Correct parts for M16A1 build.

[mutt]

Some questions:

1) Is a 3 prong duck bill flash hider proper for an M16A1? All the pics I've ever looked at show the A1 bird cage on the A1 and the 3 prong on the original slab side M16. I like the classic look of the 3 prong but if it's not right I'd rather stick with the A1 bird cage.

2) Nylon OD sling or Canvas OD sling? I can get a nice nylon for the same price as a worn out canvas. If both are correct I'd rather have the sling that's in better shape.

3) Are painted rack numbers on the buttstock correct? I was told only exported M16A1s had rack numbers painted on the stocks and USGI were unpainted. The stock I have has white rack numbers painted on the left side.

4) Anyone know who does good engraving work locally? I'm toying with the idea of getting the Colt M16A1 markings engraved on the mag well.

I'm hoping some of you old timers will remember what your issued M16A1 looked like =)

Here's what I have so far:

[Great-Kazoo]

duck bill, but that's with slab side lower. Either DB or A1 is correct, unless you want the look of X year of the Colt production line

[jerrymrc]

You are most of the way to an A1E-F . Forward assist needs changed and it looks like an A2 lower? Remembering what my issue gun was like.. Well, I had a room full of them and being Medical we always were the last to get anything new. I carried an A1 into DS1.

I built one years ago before the kits came out. Nodak Spud will have the correct lower.

[zteknik]

We were issued some in basic.And from what I remember the buttstock had no trap door,and it had rack numbers painted on it and we had those funky green/brown nylon slings.
All the ones we had had forward assist,and birdcage hiders. Don't remember if they were flat sided or not.

[OneGuy67]

In 1985, our M16A1's had the old birdcage with no flat side, black nylon sling, round forward assist not tear drop, and had a trap door on the buttstock. We had rack numbers on the stock, sometimes painted, sometimes using an old label maker.

[mutt]

duck bill, but that's with slab side lower. Either DB or A1 is correct, unless you want the look of X year of the Colt production line

No specific model year. Just going for a plausible Vietnam era config.

You are most of the way to an A1E-F . Forward assist needs changed and it looks like an A2 lower? Remembering what my issue gun was like.. Well, I had a room full of them and being Medical we always were the last to get anything new. I carried an A1 into DS1.

I built one years ago before the kits came out. Nodak Spud will have the correct lower.

A1E-F? Not familiar with that one?
Upper is all Colt M16A1 minus the barrel which is a re-profiled BCM A2 (thanks Bert!). Forward Assist is a tear drop, so that should be correct? No?
Lower is a NDS-16A1 in the proper profile and color (had to wait a year for that one).

In 1985, our M16A1's had the old birdcage with no flat side, black nylon sling, round forward assist not tear drop, and had a trap door on the buttstock. We had rack numbers on the stock, sometimes painted, sometimes using an old label maker.

Cool, then I'll leave the rack numbers on the stock. I kinda like them any ways. It adds character.

[USMC88-93]

I have similar ambitions.

[jerrymrc]

The last incarnation was designated E or F with all the improvements before the A2. Could not tell from the pic the FA and lower. Looked like a shadow or the reinforcement from the A2. The later ones were all M16A1 but little things like the trapdoor buttplate VS the flat plate changes things. I remember getting the stupid bulletins on improvements from 81-89 when I ran the arms rooms and that is how they called them.

The bulletin would have something about the improvement for M16A1c rifles to be upgraded to M16A1e.

[mutt]

The last incarnation was designated E or F with all the improvements before the A2.

I learn something new every day. Thanks for the lesson. I'm looking to do more of an original, Vietnam era M16A1 than the later revisions. Guess I'll throw on the 3 prong flash hider and try to find a canvas sling that isn't so worn out. Zteknik didn't seem to think too highly of the nylon ones. Thanks for all the info guys.

[jerrymrc]

I learn something new every day. Thanks for the lesson. I'm looking to do more of an original, Vietnam era M16A1 than the later revisions. Guess I'll throw on the 3 prong flash hider and try to find a canvas sling that isn't so worn out. Zteknik didn't seem to think too highly of the nylon ones. Thanks for all the info guys.

I never cared for the slings as well. M60 and modified Alice pack straps were popular.