I am trying to figure out what model M16A1 this rifle is. It seems to be configured like a Model 711 but that is a M16A2 and this one is marked M16A1. The rifle seems to have all original Colt parts. As you can see from the picture it is marked M16A1 with a 9 million serial number. It has an A1 upper with teardrop forward assist and no case deflector. The barrel is a 20" 1:7" A2 barrel (can't tell if it is HBAR or not) with what appears to be an A2 flash hider and a round ribbed handguard. The stock is an A2. Assuming it is in its original factory configuration, What Colt model is it? Has anyone seen such a configuration? The person I purchased it from has owned it since the mid 1990s. He believes that it may have come from the Arkansas State Police. I am stumped.


Dan

Smarter guys than me will weigh in, but I don't think that is a factory configuration.  If it was a former PD gun, then my guess is they did some A2 "upgrades" to A1 rifles they already owned and decided the barrels and stocks where what they wanted to change.  Looks like a great rifle, hope you enjoy it!

Not a factory configuration, probably upgraded. M16A1 production had probably ended by the time A2 parts became available.

Appears someone swapped out some original parts on the upper or took an A2 upper and threw a tear drop forward assist to make it appear more in style

The Air Force is known for upgrading rifles in a similar manner.