My dad was USAF CATM and remembers doing the A2 conversions to the USAF M16s in the early 90s. He said that they just left the lowers marked "auto" and never overstamped "burst" on the lower. He also remembered trashing dozens of green 601 stocks, grips and handguards when they were upgraded to A2.
I first deployed to Iraq in 2007 with a field artillery unit out of Fort Sill and we still had FN M16A2’s but we got a bunch stuff from supply to jazz them up right before we left. We spent the whole deployment with tricked out M16A2’s with KAC rail systems with foregrips, 3 point slings, and Aimpoints CCO’s on gooseneck mounts screwed onto the top of the carry handle.
The Air Force CATM Conversion program for A2 upgrade didn't get complicated until early 2002, with the Reserve Units primarily being the latest conversions per the program reg that Active Duty Units got completed first. Most all were Capco kits and most got electro pencil marked receivers. Sad that later doing annual inspections each year on "Support" storage guns and seeing converted 601's.
Vividly remember around September 1967 in the field with my unit, 1st Cavalry, when an armourer came around and swapped out all our buffers. When asked why he was doing this he told us to slow down the rate of fire. Learned more about this issue years later. I will mention that the only time I had a malfunction was when when using corroded, not shiny brass.
the m16a1 is the rifle I trained with in Korea circa 1982 to 1983 at pnoc I was a tanker and my side arms where m3a1 grease gun and 1911a1 rattle can pistol
I'm sure the A1s was service into the 90s, but I know they were used in training well into the 2000s. I went to LDAC at Fort Lewis in 2005, and that was the rifle we did our field time with. Some had found handguards, mine had a triangular one. We were also issued M60s. Really surreal wandering the jungle of Lewis with Vietnam era gear...
I was issued one of the rebuilt M16A2 on an M16 lower in Iraq in 2010-2011, air control squadron. The "burst" was scribbed in and the BCG was compatible with the forward assist. I got a CAPCO upper for when I build a clone myself. Great info.
Bloody hell but I LOVE talking to guys who know their....stuff. Awesome vid, and I like that Brownells 601 enough to get one. Its a great shooter with the right ammo.
@kevin pierson well if you've used an m4 in -60 degrees F you would want the forward assist. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Been there done that and yeah I've got the shirts hats pins badges and even paperwork for it. If you haven't tried it yourself then all you are doing is repeating someone else
If you look, you can still find original “seatbelt” slings. I was lucky enough to find three from someone in Germany who still had them wrapped in the original packaging from the military. If I’m not mistaken, early M16’s used the slings from the M1 Garands, which you can still find as well. These videos should be shows on cable!!! Love it !!!
when I got back into ar 15 rifle you where the content creator I came to for education thank you for your dedication in teaching history and use of the ar 15/16 platform
The Colt AR-15A4 is my favorite. On mine, I do not put on my Matech backup sight. I slide the ACOG A4CP all the way back and have the removable carry handle handy in a pouch.
historical note about the replacement of the A1. I served in the 82nd abn div ( 2/504) and the M16A1's were not replaced until spring of '87. Our M1911's were replaced later that year or possible '88.
I just made one with all the features I wanted . A1 stock , slick upper receiver , 18”, rifle gas, stainless barrel. ( I live on the beach ). As much as I loved my M16A1, I’m not forking over the money for a clone.
Having fired both the M4 and the M4A1, I do like the trigger of the A1 better because it's not been fucked with for burst. I do not understand why the 3 round burst was done when none of us in the Marine ever use them in combat
I had a really good experience with John at Retro Arms. Did a pin and weld job for my colt 727 BHD clone (now it’s an m4a1). The turn around was really fast and he did an AMAZING job on a spacer so that I could keep an og Birdcage and meet the barrel length requirement.
I did the military FN m16A4. The receiver doesn’t have the FN foot ball. The rest less the FCG is FN cage code marked. I should have done the Saber defense M16A4
My favorite rifle is the XM16E1 as well! I built one from a demilled lower that I had John Brace weld to an 80% the only things on it that aren’t mid 60’s Colt is the back half of the lower, trigger group, and the front sight post and barrel. I have a video on it just type in “1966 Colt XM16E1 Reweld”
I BOUGHT MY FIRST AR-15 IN 1982. I HAD THE TRIANGLE GUARDS..AND EVEN WITHOUT A FULL AUTO SEAR, IT DID HAVE A 3 POSITION SELECTOR AND FORWARD ASSIST..OVER THE YEARS BETWEEN DUTY USE AND RANGE TIME IF I HAD ALL OF THE AMMO THAT WAS RAN THROUGH THIS WEAPON IT WOULD FILL A 2 AND A HALF TON TRUCK. BUT I WAS RELIGIOUS ABOUT CLEANING IT AFTER EACH TIME IT WAS FIRED..
The Capco story was interesting the uppers hit the market last year wish I purchased more the one I have is still sealed in bag now some of the A4 uppers by FN can be found and even Sabre Defence
I saw an pic of a flat top m16 with a full auto trigger, m16a2 handguards, and a chrome bolt carrier at an airshow. I think a Seabee or something might have had it. Idk
Chris Bartocci. I always learn much from your videos. You are my go to source for all things AR-15/M-16. /thank you very much for the hard work and research.
I really enjoyed the detailed discussion in this video as always. The sources for refinishing are undoubtedly great information for people who are trying to restore old, beat up rifles. As you mentioned in your video, over 32 years in the Army using the M16A1, M16A2, M16A4, M4 and M4A1 carbine I have never used the forward assist as it was intended. You never force anything into the chamber. If it isn't going naturally, something isn't right and you need to diagnose the problem. Looking forward to the next Colt themed video.
That's really strange. My FN M16A4 has all those numbers he's stating they don't have. I even have that government cage code on the lower receiver like that Colt does.
@small arms solutions the usmc had pip m16a4 it was the m16a4 with collapsible stock which i would have rather had or the m16a5 i had m4 i never liked 16 over 20 just didn't shoot as smooth and straight m16a5 would have been amazing
Bit of nostalgia. I was issued the A1 from my beginning training with college ROTC through National Guard duty through active duty in Korea and Ft. Ord. Great rifle
What bugs me the most about the Brownell's 601, 605 and XM16E1 is the front sight base. No, I don't expect them to remake cast FSBs but they could have shaved down the forging flashes and smoothed them down to somewhat give it the right look. Also all of the lower reciever small parts on the 601 like you said. Besides that, all I can think of is the sling swivels, everything before A1 should have bare steel and not plastic coated swivels.
I want to say that the reason why we had the M4 feed ramps put in the receivers was for the new armor piercing rounds I believe they would gouge the receivers and raise hell in the chamber area too. I cant remember the designated ammo that was problematic it wasnt SLAP rounds it was another round ahh cant think of it oh well.
Not knowing what Colt’s intent is but the rifle would not have the same issues as the carbine. This is why the A2 and A4 rifles never upgraded to the feed ramps. Now the feed ramps is a plus on the rifle/necessary no. If I was to want a shooter or a battle rifle, I would want the feed ramps on the A4. Since this was a GI clone, I wanted the mil-spec version.
My time in was a weird sort of time frame going in in 1989 I was issued an A1 then transitioned to A-2 model by the way mine was new from factory and had an A1 buttstock to boot I am guessing Colt had them lying around slap it on. Anyway by the late 1990s I started seeing flat top uppers being issued by the 2000s the A2 was going away and the M4 rifle came into service. At this time around 2004 I had seen experimental ammo being handed out as well. by the time of retirement the M4 carbine was the newest thing now its HK416s now tricked out I am glad I am out now and own my M16A1 such an elogant gun lightweight and space age! LOL keep these videos comming.
Any chance to get you to do an ammo comparison between 556, the new 6 mm A.R. C in the 6.5 Grendel? Talk about them as military cartridges and talk about them as civilian cartridges? I would really like your perspective on them.
Can't wait to get my Windham Weapons rendition of the A4. It'll come with the detachable top handle sight which I'll keep on mostly and the A2 foregrip which I'll replace in due time with a KAC M5 with a more sensible price. I just hope the place I saw it at will get them back and keep them at the same price. Windham Weapons for all intents and purposes is Bushmaster of old before Bushmaster was bought up by that effing group that ruined other great names.
I have a Colt A4 with all the correct markings still in box, my question is Should I just enjoy it and shoot , or keep in in New Condition as an investment ? My thinking is since Colt stopped selling to civilians the value will rise higher and faster .. Any advice anyone ? If 60's era rifles are selling for $ 30 K what will A4 be worth in 20 years ?
Hey Chris, why no mention of the surplus M16A4 complete uppers from Ohio Ordnance Works? I have a complete FNMI M16A4 now. Everything is FNMI except the lower receiver. Thank you!
Chris, thank you for your excellent videos. I always look forward learning from you. You focus on the AR-15 family as military weapons, which they certainly are. Over time the AR family has also grown into the Modern Sporting Rifle. The much maligned forward assist may not be Well-suited to clearing malfunctions, But it is a tremendous aid in silently loading a hunting rifle. I have 3 ARs that are set up for a white tail deer hunting. Two Palmetto State, and one Primary Weapon Systems. The PWS is the better rifle on paper, but lacks a forward assist. In the field, I have carried it unloaded into a stand, spotted a Deer, then spooked it by loading the rifle. Using just the bolt release and hearing the bolt slam a round into battery is Unbelievably loud At 6:30 AM in the middle of the woods on a November morning. I do understand you were referring to military use of these weapons, but I just wanted to give you that to consider. God bless you and your wife for the work you do.
Great break down. I've carried on operations a C7 in 90-91, a C7A1 in 03-04, and a C7A2 in 07-08. The best compliment I got was on the C7 from a young US soldier, 'I'm just a mechanic' he said, was if it was an M16A2. Nope, I said better barrel and old style sight. He was really envious of the quality of my DIEMACO rifle.
Beautiful collection Chris. I've got two of those clones myself an M16 A1 and what I like to call a 601 improved. Had Mine engraved Colt ArmaLite with the original Engravings of the 601 but changed the 01 to 04 and the cal to 5.56MM. Reason being is I reprofiled an Anderson A2 lower to A1 specs and ground off the mag fence to the partial mag fence of the XM 16 E1 or USAF 604 profile. (I had to have front pivot pin retention, I couldn't stand that loose pin on the 601 that could easily be lost). I Also used the more modern buffer, drain hole buffer tube screw, 1/12 twist chrome lined barrel and non dimpled more modern take down pins. In addition I finished the furniture in dark green nearly exact to the original shade but mine is in semi flat, I never understood why they painted a weapon that was intended for military use high gloss. Mine will gloss up a bit with handling over time. The upper and lower are finished in Brownells Aluma Hyde II dark parkerizing Gray, and IMO it looks outstanding, it matches the XM gray components almost exactly. If you weren't an aficionado you would swear it was the real deal. I know its not "correct" but that's not what I was going for. I wanted the best of the slab side 601 with the addition of the improvements that worked the bugs out. So cosmetically and mechanically mission accomplished. Love your work, keep it up 😎👍🇺🇸.
What was that roll pin in the anterior of the lower receiver of the 601 that you can see on the left side (left from behind the rifle).? Also, I noticed that the A2 had that colt insert where there would normally be a auto-sear. Did colt make any AR15 A2 type rifles commercially without that insert, with normal bolt carrier, and bayonet lug?
the Green Lable box Colt SPll's (1985-1989) had those features. the only downside was the large diameter two-headed screw used in the pivot pin and a narrow cut semi only upper receiver. clean interior tho, no sear block. yes, colt still used the semi SP1 type carrier.
Last fall I purchase a new colt 14.5 socom barrel assembly with the FSB from arms unlimited and the FSB is not F marked and the finish did not look like the flat grey on all my other colt rifles it was a glittery parkerizing which I have several colts to compare it to from a preban r6601,6520, ar6720, 6933, and a few 6920s . This socom barrel has 13629 MP 556 NATO 1/7 and was made 6/19 came sealed in a blue bag 🤔 I feel cheated
I know the the original M16 stock sets were bakelite redish color but what was the reason for the Airforce to have them painted Olive green instead of black?
Fiberite. Some people call it Bakelite. Looks pretty cool after 50 or 60 years. I’ve got a couple of old Colt pistol grips that are mottled. I’ll never paint them.
I'm not rolling in dough, so I went with Aero's M16A4 clone. I'm a happy camper!
Ive got a couple of aero and palmetto guns, and ive never had and issues with either of them
Aero is da snizz!
Love Aero
I got the windham weaponry WW-15 Government profile. Which is the M16A4 pick it up this Friday
Aero stuff are underrated.
Glad you liked the paint! I'm very proud to have done it.
You did a great job!
You are absolutely a walking M16 dictionary/owners manual.
17:49 And even later. I qual'd with one of these in the early 2000s.
I absolutely love the original service rifles, to me the original are more desirable then the modern day AR.
*BUT WHERE DO I ZIPTIE MY PRESSURE PADS?*
My dad was USAF CATM and remembers doing the A2 conversions to the USAF M16s in the early 90s. He said that they just left the lowers marked "auto" and never overstamped "burst" on the lower. He also remembered trashing dozens of green 601 stocks, grips and handguards when they were upgraded to A2.
I'm hoping to purchase the BRN-16A1 after I graduate Marine Corps boot camp. The M16A1 has always been my favorite.
That's some hardcore detail. Great video for us gun nerds, lol. You are a the #1 historian for these rifles. Literally wrote the book.
I first deployed to Iraq in 2007 with a field artillery unit out of Fort Sill and we still had FN M16A2’s but we got a bunch stuff from supply to jazz them up right before we left. We spent the whole deployment with tricked out M16A2’s with KAC rail systems with foregrips, 3 point slings, and Aimpoints CCO’s on gooseneck mounts screwed onto the top of the carry handle.
I'm not even that into ARs, but I totally get and respect your level of attention to detail.
The Air Force CATM Conversion program for A2 upgrade didn't get complicated until early 2002, with the Reserve Units primarily being the latest conversions per the program reg that Active Duty Units got completed first. Most all were Capco kits and most got electro pencil marked receivers. Sad that later doing annual inspections each year on "Support" storage guns and seeing converted 601's.
Vividly remember around September 1967 in the field with my unit, 1st Cavalry, when an armourer came around and swapped out all our buffers. When asked why he was doing this he told us to slow down the rate of fire. Learned more about this issue years later. I will mention that the only time I had a malfunction was when when using corroded, not shiny brass.
The 601 looks badass
the m16a1 is the rifle I trained with in Korea circa 1982 to 1983 at pnoc I was a tanker and my side arms where m3a1 grease gun and 1911a1 rattle can pistol
I'm sure the A1s was service into the 90s, but I know they were used in training well into the 2000s. I went to LDAC at Fort Lewis in 2005, and that was the rifle we did our field time with. Some had found handguards, mine had a triangular one. We were also issued M60s. Really surreal wandering the jungle of Lewis with Vietnam era gear...
I was issued one of the rebuilt M16A2 on an M16 lower in Iraq in 2010-2011, air control squadron. The "burst" was scribbed in and the BCG was compatible with the forward assist. I got a CAPCO upper for when I build a clone myself. Great info.
I remember seeing an old Hydramatic M16A1 lower rebuilt and overstamped with "A2" in Iraq. That lower had to be ANCIENT.....
@@armynurseboy I always thought the General Motors rifles were cool
Bloody hell but I LOVE talking to guys who know their....stuff. Awesome vid, and I like that Brownells 601 enough to get one. Its a great shooter with the right ammo.
Me I think the forward assist just gives the rifle some modern space age character.
They come in handy in cold climates.
Coolness factor vs actual mechanical benefit??
@Supadupa Swaggascoopa That still doesn't work very well because the forward assist already slams shut really quick.
@kevin pierson well if you've used an m4 in -60 degrees F you would want the forward assist. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Been there done that and yeah I've got the shirts hats pins badges and even paperwork for it. If you haven't tried it yourself then all you are doing is repeating someone else
@@nathanmanley4203Agreed, pretty sure the majority of comments on here aren’t coming from vets
If you look, you can still find original “seatbelt” slings. I was lucky enough to find three from someone in Germany who still had them wrapped in the original packaging from the military. If I’m not mistaken, early M16’s used the slings from the M1 Garands, which you can still find as well.
These videos should be shows on cable!!! Love it !!!
It is my life goal to have each of these evolution of these platforms
when I got back into ar 15 rifle you where the content creator I came to for education thank you for your dedication in teaching history and use of the ar 15/16 platform
The Colt AR-15A4 is my favorite. On mine, I do not put on my Matech backup sight. I slide the ACOG A4CP all the way back and have the removable carry handle handy in a pouch.
historical note about the replacement of the A1. I served in the 82nd abn div ( 2/504) and the M16A1's were not replaced until spring of '87. Our M1911's were replaced later that year or possible '88.
Always learn so much. I have no other comment than MORE PLEASE!
I have 2 Colt AR-15A4s, one has all the marks, the other has all the marks BUT the F marked front post. Both are rocking optics so it matters not.
That 601 clone is sweet. Armalite AR-15 and Colt Pat Pend. on the receiver would finish it off
M16A2 for the win
Carry handle for life
Now in 2024, "carry handle" is back and is now the tactical drip rizz.
I just made one with all the features I wanted . A1 stock , slick upper receiver , 18”, rifle gas, stainless barrel. ( I live on the beach ). As much as I loved my M16A1, I’m not forking over the money for a clone.
US Army 1972 - 1979. I never saw an M16A1 with a trapdoor in the rifle but.
Having fired both the M4 and the M4A1, I do like the trigger of the A1 better because it's not been fucked with for burst. I do not understand why the 3 round burst was done when none of us in the Marine ever use them in combat
my last issued M-16A2 was a conversion and the Burst marking was stamped on an angle with the T sitting higher then the B. My rack number was 805.
Great work and dedication to the history...and people wonder why Colt is basically de-funked, no service, not listening to the customer...
I had a really good experience with John at Retro Arms. Did a pin and weld job for my colt 727 BHD clone (now it’s an m4a1). The turn around was really fast and he did an AMAZING job on a spacer so that I could keep an og Birdcage and meet the barrel length requirement.
at present have a dissapator and m15a4 from PSA love them great working firearms
I've watched this 4-5 times and I love it .Bravo !
I did the military FN m16A4. The receiver doesn’t have the FN foot ball. The rest less the FCG is FN cage code marked. I should have done the Saber defense M16A4
My favorite rifle is the XM16E1 as well! I built one from a demilled lower that I had John Brace weld to an 80% the only things on it that aren’t mid 60’s Colt is the back half of the lower, trigger group, and the front sight post and barrel. I have a video on it just type in “1966 Colt XM16E1 Reweld”
I BOUGHT MY FIRST AR-15 IN 1982. I HAD THE TRIANGLE GUARDS..AND EVEN WITHOUT A FULL AUTO SEAR, IT DID HAVE A 3 POSITION SELECTOR AND FORWARD ASSIST..OVER THE YEARS BETWEEN DUTY USE AND RANGE TIME IF I HAD ALL OF THE AMMO THAT WAS RAN THROUGH THIS WEAPON IT WOULD FILL A 2 AND A HALF TON TRUCK. BUT I WAS RELIGIOUS ABOUT CLEANING IT AFTER EACH TIME IT WAS FIRED..
OK THANK YOU FOR THE STORY. WE ALL APPRECIATE YOUR JUDICIOUS ANS THROUGH CLEANING. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING..
The Capco story was interesting the uppers hit the market last year wish I purchased more the one I have is still sealed in bag now some of the A4 uppers by FN can be found and even Sabre Defence
Original chrome bolt carriers from 1965 and they look better than my phosphate one after 50 rounds....
Interesting! Clearly a lot of work went into getting them as period-correct as possible.
I saw an pic of a flat top m16 with a full auto trigger, m16a2 handguards, and a chrome bolt carrier at an airshow. I think a Seabee or something might have had it. Idk
Chris Bartocci. I always learn much from your videos. You are my go to source for all things AR-15/M-16. /thank you very much for the hard work and research.
What a coincidence, I wake up wearing my O.D. green Brownells Retro t-shirt and your video of the M16 clones drops.
love the history and detail, few do even half as much as this well inform man! THANKS!
4140 steel used on the barrel of the FN military collector.
I love 2nd AR 15 to with the tear drop forward assist the most I have been trying to find me one but haven't so far
I've just watched you're SAS C8 Video and I'm hooked. Keep up the good work dude. Sending love from London!
As usaually Chris. Your the man. Frickin loaded with knowledge and your presentations are superb. I watch them and rewatch. God bless you and yours.
They should have done an M16A5 with a 1:8 pencil barrel, mlok freefloat handguard and VLTOR A5 buffer system.
Nyet rifle is fine
Thats why mk 12 came but keep m16 simple because marines love simplicity
Even the marines went to the M4 eventually. I think there was very little demand for another M16 variant
They still need 1:7 for tracers.
Yes, I do like this better!
No scar face M16 with mounted m203? The handguars are truly unique on those rifles.
Love all this 20 inch rifle action!
I really enjoyed the detailed discussion in this video as always. The sources for refinishing are undoubtedly great information for people who are trying to restore old, beat up rifles. As you mentioned in your video, over 32 years in the Army using the M16A1, M16A2, M16A4, M4 and M4A1 carbine I have never used the forward assist as it was intended. You never force anything into the chamber. If it isn't going naturally, something isn't right and you need to diagnose the problem. Looking forward to the next Colt themed video.
I'm very happy with my FN M16A4, very reliable and accurate. However, I will get a Colt eventually. Thanks for another awesome video Chris.
My FN M16A4 is my favorite AR15 for sure
That's really strange. My FN M16A4 has all those numbers he's stating they don't have. I even have that government cage code on the lower receiver like that Colt does.
Very, Very Nice. Thanks for sharing your collection and vast knowledge with us. Much Respect. I hope to have a similar collection one day.
Immediately liked and subscribed great video 👍😎
I absolutely love your videos brother. Keep up the great work!
great video, my friend.
as always.... you da man!
@small arms solutions the usmc had pip m16a4 it was the m16a4 with collapsible stock which i would have rather had or the m16a5 i had m4 i never liked 16 over 20 just didn't shoot as smooth and straight m16a5 would have been amazing
Very nice collection!
Can you do a pt 2 showing a version of the M16A4 with the pip upgrades?
Nice collection!
Bit of nostalgia. I was issued the A1 from my beginning training with
college ROTC through National Guard duty through active duty in Korea and Ft. Ord.
Great rifle
What bugs me the most about the Brownell's 601, 605 and XM16E1 is the front sight base. No, I don't expect them to remake cast FSBs but they could have shaved down the forging flashes and smoothed them down to somewhat give it the right look. Also all of the lower reciever small parts on the 601 like you said.
Besides that, all I can think of is the sling swivels, everything before A1 should have bare steel and not plastic coated swivels.
Please keep in mind the cost of making those changes. People would have complained out of the cost.
Beautiful collection
Awesome video, I learned a ton!! Thanks!
Always loved the A2s from my service days.
I didn't see anyone who was actually issued one of the M16A4 buttstock mag pouches, everyone I know bought one at the local "hadji shops"
I want to say that the reason why we had the M4 feed ramps put in the receivers was for the new armor piercing rounds I believe they would gouge the receivers and raise hell in the chamber area too. I cant remember the designated ammo that was problematic it wasnt SLAP rounds it was another round ahh cant think of it oh well.
Not knowing what Colt’s intent is but the rifle would not have the same issues as the carbine. This is why the A2 and A4 rifles never upgraded to the feed ramps. Now the feed ramps is a plus on the rifle/necessary no. If I was to want a shooter or a battle rifle, I would want the feed ramps on the A4. Since this was a GI clone, I wanted the mil-spec version.
My time in was a weird sort of time frame going in in 1989 I was issued an A1 then transitioned to A-2 model by the way mine was new from factory and had an A1 buttstock to boot I am guessing Colt had them lying around slap it on.
Anyway by the late 1990s I started seeing flat top uppers being issued by the 2000s the A2 was going away and the M4 rifle came into service. At this time around 2004 I had seen experimental ammo being handed out as well. by the time of retirement the M4 carbine was the newest thing now its HK416s now tricked out I am glad I am out now and own my M16A1 such an elogant gun lightweight and space age! LOL keep these videos comming.
Any chance to get you to do an ammo comparison between 556, the new 6 mm A.R. C in the 6.5 Grendel? Talk about them as military cartridges and talk about them as civilian cartridges? I would really like your perspective on them.
Man, I thought I was happy with my Brownells Retro. I think some changes are in order :D
I dig the new shirt too man.🇺🇸
Check out our Teespring Merch, we have many different shirts for sale
Can't wait to get my Windham Weapons rendition of the A4. It'll come with the detachable top handle sight which I'll keep on mostly and the A2 foregrip which I'll replace in due time with a KAC M5 with a more sensible price. I just hope the place I saw it at will get them back and keep them at the same price.
Windham Weapons for all intents and purposes is Bushmaster of old before Bushmaster was bought up by that effing group that ruined other great names.
Great Video as always Chris, I learn a lot from you.
Stay safe brother, greetings from Argentina.
Where did the Troy retro series go? Site is still not up! I wanted the Gau :(
I have a Colt A4 with all the correct markings still in box, my question is Should I just enjoy it and shoot , or keep in in New Condition as an investment ? My thinking is since Colt stopped selling to civilians the value will rise higher and faster ..
Any advice anyone ? If 60's era rifles are selling for $ 30 K what will A4 be worth in 20 years ?
Hey Chris, why no mention of the surplus M16A4 complete uppers from Ohio Ordnance Works?
I have a complete FNMI M16A4 now. Everything is FNMI except the lower receiver.
Thank you!
Chris, thank you for your excellent videos. I always look forward learning from you. You focus on the AR-15 family as military weapons, which they certainly are. Over time the AR family has also grown into the Modern Sporting Rifle. The much maligned forward assist may not be Well-suited to clearing malfunctions, But it is a tremendous aid in silently loading a hunting rifle. I have 3 ARs that are set up for a white tail deer hunting. Two Palmetto State, and one Primary Weapon Systems. The PWS is the better rifle on paper, but lacks a forward assist. In the field, I have carried it unloaded into a stand, spotted a Deer, then spooked it by loading the rifle. Using just the bolt release and hearing the bolt slam a round into battery is Unbelievably loud At 6:30 AM in the middle of the woods on a November morning. I do understand you were referring to military use of these weapons, but I just wanted to give you that to consider. God bless you and your wife for the work you do.
Great break down. I've carried on operations a C7 in 90-91, a C7A1 in 03-04, and a C7A2 in 07-08. The best compliment I got was on the C7 from a young US soldier, 'I'm just a mechanic' he said, was if it was an M16A2. Nope, I said better barrel and old style sight. He was really envious of the quality of my DIEMACO rifle.
I have a whole video on the Canadian C7 and C8 you hoser!
You should put a knights armament usmc rear sight.
Awesome information, as always, Chris! Have you ever thought about doing a video on the Steyr AUG?
Already did one.
@@SmallArmsSolutions Ok, I found it, just not on UA-cam. I'll take a look. Thanks!
Im partial to the 604 myself
Beautiful collection Chris. I've got two of those clones myself an M16 A1 and what I like to call a 601 improved. Had Mine engraved Colt ArmaLite with the original Engravings of the 601 but changed the 01 to 04 and the cal to 5.56MM. Reason being is I reprofiled an Anderson A2 lower to A1 specs and ground off the mag fence to the partial mag fence of the XM 16 E1 or USAF 604 profile. (I had to have front pivot pin retention, I couldn't stand that loose pin on the 601 that could easily be lost). I Also used the more modern buffer, drain hole buffer tube screw, 1/12 twist chrome lined barrel and non dimpled more modern take down pins. In addition I finished the furniture in dark green nearly exact to the original shade but mine is in semi flat, I never understood why they painted a weapon that was intended for military use high gloss. Mine will gloss up a bit with handling over time. The upper and lower are finished in Brownells Aluma Hyde II dark parkerizing Gray, and IMO it looks outstanding, it matches the XM gray components almost exactly. If you weren't an aficionado you would swear it was the real deal. I know its not "correct" but that's not what I was going for. I wanted the best of the slab side 601 with the addition of the improvements that worked the bugs out. So cosmetically and mechanically mission accomplished. Love your work, keep it up 😎👍🇺🇸.
Never got the "Service Rifle" thing beyond nostalgia if applicable. Make and implement iterative where possible.
AKlover ?, do not understand you
What was that roll pin in the anterior of the lower receiver of the 601 that you can see on the left side (left from behind the rifle).? Also, I noticed that the A2 had that colt insert where there would normally be a auto-sear. Did colt make any AR15 A2 type rifles commercially without that insert, with normal bolt carrier, and bayonet lug?
the Green Lable box Colt SPll's (1985-1989) had those features.
the only downside was the large diameter two-headed screw used in the pivot pin and a narrow cut semi only upper receiver. clean interior tho, no sear block.
yes, colt still used the semi SP1 type carrier.
Did you make sure to replace the buffer screw on the 601 with one without a drain hole?
I like all of them👍😎
Where is the sling and front end sling adapter for the Ar-15A4 clone from?
We're did you get the barrel with the bayonet lug I want one for my Colt HBAR
That barrel came from Specialized Armament Wharehouse many years ago
Last fall I purchase a new colt 14.5 socom barrel assembly with the FSB from arms unlimited and the FSB is not F marked and the finish did not look like the flat grey on all my other colt rifles it was a glittery parkerizing which I have several colts to compare it to from a preban r6601,6520, ar6720, 6933, and a few 6920s . This socom barrel has 13629 MP 556 NATO 1/7 and was made 6/19 came sealed in a blue bag 🤔 I feel cheated
Robert Wortel subcontracted barrel
SmallArmsSolutions with the colt cage code?
Robert Wortel yes, Colt subcontracted the barrels out. The company is suppose to use Colt drawings thus includes their ID codes
SmallArmsSolutions well that sucks makes me question my m4 as being clone correct
I know the the original M16 stock sets were bakelite redish color but what was the reason for the Airforce to have them painted Olive green instead of black?
The 602 was black.
Sorry I love the furniture on AR I don’t like a plain Jane AR 🤷
Question. What dose the term XM mean.
The X is for eXperimental I think.
eXPerimental Model
Safe to say Chris, you know your way around an AR!
I thought the 601's stocks were cycolac, an acrylic resin.
Fiberite. Some people call it Bakelite. Looks pretty cool after 50 or 60 years. I’ve got a couple of old Colt pistol grips that are mottled. I’ll never paint them.
How does the edgewater buffer/ spring guide affect recoil impulse- more, less, or different?
I'm wondering this too
Check out the M16 in Vietnam video. Explains it
Love my M-16a1 clone,Anderson lower,AERO PRECISION, upper,Brownells,a2 stock,
Is that a marine corps US OPTICS scope on the white box sitting on the safe behind you?
Shane K U.S. Optics FDN 17X
SmallArmsSolutions, nice.
I've heard this before about forward assist. What other rifle has this feature? I can't think of any.
Any info on colt 651?