The selectors are all accounted for in armory storage, but obviously an M16 selector isn't difficult to come by, nor is it a controlled part. None of the M16 parts are restricted on the open market. Weapons modification should be addressed via policy restrictions and disciplinary action IMHO. No, it's not technically illegal for end users to convert them back to auto, but it could be a policy violation.

Somewhere I have a document detailing the nomenclature for that stupid aluminum selector block. It is crap. It snags on slings and other gear and is generally a liability. They can break off (or sometimes people break them off) and then it's a sharp crappy piece. They also interfere with aftermarket grips. The National Guard used to retrofit them after big Army got the M16A2 and they didn't want troops firing auto anymore. I've never seen them come with LESO M16 and M16A1 rifles, but they used to be available to government armorers for free by writing to some obscure Army program.


Thread/pics/It happened.



Prior to scoring the CQBR uppers, I was building carbines using 14.5" M4A1 SOCOM barrels, which are easy to find in RTD and frequently available. I talked the agency into purchasing carbine stock assemblies. Initially we had purchased a few stripped uppers also. Flat top uppers (M4A1 and M16A4) are about the rarest item to find in RTD. We just got really lucky. The Condition Codes don't mean anything, although they're supposed to. The CQBR barrels were supposedly rejected (per a couple hang tags) from failing a TE gauge, but so far they're all good. If one is shot-out, I can replace its barrel with an M4 barrel we already had. Those barrels can be shortened too. They're not under any restriction. My personal theory is that someone didn't wish to rebuild them into Block II CQBR uppers with the RIS II, so they just rejected the whole lot. (Not that I mind, of course). You'll see things too, like the TACOM M4A1 PIP guys sending take-off H buffers into DRMO under the H2 buffer NSN. All kinds of things get entered incorrectly. (Just get extra H buffers, and you can swap the tungsten weights to make whatever buffer is needed).

Sometimes good optics are available, but mostly they're junk. We got 12 Aimpoint Comp M4 (M68 CCO) sights from RRAD for $33 and they were all in excellent condition. Some items such as plain old double-heatshield M4 handguards, Remington 870 synthetic LE fore ends, and RAS rail covers they have at Columbus LTS and those are always available. They'll even pack and ship FedEx for you if you email them an account number. We recently received some UDT life preservers from them for our boat crews and SAR operations.

If you want some PEQ IR lasers/illuminators, those are sometimes found also. DLA/DRMO will not insert batteries to check function. You can go on-base during the weekly RTD screening days/hours and screen property yourself at any listed DRMO. Working NVD's are another unicorn item. I've seen individual image intensifier tubes listed at distant locations, but not in-person. One of the NV vendors kindly typed up a list of all relevant NSNs including parts, for LE searches. Different made a similar list for M14 parts and accessories. We have 8 Sage EBR stocks waiting for when they finally approve our M14 transfers.

That was probably more than you wanted to know.