Who makes/sells a MD legal M16A1 clone?

[ken792]

Search Gunbroker for Colt Hbar. They had several 20" Hbar ARs, and by swapping the handguards with the triangular ones if they fit, looks like a Vietnam era rifle. Some have flash hiders, some, like mine don't. None will have the bayonet lug though, if that is critical for you. Example;

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1014400564

That just gets you an A2 with triangular handguards though since it’s also got an A2 upper, lower, stock, and pistol grip. There are far more authentic MD legal setups for those determined to clone.

For those willing to build or commission a build, there are the options of doing a Colt 611 build, having an HBAR barrel lathed skinny from the front sight block forward, or possibly having one of those piston kits installed if there’s space. I know a few MD people who went the Colt 611 route.

 

[tdt91]

Here's an A2 clone.

Stag 15 Retro RH CHPHS 20 in 5.56 Rifle BLA A2 10R

Stag 15 Retro Rifles are the high quality, durable, military proven A2 rifle you've been looking for. Made to mil-spec standards with a removable A3 carry handle, A2 buttstock with trap door for storage and a rifle length thermoplastic handguard with double heat shields The Stag 15 Retro Rifle...

www.stagarms.com

 

[VRC Racing]

We were very fortunate to JLowe going to bat for us to get this https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-ar-15-socom-carbine-223556-161-301-knights-rail-forend.

M4 is better than a M16A1

 

[Mark75H]

Isn't the Brownells AR MD compliant?

Major late edit: I was thinking of the Brownells Proto, but it is NLA as a complete rifle, you would have to piece it together.

 

[teratos]

In other threads, we've had back-and-forth about whether the Bushmaster prohibition applies to anything made by Bushmaster (including HBAR ARs that would seem to be otherwise legal), or their very first semi-auto rifle made in the late-1970s. I think someone said that they got a letter from MSP telling them that it's the latter...

Also, hasn't there been some back-and-forth about whether the HBAR requirements apply to SBRs as well?

Yep.

Find your comfort zone….

 

[Vile Shadow]

In other threads, we've had back-and-forth about whether the Bushmaster prohibition applies to anything made by Bushmaster (including HBAR ARs that would seem to be otherwise legal), or their very first semi-auto rifle made in the late-1970s. I think someone said that they got a letter from MSP telling them that it's the latter...

Also, hasn't there been some back-and-forth about whether the HBAR requirements apply to SBRs as well?

The ones from the 70s aint even the same “Bushmaster”. Those were made by Gwynn Firearms IIRC. “Bushmaster” was one of their models

The later “Bushmaster” is its own company

 

[firemanyz]

I know you said you were not interested in building one but here is another option.

I would think you can change the handguard out to a A1 style also.

Model 1 Sales: 5.56 NATO AWB Stnd. Upper

Model 1 Sales is a quality based AR15 / M16 component and accessories provider.

www.model1sales.com

 

[calicojack]

A real M16A1 is, what, $25,000 or so? I personally think if you have the money it's worth it. You only live once.

 

[calicojack]

Colt M16A1 , model 603 (1967-1983)

Colt model 603 M16A1 Upper Receiver Assembly - with Forward Assist. An authentic Reproduction of the M16 variant fielded to the US Army & Marines in 1967-1983. Includes either a Chrome or Phosphate Bolt Carrier Group and Charging Handle - as well as choice of Twist Rates (1:7 or 1:12). From...

retrorifles.com

These are very well made:

FAR-15 A1 Rifle Upper

Your Source for Service Rifles: M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M14 / M1A & AR Types

www.fulton-armory.com

 

[johnkn]

FWIW, I tried Retrorifles several times for a similar build over the last 2-3 years and they never had or could deliver what I wanted. Perhaps now, but IDK....

.

 

[calicojack]

Me personally, I am going the SBR route with an upper I am building that looks exactly like this. I really like the slab-sides.

 

[Worsley]

This is MD law, so ride along with me.

This is a legit HBAR in MD, because it’s marketed that way:

Colt M4 Heavy Barrel AR-15 Pistol 5.56x45mm 14.5 1 7 Twist SOCOM

The Colt M4 Heavy Barrel features a true 5.56x45mm NATO Chamber for use with both commercial and military surplus ammunition, while the 1 in 7"...

www.midwayusa.com

There is machining ahead of the FSB, but the barrel is an HBAR.

If THIS barrel:

16" 5.56 HBAR CMV Barrel, Mid-Length

This Maryland compliant 16-inch 5.56 CMV Barrel includes the "HBAR" text for compliance.

www.aeroprecisionusa.com

is still too thin, have the part of the barrel from the FSB down turned to the correct diameter. BOOM! MD compliant A1 with “pencil barrel”.

Or this:

20 Inch Standard Heavy Chrome Moly Barrels

Rock River Arms, Inc. offers a complete line of American made, custom built AR15 style rifles.

www.rockriverarms.com

 

[Biggfoot44]

A real M16A1 is, what, $25,000 or so? I personally think if you have the money it's worth it. You only live once.

I remember what I was looking at a cpl of Chantillys ago , and just checked a few online listings .

Depending on exact Colt Model Number , originality , and condition , Genuine Colts are +/- $40 k . Misc Form 1 pre '86 transferable converted AR's are starting in mid 20's .

 

[calicojack]

OP unless you have a pre-ban you are willing to convert, there are not many good choices for an authentic looking M16A1 clone, unless you move out of state.

 

[calicojack]

Here we go; a GAU-5 clone. Got the pencil barrel from Brownells. Just need a rear sight and an ATF stamp for the lower.

 

[Vile Shadow]

Me personally, I am going the SBR route with an upper I am building that looks exactly like this. I really like the slab-sides.

View attachment 437458

Would pinning and welding that thing on the end make that legal length?

 

[calicojack]

Would pinning and welding that thing on the end make that legal length?

Well - then you have the HBAR requirement, so no unfortunately. That would work well in states like VA though.
[EDIT] Strictly speaking the original moderator was only 4.5" long and the original barrel 11.5" so you would have to fudge one or the other. But I think a lot of guys do that.

 

[teratos]

If I wanted to do one of these, I’d get a heavy barrel and turn down everything ahead of the FSB to a pencil profile.

 

[MattFinals718]

If I wanted to do one of these, I’d get a heavy barrel and turn down everything ahead of the FSB to a pencil profile.

I wonder if HR Shaw could do a profile like that if a customer asked for it?

 

[Vile Shadow]

If I wanted to do one of these, I’d get a heavy barrel and turn down everything ahead of the FSB to a pencil profile.

Hmmm.... there’s an idear

Who’s got the equipment to turn a barrel down?