Exchanging Uppers on Full Auto M16?

[Drakejake]

If one bought a full auto M16, could one replace the upper if the barrel wore out? Are AR-15 uppers compatible with M16s? Is this can be done, wouldn't that be a big advantage of an M16 over other full auto rifles? If the barrel on a Ruger AC556 needed to replaced, wouldn't you have to send it to the factory? Any comments?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[Frog48]

Yes, uppers are compatible/interchangable. M-16's and AR-15's... they're the same gun, one is military designation, while the other is civilian nomenclature.

As long as the lower receiver isnt modified, I believe you can swap out whatever you want without affecting its NFA status. It is my understanding that you could change stocks, complete uppers, grips, etc without being considered "manufacture of machine gun" as long as the NFA receiver isnt changed.

However, I am not a lawyer, nor have I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

 

[TexasRifleman]

It is my understanding that you could change stocks, complete uppers, grips, etc without being considered "manufacture of machine gun" as long as the NFA receiver isnt changed.

Be aware that it's not always the receiver that's the NFA item. If you buy a real M16 it is, but a good portion of the transferable AR/M16s are not really M16's but some modified AR.

Lightning Links and the so called "drop in sears" ( I say so called because they don't really just drop in) may also be the NFA item and they are moveable from receiver to receiver if you would like.

In that case for example, if you have a Lightning Link installed in a host AR, that AR may have a short barrel since it's the host for a machine gun. Remove the Lighning Link and you have an illegal SBR unless you have a separate stamp for that receiver so if not you have to remove the short barrel when you remove the RLL (Registered Lightning Link).

Fun huh?

It is my understanding that you could change stocks, complete uppers, grips, etc without being considered "manufacture of machine gun" as long as the NFA receiver isnt changed.

Yes, and Rugers have a lifetime warranty and Ruger still services legally owned AC556s. So wear that barrel out and send it back, you'll get your repaired AC556 back all shiny and new! They are still one of the few NFA "bargains" too.

 

[wdlsguy]

If one bought a full auto M16, could one replace the upper if the barrel wore out?

Yes, or you could just replace the barrel.

Are AR-15 uppers compatible with M16s?

Yes, but you need an M-16 bolt carrier for full-auto operation.