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Actually, the XM177E2 was the first of the M16 series to use the tapered slip ring, so if you don't have a flat ring on it, be happy. You've got the right one 
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The early XM177E2s did use "flat" slip rings. Evidence can be found in these titles: "SOG A Photo History of the Secret Wars" John L. Plaster "Running Recon" Frank Grecco "SOG Team History and Insignia of a Clandestine Army" Jason Hardy & Michael Tucker And having held and studied original photos from MACVSOG and Project Delta Vets, the "flat" slip ring was present on some E2s. My best guess is that Colt used them up [flat rings] in their transition to the "Tapered" slip ring. Remember the transition occurred in April 1967, with the delivery of the first 510 E2s in September. Page 231 of "The Black Rifle" also adds some speculation: "Improvements to the XM177/XM177E1 submachine gun: included an additional 1.5 inches of barrel length which, when mated with a Colt noise and flash suppressor, offered the best possible trade-off increased noise and flash. So.. the approval/transition from the E1s to the E2s began in April 17-21 of 1967. Which would explain why a few E2s that I've seen in photos, have the "flat" slip ring. Page 232 in "The Black Rifle" also details, in photos, XM177E2s [experimental] with different styles of barrels and slip rings.  Just sharing what I've learned from my own research.... |
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