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My M16A1 Clone Family

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    I have finally finished the last M16A1 clone for my collection. Here is the complete M16A1 collection.


    Early 1967
    1967_M16A1_JPG-795901.JPG



    Late 1967-1970
    1967-70_M16A1_JPG-795902.JPG



    1971
    1971_M16A1_JPG-795903.JPG



    1972-1973
    1972-73_M16A1_JPG-795904.JPG



    1974-1982
    1974-82_M16A1_JPG-795905.JPG



    Re-arsenal (XM16E1/early M16A1 upper receiver with SAK replacement barrel)
    Ywq5Gqu.png



    If you are scratching your head and wondering what the differences are, just ask.
     

    Realtor

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    Very interesting, it must have been a good design, not many external changes over time. So, whats the difference over time?
     
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    Very interesting, it must have been a good design, not many external changes over time. So, whats the difference over time?

    Many of the differences are subtle and only someone who knows what to look for will know. Until 1971, M16A1s had D type stocks. The same kind that the XM16E1s and Model 604s used. Starting in 1971, they started using E type stocks (w/trapdoor). 3-prong FHs were used on the early 1967 M16A1s and changed to the birdcage FH in late 1967. Until 1972, upper receivers had no forge codes. XM16E1s and pre-1972 M16A1s shared the same upper receivers. Starting in 1972-73, they had CK forge codes and a few were produced with CM forge codes. In 1974-82, they had CH forge codes. There was also some differences in barrel markings along the way as well. They varied from MP 12 (1966- Oct. 67), MP C (Oct. 1967-69), C MP C (1969-71), C MP B (1971-74), and C MP CHROME BORE (1974-82).
     
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    DSPLCD1

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    I can't really see them but weren't the 67 to later 70s stocks and grips made from bakelite and after that the polymer type plastics?
     

    DFSgunner

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    Very nice collection Sir. I'm piecing together an XM177E1 right now.

    Sent from my Z839 using Tapatalk
     

    JoeCorrado

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    Very cool! I've been on the hunt for an M16A2 clone that's factory built from Colt. Have yet to find the right one that has all the correct features besides the obvious lack of 3rd burst. Might have to give up and build a clone. Very cool collection!
     
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    I can't really see them but weren't the 67 to later 70s stocks and grips made from bakelite and after that the polymer type plastics?

    Technically not Bakelite. They were made from a resin and fiber combination as compared to the polymer-based plastics starting back in the 1980s.
     
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    Very cool! I've been on the hunt for an M16A2 clone that's factory built from Colt. Have yet to find the right one that has all the correct features besides the obvious lack of 3rd burst. Might have to give up and build a clone. Very cool collection!

    You are going to have to build. The closest thing that Colt ever built close to a true M16A2 for civilians was the AR-15
    Match HBAR (AR6601). Personally, it is more rewarding to build your own. That is what I did.

    fo4VnXa.jpg


    iwicsht.jpg


    CHGOKPa.jpg


    Y7hZSBP.jpg


    dxKvRPe.jpg
     
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    Are you using Nodak lowers?

    I am. I also use some of their upper receivers. I did on my last three M16A1 builds. I will use them for as long as they are available. Nodak Spud also supplies forgings to Brownells and Brownells machines and finishes them. Brownells has finally gotten the anodizing color very close to what Nodak Spud uses. If someone does not want to wait for several months for Nodak Spud receivers, Brownells is a good choice.
     

    Sandspur6

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    Yeah, Nodak is a quality lower. I’ve built two of them. A M16A1 and XM177. I didn’t know Brownell was marketing a grey lower. I’ll have to check them out. Thanks.
     

    USAF Sarge

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    Sort of Neco Posting here, but I love the rifles you've built up. I have an AR15, done up like the M16A2 I used later in my career. I want to do one up like we used when I first came in with the triangular handguards.

    20170701_175445a.jpg
     

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    Rating - 100%
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    Sort of Neco Posting here, but I love the rifles you've built up. I have an AR15, done up like the M16A2 I used later in my career. I want to do one up like we used when I first came in with the triangular handguards.

    View attachment 73391

    Since you served in the Air Force, you may have possibly used the M16 aka Model 604. These had the triangular handguards. The upper receiver did not have a forward assist and the buttstock did not have the trapdoor. Did the one you were issued look like this one?

    GwM1QQE.jpg


    W9Lx7M0.jpg


    BTW, I did a little time in the USAF Res. (1995-2004) at Keesler AFB, MS. I was a TSgt and a 2T271 Air Transportation Craftsman.
     
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    USAF Sarge

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    I was at Keesler AFB also, from May 2000 - Feb 2001 as an ART over at the 815th (Was living at Keesler during the week, and commuting back home to Panama City on my days off), before transferring back to Duke Field as an ART. When I was medically retired in 2008 at a 100% disabled, I had approximately 22 years 9 months total service, and 17 1/2 years of AD time.

    I honestly couldn't tell what model we used when I came into the AF in Jan 1986, and really didn't pay attention to it and never thought of it until I got into gun collecting in Jan 2011 when I bought my first milsurp. My goals is to get weapons representative of what I used (2 versions of the M16, M9, and SW M15 38 CAL).
     
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