With all of the retro AR’s I’ve been building lately I was pretty excited when B5 Systems announced they were adding to their retro line. They’ve had a CAR15 buttstock available for a while, but they’ve added CAR15 handguards, and the the LS2 pistol grip. the LS2 is a reproduction of the elusive Lonestar Arms grip from the 1990’s.
The Donor Rifle
My B5 Retro CAR stocks came in the mail today, and I immediately threw it on my Elisco M16 carbine clone. The Elisco is a clone of the M16A1 which was license built in the Philippines by Elisco Tool. They initially made M16A1 rifles, and later modified some to a carbine configuration similar to what the Israeli’s did with their Menusar carbines. Mine is built on a Bad Attitude Department clone lower using a B. King Firearms lower parts kit. The A1 upper is from Brownells with all of the upper parts coming from Luth AR.
I used a Harrington & Richardson 14.7 inch 1-7 twist barrel with Luth AR front sight components and a Luth AR A1 flash hider. I had the flash hider pinned and welded on by CDS Arms to save from having to SBR the Elisco just for being 1.2 inches under 16 inches. I used an H&R CAR-15 two position buffer tube and stock initially, an original surplus Colt A1 grip, and a set of H&R CAR handguards. It’s a handy set up and pretty similar to my GUU-5/P build although with an A1, rather than a slick side, upper.
B5 Retro CAR15 Furniture
Now, while a CAR stock and handguards are correct for an Elisco carbine, I got B5 furniture in Olive Drab, which would not be. The Lonestar style grip would also not be clone correct. My Elisco is close to correct, but its not 100%. I figured that gave me the excuse to be a little creative and drop the new B5 stocks on it. It’s a really handy package, and I wanted to see how they worked on it. I could have gotten the black set, but I like OD Green stocks.
My first impressions of the new B5 furniture is very positive. I’ve had a B5 CAR15 stock already, so there was nothing new there. It’s solid, and works well. It has the right profile, but does have some mold marks, and light flashing, that the old Colts didn’t. I think it’s fine though, especially for the price. The CAR15 stock is available in black and OD and has an MSRP of $50.
I like the new CAR15 handguards a lot. They seem solid, and fit extremely well. They dropped right in on my Elisco, and lined up perfectly. I’ve fought with some other handguards recently trying to get them lined up right, and without a gap when they were installed. The B5’s had none of those issues. They’re the correct slim profile, with a single heat shield and 6 holes, just like the originals. The finish is a bit matte, which is probably okay on the OD green stocks.
I’d prefer a little more gloss though, especially on the black handguards, which would be more in line with the old originals. I’d imagine that’s at least partially a product of the materials used, which are actually more durable on the B5 stocks and handguards than what was used on the originals. So I guess I’ll take a little less sheen in trade for greater durability. B5’s CAR15 handguards also come in black or OD, and have an MSRP of just $25.
The LS2 grip is awesome. It looks good, feels solid in the hand, and is comfortable. B5 nailed the design of the old Lonestar grip and did it with a modern, solid, injection molded product. They did it at a very reasonable price too. When you look at what original Lonestar grips were running on the second hand market, and even other clone grips, you really realize what an amazing deal the LS2 is.
The LS2 has a solid, fell to it, much like one of the Colt or FN issue fat A2 grips. The checkering is positive, but not sharp. The grip profile and swelled backstrap on the LS2 make it more comfortable to my hand than the straighter back of an issue A2 grip. It’s a slight difference, but it is significant. While my was OD green, the storage door on the bottom was black. This bothers my OCD a little, but once it was on the gun I didn’t really notice it. Overall, I’m very happy with them especially for the price, which is only $20. They’re available in black or OD as well.
Retro Roundup
With the whole package installed on my carbine I was very pleased with both the look and handling characteristics. The 14.7 inch pencil barrel on the Elisco makes for a light, handy package to begin with. The slim CAR15 handguards, and ow profile CAR15 stock work well in keeping the bulk and weight to a minimum. The stock adjusts easily, and has just the slightest wiggle to it when extended, which is common with most collapsible stocks. I’m very impressed with how well the handguards fit. There is no gap, and the ribs lined up perfectly. I like the trim feel as compared to the fatter M4 handguards too. The LS2 grip also fit perfectly with no gaps, or overhang.
If you’re in the market for some reto styled furniture for your next build, or are just updating an existing gun, then I’d give the B5 CAR15 stocks, handguards, and LS2 grip a look. They’re well made, reasonably priced, and made right here in the USA.