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Thread: Vietnam M16A1 Retro build

  1. #1
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    Vietnam M16A1 Retro build

    Almost Finished my Retro M16A1 Build.
    It's mostly retro parts from 1967-1979 M16A1 but I tried to keep close to the early 1967-68 with the three prong flash hider.
    I have the Original M16A1 grip but I have not installed it yet.

    I read that they requested colt to change the flash hider to the "Birdcage" style, they claimed that the three prong one got
    caught up in twigs and small branches

    The Lower is a Civilian AR-15 by Aero Precision semi-auto but the design matches the original, the Butt stock currently is a
    A2 with trap door, I have the Original A1 without the door but I don't have the tube, spring and plunger for it yet.

    This is a picture with the three prong flash hider


    This picture is with a birdcage flash hider like the later M16A1


    Even Got original Magazines to go with it.



    Even the Original Ammo


    Last edited by 2k05gt; 06-02-2014 at 04:09 PM.

  2. #2
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    very nice rifle.
    While no one ever listens to me,
    I am constantly being told to be quiet.

    In a world of snowflakes,
    be the heat..

  3. #3
    Contributor 02/2014 FunkyPertwee's Avatar

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    The upper receiver with the forward assist calls for a birdcage A1 flash hider. I would look for a retro lower receiver with a fenced or partially fenced magazine release to match your upper. Then you'll have an M16A1. Get a slab side upper and no-fence or partially fenced lower and use the three-prong flash hider if you want an original M16 look.

    An M16A1 clone would be on my list if it were easier and more cost effective to do so.

    Too bad all those millions of original surplus rifles couldn't be sold to the public here in the so-called "land of the free".
    "I'm fucking furious, I'm violently angry, and I like it. If you don't know what that feels like then I feel bad for you"

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    Senior Member L1A1Rocker's Avatar

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    At one time NoDak Spud was making a flat "retro" lower. I saw one of "Reme's" retro's a few years age. That triangle charging handle was a real bear to work. Good luck with your build. Please keep us posted - pictures are always appreciated!
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  5. #5
    Senior Member tank_monkey's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by FunkyPertwee View Post
    The upper receiver with the forward assist calls for a birdcage A1 flash hider. I would look for a retro lower receiver with a fenced or partially fenced magazine release to match your upper. Then you'll have an M16A1. Get a slab side upper and no-fence or partially fenced lower and use the three-prong flash hider if you want an original M16 look.

    An M16A1 clone would be on my list if it were easier and more cost effective to do so.

    Too bad all those millions of original surplus rifles couldn't be sold to the public here in the so-called "land of the free".
    Not only that, but the back end of the receiver is thicker, ala M16A2 style. The back end looks different between the A2 and A1 style lower receivers.

  6. #6
    Administrator Krupski's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by 2k05gt View Post
    Almost Finished my Retro M16A1 Build.
    It's mostly retro parts from 1967-1979 M16A1 but I tried to keep close to the early 1967-68 with the three prong flash hider.
    I have the Original M16A1 grip but I have not installed it yet.

    I read that they requested colt to change the flash hider to the "Birdcage" style, they claimed that the three prong one got
    caught up in twigs and small branches

    The Lower is a Civilian AR-15 by Aero Precision semi-auto but the design matches the original, the Butt stock currently is a
    A2 with trap door, I have the Original A1 without the door but I don't have the tube, spring and plunger for it yet.

    This is a picture with the three prong flash hider


    This picture is with a birdcage flash hider like the later M16A1


    Even Got original Magazines to go with it.



    Even the Original Ammo

    I built one quite similar for my son:


    (click pic for full size)
    Gentlemen may prefer Blondes, but Real Men prefer Redheads!

  7. #7
    was_peacemaker
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    Quote Originally Posted by Krupski View Post
    I built one quite similar for my son:


    (click pic for full size)

    Will you adopt me? I can mow a mean yard! LOL

  8. #8
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    Here is a Summary Sheet I found that lists the Rifles and options it had.

    Colt
    model
    no.
    Military
    designation
    Barrel
    Length

    Barrel

    Handguard
    type

    Buttstock
    type

    Pistol grip
    type

    Lower
    receiver
    type

    Upper
    receiver
    type

    Rear
    sight
    type

    Front
    sight
    type

    Muzzle
    device


    Forward
    assist?

    Case
    deflector?

    Bayonet
    lug?

    Trigger
    pack

    602 AR-15 or XM16 20 in A1 profile
    (1:12 twist)
    Full-length
    triangular
    Fixed A1
    No door
    A1 A1
    "Slabside"
    A1 A1 A1 Duckbill or
    three-prong
    flash suppressor
    No No Yes Safe
    Semi-Auto
    603 XM16E1 20 in A1 profile
    (1:12 twist)
    Full-length
    triangular
    Fixed A1
    No door
    A1 A1
    Partial Mag Fence
    A1 A1 A1 Three-prong or
    M16A1 birdcage
    flash suppressor
    Yes No Yes Safe
    Semi-Auto
    603 M16A1 20 in A1 profile
    (1:12 twist)
    Full-length
    triangular
    Fixed A1
    Early No Door
    Later with door
    A1 A1
    "Full Fence"
    A1 A1 A1 Three-prong or
    birdcage flash
    suppressor
    Yes No Yes Safe
    Semi-Auto
    604 M16

    USAF M-16
    20 in A1 profile
    (1:12 twist)
    (USAF 1:14 twist)
    Full-length
    triangular
    Fixed A1
    No door
    A1 A1
    Partial Mag Fence
    A1 A1 A1 Three-prong or
    M16A1-style
    birdcage flash suppressor
    No No Yes Safe
    Semi-Auto

    It lists the 603 with both Flash hiders.

    Colt Model 603 (XM16E1, M16A1 Army)

    In 1967 the Army adopted the XM16E1 as standard as the M16A1, additional changes were the full fence lower, later buffer & tube (which were actually adopted on the XM in 12/66), "birdcage" closed flash suppressor (although the cage could be found on XM16E1's & the 2nd style 3 prong could also be found on A1's), early A1's started w/chrome lined chambers, then bores were also chromed by 68-69.

    Great Site showing the M16 Parts Variations

    Lower Receiver M16A1

    M16A1 Stock variations
    Last edited by 2k05gt; 05-31-2014 at 10:16 PM.

  9. #9
    Team Gunsnet Platinum 06/2016 ltorlo64's Avatar

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    That is what I wanted to build but could not find the parts. Very nice rifle. Have you shot it yet?
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    Forum Administrator Schuetzenman's Avatar

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    Tried to fix your information so it actually shows up without having to drag highlight it. Very strange.

  11. #11
    Senior Member NAPOTS's Avatar

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    an upper with a forward assist and birdcage flash suppressor is A1 config so the lower differences are minor and mostly in the rear area of the receiver. Pretty forgivable IMHO. On the other hand, the butt stock and pistol grip kinda complete the look in my mind.

    That skinny ass barrel makes it quite a bit lighter than an HBAR doesn't it?

    I have been wanting to drop from my A2 HBAR to an A2 Govt Profile to shave some weight.

  12. #12
    Senior Member Silentkilla01's Avatar

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    Well when you do we will switch barrels because I do t like a skinny. And that's what I have
    What's up my nigga's

  13. #13
    Senior Member Silentkilla01's Avatar

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    Maybe 500 hundred rounds fired from it.
    What's up my nigga's

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    Senior Member Helen Keller's Avatar

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    16" or 20"
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    SHADILAY, SHADILAY!

  15. #15
    Senior Member silentkilla's Avatar

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    16" ok im back at home for the weekend to i can finally use my computer
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  16. #16
    Administrator Krupski's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by was_peacemaker View Post
    Will you adopt me? I can mow a mean yard! LOL
    You get a haircut yet?
    Gentlemen may prefer Blondes, but Real Men prefer Redheads!

  17. #17
    Administrator Krupski's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by Silentkilla01 View Post
    Well when you do we will switch barrels because I do t like a skinny. And that's what I have
    I love skinny barrels. My son's "M16 clone" has a 20 inch "government profile" (skinny) barrel and my 6520 carbines all have pencil barrels.

    No point in having a 10 ton HBAR, then needing a lead weight in the stock to balance it. An HBAR shoots an awfully small projectile for something that weighs as much as a cannon.....
    Gentlemen may prefer Blondes, but Real Men prefer Redheads!

  18. #18
    Senior Member NAPOTS's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by Krupski View Post
    I love skinny barrels. My son's "M16 clone" has a 20 inch "government profile" (skinny) barrel and my 6520 carbines all have pencil barrels.

    No point in having a 10 ton HBAR, then needing a lead weight in the stock to balance it. An HBAR shoots an awfully small projectile for something that weighs as much as a cannon.....
    I have a bull barrelled AR that is my long range target gun. It weighs a ton. No reason for my A2 to weigh a ton as well. The whole point of the AR was it was supposed to be light weight.

  19. #19
    Senior Member AK-J's Avatar

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    Here's a picture of my M16A1 clone retro build:



    Built on NoDak Spud M16A1 Upper and lower:



    Most of the parts are reproduction or current parts. However, the handguards, pistolgrip, front sight base, and slip ring are original M16 parts. Barrel has a modern twist of 1-8".

  20. #20
    Contributor 02/2014 FunkyPertwee's Avatar

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    Beautiful rifle!
    "I'm fucking furious, I'm violently angry, and I like it. If you don't know what that feels like then I feel bad for you"

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