I have always had a fondness for A-1 sighted, carry handle carbines of the AR-15 variety, going back to 1985 when I bought a brand new Colt SP-1 for $440 at the San Jose, California Gun Show. I used that rifle hunting jack rabbits in the High Desert around Barstow, and cut my teeth on the High Power Rifle game shooting club matches with it. I owned several other A-1 rifles, including a police surplus Reno P.D. SP-1, and a "Put Together" parts gun using a G. I. surplus A-1 upper.

I always wanted a 16" carbine A-1, "Slick Side" Upper with no forward assist or shell deflector. Colt made them "Back in the Day", but I had never seen one, let alone have a chance at buying one. Fortunately for me, a large gun shop in Roanoke, Virginia (not far from me) has moved in and made a name for themselves building AR-15's. I had their armorer build one for me, at a cost just a little over what a Smith & Wesson M&P Sport would be. Easily half what Brownell's and others want for their retro rifles. Safeside Tactical is the name of the shop, they moved into an old warehouse in downtown Roanoke and turned it into a 100 yard indoor rifle range.

Picked up the carbine today and ran a few rounds through it on the indoor range. I'm very pleased with it, it shoots good, is pretty accurate and fun to shoot. The rifle weighs 6.5 pounds unloaded.

Here's some pics:





"Slick Side Upper", no forward assist or shell deflector:



16" lightweight "Pencil Barrel" and old school bird cage flash hider:



Me enjoying the 100 yard indoor range:




I shot the rifle just enough to get it sighted in today, looking forward to shooting it on my property.....