Just a bare minimum, back to basics rifle. It quickly became my favorite AR to take to the range and plink with.
Loved the video brother! Reminded me of the old Sturmgewehr days.
outstanding video, very well put together. Thank you!
Shout out to PSA!! Keep spreading the freedom!!!
GRENADA IS BACK ON THE MENU BOYSSS
I think pretty much everyone who went to Grenada did so with an M16A1.
Had one in basic training in 2006 and i remember really liking it. Ill have to grab one sooner or later
I’ve got a GWOT style A4 with an ACOG and a KAC rail on it that’s one of my go-to rifles. I love the 20 inch AR.
Awesome video! I have been wondering about comparing the new A2s. The only one I still wonder about is the Bushmaster. It would be cool to compare that to the H&R.
A2 is what I used in boot camp at PI in 2007 and didn't get my A4 till I hit the fleet. I hated the quad rail of the A4 but I loved the A2. my 1st AR was a M4 clone because that was the high speed low drag at the time but soon got a A2 clone for target shooting.
Literally earlier today I was telling another family member Ive been thinking of building or buying an 'A2'... I actually used the A2 through my deployment to Iraq in 2005 (yes, parts of the US military were still actively using this rifle that late...). Funny i noticed how easily you took the hand guards off the Colt in the beginning of the video and wondered if they were too loose... I always fought with mine (didnt know there was a tool actually)
PSA/ H&R are fantastic. I have the XM177E2 lower on my Colt A1 upper and love it.
I have never had a delta ring give me issues at all. I use Double Star delta rings and springs because they work perfectly.
If you can find an older used Bushmaster A2 from the 90s they are great rifles and can be had under 1K.
I do want a H&R LMG version.
Excellent video! I love the content and the comparison. Thanks!
I love my FA A2 that I got in 2021. They're a great company!!
Excellent video. I have an A4 clone with a PSA lower and an FN upper. The A2 is a real classic.
I love mine, now that I'm older i have an RCO-A4 ACOG mounted to the carry handle on mine. I live in rural Northern Illinois where if SHTF a 400-600 yard shot would be very likely and an A2 with an ACOG is perfect suited in that distance
My son just bought me the SA-16 for my birthday. Have not shot it yet. The handguard does not rattle.
Thank you for making this video i was on the fence on which one to buy. The M16A2 is my favorite AR platform followed by the Block II M4. But I will say you missed a perfect opportunity to break out the M81 woodland fatigues. Jokes aside this video does solidify my decision to go with the H&R with the FN Herstal barrel.
"feels right" I might add it sounds right too. I could hear the "boing...boing of every shot. That's what I remember the most. Came from a land of A bolts and BARs, hard to forget that spring sound off. Great video I'm sorry I waited 6days to watch. Good work on a "forgotten" weapon.
Funny; you made this video as soon as I just finished my first ever build and first ever gun purchase which happened to be an M16A2 clone. I bought a stripped lower M16A2 replica from PSA, along with the lower assembly, and a complete upper from H&R with a chrome barrel. Quite easy to put together. I've yet to take it to the range which will be the real test. It's a beautiful rifle. To top it off, I just bought some USGI replica STANAG 30rd magazines (with the grey film look) and m193 ammo. I can't wait to practice with it. From what I here, A2 iron sights are as good as they come.
Excellent explanation sir. Thank you for your expertise and advice. H&R all the way.
The first half of my Army enlistment was with an M16A1 and the second half was with the A2. I loved them both, but I'm slightly more partial to the A1.
But, when I wanted to build a clone, the A1 parts kits had already gotten stupid pricey, so I wound up with an A2 clone that is: Spike's Tactical lower receiver with a Stag Arms LPK; Mossberg manufactured A2 buttstock; A Cerro Forge upper receiver (don't know what brand of rifle it came off of originally); Bear Creek Arsenal CHF barrel; and a CMMG A2 flash suppressor. I have right around $500 into it. Funny thing is that it will shoot MOA 3 round groups. I figured if it got 2-3 MOA, I'd be happy (because accuracy costs $$, right?), so I was dang pleased with how accurate this rifle turned out to be.
Thank you for the comparison Tim.
First qualified at Edson Range in 1981 with the A1. Learned to shoot the A1 quite well over the next four years. Can't say that I liked the sights on the A1 though. Elevation adjustments sucked but once dialed in, it was very accurate. Never saw the A2 while I was in the Corps. Bought a Rock River Arms A2 Standard in 2010 and absolutely love it. Much better sights than the A1 but I've since upgraded to National Match sights. Great rifle.
M16A2 with or without the M203 slung underneath is the sexiest damn gun of the 2000's (along with the G36).
I have a Ruger AR15. The only thing I want for it is a 20" barrel. I am not a fan of shorter barrels. The reason for the Ruger is the price was below 800 at the time I bought it. I am saving for a 20" barrel one day. The M16 the Air Force gave me back in '72 spoiled me on the longer barrel. Loved the M16 and still do. Wonderful rifle then and now. Went and checked out the H&R site and now I am thinking I should sell this one and get one of their 20" models. They are so sweet looking! Funny thing is I still haven't fired the Ruger LOL
Thanks for taking the time to review the different makes offered. Check out LMT Defense (government contractor) with their Rifle length handguards. They are high heat glass inlaid polymer just like Colt. The heat shields are identical to Colt and H&R.
The Springfield has issues? You don't say....
Back in 2017 I put together an A2 clone and I’ve been running it in 2-gun/carbine matches since. This year I had to get some prescription shooting glasses to stay competitive, I still manage to place somewhere in the middle overall even with irons.
I did PSA back in 2018. I did a 20 and 16 inch rifle and carbine. I did both as complete uppers and lowers watching for sales with no shipping. I got the basic guns for just over $300 each. BCG's, charging handle, carry handles, slings and 5 aluminum magazines for each got me to a little over $600 in each. Of course you can't do that for that price anymore but I have seen base carbines done that way for $700-$750 without the three things I got or magazines in emails from them.
100% agree on the H&R. I love my rifle.
Love the A2. Carried one.i. the Air Force when we had the exercises
Hell yeah. I was issued the A2 in basic. It’s still my favorite.
PSA is kicking ass. I absolutely love my PSA AR-10 👍👍
I got the bushmaster ar15 a2 20 inch barrel. 1/8 twist . Shoot great
I have played with the psa a4 upper.. it has the exact same handguard and fn barrel. The a2 wasnt available at the time but vas very impressed with the quality
I recently put together (don't consider pinning an upper and lower building) a PSA A2 lower and DPMS flat top upper. Stock is fuzzy, metal trap door latch, A2 handguards fit tight, delta ring is strong. So the color is off, so the carry handle is bolt on. All in total investment is under $700 for a neat looking range toy.
I have a Bushmaster AR-15 A2 that shoots very well. I don't have a Colt to compare the color but mine does not seem to be black, more grey. My handguards do not move at all. I actually need the tool to remove them. I bought three of them, sequential serial numbers, over a decade ago so that I, and my two sons, would each have one.
I just finished an M16A2 clone build after an enjoyable challenge of about 2 years looking for appropriate parts. The rifle turned out great! Works perfectly and is very accurate. I am not disappointed and it is not for sale...
I also own a Colt Sporter II Match Target HBAR, which _resembles_ an A2, but the "sear block" feature eliminates being able to use your choice of BCGs, triggers, etc. _At the time_ it was introduced, it was a good offering. Currently...you cannot take advantage of the much more varied after market parts that didn't exist in the late 80s, early 90s. I bought mine in the late 80s. It is not for sale. I wouldn't buy another, given the options we have now.
That said, if you can get one out of the box, and don't enjoy the search (and time) for parts for $1000 - 1500...it's a good deal. I am sure my clone build exceeded $1000. (I didn't buy cheap components) As far as the slight finish difference on the H&R, if you look at military M16A2s, a slight (or even large) variation in color between upper and lower receiver is common.
The A2 model is the best looking and easiest shooting of the AR series and definitely my favorite.
You know Tim, you talked so well about the AREX, and everyone thought you were crazy. But I bought one, and it is PERFECT. I think I'll take your advice on this H&R, I'll let you know on the next video.
I’m not to big on perfect clones. However I do like the 20” barrel in 1/7 twist with a carry handle and fixed front sight post. Just my opinion.
I'm impressed w/H&R (653 and 635 clones here) for all the reasons you've mentioned. I'm looking forward to the 733 clone to get my HEAT LARP on. The loose handguards on the SA and FA would annoy the crap out of me. I'd have to shim them to the barrel nut somehow and wrap w/90 mph tape.
Well documented and manufactured. Great job, H&R!
I knew even before watching the video Mac would choose the H&R.
Thanks, guys. Trip down memory lane.
I was in the suck when they switch to the a2 . In early 84 we went to the range on camp hanson okinawa with them. thanks
Made an A2 copy from Aero precision. Everything was good with the handguard but stock. I don’t remember if that was metal but the barrel would’ve been fine but it was headspace incorrectly. Everything else was perfect and I had to get a screw on handle versus a upper receiver with the handle.
Brownells has been hot on retro M-16 rifles for a couple of years, plus they offer some really cool retro wood furniture for them and they're not the only producer.
Yay, this is what I used in the early 90's in the Army!
I love the A2.... awesome rifle
an HR M16A1 is what I was used in Basic Training.
received a Colt M16A1 in W. Germany and Ft. Bragg.
Love ❤️ my Bushmaster A2! Bought just after AWB, and B4 they got goofed up by their buyers.
My first AR was an A2 style upper 16” with collapsing stock. I’ll always have a soft spot for the carry handle upper.
I love my pre ban Colt A2 HBAR, it’s a great shooter for sure. Unfortunately other rifles seem to jump ahead of it on range days. I definitely need to get it out to the range this weekend.
Years ago I found an original set of A2 handguards at a gun shop, to put on my PSA. The owner thought they were the same handguards.
Awesome collection, envy. Expensive to import.
First AR I ever fired was a legit colt A1. Man that's nice. Lately I'm chasing that first high I guess but still attracted to the A2 slightly more. Maybe cause it's what my brother carried in Desert Storm. Still have it on the list.
The A-2 was the best combination of accuracy, reliability, & ergonomics. In the Marine Corp we had to consistently hit a bullseye at 500 meters (or was it yards) with iron sights with the A2, something that you couldn't do with the A1, or even now with the M4. When you get a bunch of raw recruits that can accomplish that with iron sights, then the rifle must be pretty accurate.
Marine Corp used yards for sighting the A2
Corps*
We sighted ours in in meters. MCRD San Diego ‘86. That’s when I learned about the difference between meters and yards.
@@waynehindes3396 Yes, I went through boot camp in "'86 too & remember it that way.
I know, a sample size of one, but I picked up one of the Springfield’s two weeks ago and the Delta ringing spring tension is so tight even after 1K rds that I can’t move it without a buddy to help. It seems to be every bit as tight as my original late 1980’s AR15A2 Colt government rifle, my old school Bushmaster, my current production Colt AR15A4, and my mid 2000’s DPMS. I know that he would rather bang on a gun over and over instead of sending it back to the manufacturer for them to repair a defect, kinda like what he does with the Taurus judge, but this might be a good opportunity to try something new. Test and comment on the customer service of a manufacturer after you get a defective product. When I spend my hard earned money on a new product, I want it to be right and if it’s not, I ask the manufacturer to make it right. Earlier this year I got it defective Colt anaconda. I called them and they took care of everything and eventually sent me a new one in a reasonable timeframe.
I like my H&R also. But, the rifle my friends always want me to bring along is the Colt AR15A4. I know it's slightly different with that detachable carry handle, but it's everyone's favorite. I'll have to pick up the Springfield and Fulton just to have
Back in 2006 I got a Bushmaster XM15 and let me tell you... that thing still to this day shoots insanely smooth and crazy accurate. No rattles, nice and snug. Got it new for 850 bucks lol.
Built a Franken A4, KA hanguards are excellent choice for these
It would be fun to take out to the range for nostalgia's sake. The twang of the buffer spring, the slight stress of getting the top score and maybe getting your "expert" ribbon for your booter ribbon collection.