M16-A1 upper questions

AR/M4 Vintage ARs
1

Hey Guys

Recently picked up a complete M16-A1 upper. The upper receiver has LM forge codes, and FN Barrel, And an unmarked BCG. Can anyone give me an idea as to the manufacturer of the upper? I’m going to build this up on a NDS 16-A1 lower with surplus parts from apex.

2

It’s a replacement upper receiver. LM is the forge code for LAR / Martin Marietta (Army Spares Contract). It appears that what you have is a home built upper assembly. The FN barrel would be an A2 profile (1/7 twist). If you are going to do a relatively correct build, you will want a 20" .625" 1/12 twist barrel. AR15Sport has a 20" pencil barrel assembly, but it is with a 1/9 twist. It will give you the correct look, but allow you to use a larger variety of ammo. Brownells has a 20" 1/2 pencil barrel assembly. It would be the most correct. Green Mountain has a 20" 1/2 pencil barrel, but you will need a .625" FSB to be fitted to it. With any of these barrels, you will also have to install an A1 FH. If you are just going for a retro look, the barrel you have will suffice. If you have not ordered your NDS-16A1 lower yet, you need to get on the list now. It can take a few months to get them right now. You will need to specify whether you need it in XM Gray or black.

Here is a M16A1 clone with a McKay Enterprises A1 XM Gray lower.

Here is one with the black NDS-16A1 lower.

Here are the links for the barrels I mentioned.

http://shop.ar15sport.ihoststores.com/productinfo_v3.aspx?productid=BARREL-20LWT19

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/barrel-parts/rifle-barrels/ar-15-m16-20-a1-rifle-length-barrel-chrome-lined-1-12-sku100016584-77794-159342.aspx

http://gmriflebarrel.com/m16-a1-5-56mm-20-1-12-twist-20-barrel/

3

Should have specified, It is a lightweight .625 barrel and fsb marked FNMI Chrome Bore

4

FN did make replacement M16A1 barrels. They are very good quality.

5

Great thanks guys

6

I was not aware of this. Thanks for the info.

7

Then you are good to go on the barrel. This would most likely be a late 1970s to early 1980s A1 upper. The barrel was made some time later as a replacement. Is the upper black anodized?

8

Wish I could find one.

9

The upper is black anodized. How much do you guys think the upper is worth? I paid $500 for the whole thing

10

If it came with the BCG and CH, $500 was a decent price. As for the BCG, some of the early BCGs were not stamped with the C, so it may be a Colt BCG or a contract replacement. Since your upper is anodized black, you definitely want to get a black NDS-16A1 like in my bottom photo.

Also, as far as getting parts is concerned, call Slim at Indiana Army Surplus (812-275-2801). They have several original M16 parts they are selling right now at unbelievable prices. Their prices are hard to touch. Here is a sample of their prices.

D stock - $25
receiver extension - $20
buttplate screw - $2.25
rifle buffer - $13
buffer spring - $3
Triangular handguards - $19.95
bolt catch - $6
magazine release, spring, and button - $9
XM Grey trigger guard - $9
Teardrop forward assist, spring, and roll pin - $24
takedown pin - $4
gas tube - $13.50 (current) $70 (early bend)

11

Those are good prices. I need to call them on Monday.