Full Auto M16... Compatible with M4?

[LibraPMC]

I like the Full Auto features of Class III M16's but I really don't like it's look.
So... Since I can't purchase any M4 (post 86), I came up with an idea of purchasing a full auto M16 and putting the registered parts of that M16 on a M4. That would make it registered FA M16 with the look of M4.

The question is... What parts are associated with the full auto process? I assume that the lower receiver of M16 should be put in a M4 as a whole since it has a selector and a registered sear. What else should be swapped from the M4? Also are they compatible? (I've seen some dealers selling M16 with a upper of M4). I would like the answer from experts on NFA weapons and no assumptions please since it deals with a legal issue. Thanks

 

[MtnCreek]

I'm no expert, but I do know the answer. The lower is the firearm and also the registered MG. There are some registered DIAS's out there, but you're much more likely (and better off) to purchase a registered lower. Most of the m16's that I have seen for sale are modern sbr's.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, what MtnCreek said.

Two ways to go, but the best would be to purchase a registered M-16 lower receiver (did you bring your Gold card?) and install the M-4 style upper receiver, stock, grip, etc. onto it.

 

[MtnCreek]

did you bring your Gold card?

AMEX Black Card !

 

[Dustin0]

AMEX Black Card Only seen one of those.

 

[Aaron Baker]

As others have said, the lower receiver of an M16/AR15/M4 type weapon is the registered piece. If you buy a registered M16, you can remove every single part except the lower receiver casting/forging and replace it with modern components. That means that you can create an M4 clone quite easily, or almost any other style of black rifle that you want.

It's all interchangeable. That family of firearms is like a Lego set.

As long as you can afford the tens of thousands of dollars price tag, you can have an M4 clone.

Aaron

 

[LiquidTension]

I believe registered receivers are hovering around the $12k mark right now.

 

[Strykervet]

If you have a registered sear, just get a lower that it will fit in. If you have a registered lower, strip it down and build it however you want.

Some of those registered sears don't look too bad, although I've only shot the army's auto stuff. I've heard the biggest problem is them falling out when you open the receiver? If I had one, I'd probably drill a hole in the receiver where I could slave it to it with a set screw.

 

[LibraPMC]

How come I can't find any 12K range M16 lowers... Any suggestions?

 

[MtnCreek]

You're probably not going to find an M-16 stripped lower, but that really doesn't matter; what you're paying for either way is the lower. You should not have any issues finding a complete rifle in the $12k price range. I would suggest contacting a couple of Title II FFL's in your state. Even if they don't have what you're looking for, they should be able to find it.

 

[Bobson]

I had read that it's illegal (federal law) to use M16 parts on any AR15. Guess that was incorrect?

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, that is incorrect. You cannot modify the receiver to be able to accept certain specific parts, but those parts that work equally well in semi- or full-auto guns are perfectly legal to use.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I had read that it's illegal (federal law) to use M16 parts on any AR15. Guess that was incorrect?

It is illegal to make a machinegun. If you add enough M16 parts that the rifle can fire in full auto, or even 2 shots with a single pull of the trigger then it's illegal.

Using M16 parts isn't the qualifier, it's whether or not they make the gun a machine gun.

You will find ATF Tech Branch letters recommending that no M16 parts be used, but they again state that it's legal as long as the gun doesn't go "bang bang" with one pull of the trigger.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

How come I can't find any 12K range M16 lowers... Any suggestions?

Here's one
http://www.subguns.com/classifieds/index.cgi?db=nfafirearms&website=&language=&session_key=&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=long&db_id=18925&query=retrieval
Don't worry about if it's got an upper or not, those are basically included free since the expensive part is that 25+ year old stamp.

 

[GoingQuiet]

I like the Full Auto features of Class III M16's but I really don't like it's look.
So... Since I can't purchase any M4 (post 86), I came up with an idea of purchasing a full auto M16 and putting the registered parts of that M16 on a M4. That would make it registered FA M16 with the look of M4.

The question is... What parts are associated with the full auto process? I assume that the lower receiver of M16 should be put in a M4 as a whole since it has a selector and a registered sear. What else should be swapped from the M4? Also are they compatible? (I've seen some dealers selling M16 with a upper of M4). I would like the answer from experts on NFA weapons and no assumptions please since it deals with a legal issue. Thanks

Class 3 is a tax bracket pursuant to an SOT, not a magical term applied to a specific device.

You are talking about a registered drop in auto sear. $10-15k would be the range.

 

[crazy-mp]

If you buy a pre-86 M16 with a drop in auto sear and the lower is registered as a machine gun you can legally convert it to "standard" M16/M4 configuration. if you have one of the DIAS (Drop In Auto Sear) and that is the registered part when it finally kicks the bucket you are SOL and you 8K dollar gun is now back around 850.00.

If your paying 12K for a striped receiver I will sell you some prime beach front property in Arizona...

Buying title 2 (Class 3) is just like buying that sweet new 30-06 you can go to Bass Pro and pay 10 dollars less than MSRP or you can go up the road 5 minutes to Big Ed's Huntin Stuff and get it for 50 bucks over dealer cost (or less). There are ALOT of class 3 guys out there who move large numbers of machine guns every year, most of them don't even have web pages.

 

[LiquidTension]

Uhh, no. If you have DIAS it can go in a new receiver because the DIAS IS the registered part. If you have a registered receiver you have no need of a DIAS unless you just want two FA items at the same time. If you bought a "pre-86 M16 with a drop in auto sear" then you either paid two stamps for the two items or you have one illegally.

The lowest price I've seen in the last few years on a registered receiver is $9,500. The $12k I quoted came straight from the subguns.com NFA marketplace. If you know of a place to get one for significantly cheaper I'm sure there are hundreds of people that would like to know your source.