Vietnam M16A1 Retro build

2k05gt · Jun 9, 2014

Almost Finished my Retro M16A1 Build.
It's mostly retro parts from 1967-1979 M16A1 but I tried to keep close to the early 1967-68 with the three prong flash hider.
before they switched to the "Bird Cage" type in 1970

The M7 Bayonet, M8A1 Scabbard, Bi-Pod and Sling are USGI late 60's -70's I guess

The Lower is a Civilian AR-15 by Aero Precision semi-auto but the design matches the original closely, but not in color.

This is a picture with the three prong flash hider

Even Got original Magazines to go with it.

Even the Original Ammo

And A Little Gun Porn to top it off

pbharvey · Jun 9, 2014

very nice!

StantonCree · Jun 9, 2014

I'm a fan!!!!!!!

Mooseman · Jun 9, 2014

Looks good.

jkeiler · Jun 9, 2014

Having had an A1 (in the '80s but which looked like it had been through Vietnam, much like your before pic) that looks way nice. Great job.

glock9mm · Jun 9, 2014

That's really cool and takes me back!

TrappedinMD · Jun 9, 2014

That is cool! Good Work!!!

TomisinMd · Jun 9, 2014

That is a really nice job restoring history!

2k05gt · Jun 9, 2014

Thanks,
Some may argue that the A1 had a trap door in the stock but in my research the early Colt M16A1's used parts from the XM16E1 (1966) Stock and flash hider were not changed over until 1970's A1.

The Pentagon complained about the three prong hider with concern that it gets caught in twigs and small branches.

The U.S. Army's XM16E1 (603) was essentially the same weapon as the M16 (604) with the addition of a forward assist and corresponding notches in the bolt carrier and chrome bolt carrier.
The M16A1 (603) was the finalized production model in 1967 and the bolt was parkerized.
By 1969, Cleaning kits were developed and issued while barrels with chrome-plated chambers and later fully lined bores were introduce.

Indiana Jones · Jun 9, 2014

VERY COOL! I need to do this. Been putting it off too long.

Sent from the Bantu Wind using Tapatalk.

erwos · Jun 9, 2014

It's amazing how light the M16A1 is. It makes me wish I had built a Colt 653 clone when I had the chance.

Engine4 · Jun 9, 2014

Very nice! Where did you pick up the parts (besides the lower)?

silanehead · Jun 9, 2014

The A1 is a basic, simple rifle.
But elegant at the same time.

BossmanPJ · Jun 9, 2014

great rifle. looks nice.

lilgibby · Jun 9, 2014

Id love to do something like this ! Sick pics man. Awesome, just Awesome. Thats almost identical to what my pops carried when he was in Nam. Great build!

Verbotene · Jun 9, 2014

That is straight-up-awesome.

I approve! :thumbsup:

engineerbrian · Jun 9, 2014

Very cool! Where did you find the upper?

Also, FWIW my father (see avatar) had a bird cage in 1969. He had the 3 prong prior to that in AIT and had the same complaints about twigs. I guess he got an early rifle with the bird cage?

Bolts Rock · Jun 9, 2014

Very cool!

ObsceneJesster · Jun 9, 2014

Cool looking rifle. I just want to know who ever thought it was a good idea to mount a bipod to the barrel.

JCB003 · Jun 9, 2014

Very nice. I assembled two similar ones back when you could actually find and get complete uppers for $250...I wish I had bought more.

Vietnam M16A1 Retro build

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