I've decided to start an M16-A1 build and have a few questions.  I'm not concerned with chasing down all Colt parts but would like to stay fairly accurate with the small parts as far as looks go. What would be a good bolt carrier group to use?  This is my first retro rifle but all my other ARs have Young Mfg. carriers and I've been happy with them.  Does Young make one that would be suitable for an A1?  Do I just need a standard F/A black phosphate carrier?  Also, how about lower receiver parts kits.  I know the selector should not have the tick mark on the right side.  Any other differences from say a modern Rock River Arms parts kit?  Were they gray instead of black?

Contact Slim at Indiana Army Surplus (812-275-2801) about a lower parts kit. They may still have some originals left. Most any lower parts kit will suffice, but the parts should have a gray looking finish to them. Sometimes, spraying them with Gun Scrubber will help do this. Others have used Naval Jelly. A M16 parts kit (except for the auto-sear) can be used, but a few parts have to be modified. As far as a BCG goes, you can use a standard phosphate-coated M16 BCG. I have seen come Colt BCGs ("C" marked) on the EE lately.

The asterisks denote the differences in the M16 and the AR-15 FCG.

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