Coustom M16 Idea...(need outside input)

[Zedicus]

I am Considering building a Coustom Hybrid type M16A1 once I move back to the states and get the required permits etc, and would like any Input I can get from anyone who know anything about the classic.

The Idea is to Build one from parts for M16's, but with several differances to the orignal M16A1 Spec...

One being having a barrel like that of of the M16A2 with the 1.7 rifling and the adjustable sights of the M16A2, but having the triangualr grip of the M16A1 and the simi and full-auto modes rather than the 3 shot burst of the M16A2 and the orignal 3 prong flash hider,
Another differance would be a good hunting scope with a laser sight that can be removed or attached with minimal fuss (IE: no tools), but still leaving the built on sights useable while mounted.

My main question being, Would it work?" I want it to look the same as the original Vietnam Issue M16A1 when taken down to the "bare essentals" but lack the problems of that version (IE 20-30 rnd mag jamming) as well as have the features of more modern versions of the M16 (things Inc the Cleaning Kit in the Stock of the later A1's and the A2).

So, any thoughts on this idea?

 

[Badger Arms]

You seem to want the worst parts of each rifle. They replaced the triangle handguards for good reason, they chipped, cracked, and were too smooth. Not to mention, they were two unique parts. The 1-in-7 twist was designed to stabilize tracers and is a compromise for issue ball ammo. It is optimum for a much heavier bullet than most people use. Get the 1-in-9 twist and shoot 62gr bullets.

To mount a scope with the A2 sights in place, you'd probably be best to go with a RRA type upper receiver. With this upper, you'd be able to mount a scope with weaver rings that are designed to be 'see through.' You might also consider just a standard M-16A2 upper and a carry-handle scope mount, but these sit high and obscure the sight path too much for my liking. As for the laser, these are so small you might just want to keep it mounted all the time. Just get one of them mounts that will hold onto the scope tube and mount it offset to the right of the scope.

The 3-pronged flash suppressors are easy to find on the market as are the triangle handguards. As for the burst assembly, that's an easy matter of changing the parts to FA style. With a registered Full-Auto lower, this is easy and the parts can be found new for around $50 bucks. Keep all the old parts because the burst mechanism is much more expensive and might add to the value of your gun.

In the end, you'd end up with a frankenstein gun that you'd be happy with but other's might just shake their heads at. Good luck finding a reasonable registered lower receiver. With the proper licenses, you can get what's called a 'post-dealer sample' gun that can only be owned by registered dealers.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

It would work, but you can't make one from parts. You are going to have to buy a registered M16A1 and then swap the parts you want changed or buy a registered drop in autosear and convert an AR-15 (which won't be a true A1).

The A1s feeding problem wasn't caused by the gun, it was the magazines. With quality magazines, there is no problem. Besides, in regards to feeding, there is no difference between the A1/A2/M4 or AR-15.

Like Badger said, just buy an M16A1 and then buy the complete upper configuration that you want. Probably be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Steve Smith]

FYI, M16s START at about $6500 these days.

 

[Zedicus]

FYI, M16s START at about $6500 these days.

Hence why I would go after up to 30 year old Millitary Surplus and not New from Colt....

IE: Buy a Pice of Scrap and Restore it...

 

[gun-fucious]

ya canna be building no machine gun from spare parts lad,
the BATFE will be lockin ya up.

If'n there was a scrap m16, it'd be all registered like,
ana you'd hav ta buy it from a dealer in registered machine guns

 

[Steve Smith]

Gun-fucious is right...it't gotta be an M-16, not parts! $6500 will get you the ugliest M16 on the planet.

 

[cordex]

Hence why I would go after up to 30 year old Millitary Surplus and not New from Colt.

Doesn't quite work that way.
He's saying that M16s ... any M16s ... start at $6500. You aren't terribly familiar with the laws regarding machine guns here in the states, are you? Might want to look into the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Firearm Owner Protection Act of 1986.

Locked supply, rising demand, buddy. You don't have the options you think you have.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

What everyone is telling you is you cannot manufacture new machinegun. Back in '86, the government passed a little law that says you cannot register a machinegun for civilian use after 1986. None. Zip. Zero. They came up with the idea that, since they cannot legally ban civilian ownership of machineguns, they would merely not let you register your new machinegun. If it's not registered, it is considered contraband and will get you 10 years in ClubFed.

Your only option to legally own a machinegun is to purchase one that was legally registered prior to the law's effective date in 1986. Since there are no new machineguns on the civilian market, the prices of those 30 year old machineguns are now astronomical.

Another thing you may not be aware of is that not all states allow civilians to own these machineguns. Some states ban all machineguns and some limit you to purchase only those machineguns classified as "Curio & Relic."

 

[Erik Jensen]

anyone other than myself note Zedicus' location? UK, anyone? can he even have a rifle legally anymore?

 

[cordex]

Anyone other than myself note Zedicus' location? UK, anyone?

From the original post:

once I move back to the states

can he even have a rifle legally anymore?

yes.

 

[444]

If only it were that easy. You could build the rifle you describe in a couple hours. No problem at all. The parts are readily available. The full auto part of it is the only fly in the oitment. You will either have to spend a lot of money and live in a place that allows it, or build the same rifle in a semi-auto. The semi-auto would be a piece of cake.