Tell me about the used Colt M16 parts kits.

[JesterRock]

Has anyone here purchased the used Colt M16 parts kits for their AR15s? A buddy of mine has been purchasing the Colt M16 parts kit which includes the furniture and uppers from older US military M16 rifles, and he has been applying them to AR15 lowers to make a retro style AR15. He then airbrushes the upper and lower to make a uniform matte black finish, and they turn out looking great. I have considered going this route with my M&P 15, but I am unsure about a few things.

1. I know adding another upper could cause reliability issues, but is buying a used M16 upper just asking for reliability problems or complete parts failure?

2. Are there any parts of this upper different from an AR15 upper? And if so, would finding a replacement be difficult?

3. Overall, is this not a good idea?

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Price has gone way up on them, but if you want a retro upper they look great.

The only thing I have heard negative is to make sure the threads on the upper aren't chewed up.