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Joined:
Aug 2025
Posts:
1
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NM, USA
Posted: 8/12/2025 2:55:27 PM EDT
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I just picked up my new Colt M16A1 carbine from the original owner who was known to me that has owned this rifle since 1980. The gun is in pristine condition as the owner told me there was less than 4 mags that had run through it. The only issue I have and it was a known issue, is that the rifle while it was a carbine, it has a standard trap door butt stock and it has a newer style A2 upper that has a removable carry handle and A2 style sights. The barrel is the correct length of 14.5" but it has a M4 style contour. I have verified that all the parts of the upper are indeed colt parts, I even disassemble the bolt to check for markings and as I mentioned everything is Colt. The previous owner says the rifle was purchased new in the box from a Class 3 dealer in Portland Oregon who I also know but has passed away years ago. The serial number of this carbine is 9289*** and through my research on this forum its definitely listed as a carbine in the SN search. So could this rifle being purchased in Nov of 1980 have come with a upper receiver that has a removable carry handle and a M4 style profiled barrel contour? Every thing I have seen so far shows these to have fixed carry handles and a smooth barrel contour. Either way I got a smoking deal on the rifle and I am OK with it either way. Thanks in advance for any advice or comments. FYI this was a paper form 4 on a trust and the ATF approved this in less than 30 days!! |
Joined:
Aug 2025
Posts:
2
EE: 0% (0)
NM, USA
| Thanks I kinda figured that is what happened. The owner who I have known for 40 years he's pretty honest guy, so when he says he got it that way I am sure he did. So in saying that the original selling dealer probably swapped the upper out. And who knows why. I guess I will try to find an older A1 carbine upper somewhere to return the weapon to its OE specs. Not a big deal, its still a real M16A1 and for what I got it for and in the condition its in which is pristine, I am good either way. |
Joined:
Aug 2025
Posts:
3
EE: 0% (0)
NM, USA
| Thanks I kinda figured that is what happened. The owner who I have known for 40 years he's pretty honest guy, so when he says he got it that way I am sure he did. So in saying that the original selling dealer probably swapped the upper out. And who knows why. I guess I will try to find an older A1 carbine upper somewhere to return the weapon to its OE specs. Not a big deal, its still a real M16A1 and for what I got it for and in the condition its in which is pristine, I am good either way. |
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