I was thinking since I built my 'A1 I would like to start collecting the US Army accesories that were used with those rifles.

What I have currently:

• The rifle (ok it technically has a 1967(?) XM16E1 barrel but until I can find better it will do) with NoDakSpud lower


• Sling, small arms (silent sling)


• M7 Bayonet & M8A1sheath.


• Plastic coverall bag & rubber band


• Cap, Protective, Dust


• Several of the reproduction Chu Hoi bags


• Many USGI 20 rounders with aluminum followers


• 1 USGI 30 rounder with black follower (the rest were converted to green followers).


• M1967 20 round magazine pouch(es)


• LC-1 30 round magazine pouch


• 7 pocket bandoleer(s)


• Cleaning kit with the Alice pouch (case, maintenance equipment)


• Cleaning kit case for the buttstock (case, small arms)


• USGI field gauge & USGI armorers wrench


• Reproduction M261 .22 Conversion with 2 USGI magazine inserts


• A variety of manuals and training materials

I know I'll need the proper aluminum bi-pod (only used them in Basic, but hey it's an accessory), I'd also like to find a buttstock pouch for the cleaning kit, as well as a throat erosion gauge.  I have several of the M16A1 manuals in PDF format (-10, comic book, and -12&P), I'll look for the A1 variants in printed form.

Anything else I'm missing? (if you have something please post a pic!).

Edited to Add Full List of items (thanks to everyone below for helping build this list):

Rifle:
- Sling, Small Arms [Silent Sling] (1005-00-167-4336)
- M1 Canvas Shooting Sling (1005-654-4058)
- Kit, Adapter Sling (1005-00 -406-1570)
- M7 Bayonet (1005-00-073-9238)
- M8A1 Scabbard (1095-508-0339)
- M3 Bipod (1005-00-890-2609)
- Night Sights [Promethium or Tritium version] (front 1005-00-234-1568) (rear 1005-00-071-8015)
- Cap, Protective, Dust (5340-00-880-7666)
- Plate, Locking: for riot control use, prevents selector from automatic fire (1005-00-233-9031)
- 20 Round Magazine with alloy follower (1005-056-2237)
- 30 Round Magazine with black plastic follower (1005-00-921-5004)

Ammunition:
- M193 Ball
- M196 Tracer
- M199 Dummy
- M200 Blank

Training Equipment:
- Blank Firing Adapter, M15A2:  (1005-00-118-6192)
- Red Colt 20 round 'blank' magazine [with spacer inside]
- M261 Caliber .22 Rimfire Adapter & magazine inserts (1005-01-010-1561)
- Cartridge Case Deflector Assembly (1005-01-171-4778)
- Miles box/laser
- Rubber Rifle "Rubber Ducky"
- Cut away rifle
- M16 Sighting Device (A1 or A2; Left or Right) (DVC-T 7-84)
- Riddle Sighting Device (DVC-T 7-87)
- Chamber Block (TAD-0001)

Maintenance Equipment:
- USGI Barrel Wrench
- USGI Field Gauge
- USGI Throat Erosion Gauge
- USGI Barrel Straightness Gauge
- USGI Firing Pin Protrusion Gauge
- USGI Barrel Blocks
- Bore Gauge Case
- Gauge, Bore [Chrome Lined]
- Gauge, Bore [Non Chrome Lined]
- Gauge, Pin Plain
- Gauge, Pin, Tapered

Cleaning Equipment
- Case, Maintenance Equipment (8465-00-781-9564) [Alice Case]
- Case, Small Arms (1005-00-403-5804) [Bag for use in Buttstock]
- Brush, Cleaning, Small Arms: bore (1005-00-903-1296)
- Brush, Cleaning, Small Arms: chamber (1005-00-999-1435)
- Brush, Cleaning, Small Arms: tooth (1005-00-494-6602)
- Swab Holder Section, Cleaning Rod, Small Arms (1005-00-937-2250)
- Handle Section, Cleaning Rod, Small Arms (1005-01-113-0321)
- Rod Section, Cleaning Rod, Small Arms [need 3] (1005-00-050-6357)

Storage Related:
- USGI Vehicle Rack (Stores 4)
- Kit, Mounting, Rifle Bracket (2590-045-9611)
- Rack, Storage, Small Arms, M12 [stores 10 rifles] (1095-407-0674)
- M1950 Pack Parachutist Weapons and Individual Equipment [Canvas Rifle Wrap] (8465-753-6547)
- Plastic coverall bag & rubber band (1005-809-2190)
- Bag, PROTECTIVE: for 20 round magazine (1005-052-6942)
- "Chu Hoi" version of Bag Protective, 20 round
- Ammo Can, 820 round, Marked "M193 (Cartons)"
- Ammo Can, 840 round, Marked "M193 (Bandoleers)"
- Bag, PROTECTIVE: for 30 round magazine (500 per bx) required 1 per magazine (1005-00-193-8306)
- M3 Bandoleer, 7 pocket (1305-924-3088)
- Bandoleer, 4 Pocket
- Stripper Clips & Stripper Clip Guide
- M1956 Magazine Pouch, Cotton, 4x20 rounders (8465-935-4871)
- M1967 Magazine Pouch, Nylon, 4x20 rounders (8465-935-6780)
- M1967 Magazine Pouch, Nylon, 3x30 rounders [no grenade pouches] (8465-926-6610)
- LC1 Magazine Pouch, Nylon, with Grenade pouches 3x30 rounders (8465-00-001-6482)
- Bipod Bag [1st Gen, Canvas, no cleaning kit pouch]
- Bipod Bag [2nd Gen, Canvas, small cleaning rod pouch]
- Bipod Bag [3rd Gen, Canvas, large zippered cleaning kit pouch] (1005-999-2430)
- Bipod Bag [4th Gen, Nylon, no cleaning kit pouch] (1005-283-9439)

Manuals/Training Materials
- TM 9-1005-249-10 (book form, dated 1977 - with an update in 1979)
- TM 9-1005-249-10 (book form, dated 1985 - with an update in 1990)
- DA Pam 750-30 (Comic Book -10, dated 1 July 1969)
- TM 9-1005-249-12 (Operator and Organizational Maintenace Manual M16/M16A1)
- TM 9-1005-249-23&P (Unit and Direct Support Maintenance Manual, dated Nov 1983)
- TM 9-1005-249-23&P (Unit and Direct Support Maintenance Manual, dated June 1991)
- TM 9-1010-221-10 (M203 Operator's Manual)
- TM 9-6920-363-12&P (Conversion Kit Manual)
- TM 9-1005-237-23&P (M7 Bayonet Manual)
- FM 23-9 M161 & M16A2 Marksmanship
- M16A1 Zeroing Target (6920-01-167-1392)
- M16A1 25M Scaled Silhouette Timed Fire Target (6920-01-167-1397)
- NGB Form 145 (3 Jan 80) Target Course 'C' rescaled for 50 foot qualification firing.
- M15A1 Aiming Card (NSN 6910-00-716-0930)
- M16A1 Rifle Field Stripped Layout Chart (GTA 9-6-43 June 1973)
- Rifle, 5.56MM, M16A1 Mechanical Training (GTA 7-1-26)
- M16A1 Rifle Malfunction (GTA 9-6-44)
- Rifle Shot Group Analysis Card (GTA 21-1-4 March 1974)

Special Function
- NAVSEA OP 4445 M87 Mod 1 Line Throwing Rifle Adapter Kit [Coast Guard]
- M203 40mm Grenade Launcher (1010-00-179-6477)
- M203 square handguards
- M203 Leaf Sight
- M203 Quadrant Sight
- M781 40mm Training Round
- M918 40mm Training Round
- M585, M661, M662 40mm Star Cluster Flares
- M583A1 40mm Parachute Flare

Optics
- AN/PVS-2 Night Vision (mounted to the side of the rifle through the carry handle)
- Colt Scope 3x (made in Japan)

Ralph,
Thanks.

I'm particularly looking for mid 80's gear that would have been used by Guardsman and Reservists, so figure typically late 60s to early 80s for production dates (we never had the new stuff).  Items similar to what I was issued, or could have been issued (like the bayonet or the cotten match sling).

I figured I'd start with the rifle, and maybe move onto TA-50 gear later.

The barrel markings:




Also note in the above photo, the sling swivel is attached via a roll pin instead of the later rivet.

I'm not sure about the drain hole I'll have to check for you when I get home tonight.

As for the other question, does this photo help?




Packed away somewhere I should have a set of Y suspenders and a belt (not sure the belt fits at the moment...)


I have a canvas USGI buttpack (1950s ish IIRC) I've used since I was a young Boy Scout (and as my shaving kit when I went to Boy Scout camp this summer as a leader).  I'll have to see if I can find a nylon one.

Yeah I figured it wouldn't be too bad cost wise yet.  I just want to make sure I have a good shopping list, or didn't miss anything (I remember the years my father spent looking for a proper set of grenade sights for his Garand collection).

Thanks!

Actually they came that way.  I bought the upper from someone here (he had a listing in the EE) all I asked was to be sure the forearms were in good condition with no breaks.  That was the upper I received.

As noted I have the Chu Hoi bags.

1911?  Is that some fancy kind of rifle grenade?
(in my unit the Aviators and Crew Chiefs were issued .38 revolvers).

I just thought of one I missed in my list: a Blank Firing Adapter.  Who could forget the carbon fouling they caused?  

Hmm I wonder if a MILES box for the M16 would be available (even if the electronics were broken)?  Are these still being used?

93P

Military issue?  I've seen civilian made covers (before the painting/refinishing craze got going), but I've not heard of USGI covers.

I know where it is, but my rifle is at home and I'm waiting on a compile here at work.  I'll check it when I get home.


Heck I never saw a butt pack, my LBE had two 3x30 round magazine pouches for my 4 magazines. - ponchos were attached to the back of the LBE.

Another thought: were the Colt scopes ever issued?  Or was that something they sold to the civilian & LE markets that the never had interest from the .mil?

Sure once I start on the TA-50.  I'll need a steel pot, liner, and woodland cover.

Excellent!  Thanks you, not only do they have the cleaning kit pouch, but the bipod pouch as well.

Hmm a vehicle rifle rack for the M16, might have to pick up one of those as well.

I was busy painting upstairs last night ( didn't finish till after midnight) so I didn't get to check the barrel, hopefully tonight.

Thanks for the ideas, and the list of items!

I have a couple of muzzle covers, I use (red & black) but my A1 is missing one, I'll add it to the list.  I really like the idea of the 'riot - selector stop'.  I'll have to keep my eyes out.  Definately a National Guard kinda item.

As for the 'Army Gear' suggestions, thanks!

Anglehead flashlight - got that (don't use it much because the output sucks compared to my LED lights & my Surefires, but again I've had since I was a scout.

Decon Kit - I actually have one of those.  I used to keep first aid stuff in it, now it sits empty on a shelf somewhere.

Bump because I added a 'shopping list' in the first post for anyone else with a similar interest.

This picture (click on link)

Shows a soldier (pre 80s) with an M16A1 and AN/PVS-2 (big mo-fo!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:M16A1_PVS-2.JPEG

So it seems they were used together at some point.

Ok got it now.  I sure don't know

I found this one site www.vietnamgear.com that has some good pics & info.  There is a photo of a soldier using the Colt Scope
http://www.vietnamgear.com/fullphoto.aspx?img=M16_scope.jpg
with this caption:


So was it issued, or was that just a test of some kind (or perhaps a private purchase)?  Was it 3x or 4X?

How about a canvas rifle bag?  Were they used or issued?  Perhaps for paratroopers?

List updated with variations of the Bipod Bag & Magazine Pouches, and other gear.

I'll have to go back to my copy of The Black Rifle to see if I can learn more.

Ok I just finished painting my hallway, so I went down to check the FSB on my rifle.  It's got the drain hole and you can see the forge 'flash'.  It looks like it was ground relatively smooth, but it's still very obvious.

Yes, very similar (I think the seam on mine is a bit nicer, but all in all yeah it's the same.


Were those used in the 80s?  If so yeah I'll add it to the list.

ETA: Made in the 60's I see - so definately an A1 type acessory.  Thanks for the tip!  From what I've been able to find prices are in the $100-$200 range .

Since we're on the topic of magazines, would the Waffle pattern magazines be an A1 accessory?  Or were those phased out so early (in the M16 / XM16E1 days) that they would not be seen with the A1?  I seem to recall Chuck mentioning they would crush any they found.

I'm taking her out Saturday if you'd like I could get you more photos of the FSB.

Ok I'm not going to replace the reproductions with originals unless I find a decent deal.

So my priorities are going to be a BFA, M4 Bipod & bag (I'd prefer 4th gen), Muzzle cap, and Blank Magazine.

I'll keep my eyes out for a broken MILES box but I don't have much hope.

I've added the M1950 Pack Parachutist Weapons and Individual Equipment [Canvas Rifle Wrap] (8465-753-6547) to the list.  It is listed as Parachutist equipment in 1968 and is listed in the VietnamGear.com website.  It doesn't seem to be used in the time period I'm interested in, but it seems it could/was used for airborne ops with the M16A1.

Can any Airbone types from that era comment?

Ya know I think you're right.  I must have had a brain cramp, but given the MP marking that would make it 67-68.

For Vietnam?  Canvas from what I can tell (which one is pictured in the manuals) though Vietnamgear.com indicates all 4 were used.  I'm going to look for a nylon one as that would seem to be most appropriate for the mid to late 80s.

If I go for a steel pot, it will be Army all the way, down to it's woodland pattern cover.

Yeah I know, I'm looking for that period of gear/accessories in particular.  However I want the list to reflect M16A1 acceccories from it's entire lifespan (from the XM16E1 till it was retired) because others may have a similar interest, only in a different time period (say Vietnam).

Jim,
Thank you!