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Posted: 2/21/2020 1:39:30 PM EDT
Look waht I did!
complete build details can be found at the article below http://www.thenewrifleman.com/the-ar-k-a-do-it-yourself-lafrance-m16k-clone-retro-project/  Original LaFrance M16k  |
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Posted: 2/21/2020 3:29:02 PM EDT
[#1]
WEll that's different lol. Never seen or heard of those before. Is this the same LaFrance that used to build fire engines/trucks? What's up with the sight? Is that a curly Q gas tube poking out of the front of the handguard?
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Posted: 2/21/2020 3:44:59 PM EDT
[#2]
the front sight shown is a "peep" front ring. Not a gas tube poking out the front. the handguard cap is held in place with a button head screw. the linked article has the build details.
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Posted: 2/21/2020 5:08:46 PM EDT
[#3]
John Thomas built one that kind of planted the seed in my head.
Doesn’t help any that one of my local dealers as a registered M16K LaFrance lower for sale as well. |
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Posted: 2/21/2020 5:32:07 PM EDT
[#4]
I remember JTs clone too. he actually recreated the gas system IIRC
@jntmjt1 |
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Posted: 2/21/2020 5:36:35 PM EDT
[#5]
Found it.
to hell with Photobucket https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/M16K_replica_complete___bunch_of_pics_/123-624264/? |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 12:39:47 AM EDT
[#6]
The gas tube is still available I believe as Surefire bought him out if I recall correctly.
Edit: my bad, KNS offers it here |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 1:55:43 AM EDT
[#7]
Kudos to MRW, an excellent article well presented. I may have to build one. By the way, how much is the registered La France lower?
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Posted: 2/23/2020 9:53:10 AM EDT
[#8]
$19K I think it is which isn’t bad as it’s a beautiful lower and is registered as a K but I just dropped way to much money on machine guns, Valmet M78, Sten and a 1919 and I have an M16 already.
It has a shorty Colt IAR upper on it as well. He will have it on his table at Knob Creek in April or I can hook you up with his contact if you want? |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 11:36:53 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The gas tube is still available I believe as Surefire bought him out if I recall correctly. Edit: my bad, KNS offers it here JT |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 12:34:01 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just a note for anyone considering the KNS tubes... That twin tube setup is the "side by side" version, not the "one on top of the other" version. The side by side style, from what I could determine when I built my gun, will not fit inside the triangular handguards. JT |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 1:44:51 PM EDT
[#11]
double tap. oops.
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Posted: 2/23/2020 1:49:17 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nice Avatar JT. Your true clone build was the major inspiration for mine, the non-mystical gunsmith version. On an unrelated note, here's something I recently made to go along with my LaFrance M16K clone. It's a LaFrance Nova clone (before and after pics). JT  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 2:55:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thank you very much! It's a fun gun, for sure. Your gun looks great. On an unrelated note, here's something I recently made to go along with my LaFrance M16K clone. It's a LaFrance Nova clone (before and after pics). JT https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111652/Nova_before_and_after_2_jpg-1288148.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111652/Nova_before_and_after_1_jpg-1288150.JPG How hard of a chop is that? My understanding is that the Stars are fairly simple pistols. |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 7:22:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thats quite impressive! How hard of a chop is that? My understanding is that the Stars are fairly simple pistols. JT |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 8:44:39 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thank you very much! It's a fun gun, for sure. Your gun looks great. On an unrelated note, here's something I recently made to go along with my LaFrance M16K clone. It's a LaFrance Nova clone (before and after pics). JT https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111652/Nova_before_and_after_2_jpg-1288148.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/111652/Nova_before_and_after_1_jpg-1288150.JPG I also have a Star BM... I sense another hack job taking root in my mind |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 8:48:21 PM EDT
[#16]
I have been asked about some of the details, so let me post here
For the front sight, the machine nut peep sight, the best combination I found used the 0.125" thick base strip and a nut that is 0.5" long and 0.31" wide measured across the wrench flats. The large rear aperture is good for fast shots, and when flipped to the small aperture it leaves just the smallest ring of light between the two apertures, very good for precision, if you could call it that. |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 10:08:06 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You have GOT to be kidding! I also have a Star BM... I sense another hack job taking root in my mind I reworked the rear sight (opened it up) the way Tim LaFrance did his and also added the orange/pink lexan front sight, like Tim's, too. The take down notch in the slide has to have just a little material taken off of the front edge of it because the slide, when fully rearward, will *almost* come back far enough to allow the slide lock to be removed, but not quite (this is even after taking the material off the link retaining ears. It's all an incredibly tight fit, but it makes for a really compact pistol that operates very nicely. I think that covers the bulk of it. Here are a few more pics for your inspiration. One shows its size compared to a full size 1911 and an Officer's model. It's more like the size of a Colt Mustang. Ignore the barrel bushing in that photo. I thought I could keep the *shortened* barrel bushing and make it work... not even close. JT  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/23/2020 10:42:14 PM EDT
[#18]
Very impressive, and superb work. Beyond my dremel and drill press skills!
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Posted: 2/26/2020 10:38:49 PM EDT
[#19]
Direct size comparison
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Posted: 2/27/2020 8:46:03 PM EDT
[#20]
Nice work. The LaFrance AR 45 would be a great progect.
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Posted: 2/27/2020 8:56:20 PM EDT
[#21]
Nice work. The LaFrance AR 45 would be a great project.
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Posted: 2/27/2020 10:15:18 PM EDT
[#22]
Nice job. I'm a big fan of Tim's work, especially the M16K. Last one I saw go went for 35K. People are paying more for them then most factory Colt M16s. I lost my chance to buy one, about 7years ago at 18K. They're 30+ now. I do have a LaFrance Norinco AK47 & two LaFrance IMI Micro Uzi's. He made a lot machine guns for Hollywood back in the 80s, M16K included. One of my micros was used in the "Invasion USA" movie by Chuck Norris, not sure about the AK tho. I put a out WTB ad for a LaFrance M16K back in 2014, but never got a hit. They're hard to come by. I do have 3 rare M16s, but I'd like to add an M16K to the mix. Btw he works for Surefire in Cali last I checked. I believe Surefire bought the rights for some suppressor patents he had and offered him a job. Anyways, kudos to the build.
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Posted: 2/27/2020 11:09:13 PM EDT
[#23]
 With M60 spare barrel bag |
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Posted: 3/1/2020 5:48:11 PM EDT
[#24]
Several folks have asked. The nut I'm using as a dual aperture front sight is a stainless coupling nut found at ACE hardware. The one in the upper left corner:
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Posted: 3/5/2020 9:23:17 PM EDT
[#25]
Some more fun. A Primary Arms red dot on a surplus gooseneck mount. It lines up just right!
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Posted: 3/12/2020 5:42:23 AM EDT
[#26]
As a side project I explored what an M16A2k would look like. This build uses the same gas and handguard system, but with A2 carbine handguards and an A2 upper. I did not have the front sight system finalized at the time this picture was taken.
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Posted: 3/12/2020 11:48:33 AM EDT
[#27]
If you use an 8" barrel and .625" handguard cap the muzzle device can retain it. You can ditch the additional gas block and hardware.
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Posted: 3/12/2020 2:07:54 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you use an 8" barrel and .625" handguard cap the muzzle device can retain it. You can ditch the additional gas block and hardware. |
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Posted: 3/12/2020 3:23:26 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are there any good sources on 8" barrels? Seems like most places sell 7.5" There are lots of choices in .300 BO. |
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Posted: 3/12/2020 4:17:34 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you use an 8" barrel and .625" handguard cap the muzzle device can retain it. You can ditch the additional gas block and hardware. |
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Posted: 3/14/2020 4:19:18 PM EDT
[#31]
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Posted: 3/18/2020 8:51:49 AM EDT
[#32]
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Posted: 3/18/2020 10:31:46 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
I love this gun so much. |
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Posted: 3/18/2020 12:19:43 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/138374/tumblr_owyg5tHx4X1vqfmslo2_500-1320095.gif I love this gun so much. 
and the idea of using a 8.0" barrel and a 0.625 handguard cap held on by the flash hider makes it even easier. |
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Posted: 3/19/2020 12:51:15 AM EDT
[#35]
I just pulled the trigger on a RetroRifle La France M16k upper today.
I think it will be the first custom one they make. So yeah, I will be the guinea pig on it. Lead time looks to be about 5 weeks to complete. |
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Posted: 3/19/2020 12:52:36 AM EDT
[#36]
I am going with this version of the upper.
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Posted: 3/19/2020 12:55:27 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just pulled the trigger on a RetroRifle La France M16k upper today. I think it will be the first custom one they make. So yeah, I will be the guinea pig on it. Lead time looks to be about 5 weeks to complete. |
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Posted: 3/19/2020 9:10:20 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am going with this version of the upper. https://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/1/14/LaFranceM16K223a.jpg/500px-LaFranceM16K223a.jpg In the Naked Gun 33 1/3 Leslie Nielson uses the M16k in the opening shootout. If you watch closely, he actually uses two different uppers between scenes. One upper has a forwards assist and what looks to be a post front sight, and the other upper lacks a forward assist and has the large hooded ring front sight. 
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Posted: 3/19/2020 12:58:42 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I just pulled the trigger on a RetroRifle La France M16k upper today. I think it will be the first custom one they make. So yeah, I will be the guinea pig on it. Lead time looks to be about 5 weeks to complete. |
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Posted: 3/19/2020 1:16:08 PM EDT
[#40]
Where are you guys getting these uppers?
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Posted: 3/19/2020 1:29:49 PM EDT
[#41]
I built mine from parts. The article linked in the original post explains how to do it.
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Posted: 3/20/2020 7:11:41 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You'll have to post some details when it's done! Most definitely. |
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Posted: 3/20/2020 7:12:35 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where are you guys getting these uppers? I got mine from RetroRifles. |
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Posted: 3/20/2020 7:53:07 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I got mine from RetroRifles. Did they provide any details on how they were building it? cut down handguards, etc? |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 2:06:27 PM EDT
[#45]
Awesome job, OP. I did one a year or two back myself. Used a chrome OG bolt from Brownell’s and this part for the hand guard retainer. I like how it cover more of the barrel:
https://frontiertactical.com/shop/warfighter-accessories/handguard-adapters/ I may still switch to an A1 upper and play around with the front sight options like you did. Cool retro project for sure!  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 4/7/2020 4:35:35 PM EDT
[#46]
Wow, If I had known that existed I might have gone with it.
But $65? The gasblock and standard cap run $25. But still, that's a neat part. Too bad they don't have one for 0.625. I think a superb intermediate barrel profile is GI behind a 0.75 gas block journal and then 0.625 out to the muzzle threads. If I could find a midlength 16" barrel like that I'd turn it into a LONG M16k with a flat top, optic only, A1 stock, and rifle length handguards. |
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Posted: 4/10/2020 11:58:49 PM EDT
[#47]
Here is my LaFrance inspired build. I always thought they were cool. Didn’t even consider trying to make the carry handle sight.
Very cool, OP, indeed.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/16/2020 8:32:14 PM EDT
[#48]
Nice! After the LF, I built up a mini A2
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Posted: 4/20/2020 6:45:24 AM EDT
[#49]
So, after some back and forth with MRW and a couple of 12hr night shifts at work with not much to do, I managed to design and 3D print a carry handle sight similar to MRW's design. I haven't taken it to the range yet, but it seems to have some promis. I may try doing one with a blade front sight instead of the front peep sight.
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Posted: 4/20/2020 8:14:55 AM EDT
[#50]
NICE- I really wanted a 3-D printer for this project.
Please report back how it works, and please try both the large and small apertures. I found that the small aperture significantly improved my ability to focus on the close front sight. |
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