USGI M16 rifles: When did the Buffer tubes change from XM Gray to Black? - Page 1

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - USGI M16 rifles: When did the Buffer tubes change from XM Gray to Black?

Posted: 10/15/2021 1:24:04 PM EDT

I'm currently working on several Vietnam M16 XM16E1, Colt, H&R and Hyro 603 retro builds. I have an original Colt 601 through holed all gray buffer tube. Later buffer tubes that I have purchased are gray but with black threads and stop that screw into the lower receiver. When did Colt or USGI change from all gray to gray with black threads and stop?

Thanks

Curt

Posted: 10/15/2021 3:00:00 PM EDT

[#1]

I may be way off base here, but I can swear I’ve seen the buffer tube as always being black but coated with the same stuff the GI mags are coated with.

I could be losing my mind though.

Posted: 10/18/2021 1:39:18 PM EDT

[#2]

I believe the early tubes were anodized grey. Don't know when it changed though. Maybe when the M16A1 became standardized, and Colt released the TDP. That would be around 1967. Of course, the old stock parts got used up first. The black tubes are supposed to be coated inside and out (except for the threads) with dry film lube, which is usually some shade of grey.

Posted: 10/18/2021 5:09:48 PM EDT

[#3]

Thank you

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - USGI M16 rifles: When did the Buffer tubes change from XM Gray to Black?

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