Once in awhile, something interesting crosses the bench. This week, it was a Colt M16A1 carbine, model 653. It’s in excellent condition, transferable, and according to the owner, only in need of a “check over.”

New manufacture NFAs are a dime a dozen, and it’s good to see the older stuff once in awhile. It’s also validation of the methods of manufacture and assembly used by the GTG makers. Good guns built properly just keep going.

Offered here for the knowledge base and for the retro guys in particular. Enjoy.

Serial number 928####





Side views





Working back from the muzzle… A1 birdcage hider, C MP B barrel marking, 14.5” LW .625 barrel, small diameter hand guards, single heat shields, flat slip ring










Front sight assembly unmarked, five position round FSP, round hand guard cap





Chrome bore and chamber. It passes Ned’s gauge, no surprise. I couldn’t find my throat erosion gauge.



BCG, BC marked C, MPC marked bolt, extractor with four coil spring and white insert. Passes the FP protrusion gauge