Tony,

So I finally received the FOIA documents the other week and wanted to provide you with more information on my Colt M16A1 (SN 9310894): It looks like its birth was December 20th, 1997 and it was originally made with a 20" barrel.

Thanks! I added yours.

FYI, the 9-million SN list on the first page of this thread is now updated.

I just added several hundred new SNs with configurations –– have fun, guys!

We just received several from DoD on a program for the agency. All look to be 604s - non-trap butt, no forward assist.

Earliest serial # 049,xxx had chrome slick-side bolt carrier, early large-head firing pin, 3-prong FH and no fence around mag release.

Latest serial # 4,01x,xxx had std M16A1 features incl. fence around mag release.

All are roll marked as follows:

COLT
AR-15
PROPERTY
OF US GOVT.
M 16
CAL. 5.56 MM.
SERIAL XXXXX

Just purchased an transferable M16A2 burst roll stamped rifle, dark gray, sn#8006xxx everything is standard A2, except the lower receiver is in A1 configuration forging, this is an un-molested original rifle NIB or ANIB.

Was it common for Colt to roll stamp a non reinforced lower with M16A2,

I have seen earlier serial numbered 8 mil series rifles with regular reinforced A2 receivers and black finish, so were guns manufactured out of serial number order, as my gun is quite late in the transferable pre may 86 range with an A1 style lower and gray color, yet earlier ones were black with A2 style lowers

Was Colt really that unconcerned with what receiver forging they used and does the non reinforced (but still M16A2 marked) lower alter the rifles value significantly.

It's not unique, but not common, either: In the months leading up to May 19, 1986, Colt saw a surge in orders from distributors who wanted "future" transferables in stock. So Colt used whatever receivers were available, and a bunch of A2s were built from A1 forgings.

As far as how it affects the value ... well, a hard-core Colt collector might pay a premium because they are somewhat rare ... but OTOH, since A2s already command a premium over A1s, a less collection-oriented buyer might value it lower –– after all, if they are paying the A2 premium, they want the A2 features. I'd call it a wash, and just enjoy your new MG.

9560611 is the correct serial #, Its mine now

I just had my hands on a "US Government Property" M16 with the serial 320XXX.
No prefix letters or anything. No forward assist. Black triangle handgards. Bird cage flash hider.
It's an old Military rifle.

Any idea of it's age?

I have a Colt factory rollmarked M16A1. Purchased in original A1 configuration, 20" barrel, triangular handguards, tear-drop forward assist. Rebuilt in a more modern configuration, but all internals stay factory Colt. Run a few different uppers on it, but maintain all the original parts. Serial # is 9256XXX. I know it was in a VA police dept it's entire life and I believe it was manufactured around 74-75 timeframe. No additional engraving or markings from dept, selector marked safe-semi-auto. Hope that helps the database Tony. If you stumble across any info regarding this firearm please pass it on. One more thing, it was purchased from Ruben Mendiola, whom I highly recommend.

Ummm .... here? http://www.sturmgewehr.com/webBBS/nfa4sale.cgi?read=145653

All:

Just purchased from Ruben an M16A1 factory carbine. Called Colt to try and track down the date of manufacture, and any other information Colt might have on the firearm. It is serial number 92846XX, but the Colt representative's understanding was that there should be a two-letter prefix, which does not appear in any of the photos we have looked at so far. Any assistance from the forum as to this serial number M16 would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

HERE IS A COMPLETE, UPDATED LIST OF 9-MIL SERIAL NUMBERS OF KNOWN TRANSFERABLES:


9024027 – Rollmarked M16, but standard A1 configuration rifle. Former property of the Santa Barbara, Calif.,Sheriff’s office, near Rancho del Cielo, the 688-acre vacation ranch of President Ronald Reagan.

9025125 - Rollmarked M16, but standard A1 configuration rifle. Part of the Richard Wray collection auctioned on 4/30/2013, it appears unfired and is complete with the original cardboard shipping box. Sold for $31,725 incl buyer’s premium.

9029239 - Rollmarked M16, but standard A1 configuration rifle

9029440 - Rollmarked M16, but standard A1 configuration rifle

9030329 - Rollmarked M16 - Former PD (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department) gun; 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9041093 -- Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9042595 -- Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9042640 - Rollmarked M16. Last seen wearing a non-Colt collapsible stock and no-name 14.5" A2 HB upper. Possibly refinished (darker color than usual for this period).

9044051 -- Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9044739 -- Rollmarked M16. Last seen (for sale) wearing a 20-inch-barrelled A2 upper.

9048277 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards. Auctioned on Oct. 1, 2007 by the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department, Lapeer, Michigan

9048530 -- Rollmarked M16; currently converted to 9mm with 635 upper and factory mag blocks pinned into drilled receiver (unknown if original configuration).

9049145 - Rollmarked M16; original configuration unknown.

9050320 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9050444 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9050557 -- Rollmarked M16. Reconfigured with Colt 14.5” M4A2 upper and Magpul collapsible stock.

90524xx - Rollmarked M16; reconfigured to all-Colt M4 by Ken Elmore.

9052430 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9052439 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9052981 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9053233 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards
9054731 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9054854 - Unknown rollmark, reconfigured as an XM16E1 and used by Mel Gibson in "We Were Soldiers."

9055138 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9059108 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards. Auctioned on May 1, 2008 by the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department, Lapeer, Michigan: Winning bid was $22,600.

9063011 - Rollmarked M16. Last sold wearing an A2 upper and A2 buttstock.

9064553 - Rollmarked M16. For sale in 12/11 with incorrect flattop upper, stock and PG.

90655xx -- Receiver marked M16, 20-inch thin bbl, triangular handguards, A1 stock; former PD gun sold/brokered by Tom Bowers

9068003 - Rollmarked M16, otherwise standard M16A1 20" rifle configuration.

9068226 - Rollmarked M16, otherwise standard M16A1 20" rifle configuration.

9069048 - Rollmarked M16, otherwise standard M16A1 20" rifle configuration. Was new unfired with wick still in barrel as of April 2005.

907xxxx -- Receiver marked M16 but upper has A1 features (fw assist, chrome-lined 20-inch bbl; 3-pronged flash hider); belonged to weapons provider for Miami Vice TV show and was used in the show; early-to-mid-70s date of production.

9070081 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle. Formerly owned by the Fresno, CA PD; right side of magwell engraved "FRESNO POLICE / DEPT. / M-006"

9073744 - Rollmarked M16 but has HBAR A1 upper with M60 bipod. For sale in 2011 with a non-original Lone Star Ord. grip installed.

9074666 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle.

90753xx –– Rollmarked M16. Model 629. US Property marked with 11.5” barrel, sliding stock and 4” suppressor. Possibly a modified / parts gun.

9075554 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle.

9075664 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle.

9078393 - Rollmarked M16 but re-anodized black by US Anodizing, and built up with non-original upper, stock, PG, etc.

9078544 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle.

9103617 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

910577x –– Atchisson open bolt HBAR conversion on standard Colt M16A1 rifle with M14 bipod. Predates the Colt designed open bolt HBAR. Marketed by W.A.K. in Ohio.

9149595 – Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

9149710 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle; presently in Canada and probably not in NFA Registry, which means it is not re-importable.

9150007 - Rollmarked M16A1;standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, orward assist, A1 stock and sights) but for sale 3/2012 with incorrect, round A2 handguards.

9154025 - Rollmarked M16A1;standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

9159631 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

91608xx -- Standard A1 config rifle, triangular forend, teardrop forward assist. First registered by Hattiesburg, Miss PD in May 1977.

9161131 - Standard A1 config rifle, tri forend, etc. Rollmarked M16A1.

9162143 - Standard A1 config rifle, tri forend, etc. Rollmarked M16A1.

9169406 - Standard A1 config rifle, tri forend, etc. Rollmarked M16A1.

9172997 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle, exceltp last sold with an A2 forend instead of triangular.

9174873 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle

9175861 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle

9181405 - Standard A1 config rifle, except last seen wearing round forend instead of triangular. Rollmarked M16A1.

9206503 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle. Magwell has bee drilled for Colt two-piece 9mm mag blocks.Lower receiver color is darker than normal for this early in the SN range, so possible refinish.

9209179 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle.

92120xx - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle.

9212160 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle.

9229422 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle.

9241993 -- Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9243177 -- Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9252336 -- Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9252352 - Believed rollmarked M16A1, reconfigured to M4A1 with Surefire M500AB foreend flashlight, ACOG TA44-5 and Giles sling. Used by "Street," Colin Ferrel's character, in the movie "S.W.A.T."

9252836 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9252926 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9253060 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle; Former Connecticut State Police Department rifle, right side of receiver is vibra-pen engraved "CDA PD 34"

9253566 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9256116 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle. Low-round-count minty original gun in 2010.

9256511 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Gray.

9266458 - Rollmarked M16A1, appears to be factory carbine but barrel claimed to be 16”, teardrop FA

92674xx – Form 2 issued in 1982
9268636 through 9268671 - FOI request shows Form 2 approved on April 4, 1979 as part of a pallet of 72 (number discrepancy noted).
Including:
926866x - RO653 Carbine

9268786 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9269556 - Rollmarked M16A1, forward assist, 14.5" bbl, factory carbine

9270400 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9270436 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9270765 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA; the number “342” vibra-penned onto front of magwell

9270786 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9277687 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9277789 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA. Auctioned by Amoskeag on Sept. 20, 2008; at that time, it wore a metal Colt collapsible stock (unknown if original).

9277796 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA. LE gun, lots of surface scratches.

9277942 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9278184 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9278186 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9278363 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA. Sold new by Sportsman’s Emporium in Philadelphia on 11/14/79; that owner sold it to a dealer on April 25, 2011.

9279747 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9280307 – Rollmarked M16A1; sold in 2009 with non-original Colt Commando upper and non-Colt collapsible stock.

9280445 – Rollmarked M16A1; sold in 2011 as a factory Carbine, but incorrectly has an M4A3 upper and a non-staked collapsible stock of current style.

9280535 – Rollmarked M16A1; factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA, but staking has been broken to add an ambi sling mount.

928046x - Rollmarked M16A1, apparently factory carbine with 14.5" barrel; F4 to first owner approved 4/18/78.

9284623 – Rollmarked M16A1; 14.5 in carbine, factory original

9288654 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" barrel, apparently a factory 653 carbine

9288711 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" barrel, factory 653 carbine

9288947 – Rollmarked M16A1, apparently 14.5” factory carbine

9289129 – Rollmarked M16A1, apparently 14.5” factory carbine

9292673 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle. Ex-Tenn. DOC rifle auctioned 6/2012; has rack wear, and inventory ID number stenciled under the Colt SN.

9293245 – Rollmarked M16A1, in carbine config and believed to be factory

9293653 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle

9293673 - Rollmarked M16A1,in carbine config and believed to be factory, 14.5", teardrop FA

(continued below)

Continued:

9501084(?) - Rollmarked M16A1; M4 upper (original configuration unknown); selector area re-engraved with "SAFE," "SEMI" and (ital) "Rock-n-Roll"

9504320 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" A1 rifle when purchased, now configured as an HBAR. Purchased 11-2002 from Dennis Todd. Supposedly previous owner was a Californian Police Department.

9505646 – Rollmarked M16A1. Sold in 2009 as a lower only. Receiver marked with a stamped “002” on right side above trigger pin and on right side magwell with pencil-engraved “RSVL. 002”

9506192 - Rollmarked M16A1 - purchased in Ky. In June 2002 in factory carbine form with CAR 2 position stock and pencil 14 1/2" barrel

9506296 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9506663 -- Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine with CAR 2 position stock and pencil 14 1/2" barrel. As-new in 2009.

9518404 -- Rollmarked M16A1, sold in 2009 as a lower only with A1 rifle stock.

9519442 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9519933 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle, for sale 12/1/12 NIB with all accessories, for $25k. SOT owner says it was purchased new by him in 1981.

9520659 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9521248 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9523379 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9527416 - Rollmarked M16A1 but lower has A2 features; for sale 4/7/2009 without an upper; current-production-style collapsible stock installed.

9527426 - Rollmarked M16A1 but lower receiver has A2 features (re-enforced forging and later finish). Not a factory RO750 but last sold with an LMG upper, buffer, green spring and open-bolt fire-control system.

9528669 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9531416 -- 14.5in. carbine 98%, original config.

9531422 -- 14.5in. carbine 98/99%, original config.

9532709 -- Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1

9537402 -- Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1. Auctioned by Amoskeag on Sept. 20, 2008.

9537792 -- Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1

9538497 -- Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1; exported to Italy in 2012

9541563 - Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1

9546326 - Rollmarked M16A1; factory carbine

9546332 – Rollmarked M16A1, Carbine Model 653

9546373 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" carbine

9546394 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" carbine

9546396 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" carbine

9547113 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547190 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547200 - Rollmarked M16A1, apparently was factory Carbine (castle nut staking appears original) but for sale in 2011 with a non-Colt upper only

9547405 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547422 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5" For sale 3/2010 NIB, with original invoice from Colt listing order date of 9/17/81, plus all original packing and accessories in still-sealed pouches.

9547497 - Rollmarked M16A1, lower receiver is factory Carbine, upper is Colt (Commando?) A2, 11.5" barrel

9547xxx -- Model 645? A1 sights but A2 flash hider, slip ring, FA, 14.5 bbl, feed ramp cuts, no brass deflector and no M4 stamp.

9557980 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. For sale in Sept. 2008 as excellent used, complete with original box. Slight mismatch of upper/lower colors.

9558652 -- Rollmarked M16A1 – For sale 12/1/11 as NIB, and appears so. Upper is A1 with 20" 1/7-twist barrel, wick is still in there. Stock and PG are new A2. Lower is A1 casting but almost black, close to current Colt black anodizing; upper is dark grey. Sealed accessory kit, appears to have shipped in this A1/A2 configuration.

9559284 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20” rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Black.

9559559 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20” rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Black.

9560001 -- Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9560091 -- Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9560427 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Last sold wearing A2 handguards instead of triangular.

9560611 – Rollmarked M16A1; Model 621 (20-inch 1/7 HBAR with M60 tripod). For sale 4/1/10 NIB with all accessories.

9566295 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9566312 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Upper is a darker grey than lower receiver is, moreso than the usual slight mismatch.

9566349 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20” rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Black.

9567532 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20” rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Black.

9568288 – Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20” rifle. Redone by U.S. Anodizing in Colt Black.

9568868 -- Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9574747 – Rollmarked M16A1 – Standard 20” M16A1 rifle. Slight mismatch of upper/lower colors. Sold in VG+/ex condition in 3/2009.

9576351 - Rollmarked M16A1 - Rifle buttstock and A1 upper receiver with 16" 1-in-7 barrel, no barrel markings; unknown if this is the original factory configuration.

9577002 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine with rubber-coated collapsible stock

9577606 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9577995 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9579671 – M16A1 Carbine Model 653 – was advertised as NIB in 12/2009; photos appear to verify. Shipped from Colt to Frankford Arsenal Inc., 1045-1047 NE 43 Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334.

9578392 – M16A1 Carbine Model 653.

9583070 -- M16A1 Carbine Model 653.

9584310 – Rollmarked M16A1, configured as Model 606A HBAR with M60 bipod and triangular handguards; unknown if it left the factory this way.

9585052 – Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine with rubber-coated collapsible stock.

9586145 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle except for A2 type pistol grip -- seller swears it shipped from Colt that way.

9586867 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9587500 - Colt's first A2 prototype. Lower receiver is A1-rollmarked and uses an A1 forging; upper has handmade prototype A2 sights and A2 handguards, HBAR barrel.

9587523 -- Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Upper is a darker grey than lower receiver is, moreso than the usual slight mismatch.

95900xx - Model 621 (20-inch 1/7 HBAR with M60 tripod)

9590478 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine

9590540 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine. Two-position metal stock. For sale 10/2008 ANIB with accessories.

9591475 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine. Two-position metal stock

9591487 - Rollmarked M16A1; presently configured as 653 carbine, unknown if it left the factory in that configuration.

9591633 – Rollmarked M16A1; Model 621 (20-inch 1/7 HBAR with M60 tripod)

9591634 – Rollmarked M16A1; Model 621 (20-inch 1/7 HBAR with M60 tripod)

9592233 _ Rollmarked M16A1, sold as lower only in 2008.

9593280 - Rollmarked M16A1; recently transferred with a non-original upper and buttstock, so original configuration unknown. Possibly a factory HBAR Model 621.

9594010 - Rollmarked M16A1; factory 621 HBAR with M60 bipod; for sale as complete ANIB (all accessories still sealed in plastic) in November 2007. Lower is lighter gray, upper is darker gray; mismatch color is apparently as-shipped from factory.

9594040 - Rollmarked M16A1; 621 HBAR with M60 bipod. Appears in photos to possibly have been refinished.

9594162 - Rollmarked M16A1; 621 HBAR with M60 bipod. Color matches perfectly.

9594175 - Rollmarked M16A1; 621 HBAR with M60 bipod. As of 2/27/2009, gun appears unfired (but ower says it has had 300 rounds through it), and bipod has never been mounted.

9595421 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9595530 -- Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle. For sale in 2012. Condition: Appears unfired; in box with all accessories

9596039 – Rollmarked M16A1; standard rifle configuration.

9596336 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard rifle configuration; offered for sale in 2008 in ANIB condition with box, barrel wick and all original factory accessories.

9599284 – Rollmarked M16A1; standard rifle configuration. LE trade-in; many, many surface scratches and handling marks.

9602077 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard factory carbine.

9602238 - Rollmarked M16A1/ Apparently factory carbine due to collapsible stock staking paint, but last transferred as a lower only.

9602338 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard-configuration M16A1 rifle except round handguards instead of triangular, reportedly delivered by Colt to a dealer in 1984.

9602440 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard M16 rifle with triangular handguards, etc.

9605036 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard M16 rifle with triangular handguards, etc. Magwell drilled for pin installation of original Colt two-piece 9mm mag blocks.

9607520 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard M16 rifle with triangular handguards, etc.