So many M16s

[MR73]

Sorry for my ignorance but I need help to understand the following.
I have noticed that there are at least 3 U.S. manufacturers of M16s --don't laugh, there are probably a dozen!

COLT - The original?
Armalite - Where did they originate?
FN Herstal - Made in USA

So why are there so many? Is it like with the 1911?
Didn't COLT patent the design?
Is there a better one?
Which one should I get if I want to shoot really accurately?
Are they still unreliable?

Thanks for your help!


?

 

[kfranz]

You understand that a M16 is going to set you back BIG bucks, right....

 

[benEzra]

If you're speaking of civilian firearms rather than military or restricted NFA Class III automatic weapons, you're talking about AR-15's and similar rifles, which look just like the M16 but are incapable of automatic or burst fire. For a transferable NFA Class III M16, I suspect you're looking at $15,000. A semiauto-only AR-15 (works like any other civilian self-loader) goes for $700 to $1500, which is probably what you meant?

The most highly regarded manufacturers are probably Bushmaster, Armalite, and Rock River Arms. I've also heard pretty good things about DPMS and Colt, although I think not all Colt parts are interchangeable with the others.

 

[BlackCat]

ArmaLite is the original

 

[ktd]

Colt: Original Primary Contractor

ArmaLite: Originally a part of Fairchild (aircraft and engines), they developed the original AR15 which became the M16 and a variety of other small arms. Eagle Arms was another company that made ARs and bought the name ArmaLite and adopted it.

FN: won a contract for M16s over Colt.

Like 1911s, there are a lot of companies and contractors making copies or variations. Do a search here or go to AR15.com and you will get more information and opinions than you need.

Chances are, any major manufacturer will make something that is accurate enough for you. Current design is pretty reliable, especially if it is taken care of.

Are you in this country? Noticed the Manhurin related user name. Maybe that is why there may be some confusion over the term M16, versus AR. An actual selective fire M16 is a collectible will cost 10-20 times a semi-auto AR, which is what the previous poster meant.

k

 

[Chipperman]

Go to ar15.com for good history info.
http://www.ar15.com/content/articles/history/evolution.html

For Full-Auto guns:
Colt M16A1's can be had for about $13k+
Non-Colt conversions are about $10k+
Registered drop in auto sears and registered lightning links are a little less. They will allow your AR to be full auto without altering the receiver.

AR15's can go anywhere from $700- $2000+ depending on what you want.

 

[MR73]

OK. Thanks everybody for your help!
YES, AR-15 is what I meant. I used M16 "generically".
And YES, the username refers to an amazing revolver, the Manurhin!

 

[cuervo]

For civilian and match use, AR15s are very accurate and very reliable.

Upgrades include free-floating the barrel, heavy and/or match barrels and match chambers, and match sights.

Bushmaster, Olympic Arms, RRA, Colt, and "Armalite" are among the many manufacturers of AR15 lowers. FN does not make a civilian lower but their uppers are available as surplus.

Off the shelf runs from $600 to $850. Accurized models start at around $1000 and you can go as high as you want. At some point you'll leave the service rifle category and go into the match category, which includes "space guns."

The Bushmaster catalog is a good starting point. White Oak precision would be a good way to upgrade. Mixing and matching of uppers and lowers is pretty common but once you get into match grade rifles, you'll want to have an upper that fits the lower tightly.

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/request.asp
http://www.whiteoakprecision.com/index.htm