Retro M16A1 build (semi-auto)

[jrs93accord]

Just got everything together. M16A1 upper assembly (minus BCG and charging handle) from Ohio Ordnance Works, used M16A1 buttstock w/ trapdoor, A1 pistol grip, and M16 full-auto BCG w/ charging handle from SARCO, DPMS lower receiver w/ LPK from Coleman Tyler, and slightly used original M1 nylon sling and M7 bayonet w/ M8A1 scabbard from Moore Militaria. This is a build to comemorate what I used in the Marine Corps from 1978-84. You will notice that there is a 30-rd magazine in the weapon. This was all we used. I think the only time I ever used a 20-rounder was during quals at Parris Island.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/DSC00365.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/DSC00368.jpg

[RMTactical]

Very cool! :)

[Daynja]

You will notice that there is a 30-rd magazine in the weapon. This was all we used. I think the only time I ever used a 20-rounder was during quals at Parris Island.

Thanks for mentioning that. I was going to say the 30 rounder kind of looked out of place, but hey, you clearly know better than me what you actually used back then. :patriot:

Looks good. :)

[space_weazel]

Most Excellent !

[RWBlue]

Very nice
How much do you have invested in that?

[ripper_x4]

sweet build!

[MontanaLongbow]

Very Sweet!!!! I love the retro builds I have seen here and on other forums.
GREAT JOB!!!! How does she shoot?

[Onmilo]

That rifle makes me all warm and fuzzy!
I like the A2 but spent all my time working on A1s.
Army was still using 20 rounders quite a bit during those years for qualification and familiarization training.
30s were stored for call-up.

You were in service the same years I was.
Since you have a Force Recon Icon I am safe to say you were not one of the ground pounders who came up from Parris Island to qualify at Ft. Bragg and get into fistfights on Hay Street??????

[steve1911]

Looks good.

1911club#410

[MrMurphy]

20s are STILL being used for qualifications.......

[jrs93accord]

Very nice
How much do you have invested in that?

About $690 (excluding the bayonet)

[jrs93accord]

Very Sweet!!!! I love the retro builds I have seen here and on other forums.
GREAT JOB!!!! How does she shoot?

The range is planned to tomorrow. I will let you know.

[jrs93accord]

That rifle makes me all warm and fuzzy!
I like the A2 but spent all my time working on A1s.
Army was still using 20 rounders quite a bit during those years for qualification and familiarization training.
30s were stored for call-up.

You were in service the same years I was.
Since you have a Force Recon Icon I am safe to say you were not one of the ground pounders who came up from Parris Island to qualify at Ft. Bragg and get into fistfights on Hay Street??????


You are safe to say that. The closest I ever came to Ft. Bragg was Pope AFB. I was there a few times while I served in the Air Force Reserve ('95-'04). My first taste of the Army was in May 1979 at Ft. Benning (Jump School). There was nine of us Marines, four Air Force ParaRescue, and a whole bunch of soldiers.

[Onmilo]

Hooah Marine.
Have fun with that rifle.

[RWBlue]

About $690 (excluding the bayonet)

:wow:
Wow, That is a nice setup for the price.

[eddief4]

my dad was in the marine core from -77 to about -82 (i think that's the date)
at,where else, Paris Island.
he said that's what his M16 looked like
How Cool!!! :O)

[amd65]

I built one too, after I found an A1 upper fairly cheap.
After about 500 rounds, it has been 100% reliable, and very accurate--I can hit a clay pigeon at 100 yards using the irons, with the first shot. In fact, I regularly outshoot guys at my club who are shooting various gee-whiz A2's!

[jrs93accord]

Range Report:

A problem right off the bat. The BCG was tight and not wanting to cycle. I removed it and dropped in the BCG from my DPMS Panther and proceeded. The next 50 rounds went off without a hitch. Once it was zeroed (100 yds. using NRA 100 yard Match Target), I actually able to hit center "X". I was also shooting some 12" container lids at 125 yds. with no problem. The rifle is really more accurate than I. Overall, I am very satisfied. As for the M16 BCG, I took it apart when I was cleaning and it appears that the gas port was slightly askew. I took it apart and re-installed it. The BCG is no longer tight fiitting. BTW, the ammo used was Georgia Arms "Canned Heat" .223. It was flawless.

[Onmilo]

Well, you did say you bought the bolt carrier from Sarco,,,,,,:)

Suggestion if you want to drop the extra cash,
Get a High Standard AR15 bolt carrier 430-000-441
Prairie River chrome lined carrier key 704-000-004
TTI International carrier key screws 989-015-010
http://www.brownells.com

I have been using this combination for some time now with excellent results and in several rifles of various configurations.
Smooth running, reliable set-up.

[jrs93accord]

Well, you did say you bought the bolt carrier from Sarco,,,,,,:)

Suggestion if you want to drop the extra cash,
Get a High Standard AR15 bolt carrier 430-000-441
Prairie River chrome lined carrier key 704-000-004
TTI International carrier key screws 989-015-010
http://www.brownells.com

I have been using this combination for some time now with excellent results and in several rifles of various configurations.
Smooth running, reliable set-up.

The problem was actually my assembly. The carrier came unassembled. I have since ordered a BCM M16 carrier group from G&R Tactical just in case I need it. If I do not, I can always drop into my DPMS SBR.

[jrs93accord]

A Range Update:

After fixing the problem with the bolt carrier, I took it to the range again on Wednesday. Not one hiccup. It was flawless. I am going to try and get some new pics this week. I just had back surgery Friday, so I am moving about rather gingerly.