When did they add the shell deflector to the M16?

about 20 years ago...when the A2 came out.

I think the marines started getting their A2s in 84 and the Army 2 years later so 83,84 I would say.

June 1983 - Rock Island Arsenal employee, Loren Brunton files a patent application for the design of a M16 upper receiver incorporating an improved case deflector.

March 1986 - Loren Brunton files another patent application for the design of a M16A2 upper receiver, which incorporates an improved case deflector.

August 1986 - Loren Brunton receives US Patent #D285,236 titled "Rifle Receiver."

September 1987 - Loren Brunton receives US Patent #4,691,615 titled "M-16 Rifle, Improved to More Safely Accommodate Left Handed Shooters."


M16A2 rifle, with the heavy barrel, modified rear sights, spent case deflector, round handguards and modified pistol handle (circa mid-1980s)

The early M16A2 prototypes down at the Rock Island Arsenal museum have the shell deflector GLUED to the side of the upper.

They have the final Colt prototype with the std. deflector as part of the upper down there too.

I need to take a camera the next time I go.

WIZZO