For all intents and purposes, it’s done, save for having the lower receiver anodized. It’s built from one of the nicer Colt parts kits that were available some years ago. I had the lower receiver engraved with late export Colt 613 markings (my favorite, and very likely how the original rifle was marked), then re-profiled to M16A1 specs before milling it out. It has a newer 6920 semi-auto FCG and original Colt M16A1 lower parts, save for the little springs and detents. The barrel is a 1/7 C MP B (controversy over whether those are Colt or not), and an original Colt M16A1 BCG. I had a few options with handguards that I have on hand (an NOS Colt set, an NOS USGI set still in plastic, and a couple of Taiwanese sets), and I chose to use a newer Taiwanese set with an original Type E stock. The handguards feel and look great. When I find a suitable anodizer, I’ll have the lower receiver matched to the upper. I’m very, very pleased with it up to this point. I’ll try to have it out this weekend to shoot.

Nice, that Colt logo stamping is definitely appropriate for that serial number range.
That will look great when you get the anodizing done. (Well ok, it looks great now)

Very nice!you should ground off the keyhole forging mark.

Beautiful.

That looks really nice, can't wait for your lower to be finished

WOW! That is a nice looking A1 - Can't wait to see the lower annodized...
Any pointers on where to find some "non-tick" safety selectors?

Thank you, guys! It’s a nice companion for my Colt A2.




Thank you! I actually requested that the re-profiler keep that there.

Attached File


What was the reason you decided to use repop handgaurds after going the extra mile on the lower, they just fit better?

They look identical to the NOS Colt and USGI sets I have on hand, and I love the feel of the material. They gave me the look I was after, they feel wonderful, and I can keep the other sets put away. I wish I would’ve bought more of them.

ETA: And they fit flawlessly, too.

No-tic A1 repros (semi) are currently in-stock at AR15Sport; OOS/backorder at Brownell's.

Makes sense to me...

Thanks for the heads-up!
I just ordered some - I just check their site earlier this week and they were OOS.

Rookie mistake on the previous post - sorry.

I’ve been able to collect accessories for it over the years. I have a few options on carry handles scopes, but this one is most fitting for this rifle. I found it for $105 six years ago in brand new shape. The bayonet is one of the NOS Colts that APEX had some years ago for $89, and I bought the wrench for $20 some years ago as well. The NOS nylon sling is included in this also.

ETA: The parts kit came with an unopened original cleaning kit. That’s tucked away in the buttstock.

Did you mean 1/12 twist C MP B barrel? 1/12 is the A1 twist rate. 1/7 didn't come about until the A2 for the purposes of shooting NATO Spec SS109 / M855. Additionally, there is no controversy as to whether or not C MP B barrels are Colt. The C stands for Colt in that nomenclature.

Looking good!

No, he's talking about 1/7 C MP B pencil barrels that were available a while ago from MacKay Enterprises and Numrich Gun Parts. Weaponsman posted an article about M16 spare barrels a few years before he died and mentioned them, including a photo credited to MacKay.

https://web.archive.org/web/20160427051913/http://weaponsman.com/?p=17611

Later, a new run of barrels were made that were M16A1 profile, chrome bore, and 1:7 to allow free use of M855 as well as M193 ammunition. (The heavier M855 bullet is not stabilized by the slower original twist). We have observed these barrels from FNMI and Colt manufacture.

I picked up one from Numrich in 2016 when they advertised them simply as "Barrel, .556/.223, 20", Lwt "Pencil" Contour, Phosphate Finish, Colt Mfg". There was a discussion here at the time and a few of us bought one, not knowing what we would actually get. They turned out to be new barrels, without front site bases, and measured out to 1/7. I don't have any pictures of the whole barrel but I took these at the time.

Interesting. I have not heard of these.

Correct.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/20andamp_quot__Colt_A1_profile_barrel_with_1_7_twist_/123-481574/