The following is extracted from the September issue of the Army's online PM site:


The M16 rifle and the M4/M4A1 carbine can now use the same extractor spring assembly. That means in the near future the M16 and M4 will also use the same breech bolt assembly.

The old extractor spring assembly, NSN 5360-01-424-5899, is still in stock and may be ordered for use on the M16. The old breech bolt assembly, NSN 1005-01-422-3770, is also still in stock and may be ordered only for the M16.

Once stock of the two assemblies is exhausted, order only the new extractor spring assembly, NSN 5360-01-505-2886. It's gold colored - the old one is dark colored. Order the new breech bolt assembly with NSN 1005-01-505-1035.


Is this gold colored extractor spring assembly already available commercially?