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Posted: 9/21/2011 1:15:16 PM EDT
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I am new to this forum but not to AR's. Your expertise about retro hardware is vast and I would like to get your opinion / suggestions on a retro build I have been working on for a while. What I am going for is the 603, XM16E1 "been there done that" look. Please let me know if anything jumps out at you as being incorrect. This is my first retro build, so I want to learn from the experts.
Thanks in advance. Some basic info on what I have so far: Palmetto Armory Lower Billet 1980 mfg. made by Schuetzen Gun Works Colt upper, No foundry mark, other than c in a square and VP in a triangle, counterbored front lug, early 603 Colt barrel, marked MP under FSB and C behind the flash hider. 1:12 twist No markings on the BCG but I believe it to be early colt, two circle staking, underside has been milled to remove the FA area Drain hole triangle hand guard. (Should be no drain, right?) Cast early FSB The main questions I have are: 1. What would you do about the ground off stop at the selector. This was done by the previous owner of the lower. 2. The lower is bad. Should I refinish the lower and then rough it up for the "battlefield pick up look" 3. Should the upper be XM grey? 4. The bolt release has a "1" on it. Is this right? 5. Is the mag release wrong? Should it have concentric grooves? 6. Is the port door a M16A1 since the catch is square? 7. Is the selector correct? 8. Do you think I need the 3 prong flash hider? 
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Things I noticed:
Your front sight base isn't cast, but rather forged. You do indeed need a 3-prong flash suppressor for an XM16E1. Your port door is not the correct "A1" style, but is instead the later "A2" style. Yes, handguards without drain holes are correct. Your upper receiver looks to have been arsenal refinished, which is why it is black instead of grey. The selector is correct for a late XM16E1, but as you mentioned, the mag-release button should have concentric circles. Does your bolt carrier have forward assist serrations? Can you provide a photo of the right side of the carrier in general? As for the lower receiver, I'm 99.9% sure that it's pre-ban, and I'd sell it to someone in a ban state (I wouldn't overprice it, though), and buy a NoDak Spud XM16E1 receiver. Welcome to the forums! You're starting off with my favorite retro variant. 
Edited to add: XM16E1 Build Guide. There are a few more XM16E1 features that you can learn about there. |
| I think your mag button is in upside down. Flip it and it may have "many circles". I would sell the lower to someone in NY or another atate that requires "pre-ban" ones. You could make enough to get a Nodak Spud XM16E1 lower and some change. Palmeto are premium in some circles. |
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Quoted:
I am new to this forum but not to AR's. Your expertise about retro hardware is vast and I would like to get your opinion / suggestions on a retro build I have been working on for a while. What I am going for is the 603, XM16E1 "been there done that" look. Please let me know if anything jumps out at you as being incorrect. This is my first retro build, so I want to learn from the experts. Thanks in advance. Some basic info on what I have so far: Palmetto Armory Lower Billet 1980 mfg. made by Schuetzen Gun Works Colt upper, No foundry mark, other than c in a square and VP in a triangle, counterbored front lug, early 603 Colt barrel, marked MP under FSB and C behind the flash hider. 1:12 twist No markings on the BCG but I believe it to be early colt, two circle staking, underside has been milled to remove the FA area Drain hole triangle hand guard. (Should be no drain, right?) Cast early FSB The main questions I have are: 1. What would you do about the ground off stop at the selector. This was done by the previous owner of the lower. Sand smooth,then send to US Anodizing for XM gray. 2. The lower is bad. Should I refinish the lower and then rough it up for the "battlefield pick up look" See above ^^^ 3. Should the upper be XM grey? Yes 4. The bolt release has a "1" on it. Is this right? Made by H&R 1968 and later,,try to find one marked on the side with the Colt marking.. 5. Is the mag release wrong? Should it have concentric grooves? Remove and check back side as someone else mentioned.If no circles,then you want one with the circles. 6. Is the port door a M16A1 since the catch is square? Looks like an A2 door to me. 7. Is the selector correct? Yes it is. 8. Do you think I need the 3 prong flash hider? For an MP marked barrel,,yes 3 prong CAN YOU POST A PIC OF THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BOLT CARRIER SO WE CAN SEE THE EXIT HOLE FOR THE FIRE PIN RETAINER PIN http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture455.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture460.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture456.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture457.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture454.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture448.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture449.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/Picture436.jpg |
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Thanks for all your suggestions and comments. It really helps to learn from the best around! I forgot to mention that the FCG is still a neutered Colt. Maybe one day I can rectify that.
To all - I have attached the requested pics below. Note, the miraculous appearance of a concentric grooved mag release button! @ 86HMMWV - I think I see the difference now. The back of the cast FSB is flat where as mine is rounded. Also, I will definitely go with a period 3 prong. I will also have to get a XM16E1 port door. Thats the one with the rectangular catch right? No drain handguards are already on the way. I checked the serial on the lower, from what I can determine it was made in 1980. But due to a fire disaster at the factory in 1982, I believe, records are limited. I will certainly check out the build guide you referenced. Thanks @ imarangemaster - Thank you. You were 100% correct. The button was flipped. I just had a true face palm moment. It came on the lower and I just assumed it was aftermarket because I didn't see any spring wear on the exposed face. Wow, I guess they were right when they say "you know what happens when you assume". As to me selling it to someone in a pre-ban required state. I would certainly entertain offers. However I am kinda partial to the Palmetto. @ m1sniper - I had thought about it surface grinding it, but have not gotten the gumption to do it yet. Unfortunately the previous owner ground it a little deep. 0.0150" at the deepest point. US Anodizing will certainly be my first choice. I'll probably get the upper and lower done at the same time. They have done 5 or six other jobs for me with exceptional results. I hope the colt bolt release will not be hard to find. Any Ideas? http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3317.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3318.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3319.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3320.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3322.jpg http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3186.jpg |
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Yes, the small rectangular pad port door is correct. Your bolt carrier isn't Colt. The retaining pin hole on the right side isn't large, and it's a semi-auto carrier (I originally thought that it was possibly a Colt carrier that was milled to semi-auto specs, but I see that that isn't the case, now), and also, it's unshrouded.
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 You came to the right place for retro details! These guys have given you good info...now you get to decide how "genuine" you want to make it.
The XM16E1 is a great model to start with. It's attainable, but there's plenty to sink your teeth into. Just wanted to say welcome to the madness! |
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Bolt catch and trigger guards.NOS in the wrap,,Genuine Colt GI as no one else was making M16s before 68 .Dated 1966 and 68. Seller is a Very good member in standing here.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=252174890 |
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Quoted:
Bolt catch and trigger guards.NOS in the wrap,,Genuine Colt GI as no one else was making M16s before 68 .Dated 1966 and 68. Seller is a Very good member in standing here. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=252174890 Thanks, I will certainly watch this auction. Maybe my wife will give me an advance on my allowance. Normally, I make the money and she spends it. Just kidding! My FAL and Winchester 1894 collection certainly exceeds my allowance from time to time. She puts up with me most of the time. I really appreciate you expert input. Looks like I came to the right place. |
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Which of these 20rd mags are correct for the xm16e1? I have several dozen NOS of each type and a couple these used ones like you see here. I don't know if the .223 marked colts were issued with the with the xm16e1. Thanks for all th input.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k638/riverrackley/IMG_3324.jpg |
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Thanks 86HMMWV
Please forgive me for my ignorance. I have been hording this mil surp stuff for some time. I just never got into period correct Stoners. I think I just caught the sickness. Unfortunately, my OCD wont let me quit now. I'm sure you know the feeling. I will try not to bug yall too much. |
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+1 on selling/trading the PW lower to a ban-state resident. Did anyone mention getting an NDS lower to replace it? Did I miss that, or was that just assumed by everyone?
Good start. Sounds like one of the earlier barrels for an XM16/603. And the FSB is a smooth cast one? |
It was probably assumed by everyone that you'll get the Nodak. It's the only new-made option out there right now. I was fortunate enough to get a converted a2 to a1 partial fence lower off of the EE, and it was an excellent job. Fair warning though, you can't stop at one. After my first 604, I built a 603 to give to my Dad, and now there's a 604 in the corner waiting for a gas tube that's going to my girlfriend's dad for Christmas, and a bunch of 607 parts in a box, and a gau-5 upper, and single points and armsons and you get the idea. 
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