M16A1 Replica Build

[bannockburn]

This is my Vietnam era M7 bayonet that I bought from a mail order Army/Navy surplus dealer, anticipating the day when I would be old enough (and wealthy enough), to buy a Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporter to go with it! Still have a bunch of 20 round magazines to go with it too!

 

[Charlie98]

A fun fact, Ft Leonardwood was still using the A1 for training until at least 1990.

I went through FLW '86-'87 and we were still using -A1's, and all I ever had at Fort Carson until 1989 was -A1's... so that's not surprising. I don't really know how long they were still in circulation...

I’ve always been partial to 20 round mags for AR rifles anyway.

I preferred the 20's, too... a lot less cumbersome. I still have a fair stash of USGI 20's, and even some new Magpul 20's... even though they cost more than the 30's!

 

[12Bravo20]

I went through FLW '86-'87 and we were still using -A1's, and all I ever had at Fort Carson until 1989 was -A1's... so that's not surprising. I don't really know how long they were still in circulation...

I saw a mixture of A1 and A2 rifles deployed during Desert Shield/Storm. I even saw at least one NG unit show up with M14s. I got to Germany in January 1992 and only saw A2s there.

This is my Vietnam era M7 bayonet that I bought from a mail order Army/Navy surplus dealer, anticipating the day when I would be old enough (and wealthy enough), to buy a Colt AR-15 SP1 Sporter to go with it! Still have a bunch of 20 round magazines to go with it too!

The M7 was still issued and in use into the early 90's, especially in Reserve and National Guard units.

Since the lower is "in the white," then, prior to applying a finish, you have an opportunity to re-profile it in certain areas to look more like an A1 than an A2. Look at some pictures comparing the two versions. Fortunately for you, the A2 added material in certain areas (compared to the A1), and so it shouldn't be too difficult to remove the excess material, by careful filing and Dremeling.

Remove some of the "fence" around the magazine release button and around the buffer tube area.

I have a couple of colt A2, Ar lowers that would be more authentic but they are like new and I kind of wanted this to just be a knock around rifle. I will probably experiment with some different finishes on some bare aluminum sheets I have to come up with a way to make the lower look worn and aged.

Your rifle is looking good. And you have the right idea to try different finishes on on something else before you finish the lower.

 

[AlexanderA]

The M7 was still issued and in use into the early 90's, especially in Reserve and National Guard units.

The M7 is better, as a bayonet, than the M9. The problem with the M9 is that they tried to make it a multipurpose tool (a utility knife, a saw, wire cutters, etc.) and as a result it's too big, clunky, and heavy. It throws the whole balance of the weapon off when attached. The M9s end up not being carried or issued, which just adds to the vicious downward spiral of uselessness. In retrospect, the M9 bayonet was one of those really poor procurement decisions.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have to agree that the M7 is better and lighter. I still have one to go with my A2 clone.

Casefull, once your rifle is finished go get yourself a M7 bayonet to go with it. You never know when you might need to do a bayonet charge against hoards of looters or zombies.

 

[Casefull]

I think the looters are beating out the zombies. Maybe I do need a bayonet.

 

[d2wing]

Busy having flashbacks here.

 

[Casefull]

View attachment 922361 Found this in my stuff the other day.

 

[Casefull]

An update to my retro rifle build. Took it to the range today. Sighted it in. It ran flawlessly. Really nice shooting rifle. The old
extractor spring is kind of weak but it functioned fine. I think I got a good barrel. The barrel came with out front sight grooves cut. I didn’t have any special tools so I free handed the cutting of the grooves. I took care to get the sight lined up with the carry handle. It was worth the effort as the rear sight sits dead center with the rifle sighted in.