M-16 From Vietnam

[Daltex1]

I believe its the A1 model and he did say something about the 1:14 twist. Nice site by the way!

[Xander]

If it doesn't have the forward assist, and the Wikipedia article is correct, it would have been a pre-'67 Air Force model. They don't mention anything about select fire, but do specifically mention that the Air Force model didn't have the forward assist, and the Army's model with the forward assist was standardized as the M16A1 in 1967.

[Liberty]

If it doesn't have the forward assist, and the Wikipedia article is correct, it would have been a pre-'67 Air Force model. They don't mention anything about select fire, but do specifically mention that the Air Force model didn't have the forward assist, and the Army's model with the forward assist was standardized as the M16A1 in 1967.

While the Army might have standardized on M16A! in 67 there will thousands of them still around in the early 70s. The Army just didn't get rid of the all the old ones in 1967.

[Daltex1]

[gmckinl]

If it doesn't have the forward assist, and the Wikipedia article is correct, it would have been a pre-'67 Air Force model. They don't mention anything about select fire, but do specifically mention that the Air Force model didn't have the forward assist, and the Army's model with the forward assist was standardized as the M16A1 in 1967.

Uh FYI, the second paragraph of the introduction said "The US Air Force's rifle, the M16, and the US Army's rifle, the XM16E1, were the first versions of the M16 rifle fielded. Soon, the Army standardized the XM16E1 as the M16A1 rifle, an M16 with a forward assist feature requested by the Army. All of the early versions were chambered to fire the M193/M196 cartridge in the semi-automatic and the automatic firing modes."

[Xander]

If it doesn't have the forward assist, and the Wikipedia article is correct, it would have been a pre-'67 Air Force model. They don't mention anything about select fire, but do specifically mention that the Air Force model didn't have the forward assist, and the Army's model with the forward assist was standardized as the M16A1 in 1967.

While the Army might have standardized on M16A! in 67 there will thousands of them still around in the early 70s. The Army just didn't get rid of the all the old ones in 1967.

The Army never had the model without the forward assist at all.

[SC1903A3]

I have a friend that has one of these.
It's semi auto and has the serial number only no manufacturer.

[Captain Matt]

I am not trying to start anything but I gave it a good look-over and was "searching" for the full-suto or 3 shot burst selector switch. I was almost "growing" that switch on that gun, kinda like a doe when your hunting for a buck! I have no reason not to believe this man that he brought it back from NAM. He had to him I high security clearance but did not go much further on that issue.

I have no idea if he's telling tall tales or he stole government property or there's something else going on, but there's no separate switch. A real M16 the selector has safe, fire and a 3rd position.

[CopOnce]

I am not trying to start anything but I gave it a good look-over and was "searching" for the full-suto or 3 shot burst selector switch. I was almost "growing" that switch on that gun, kinda like a doe when your hunting for a buck! I have no reason not to believe this man that he brought it back from NAM. He had to him I high security clearance but did not go much further on that issue.

I have no idea if he's telling tall tales or he stole government property or there's something else going on, but there's no separate switch. A real M16 the selector has safe, fire and a 3rd position.

The selector is on the left side of the weapon and have Safe, Semi, Auto in that order clockwise. The photo showing on the previous post Looks like the first production of the M-16, but it doesn't have the forward assist to close an open breach.

[Keith B]

You might also take a look at this page and the model guides http://www.retroblackrifle.com/ModGde.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. There are some photos of the some of the lowers. All of the '60's+ model actual M-16's I have ever seen were well marked Government Property like those in the photos. If you can get any kind of photo of the lower, that would be a big help in identifying it.

[CopOnce]

Thanks Keith for the link - The M-16 that was issued to me in 1964 is the one in this link with the early flash suppressor. http://www.retroblackrifle.com/ModGde/RflGde/603E1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I was totally unaware of all the changes they made to the M-16 since that time. When we were issued the M-16, we were told that our unit was the first to change over to the M-16. I was with the 101st Airborne Division, 326 Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, KY. I was there from October 1963 to July 1965 at which time we boarded the USS General LeRoy Eltienge troop carrier to Vietnam, and with my M-16. Who knew we were test subjects.

[dukalmighty]

I was an Air Force Security Policeman from 1976-78 we carried AR15 with A2 flash suppressors and triangle handguards even tho designated AR15 it had safe semi and full auto without a forward assist.The safety on the weapon is what controls the fire,if it points up semi if it has FA or burst capability the selector will face to the rear or 180 degrees from the safe position.It may be semi only or he may have told you it was semi only even if it was select fire