Are all barrels, whether new or from the old M16A1 versions have "barrel stamps or markings just forward the front sight showing the "caliber", barrel twist, etc.
My concern is this. Here in Manila, almost all
CAR-15 that you can lay your hands on, started life as a long rifle, then cut down to carbine
14.5", Commando 11.5"(or even Pistol 8" length!). Then changing the stock and foregrip.
How will I know if a CAR-15 is original or a "sawed off" version? Should there be markings on the barrel just forward of the sight?
Thanks.

You can find some information regarding barrel markings here:

[url]www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/barrelsbolts[/url]

Since we have no way to know if what you can get over there is a US or Phillipene produced barrel I don't think we can give you an answer. If it's a 20 incher that's been cut down, I don't guess it'll have any markings; at least not if it's US made.

I doubt that anyone on this site could say for sure how the Phillipene barrels were marked.