[Duke03]

Hello everyone, I'm currently working as head of security of a major construction project in Panama, working along with the panamanian National Police, I noticed they carry old M-16's A1, I'm kind of curious and wanted to know how old it is, serial# 9457027.

Thanks

[Steve in PA]

Well, when I was in the USMC ('79-'83) my last issued M16A1 was serial #1626248.

[tyeo098]

From:http://www.arfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5532
9,000,0000 series
1970’s & 1980’s
In general these are 1970’s and early 80’s “A1” type 600 series commercial/export marked weapons. There are some exceptions, for example US Property marked Govt. Carbines.

[Duke03]

Thanks a lot...They do look pretty beat up, but still not sure if early 80's, I'll have to find out when they were intruduced into the panamanian army (Noriega's days) so I can have an idea.

[Chindo18Z]

In the late 70's, all the Guardia Nacional I saw were carrying M-1 Carbines (everywhere across the Zone).

I suspect those M16s are from the 80's.