Building Military Replicas: Beyond the M16A1 Clone

In the early years of Vietnam War, the AR-15 was referred to as the Colt M16. This rifle was a space-age weapon that rejected the notions of blued steel and wood and instead chose plastics and aluminum. This was the image of a new dawn, when Americans were achieving a level of combat lethality that was unprecedented. However, the M16’s use in combat proved to prove to be a difficult experience. After much trial and error, the M16 became a mature system. It is the originator of many of the most popular and effective rifles currently in use, with most of them only a passing resemblance of the M16A1. There are many variations of the design, which appeal to different niches of collectors as well as shooters. There is also a growing market for modern military replicas. Brownells and the Retro RevivalBrownells shocked the industry when they launched a brand of retro-style AR components under their own brand. Brownells’ director of product management Paul Levy says that they came to the table with replicas and 1:1 copies of long-decommissioned military weapons and AR models. Although it was risky, it worked. There wasn’t much available. Nodak Spud forgings are licensed to us, both lower and upper. We spent a lot of time looking for original furniture to make copies. Then we moved on to authentic barrels with specific sight bases and twist rates. Once we had all the parts, we decided to build complete rifles. Many new shooters had never seen original-style AR rifles from Vietnam. Today’s shooters have grown up with the AR, but not with the AR of the past generation. Modern variants have eliminated all triangular handguards, iron sights, and carry handles. The excitement grew, and so did the demand for more variants. This particular set dates back to around 1968 to 1971, and was never issued. “The market for original Colt parts wasn’t very large and was expensive. We were delighted to receive great engagement from the AR-15 community when the Retro line was introduced to the market. Most of the products are between $1,000 and $1,400. It’s amazing that a factory-new rifle can be made that is as close as possible to the originals. Imagine being able buy a factory-new M1 Garand for that amount. The Retro replicas are a remarkable deal compared to the rest. They are a living history example that will help preserve the culture for the next generation. The AR design isn’t new and is closer in age to the M1 Garand than most people realize. They are only 20 years apart [the Garand was finalized in 1936 and AR-15 in 1956]. They were lightweight and easy to use, and were designed as a system. Modern versions have been modified and improved upon, and many people are amazed at how light and easy-to-use the 20-inch M16 rifle is. It’s the most elegant AR rifle and shows that Stoner was an expert in his field when he created it. It has faint markings but is not easily decipherable. It is quite expensive to buy a complete set of M16A1 furniture. Sometimes, it can cost as high as $500. Brownnells also sells separate receivers, uppers, and parts that are comparable to modern AR rifles. You can either build your own build or use a retro receiver to build a modern build. The company also introduced a replica of the original 4X carry scope used in Vietnam. Although not as impressive as an ACOG, it adds some coolness and capability to your retro build. Browns will be producing the BRN-16A1, XBRN-16E1 as well as the XBRN-177 complete rifles. While the Retro rifles will no longer be available as complete guns, the parts will still be available. Brownells will continue to offer parts for the Retro line. Although the first versions were different, the Colt production line produced the later ones. Although it was not officially in service for very long, the M45A1 was highly sought-after and is the last variant of a long series of 1911 M45 pistols. It served until 1985 when the M9 was adopted. 1911 enthusiasts often meticulously copy these variants. The SureFire® X30U-A is the correct issue lamp, as well as the Wilson Combat metal bottom magazines. A replica is, to my mind, something that is as close as possible to the original. The AR-15s that look like the M16A1 today are, in my opinion, a replica and not a reproduction. Colt’s military versions were fully automatic, had different metal finishes, and even had different pin diameters and parts sizes than the commercial versions. The Colt SP1 commercial guns, which are semi-auto versions of the company’s M16 rifle, are not direct copies of the military rifle. However, they are all, despite what collectors and hobbyists say, in-spirit replicas. Although I know people who are meticulous in replicating the rifles, they are essentially exact copies of the actual parts in appearance and function. I have seen reproduction Single Action Army revolvers so similar to the real thing that I would have paid money for them. I have also been fooled many times by modern M1 Garand copies. It is difficult to make replicas of the AR rifle. But it is possible. People feel a connection with history. Despite being great guns, Uberti are often not distinguishable from period pieces and I know of a few shooters who won’t touch them. Others don’t care about originality and realize that even a 1970s Colt SAA might not be the same as one from 1870s. They don’t feel the need for an extra cost to get one. The M16A1 CloneThis M16A1 clone is semi-auto. The exterior appearance is very similar to the one issued in late 1960s and early 70s. The Brownells retro product is the upper, with a 1:12 rifling twist. The exterior doesn’t show the modern bolt carrier group. The lower is also a Brownells Retro version, but it is stocked with the most recent Geissele Automatics parts. Although the Brownells replica lower has the same exterior features as the original, the markings are clearly different. The magazine is also very close to the original. I replaced the Brownells furniture with genuine M16A1 parts to make it feel authentic. The grip, stock, and handguard are all original and were made in 1970. Original sling was also given to me by a Vietnam veteran. He actually used it in-country during his tour. These parts add a certain amount of gravitas to the rifle. It is a new build with match grade parts and has a feel so similar to the original that it has been a hit at the range. Although this M16A1 clone contains original parts, it is less authentic than the USASOC URGI build. I purchased parts that are very close to the original. The Geissele upper is a genuine Geissele product and is as close as you can get to the current combat uppers. It’s functionally identical to the original, although some parts are not the same. It has the same handguard and rare SureFire flashhider, which is pinned to ensure it is legal length. As far as I know, the military version is not permanently pinned. The upper has all the necessary markings and NSN numbers. The upper came with the coveted Velcro patch that you can only get with this upper. To a dedicated collector, the patch sells for $100. It also has an SSAX Government Trigger, which is a contract overrun. Although it looks very similar to the USMC M27 IAR, it is not functionally identical. The upper also has identical sights, a similar light (Cloud Defensive rather than SureFire), as well as a correct model SureFire suppression. The carbine also comes with a Geissele optics mounting that is correctly issued but not the issue optic. However, it’s functionally identical to the USASOC rifle. This example is a great example of the best of both function and cosmetics. However, it would be unacceptable for someone trying as authentic as possible. I have owned original guns and copies. For some people, the real thing is more important than having copies. The rifle is used for rigorous competition. The Triad Tactical tactical forend wrap and the Cloud Defensive flashlight are functional. They are correct. They are correct. Replicas are as good as replicas that are “close enough.” For many guns, such as the AR-15 and its military counterparts, the AR-15, the best you can get is close enough. Download your Storm Tactical printable target pack62 printable MOA targets with DOT drills – Rifle range in YARDSThis amazing target pack comes from Storm Tactical and contains 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. 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