Digging through some archived research info on my hard drive, I found the following written by Jack at Public Safety, who has been a major Colt LE supplier for decades. The detail goes well beyond what is normally found in resources like The Black Rifle. I thought I'd share it:

I was throwing out some old paperwork and found a bunch of notes I have kept over the years of Transferable Colt production AR15 and M16 guns I have seen.

Here is the info: Colt AR15 and M16 serial number ranges Observed. Doesn’t include Colt Tool Room or Gun Room marked guns. Not meant to be all knowing or exclusive.

Colt AR15 Serial Number under 010 – Some have No logo – Tool Room Guns with distinctive tool marks on receiver. There are at least 3 guns serial number #0004 attributed to Colt. Not to be confused with Armalite SN: 0004.

Colt AR15 Model 01 – SN: 000,1xx: Usually has green painted bakelite furniture.

Through
Colt AR15 Model 01 – SN: 015,2xx

Colt AR15 Model GX – SN: 014,5xx : Adjustable length Buttstock and 10” barrel

Colt AR15 Tool Room Shorty – SN: 014,864: Adjustable Buttstock, 10” barrel, cut down triangular handguards, very short muzzle suppressor.

Colt AR15 Model 08 – SN: 015,5xx: Survival Rifle (Estimated Less than 10 made)

Colt AR15 Model 07 – SN: 015,59x: Adjustable Buttstock, 10” barrel, cut down triangular handguards, short muzzle suppressor.* “GX” model range. One gun has no Colt markings and it is in Model 07 configuration with all the paperwork showing it was exported to a NATO country before 1965 and returned before 1968.

-Note: Also noted are additional so called “GX” shortys, or “Government Experimentals”. Guns are marked AR15 with a serial number, but also a GX drawing number. At least one gun is registered in the NFA twice under the serial number and again under the GX number. Very rare, only seen one in private hands and one in a Museum. These were tested in Vietnam and Laos by Special Forces and CIA officers. Some originally came with the Survival Rifle cone flash hider.

Colt AR15 Model 05B – SN: 015,6xx: Tool Room Carbine model. Very few made due to malfunctions. 14.5” cut down barrel with triangular handguards, 4 position selector, Chrome bolt.

Colt AR15 Model 06 – SN: 015,65x: Tool Room Heavy Barrel Squad Auto.

Colt AR15 Model M2 HBAR belt fed – SN: 018,9xx: Less than 20 made as belt feed action. At least one is still in the white.

Colt AR15 Model 02 – SN: 023,8xx: Usually US Property marked. 3 prong flash hider.

Colt AR15 Model 02 – SN: 038xxx: Prototype 16” barrel carbine. Cut down handguards with longer barrel for better functioning. US Property marked & usually with 4 position selector. May have 2, 3 or 4 shot burst ratchets.

Colt AR15 Model 02 – SN: 039,7xx: Standard US Property marked 02.

Colt AR15 Model 04 – SN: 040,0xx: Property Marked with no forward assist. Marked M16. Has XM16E1 style mag release fence. Only one I have seen was a reweld from GI scraps from the 1970’s. Very rare gun as a transferable.

Colt AR15 XM177E2 – SN: 111,xxx: US property marked and marked XM177E2. 11.5” barrel with chrome chamber, round CAR15 handguards, and collapsible stock. Barrel usually marked “C MP” under handguards or under barrel in front of front sight leg.
Very rare, as only one seen, and it had been refinished. Had SEAL Team platoon graffiti scratched on the right mag well.

Colt AR15 XM16E1 – SN: 145,9xx: US Property marked, and marked XM16E1. Trial model.

Colt AR15 Model 656 – SN: 2012xx: Tool room experimental SNIPER with handleless Upper receiver, heavy barrel, modified gas system and ART scope.

Colt AR15 Model 606B – SN: 20243x: Heavy assault Barrel, M14 bipod, triangular flash hider, may have green painted furniture. US Government purchased less than 200 guns.

Colt AR15 Model 610B – SN: 202,44x: Colt Tool Room Shorty. Solid collapsible stock, 10” barrel, 4 position selector. Chrome carrier with no forward assist.

Colt AR15 Model M16A1 – SN: 605,xxx: US Property marked standard rifle. Vietnam era gun and for export.

Colt AR15 Model 609 – SN: 900,07x: Marked US Property and “COMMANDO”. May or may not have modified selector assembly. 10” or 11.5” barrel with flash suppressor/moderator. Only two have been seen, serialized within 500 numbers of each other – there can’t be 500 of the Commando series, but we can only hope.

Colt AR15 Model GAU 5A: SN: 902,xxx: Marked US Property with 11.5” barrel and no forward assist. US Air Force contract. Still in use by US Air force security police. Never seen a transferable gun.

H&R M16A1 – SN: 2,004,14x: Harrington & Richardson licensed built: US Property marked. Forward assist.

H&R highest observed was 2,220,000.

GM M16A1 – SN: 3,000,xxx: GM Hydromatic Division built under license. US Property Marked. Forward Assist. Two have been observed as Form 5 Deactivated Guns mounted on wall plaques. Very rare as non-reweld.

Note: There are at least one of each maker: H&R and GM built XM177E2 rifles. Part of the original contract for the M16 required both companies to bid on manufacturing the XM177E2 shorty. Of the two I have observed, both appeared to be made from parts and not original. An original documented XM177E2 made by either company would be worth a premium if documented. Parts would have to be from Colt. GM did have Colt data sheets on the XM177E2 model specific parts.

Colt AR15 Model 651 – SN: 4,378,2xx: M16A1 style receiver with 14.5” carbine barrel and CAR15 stock.

Colt AR15 – SN: 4,574, 6xx: Sold as Possible Tool Room gun. Special finned 10” barrel. Marked “COMMANDO.” Vertical pistol grip added to round front handguard, purportedly from MAC SOG test gun. Another stripped XM177E2 marked gun from 110,xxx serial number range found in Colt tool room before move to West Hartford with hang tag from Vietnam, noting severe damage to upper and front sight due to firefight with NVA regular troops. Noted that handguard was modified for control: i.e. front grip. Probably an export gun since not US Property marked and earlier parts added.

Colt AR15 Model 639 – SN: 4,790,xxx: Export model of XM177E2. 11.5” barrel with chrome chamber, sliding buttstock, 4” stovepipe suppressor with spacer, and forward assist. Receiver marked “AR15 and Model 639”. No property marks. Guns rarely have factory applied serial numbers on suppressors. Premium applies if it does. Most have “IRS” number etched or scratched on suppressor body. Should not have a bayonet lug.

Colt M16A1 – SN: 4,705,72x: US Property Marked full size rifle. Some were tested as the M16A1E1 predecessor to the M16A2.

Colt M16 Model 640 – SN: 5,016,xxx: Export model of XM177E1. 11.5” barrel with chrome chamber, sliding buttstock, 4” stovepipe suppressor with spacer and no forward assist. Can sometimes be found with correct, Colt proofed upper receiver with forward assist, vice no forward assist. Finish is usually dark black. Serial number can be as high as 5,096,xxx and be accurate. At least three production runs done of this model. Most are in the 5,016,xxx range. Should not have a bayonet lug. Most will have their factory correct barrel and flash hider – all are factory marked barrels – Caveat Emptor as there have been at least 25 sets of XM model gun uppers sold since 1994.

Original Colt boxes for the XM and 639/640 guns were as follows: 41" L x 9.5" D x 3 1/8" H. Only markings are on the This rifle is covered by the Following US Patents, (new line) 2,903,809 2,951,424 3,027,672 3,045,555 3.090,150"

The inside of the box has a green spun plastic packing that reminds one of the Easter egg basket pack of your youth. Boxes are rare after all these years. I I had 25 in my old shop, but lost them in the fire.

Colt AR15 Model 613 – SN: 5,080,5xx: Standard rifle configuration. Closed birdcage flash suppressor.

Colt M16A2 – SN: 6,00,xxx: US Property marked. Very few original Property marked M16A2’s out there. I have only seen 1 in person and heard of 4 others.

Colt M16A2 – SN: 8,000,xxx: Export and police market version. Highest pre86 gun I have observed was numbered in the 8,002,xxx range – there may be some in a higher range. There are some Post 86 guns numbered below that so original paperwork or BATF FOIA would apply. Two types of finish. Earlier guns have medium grey Sandstro finish on lowers and later guns are all Black MILSPEC.

Colt M16 – SN: 9,050,xxx: Standard rifle configuration, forward assist with closed birdcage flash hider. Correct from Colt to a CA railroad police agency.

Colt M16 Model 629 – SN: 9,075,3xx: US Property marked with 11.5” barrel, sliding stock and 4” suppressor. Possibly a parts gun.

Colt M16A1 – SN: 9,105,77x : Atchisson open bolt HBAR conversion on standard Colt M16A1 rifle with M14 bipod. Predates the Colt designed open bolt HBAR. Marketed by W.A.K. in Ohio.

Colt M16A1 Model 653 – SN: 9,288,1xx: 14.5” barrel with forward assist upper and sliding stock.

Colt M16A1 Model 653 – SN: 9,577,17x: Personal 14.5” barrel with no forward assist upper and sliding stock.

Carbine serial numbers range as high as 9,955,xxx. Liberally distributed throughout export M16A1 serial range. Several 651/2 solid stock and carbine upper guns were made and sold to Colt dealers during the early 1970’s. Very rare configuration, but nice handling gun. Many original concept 651's were numbered in the low 400,000 range, but are very rare.

Colt M16A1 Model 606A – SN: 9,560,6xx: Referred to as HBAR assault rifle. M60 bipod with standard triangular handguards.

Colt M16A2 Model 635 SMG –SN: HT000001 through HT005xxx. Colt 9mm SMG. Transferable guns range from 50 to as many as 125. My personal SMG was serialed in the high 5xxx range and it was transferable. My post sample 635 was serialed in the mid 2xxx range and it was a post sample. Who can figure. BATF FOIA on the Form 2 from Colt would apply.

There are 6 prototype 9mm SMG’s. All have grip safeties like a 1911A1 Colt pistol. Three of these guns are in a private collection.

Special series:

M231 firing port guns. Surprising that there are quite a few transferable guns. Fun to shoot with tracer, as designed - but will set things on fire from the fire thrown from the ejection port. All I have seen were US Property marked with an "X" prefix. I do not remember the production serial number range.

Cross Section Training guns:

AR15 marked guns: Usually “X” prefix.

Other experimental guns have a “X” prefix vice the GX prefix Colt usually employed.

Some M16A2 cut a ways in rifle and carbine configuration were made before 1986. Should have a “X” prefix, but not necessarily. There are few of these up for sale in PA and ID. Would be nice to know.

Originally Posted By Aggie300: I have a new toy. It is an uncut all original XM-16E1. Serial number 115,595. It is in M16A1 configuration and appears to be unaltered and all original. The gun has a chrome bolt but no chrome bore as would be expected. It has the early reciever with no fence around the mag release and all early type release pins with holes in the center. If you would like a picture or two I think I can make that happen.

I'd enjoy seeing them -- everyone else here would, too. You can post 'em here or email them to me, either for posting here or, if you prefer, I'll keep them private in my files.

And congrats on the new toy!

5/12/2013: A new, much longer, complete list of the known 9-mil SN M16's is on page 5 of this thread!

And here is some info I have collected on the 9-million serial number range factory M16s. All are transferables, but (obviously) the amount of detail know on each varies:

9029440 - Rollmarked M16, but standard A1 configuration rifle

9030329 - Rollmarked M16 - Former PD (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)  gun; 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9041xxx –– Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9042595 –– Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9042640 - Rollmarked M16. Last seen wearing a non-Colt collapsible stock and no-name 14.5" A2 HB upper. Possibly refinished (darker color than usual for this period).

9044051 –– Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9044739 –– Rollmarked M16. Last seen (for sale) wearing a 20-inch-barrelled A2 upper.

9048277 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards. Auctioned on Oct. 1, 2007 by the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department, Lapeer, Michigan

9048530 –– Rollmarked M16; currently converted to 9mm wth 635 upper and factory mag blocks pinned into drilled receiver (unknown if original configuration).

9049145 - Rollmarked M16; original configuration unknown.

9050xxx –– Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards. Correct from Colt to a CA railroad police agency.

90503xx –– Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards.

9050320 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

90524xx - Rollmarked M16; reconfigured to all-Colt M4 by Ken Elmore.

9052430 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9052981 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards

9054854 - Unknown rollmark, reconfigured as an XM16E1 and used by Mel Gibson in We Were Soldiers.

9059108 - Rollmarked M16, 20-inch thin barrel, A1 sights and upper w/FW assist; tri handguards. Auctioned on May 1, 2008 by the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department, Lapeer, Michigan: Winning bid was $22,600.

9063011 - Rollmarked M16. Last sold wearing an A2 upper and A2 buttstock.

90655xx –– Receiver marked M16, 20-inch thin bbl, triangular handguards, A1 stock; former PD gun

9069048 - Rollmarked M16, otherwise standard M16A1 20" rifle configuration. Was new unfired with wick still in barrel as of April 2005.

907xxxx –– Receiver marked M16 but upper has A1 features (fw assist, chrome-lined 20-inch bbl; 3-pronged flash hider); belonged to weapons provider for Miami Vice TV show and was used in the show; early-to-mid-70s date of production.

9070081 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle. Formerly owned by the Fresno, CA PD; right side of magwell engraved "FRESNO POLICE / DEPT. / M-006"

9074666 - Rollmarked M16 but standard config A1 rifle.

90753xx –– Rollmarked M16. Model 629. US Property marked with 11.5” barrel, sliding stock and 4” suppressor. Possibly a modified / parts gun.

910577x –– Atchisson open bolt HBAR conversion on standard Colt M16A1 rifle with M14 bipod. Predates the Colt designed open bolt HBAR. Marketed by W.A.K. in Ohio.

9149710 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A1 rifle; presently in Canada and probably not in NFA Registry, which means it is not re-importable.

9154025 - Rollmarked M16A1;standard config A1 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

9159631 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard config A2 rifle (20-in thin barrel, tri handguards, forward assist, A1 stock and sights).

91608xx –– Standard A1 config rifle, triangular forend, teardrop forward assist. First registered by Hattiesburg, Miss PD in May 1977.

9161131 – Standard A1 config rifle, tri forend, etc. Rollmarked M16A1.

9169406 –– Standard A1 config rifle, tri forend, etc. Rollmarked M16A1.

9172997 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle, exceltp last sold with an A2 forend instead of triangular.

9174873 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle

9181405 - Standard A1 config rifle, except last seen wearing round forend instead of triangular. Rollmarked M16A1.

9206503 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle. Magwell has bee drilled for Colt two-piece 9mm mag blocks.Lower receiver color is darker than normal for this early in the SN range, so possible refinish.

9209179 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle.

92120xx - Rollmarked M16A1, standard config A1 rifle.

92272xx - Rollmarked M16A1

9241993 –– Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9243177 –– Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9252336 –– Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9252352 - Believed rollmarked M16A1, reconfigured to M4A1 with Surefire M500AB foreend flashlight, ACOG TA44-5 and Giles sling. Used by "Street," Colin Ferrel's character, in the movie S.W.A.T.

9252xxx - Rollmarked M16A1; former PD gun

9252836 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9253060 –– Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle; Former Connecticut State Police Department rifle, right side of receiver is vibra-pen engraved "CDA PD 34"

9253566 - Rollmarked M16A1; standard A1 config rifle

9257xxx ––
 
92674xx –– Documented as Form 2'd in 1982

9268636 through 9268671 - FOI request shows Form 2 approved on April 4, 1979 as part of a pallet of 72 (number discrepancy noted). Including:

926866x –– Factory RO653 Carbine

9269556 - Rollmarked M16A1, forward assist, 14.5" bbl, factory carbine

9270400 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9270786 –– Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9277687 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9277789 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA. Auctioned by Amoskeag on Sept. 20, 2008; at that time, it wore a metal Colt collapsible stock (unknown if original).

9277942 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9278184 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9278186 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory carbine, 14.5", teardrop FA

9280xxx –– 14.5in. carbine LNIB, original config.

9280307 – Rollmarked M16A1; sold in 2009 with non-original Colt Commando upper and non-Colt collapsible stock.

928046x –– Rollmarked M16A1, apparently factory carbine with 14.5" barrel; first F4 approved 4/18/78.

9284623 - 14.5 in carbine, factory original

92881xx –– 14.5 in carbine, factory original Model 653

9289xxx –– 14.5in. carbine NIB, original

9293xxx - Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle

9288947 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" barrel, apparently a factory 653 carbine

9289129 – Rollmarked M16A1, apparently 14.5” factory carbine

9293653 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle

9293673 - Rollmarked M16A1,in carbine config and believed to be factory, 14.5", teardrop FA

93095xx - Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle

9309652 - Rollmarked M6A1, standard A1 rifle

9309831 - Rollmarked M6A1, standard A1 rifle

9309844 - Rollmarked M6A1, standard A1 rifle; reported stolen in home burglary 5/6/2007.

9309864 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle; former PD gun; Form 2 approved on March 7, 1978

9309865 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard A1 rifle

93103xx –– The original Form 5 from Colt to Fairbanks, Alaska Police Department is signed ''Robert L. Johnson, Contracts Administrator" and dated 5/26/78. ATF received this form May 30, 1978 at 2:55 p.m. It was stamped approved on June 5, 1978.

9310316 - Standard A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1.

9310322 - Standard A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1.

9310561 – Rollmarked M16A1. Presently configured as Model 653 carbine but unknown if that’s the original configuration.

9310593 –– Standard A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1. This is the M16A1 used by Al Pacino in Scarface with a fake M203 attached. The Stembridge Gun Rentals N number was 493.

9310894 – Rollmarked M16A1, ex-LE with department-stamped additional serial number on magwell. Configured as 11.5” Commando and advertised as all original; however, Form 2 dated Dec. 20, 1977 confirms original config was standard 20” rifle.

9368496 –– Rollmarked M16A1, factory HBAR with M14 (M60?) bipod. Form 2 dated March 20, 1979.

93790xx - "Colt took an old transferable M16 and "repaired" it into a brand spankin new transferable late model M4, full auto, beefed up reciever, flat top, 14.5" barrel." Owner quote

9379047 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle.

9395875 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle.

9396190 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle. Former PD gun, marked "KPD 58" on left side of receiver above trigger and below Colt address.

9415135 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle. Recently sold as package with original Colt M203 40mm (SN 188129A) grenade launcher installed; unknown if shipped from factory in this configuration

9454395 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9454735 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9466254 - Rollmarked M16A1. Upper/stock/pistol grip are non-original M4/aftermarket (14.5” barrel cut down to 11” with Knights rail, Vltor stock etc.).

9469564 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9470155 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9478171 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9479994 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory HBAR with M60 bipod

9485947 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle;

9486xxx –– Model 613

94959XX - Rollmarked M16A1, Carbine model 653

94961xx - Standard 20" A1 rifle. FOIA request shows Form 2 filed by Colt on Feb. 13,1981.

9501084(?) - Rollmarked M16A1; M4 upper (original configuration unknown); selector area re-engraved with "SAFE," "SEMI" and "Rock-n-Roll"

9506192 - Rollmarked M16A1 - purchased in Ky. In June 2002 in factory carbine form with CAR 2 position stock and pencil 14 1/2" barrel

9518404 –– Rollmarked M16A1, sold in 2009 as a lower only with A1 rifle stock.

9519442 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9521248 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9523379 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9527416 - Rollmarked M16A1 but lower has A2 features; for sale 4/7/2009 without an upper; current-production-style collapsible stock installed.

9527426 - Rollmarked M16A1 but lower receiver has A2 features (re-enforced forging and later finish).

9528669 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9531416 –– 14.5in. carbine 98%, original config.

9531422 –– 14.5in. carbine 98/99%, original config.

9537402 –– Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1. Auctioned by Amoskeag on Sept. 20, 2008.

9537792 –– Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1

9538497 –– Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1; exported to Italy in 2012

9541563 - Standard M16A1 rifle, rollmarked M16A1

9546326 –– Rollmarked M16A1; factory carbine

9546332 –– Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9546394 - Rollmarked M16A1, 14.5" carbine

9547113 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547190 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547405 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory Carbine Model 653, 14.5"

9547497 - Rollmarked M16A1, lower receiver is factory Carbine, upper is Colt (Commando?) A2, 11.5" barrel

9547xxx –– Model 645? A1 sights but A2 flash hider, slip ring, FA, 14.5 bbl, feed ramp cuts, no brass deflector and no M4 stamp.

9557980 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. For sale in Sept. 2008 as excellent used, complete with original box. Slight mismatch of upper/lower colors.

9560001 –– Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9560091 –– Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9560427 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Last sold wearing A2 handguards instead of triangular.

9566312 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Upper is a darker grey than lower receiver is, moreso than the usual slight mismatch.

9568868 –– Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653

9574747 – Rollmarked M16A1 – Standard 20” M16A1 rifle. Slight mismatch of upper/lower colors. Sold in VG+/ex condition in 3/2009.

9576351 - Rollmarked M16A1 - Rifle buttstock and A1 upper receiver with 16" 1-in-7 barrel, no barrel markings; unknown if this is the original factory configuration.

9577002 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine with rubber-coated collapsible stock

9577995 - Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9583070 –– Colt M16A1 Carbine Model 653.

9584310 – Rollmarked M16A1, configured as Model 606A HBAR with M60 bipod and triangular handguards; unknown if it left the factory this way.

9586145 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle except for A2 type pistol grip –– seller swears it swipped from Colt that way.

9586867 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle.

9587500 - Colt's first A2 prototype. Lower receiver is A1-rollmarked and uses an A1 forging; upper has handmade prototype A2 sights and A2 handguards, HBAR barrel.

9587523 –– Rollmarked M16A1 - standard 20" M16A1 rifle. Upper is a darker grey than lower receiver is, moreso than the usual slight mismatch.

9590478 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine

9590540 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine. Two-position metal stock. For sale 10/2008 ANIB with accessories.

9591475 - Rollmarked M16A1, factory 653 carbine. Two-position metal stock

9591487 - Rollmarked M16A1; presently configured as 653 carbine, unknown if it left the factory in that configuration.

9591633 – Rollmarked M16A1; Model 621 (20-inch 1/7 HBAR with M60 tripod)

9592233 _ Rollmarked M16A1, sold as lower only in 2008.

9593280 - Rollmarked M16A1; recently transferred with a non-original upper and buttstock, so original configuration unknown. Possibly a factory HBAR Model 621.

9594010 - Rollmarked M16A1; factory 621 HBAR with M60 bipod; for sale as complete ANIB (all accessories still sealed in plastic) in November 2007. Lower is lighter gray, upper is darker gray; mismatch color is apparently as-shipped from factory.

9594040 - Rollmarked M16A1; 621 HBAR with M60 bipod. Appears in photos to possibly have been refinished.

9594175 - Rollmarked M16A1; 621 HBAR with M60 bipod. As of 2/27/2009, gun appears unfired, and bipod has never been mounted.

9595421 –– Rollmarked M16A1, standard 20" A1 rifle

9596039 – Rollmarked M16A1; standard rifle configuration.

9596336 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard rifle configuration; offered for sale in 2008 in ANIB condition with box, barrel wick and all original factory accessories.

9602238 - Rollmarked M16A1/ Apparently factory carbine due to collapsible stock staking paint, but last transferred as a lower only.

9602338 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard-configuration M16A1 rifle except round handguards instead of triangular, reportedly delivered by Colt to a dealer in 1984.

9602440 - Rollmarked M16A1, standard M16 rifle with triangular handguards, etc.


Hope this is useful. And post on this thread if you'd like your factory Colt added to the above registry.

Updated 10/26/2009.

Originally Posted By DCS: I notice that Jack talks for a bit about Model 640's.   I'm not clear on his buyer beware comment.... FWIW - I paid "market" price for it - not too high, not too low.

Just that 25 uppers were sold separately by Colt, so M16 collectors should be aware their are some non-factory 640s out there. But if you did not pay a premium above market price, you're OK.

A lot of Jack's experience and comments are from the days when many shooters would try to acquire one of every Colt factory M16 variation, building collections of 40 or 50 different examples. You know, having a "complete set."

Not many of today's buyers have the $500k to $1 mil needed to do that at current prices.

I'm going to tack this thread by popular request.

Originally Posted By OilcanM16A1: I have a Colt M16A1, Car, in the (paper) works coming. Serial # 94959XX. What model number is this?             Thanks!

If it is a factory 14.5" carbine, it is most probably a Model 653 (the most common variety), but as you can see above there are many, many different models and variations of carbines. The model designation depends on how it was configured when it left the factory.

Page 1 has been updated with new known transferables added to the 9-million serial number range post.

Originally Posted By 10mmPhil: Lots of great info, Tony. Do you know of any 5milllion serial numbered guns that are NOT rollmarked "COLT M16"? I have never seen one, but you can never say never with colt.

I've been focusing my research on the 9-mil series, but IIRC I believe I've seen pix of 5-mil guns rollmarked AR15s. As noted, though, Colt does whatever it thinks will please each contract customer, so I'd be more surprised if there was not an AR15-marked 5-mil gun or three.