This evening my FFL holder called to say my NDS XM16E1 lower receiver has arrived. I'm told it came in yesterday, but he didn't open the package until this evening. Plus I was out of town anyhow. I can't wait to match it up with my new M16A1 parts kit waiting to be picked up Tuesday at my local USPS that is back from John Thomas at Retro Arms Works. I had John install a 3 prong flash hider to this package since I already had the proper Type D stock for the XM16E1. Tuesday is my next day off and I'll hopefully have pictures up by Wednesday.

The best part of this story is that I ordered this XM16E1 lower on the 14th of this month. Less than 10 days turn around. Thank you Harlan. Great customer service that's appreciated!

wagsfn (Brian)

Has there been long waiting times to get receivers from them?

It only took 10 days from order to delivery?

You are correct.

This morning I made it to the Post Office and picked up my M16A1 upper that I had John Thomas over at retroarmswork piece together for me along with a new in the white barrel. Great job again with less than 5 days turnaround and it's back in my hands. This included drilling gas hole in barrel, period correct bluing, assembly and test fire. Thanks John! We will do business again soon.....

And also tonight I assembled my new Nodak Spud XM16E1 lower receiver. Wow. All parts (surplus M16) dropped right in. And the color match with my new upper mentioned above is almost perfect. I'm impressed with these guys. Can't wait until my NDS-M16A1 arrives hopefully early next year.

Tomorrow I will post pictures of my new project, XM16E1. It's not totally correct by any means, but looks good. 3 prong flash suppressor, type D stock, and a replica lower thanks to NDS. And the sling is not period correct either I don't believe (seat belt style). Looking forward to sharing here.

wagsfn

Totally a serious question here, John Thomas is awesome and all but why pay him to install a 3prong FH, unless he was assembling the entire barrel assembly and you just sent it along with the rest of the parts and asked him to finish it. Am I close to what you did?

So if I order an xm Now will i get it that quick ?

Barrel is in the white plus needs gas hole drilled, and FSB holes, refinish total upper (manganese phosphate) and assemble, head space then test fire. I don't have a milling machine/quality drill press, fixtures, drills/reamers etc. or gauges to do this type of work. Not about to invest in it this late in life or buy any special tooling. I'm only going to build 3 rifles and this is no. 2. I'll farm out it out to John Thomas, no questions asked.

Pictures finally. Colt M16A1 parts kit upper from Sarco. Barrel was in the white also from Sarco. Lower receiver XM16E1 from NDS. Type D stock I believe? The inside stock tube is not correct or the buffer. Flash suppressor I assume commercial also.

looks great

Dead sexy but you TEASE us with the tiny pictures!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

That is a very correct looking XM16E1. Nice build

Sorry for the small print. Back in the "retro" days pictures were 100% when I transferred them here. If I click on a picture it shows full size. Can't wait to take her to the range this weekend. Thanks for the positive kudo's. My only complaint is the drop down trigger guard from original parts kit. It's almost in the white? I left it as is. Gives it character I guess.

http://s29.photobucket.com/user/bwagss/slideshow/XM16E1

Exactly what I was thinking.

Min 9 month wait for A1 lowers