What was the original color of the Colt M16?
The M16s made by Colt, H&R, and GM Hydra-Matic all had varying hues of gray all the way through production up until 1982. You will find black M16 uppers, mostly XM16E1 and M16A1, that have a black finish. This was applied through a re-arsenal process.
How many M16A1’s were made?
During that time M16A1’s in serial number range 752444 to 899999 were manufactured. This equals 147,555 rifles being manufactured if every number in that range was used for an M16A1. My serial number, 761390, puts the original rifle in the first 6% of M16A1’s manufactured.
What is the black finish on the M16?
You will find black M16 uppers, mostly XM16E1 and M16A1, that have a black finish. This was applied through a re-arsenal process. Many of the barrels were changed out during that time as well.
What does the V mean on the M16A1?
A V has been added to the end of the serial number to differentiate the new production rifle from the original production rifle and the V also acknowledges its association with the Vietnam War. The XM16E1 reached ‘Stanadard A’ classification in February of 1967. This resulted in the XM16E1 ‘Standard A’ being re-designated the M16A1.
When was the M16A1 made?
This resulted in the XM16E1 ‘Standard A’ being re-designated the M16A1. The rifle serial number that I have places the original rifle being manufactured in 1967. During that time M16A1’s in serial number range 752444 to 899999 were manufactured.
Why is there a V on the serial number of the XM16E1?
A V has been added to the end of the serial number to differentiate the new production rifle from the original production rifle and the V also acknowledges its association with the Vietnam War. The XM16E1 reached ‘Stanadard A’ classification in February of 1967.
What is a CRM16A1?
The Colt CRM16A1 rifle is the first rifle in the Colt “AR-15 Military Classics” line of AR-15 rifles. Production of the CRM16A1 is limited to 2500 rifles. All serial numbers used in production of the CRM16A1 rifles replicates the serial number of a Vietnam War era rifle.
When was the Colt CRM16A1 released?
Released in 2016, the Colt CRM16A1 was the first release in Colts AR-15 Military Classics series. It is a current catalog item on their website: https://www.colt.com/detail-page/col-crm16a1-556-20-30rd.
Which hand guard is better, SP1 or CRM16A1?
The SP1 hand guards are pretty rough and kind of brittle feeling. The hand guards on the CRM16A1 have a better feel, have consistent finish and are accurate when compared to online resources.