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Posted: 9/10/2019 4:56:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
Back in April, as I was casually checking the main local website for gun sales, I saw an add for a Colt Commando. I immediately wrote to the seller, he called me and by luck was passing close to my house on his way to the mountain for the Easter weekend. He agreed to take the rifle along and stop by to show it to me.
He said the barrel was replaced as the original was shot, but he still had it. Rifle is fully functional. Lots of external wear as can be expected with an old warhorse. Otherwise I really don’t know that much about this rifle. Wikipedia : In April 1967, the Army purchased 510 Colt 629 Commandos for use by troops assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), and designated them XM177E2. Delivery was completed by the end of September 1967. The Air Force adopted a similar model without the forward assist feature as the GAU-5A/A. Does that mean there were only 510 built in total and it dates the rifle between April and September of 1967. Or were more built later, after the initial order? The asking price was $ 3000, we agreed on $ 2700. For info I live in Switzerland. So the wait for the special permit began. Pics from the first meeting (not the greatest as I did them in a rush) :  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 4:59:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#1]
I received the license within 10 days only, the shortest wait ever, and picked up the gun and the original barrel with the front sight. No markings at all. The barrel was pretty corroded inside and pitted with weak grooves. I started cleaning it, hoping it would improve, but it just made the pitting shinier and more obvious.
I still intended to install it in order to bring the gun back to its original condition. Seems to be a 10 inch barrel, not 11.5. With the flat ring instead of the Delta / tapered ring. So I came to the conclusion that it is an XM 177 E2 lower with an XM 177 E1 upper. If these thing could talk.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:05:02 PM EDT
[#2]
That's awesome
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:16:57 PM EDT
[#3]
Awesome!
I've read some of those were made for the commercial market. |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:22:25 PM EDT
[#4]
Welcome here,, I was wondering when you were gonna join arfcom… Real nice stuff you have!! Thanks for posting here.
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:24:06 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#5]
It came with 3 30 rgds mags, a Colt, an Okay and one unmarked with a cage code
 Attached File Attached FileThe large aperture sight was cleanly filed down and touched up, maybe for faster target acquisition at short range ?  Attached FileAs a consequence, the small aperture sight falls backwards 
And the front sight was bottomed out in order to compensate 
... with pliers ... |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:28:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#6]
Now that the rifle was in it’s new home, I took some better and more detailed pictures
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:31:48 PM EDT
[#7]
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:34:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#8]
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:40:42 PM EDT
[#9]
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:41:16 PM EDT
[#10]
That’s awesome. Congrats
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:46:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#11]
Finally my gunsmith installed the original barrel (well the barrel that came with the gun).
He also test fired the gun, and the bad news is that the barrel is so shot, that the bullets keyhole even at 10 meters.  Attached File Attached FileOn the other hand the full auto ran great with no hiccups. The other bad news is that the FSB on the replacement barrel was butchered in with 5 screws, two of them being totally seized. The smith did not want to drill the screws and risk damage something (I took care of that later) so he could not remove the old original flat ring. 
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:51:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Anyway here’s the rifle in it’s somewhat more original configuration, until I find a 11.5’ pencil barrel with a 1:12 twist
 Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileSo I hope you enjoy seeing this historical gun, and again, any infos, year of manufacture (1967?), model number (629?) and any other stuff is welcome. |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 5:57:12 PM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Postal0311:
Awesome! I've read some of those were made for the commercial market. |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 6:05:10 PM EDT
[#14]
One more interesting bit : I’ve read that the repro’s serial numbers were consecutive to the original ones. Then I saw this repro
 Attached FileThat is just 30 higher than mine |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 9/10/2019 6:12:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Tmcelheny]
[#15]
ETA. so u can get a permit for a full auto in 10days in Switzerland? |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 7:19:21 PM EDT
[#16]
I so fucking hate you! XM-177..wait 10 day..only 3 grand! You SUCK! But seriously, what an incredible bit of history!
18Z50...My first carbine after the SFQC was a beat to shit XM-177E2 with a moderator that was filled with copper shaving. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 9/10/2019 8:38:00 PM EDT
[#17]
Thank you OP.
The sling treatment will come in handy, for later. |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 11:43:58 PM EDT
[#18]
That's cool!
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USA
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Posted: 9/11/2019 12:19:36 AM EDT
[#19]
That looks like one of the Israeli imports that hit the Euro collector market about 2002ish. There were quite a few floating around the German "deko" market at the same time. I even bought a flash hider to send to a collector friend in Switzerland. while stationed in Germany.
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Posted: 9/11/2019 6:46:28 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tmcelheny:
ETA. so u can get a permit for a full auto in 10days in Switzerland? |
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Posted: 9/11/2019 6:47:11 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OTTOSEAR:
Thank you OP. The sling treatment will come in handy, for later. |
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Posted: 9/11/2019 6:51:09 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By USGI:
That looks like one of the Israeli imports that hit the Euro collector market about 2002ish. There were quite a few floating around the German "deko" market at the same time. I even bought a flash hider to send to a collector friend in Switzerland. while stationed in Germany. https://www.ar15.com/forums/AR-15/Colt-M16A1/123-743629/ |
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Posted: 9/11/2019 7:23:27 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OLIAR15:
"sling treatment" ? Not sure I understand that Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OLIAR15:
Originally Posted By OTTOSEAR:
Thank you OP. The sling treatment will come in handy, for later. 18Z50... |
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USA
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Posted: 9/11/2019 8:58:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OLIAR15:
Finally my gunsmith installed the original barrel (well the barrel that came with the gun). He also test fired the gun, and the bad news is that the barrel is so shot, that the bullets keyhole even at 10 meters. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/4C6F6D36-8285-4247-BF94-0419628ACF0E_jpeg-1085867.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/EE746FFF-BC85-443F-9D3F-D084F81C26FA_jpeg-1085869.JPG On the other hand the full auto ran great with no hiccups. The other bad news is that the FSB on the replacement barrel was butchered in with 5 screws, two of them being totally seized. The smith did not want to drill the screws and risk damage something (I took care of that later) so he could not remove the old original flat ring. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190819/b6336574ffafbeec622d269cbb8320f7.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190819/eb6ffadb526b820164b2d1ba54edc146.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190819/79b52d0e0f14445da3aec3f5fb683ad1.jpg |
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Posted: 9/11/2019 10:58:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Banshee35]
[#25]
Your mag marked “62667” was one of the earliest Colt 30 rounders and has the wrong base plate. The follower should be emerald green and you may have to shine a light on it as they look almost black and should have white lettering on the top of the follower that says 626654.
Here’s a pic I stole off the net  Attached FileThe white paint wears off pretty easily and may not be there or be only partially visible but look for the green |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 9/12/2019 12:04:41 AM EDT
[#26]
So how and what should the base plate be marked? I have two 30 rounders that have 62667 stamped in the body and emerald green followers with white painted marked 62665A and my base plates are identical to the op's picture.
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Posted: 9/12/2019 4:01:57 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Banshee35:
Your mag marked “62667” was one of the earliest Colt 30 rounders and has the wrong base plate. The follower should be emerald green and you may have to shine a light on it as they look almost black and should have white lettering on the top of the follower that says 626654. Here’s a pic I stole off the net https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/164962/067DED49-E44E-4A94-A4DD-159B47DEBE74_jpeg-1087191.JPG The white paint wears off pretty easily and may not be there or be only partially visible but look for the green  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileThose are the Colt 30 rds I have in the stash  Attached File |
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Posted: 9/12/2019 11:16:06 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jbzz71:
So how and what should the base plate be marked? I have two 30 rounders that have 62667 stamped in the body and emerald green followers with white painted marked 62665A and my base plates are identical to the op's picture. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 9/13/2019 7:08:47 AM EDT
[#29]
Damn. I love Switzerland.
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ITA
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Posted: 9/13/2019 7:19:27 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trunkmonkey4:
Damn. I love Switzerland. 
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Posted: 9/13/2019 12:53:46 PM EDT
[#31]
It’s that easy to buy a full-auto in Switzerland? Do you have a special license, or something? Wow.
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Posted: 9/13/2019 2:50:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wildearp]
[#32]
Sweet, thanks for the great photos. I am subscribing for later when I am...……..in my bunk.
 
I think we should start a Swiss based arfcom and all move over there. I hear they have nice watches and chocolate too.
I got to spend a glorious week at the Hotel De Krone while visiting Karl Storz factory. I should have found a gun store. White spargel was in season when I was there.
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DEU
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Posted: 9/16/2019 6:32:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Gunslinger-Mike]
[#33]
I can't find the right words I'm afraid. When I saw your post the other day I couldn't sleep. I have never seen a real XM177E2 (Model 629) myself, not even such good and detailed pictures.
You have the XM177E2 that came with an 11.5 inch barrel and the later Delta style slip ring. Looks like the barrel was replaced by the shorter 10 inch barrel with the flat slip ring that was standard on the earlier XM177E1 Model 609. But the XM177E1 was "Commando" marked, so I am sure you have a genuine XM177E2. It even has the right early 30 rd Colt magazine ... If you do not mind, can you take a picture of the flash hider showing the front muzzle opening? I would like to check if my replica does look close. Man, if that gun could talk. You are a very lucky man. Take good care of that treasure. "Sometimes when you see another Carbine, you just realize what a piece of junk you have there sitting at home ..." Greetings from Germany (near Stuttgart), Mike |
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Posted: 9/16/2019 8:03:25 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OLIAR15:
It came with 3 30 rgds mags, a Colt, an Okay and one unmarked with a cage code https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/6E0474A1-253D-43DC-AC27-671F162F9D76_jpeg-1085827.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/0C45BD1F-0560-4846-8CC1-3F13ADA78240_jpeg-1085828.JPG The large aperture sight was cleanly filed down and touched up, maybe for faster target acquisition at short range ? https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/95C17D54-3B88-4DCD-872B-4F1F7763D626_jpeg-1085829.JPG As a consequence, the small aperture sight falls backwards https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190428/40def49c0f957f0ea680cd7c6251fabb.jpg And the front sight was bottomed out in order to compensate https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190428/11fae13134c7c6d63ecc24dfd5e11739.jpg ... with pliers ... |
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Posted: 9/16/2019 8:12:44 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By urbankaos04:
It’s that easy to buy a full-auto in Switzerland? Do you have a special license, or something? Wow. |
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Posted: 9/16/2019 8:20:31 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gunslinger-Mike:
I can't find the right words I'm afraid. When I saw your post the other day I couldn't sleep. I have never seen a real XM177E2 (Model 629) myself, not even such good and detailed pictures. You have the XM177E2 that came with an 11.5 inch barrel and the later Delta style slip ring. Looks like the barrel was replaced by the shorter 10 inch barrel with the flat slip ring that was standard on the earlier XM177E1 Model 609. But the XM177E1 was "Commando" marked, so I am sure you have a genuine XM177E2. It even has the right early 30 rd Colt magazine ... If you do not mind, can you take a picture of the flash hider showing the front muzzle opening? I would like to check if my replica does look close. Man, if that gun could talk. You are a very lucky man. Take good care of that treasure. "Sometimes when you see another Carbine, you just realize what a piece of junk you have there sitting at home ..." Greetings from Germany (near Stuttgart), Mike It will be difficult for me to find a Colt 11.5’ 1:12 twist barrel here in Switzerland, so I ordered a Brownells for now. Maybe I’ll get lucky on a genuine one someday. I will take a pic of the front of the moderator and post it. |
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Posted: 9/16/2019 8:26:27 AM EDT
[Last Edit: OLIAR15]
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By coldblue:
...that square front sight post...?  Attached FileThe original 10’ barrel (.625) with the original FSB and round sight post was delivered also and was later installed and pictured. |
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KY, USA
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Posted: 9/16/2019 9:53:49 AM EDT
[Last Edit: CamoXJeep]
[#38]
So jealous, carried an xm177e2 early 90's in the Rangers as a Fister. Built one up using as much original as I could get my hands on. Had my lower match the one I carried even with my s/n (still have my arms room card).
Only thing I'm lacking to be original is of course lower, true xm177e2 barrel, and moderator! There was one on gunbroker a while back but didn't have the funds to grab it. Do you mind taking pics of the moderator (any wording) if it's an original? Thanks |
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Posted: 9/16/2019 9:57:51 AM EDT
[#39]
That is cool.
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Posted: 9/16/2019 10:28:16 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CamoXJeep:
So jealous, carried an xm177e2 early 90's in the Rangers as a Fister. Built one up using as much original as I could get my hands on. Had my lower match the one I carried even with my s/n (still have my arms room card). Only thing I'm lacking to be original is of course lower, true xm177e2 barrel, and compensator! There was one on ebay a while back but didn't have the funds to grab it. Do you mind taking pics of the compensator (any wording) if it's an original? Thanks No markings at all on the moderator, I will take a few pics and post them. |
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Posted: 9/23/2019 3:47:58 PM EDT
[#41]
Originally Posted By Gunslinger-Mike:
If you do not mind, can you take a picture of the flash hider showing the front muzzle opening? I would like to check if my replica does look close. Mike Originally Posted By CamoXJeep:
Do you mind taking pics of the moderator (any wording) if it's an original? Thanks  Attached FileIt’s a bit banged up on one side  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileObviously it’s 4.5’ long. Diameter is close to 1’ and slot length also 1’  Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/23/2019 3:52:43 PM EDT
[#42]
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Posted: 9/23/2019 4:21:14 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By OLIAR15:
A few more pics of the rifle https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/9254D600-4620-4B0E-AC48-ACF6E0CFD46B_jpeg-1100378.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/87B70F99-61EF-419B-BF3B-0D2A1EBB8B66_jpeg-1100379.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/74B0C468-61DB-4B48-976A-3F39A82CF272_jpeg-1100380.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/E149ADA0-67FE-4C4D-95F2-766FD3CD463A_jpeg-1100381.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/54DA49F5-8A23-439C-A8D8-78DBD378631D_jpeg-1100383.JPG |
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Posted: 9/23/2019 4:37:40 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lazyengineer:
I never quite understood the purpose of the moderator, vs just making the barrel that long. What's the story behind that? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By lazyengineer:
Originally Posted By OLIAR15:
A few more pics of the rifle https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/9254D600-4620-4B0E-AC48-ACF6E0CFD46B_jpeg-1100378.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/87B70F99-61EF-419B-BF3B-0D2A1EBB8B66_jpeg-1100379.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/74B0C468-61DB-4B48-976A-3F39A82CF272_jpeg-1100380.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/E149ADA0-67FE-4C4D-95F2-766FD3CD463A_jpeg-1100381.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/390738/54DA49F5-8A23-439C-A8D8-78DBD378631D_jpeg-1100383.JPG |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/23/2019 7:24:47 PM EDT
[#45]
Great pictures... thanks for sharing.
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DEU
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Posted: 9/24/2019 3:43:19 AM EDT
[#46]
Thank you very much for the detailed pictures.
Greetings from Germany. |
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Posted: 9/24/2019 8:47:46 AM EDT
[#47]
Originally Posted By lazyengineer: I never quite understood the purpose of the moderator, vs just making the barrel that long. What's the story behind that? Originally Posted By Devils_Advocate: If memory serves, so the db level of the carbine matched that of the rifle. Ian McCallum mentions this at the 2:00 mark in this video of the 639 (essentially the export version of the 629).  Colt Model 639: MACVSOG's Vietnam Carbine |
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DEU
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Posted: 9/27/2019 6:14:09 AM EDT
[#48]
I think it is interesting that the receiver of your Carbine looks almost black. Maybe it is the photos, maybe it comes from 50 years of handling, cleaning and oiling.
A really intersting piece. |
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Posted: 9/27/2019 12:52:00 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gunslinger-Mike:
I think it is interesting that the receiver of your Carbine looks almost black. Maybe it is the photos, maybe it comes from 50 years of handling, cleaning and oiling. A really intersting piece. |
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Posted: 10/8/2019 10:09:45 AM EDT
[#50]
I received and installed an 11.5’ barrel from Brownells
Still missing a grenade ring |
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