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Posted: 5/12/2026 4:12:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: IronBalaclava][Edited]
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8.6.2026: Updated thread and pics. Here's 2 consecutively serial numbered, New Old Stock, Colt XM177E1/E2/GAU-5A/A, NFA Moderators. These are brand new in wrap, and should serve as a good reference for all of us retro CAR-15 guys: Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File     From top to bottom: Brownell's Faux XM177 FH, H&R Faux XM177 FH, Real Colt XM177 NFA Moderator:  2X NOS Colt Grenade Rings. These examples are machined much better, then the original ring posted below and have a darker Parkerized Finish:     DISCLAIMER: NO, these are NOT for sale. Old, original post: We know genuine Colt moderators are rare as hens teeth. Now how rare is just the authentic grenade ring alone, in new condition? Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File ETA: Nah, it's not for sale |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Great score! I was gifted an original by a guy who was an Army armorer in the early 1970s. He had a pile, of maybe 20 or so, no idea about the value. 
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A socialist may indeed be academically superior.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
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Originally Posted By azpitbull: I am sure an original ring is very hard to find indeed. How rare is the original Vietnam era 11.5 Colt barrel? They seem easier to come across then the Grenade Ring. Here's the new, XM177E2 barrel it was attached to: Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File ETA: with H&R faux moderator for a placeholder. |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Originally Posted By IronBalaclava: They seem easier to come across then the Grenade Ring. Here's the new, XM177E2 barrel it was attached to: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/29005/IMG_5491_jpg-3762310.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/29005/IMG_5493_jpg-3762312.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/29005/IMG_5510_jpg-3762313.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/29005/IMG_5512_jpg-3762314.JPG ETA: with H&R faux moderator for a placeholder. I've searched for evidence of one being sold in recent history, or if sold what one goes for, and couldn't find any evidence so I assumed they were unobtanium. If one was selling an OG 11.5 barrel where do you reckon you'd find one and how much do you think they are worth in the current market? |
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Originally Posted By yendoan3785: I've searched for evidence of one being sold in recent history, or if sold what one goes for, and couldn't find any evidence so I assumed they were unobtanium. If one was selling an OG 11.5 barrel where do you reckon you'd find one and how much do you think they are worth in the current market? The problem is, that part is simple to make an exact copy of, has no distinguishing markings, and there’s no way to prove it’s an original Colt other than the seller’s word. |
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Originally Posted By yendoan3785: I've searched for evidence of one being sold in recent history, or if sold what one goes for, and couldn't find any evidence so I assumed they were unobtanium. If one was selling an OG 11.5 barrel where do you reckon you'd find one and how much do you think they are worth in the current market? I have no idea what either or both would go for in today's market. I may have an idea what and entire Colt 639/649 may go for, however. Originally Posted By Trucker69: The problem is, that part is simple to make an exact copy of, has no distinguishing markings, and there’s no way to prove it’s an original Colt other than the seller’s word. I have a bunch of repro grenade rings from different makes. Repros are generally machined/polished quite a bit better. The Colt as pictured above, has characteristic machining marks left around the circumference. Not saying that that could not be duplicated. |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Originally Posted By IronBalaclava: I have no idea what either or both would go for in today's market. I may have an idea what and entire Colt 639/649 may go for, however. I have a bunch of repro grenade rings from different makes. Repros are generally machined/polished quite a bit better. The Colt as pictured above, has characteristic machining marks left around the circumference. Not saying that that could not be duplicated. Funny you mentioned that, I almost put that observation in my original post. Seems like Colt machinists didn’t want to change lathe tools until they were tearing rather than cutting 
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Originally Posted By Stahlgewehr762: So the repro part would be just like an original Colt, right after the Colt machine operator finally changed or sharpened the cutting bit.  Yeah. Historically, Colt lets nothing go to waste-apparently tools/tooling as well. Old school Colt AR components 9/10 times, are rough as hell. |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Originally Posted By 308223: I hope these were legally obtained? Bad to post on an unencrypted public forum with serial numbers if they weren't. Just my 2 cents. Really? You think a well-established member is going to show off some kind of contraband here? WTF!? |
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."
Song dynasty poet
Song dynasty poet
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Originally Posted By 308223: I hope these were legally obtained? Bad to post on an unencrypted public forum with serial numbers if they weren't. Just my 2 cents. Well, since 1934, there are these little things called “Tax Stamps” that you had to pay-Oh, wait: Attached File 🤔 |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Originally Posted By 762AP: OMFG. Man, you win the interwebs for the year.  Now, show us the Ark of the Covenant. Simply beautiful. @762AP It was an interesting journey. Probably start another thread for the “ Ark” (even crazier journey) once the thing gets outta NFA Jail! |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
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Originally Posted By 308223: I hope these were legally obtained? Bad to post on an unencrypted public forum with serial numbers if they weren't. Just my 2 cents.  ETA: Very cool OP thanks for posting these. About to start collecting for a XM177 build |
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Originally Posted By AK47_COMMBLOC: does anyone here thats familiar with these know why the military welded some of the grenade rings on with big tack welds? what was the purpose of that or has it been documented yet? This is news to me. Any pics or documentation? |
CAGE Codes:8LSV6/13629/1S002/3J629/0BJZ8/3S679
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
"Handle that rifle like you've got ice in your veins."
"What's wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?"
|
Originally Posted By AK47_COMMBLOC: does anyone here thats familiar with these know why the military welded some of the grenade rings on with big tack welds? what was the purpose of that or has it been documented yet? The only grenade rings welded to the moderator that I've seen were reproductions that came along a few years ago. Maybe ARFCOM user Brick made some, too long ago to remember. I've never seen a photo of welded grenade ring on an XM177E2 that was fielded by a MACV-SOG member. |
A socialist may indeed be academically superior.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
And yet, they are most certainly emotionally retarded.
Public education is the opiate of the masses.
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