Picked this one up on GB and its just arrived.  Here's the original description that was used in the ad:





This thing has me perplexed. I removed it from a sealed GI contract bag
recently. It is XM gray and I lined it up next to an original Colt 1971
M16A1 charging handle for reference. They are cosmetically identical,
except the one for sale is the one of the right and is significantly
heavier. It is not machined beyond the gas key cut out in the channel. I
have looked everywhere trying to find info on this. I thought maybe it
was 9mm or from a 22 conversion but I came up empty.





I can tell you that the difference in the weight, it is noticeable, is in the fact that the channel in the handle is not machined as wide as the normal ones.  The gas key tube will not sit inside the track.





Could this be an early example, test piece, experimental?  Is this indeed for a different calibre?



Any light that can be shed will be appreciated.

 



Thank you

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I may try it with my .22 conversion kit.  Guessin it will be OK on it?