Vintage Colt M16A1 (653)

[ST911]

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####

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6537a.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6538.jpg

Side views

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/653a.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6531a.jpg

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

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6532.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6533.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65319.jpg


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6536.jpg

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

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6534.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/6535.jpg

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

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65340.jpg

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

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65334.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65335.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65336.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65337.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65338.jpg

[ST911]

Lower receiver group

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65330.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65329.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65328.jpg

Auto fire control group

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65333.jpg

Auto sear and spring legs

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65331.jpg

Lower receiver, fenced, mag release

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65313.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65311.jpg

Upper receiver

Stamps

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65327.jpg

Tear drop forward assist, no case deflector

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65325.jpg

A1 rear sight, CH forge marking

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65326.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65324.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65322.jpg

Stock group

Two position collapsible stock, aluminum butt stock (unmarked)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65310.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65316.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65318.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/Colt%20653/65315.jpg

Not dramatically different than current production, but a piece of history nonetheless. It’s unfortunate that what once cost the original owner only several hundred dollars to own will now cost someone else $18,000 - $25,000 to enjoy.

[lethal dose]

Great specimen!

[SeriousStudent]

Your new truck gun? :D

Seriously, it's a great weapon. As someone that grew up with iron sights, I can appreciate at how light and handy that carbine is.

[Stickman]

Thanks for taking the time to post pics, its a shame this family of weapons has been restricted from us.

[Firefox]

Very cool! I saw a similar transferable at a range a while back. It Makes me want to build a clone now lol. There's a certain beauty to the old school AR family.

[filthy phil]

Sweet:cool:

[TMS951]

Very nice, if I was able to have one transferable pre 86 gun that would be it.

[Uncas47]

Timeless! Thanks for the photos.

[SteveS]

Thank you for the photos!!!

[SteveS]

I had to come back for another look!!!

[SteveS]

I had to come back for another look!!!
Again. The carbine just tickles me I love it!!!

[O3SKILL]

The Colt M16A1 model 653 is a beautiful little Rifle. A lot of folks don't realize it, but the model 653 is what Tom Berenger (Staff Sgt. Barnes) carries in the movie Platoon. It's not a period correct model as I believe it was first introduced in the late 70's, early 80's but plays the part just the same.

[nml]

Yea there's a reason Hollywood is synonymous with words like bogus, deceptive, false and misleading :D

This gun rocks! one lucky owner

[t0kie]

ooooh, a happy switch on a historic rifle. Nice!!!!

[lawdawg97]

Skintop911

I have purchased what has been represented to me as a pristine, unfired, full auto, factory Colt M16A1 carbine circa 1979 or 1980. From the photos I have and your post here, I believe it is a Model 653. The weapon is currently on a Form 3 in Missouri. It will be here at my Class III dealer here in Georgia in 8 weeks. The seller has agreed to allow me 72 hours to examine the weapon once it arrives at my Class III dealer prior to starting the Form 4 process to transfer the weapon to me. I have need of your services to evaluate the firearm for authenticity as well as operational soundness. How may I contact you in private so that we may discuss?

Lawdawg97

[usmcvet]

Thanks for taking the time to post pics, its a shame this family of weapons has been restricted from us. I agree. This gun looks brand new!


Skintop911

I have purchased what has been represented to me as a pristine, unfired, full auto, factory Colt M16A1 carbine circa 1979 or 1980. From the photos I have and your post here, I believe it is a Model 653. The weapon is currently on a Form 3 in Missouri. It will be here at my Class III dealer here in Georgia in 8 weeks. The seller has agreed to allow me 72 hours to examine the weapon once it arrives at my Class III dealer prior to starting the Form 4 process to transfer the weapon to me. I have need of your services to evaluate the firearm for authenticity as well as operational soundness. How may I contact you in private so that we may discuss?

Lawdawg97

To Send him a PM private message click on his name and several options will appear. You should be able to email or PM easily that way.

[lawdawg97]

I agree. This gun looks brand new!



To Send him a PM private message click on his name and several options will appear. You should be able to email or PM easily that way.

yes i see now thank you

[bigredneck61088]

Awesome! I want one...

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[SpartanDCI]

Nice carbine.

Just a note, have them replace the buffer with a new one......those buffers with the golden colored end bumper and the really nice golden green color anodizing are from the early 1970's, which matches the C MP B barrel code.

That is an original carbine 14.5 incher since the taper is still there at the flash hider point.........also nice factory paint dabs on the bolt hold open roll pin and stake points at the collapsible stock nut........Colt's old hand on the CAR15 series, Dick Welch would be proud.

Keep the buffer since it is correct with that rifle, but if the owner should ever want to snap some caps downrange - they would like a newer buffer.

Great original condition Carbine..........makes me want my old M16A1 carbine......great shooters.......

[lawdawg97]

do you recommend a modern buffer to save wear and tear on the lower or wear and tear on the shooter?

[cisco38]

nice rifle! i love old school M16s. so much character.

heres mine:
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww44/buell38/DSC01974_zpseb735e13.jpg

[Oscar Mike]

Sweet-looking vintage carbine.

[RHINOWSO]

Reminds me of working at the state fair grounds when they held the gun shows. It was just after the legislation restricting new FA NFA weapons to civies took place but people still had FA guns to sell / show off regularly at the gun show. Back when guns shows had guns, not beef jerky, prepper gear, and Nazi knives...

If only I had known, I would have bought a FA AR lower as soon as I became legal age. Would have been expensive but far less than these days... :(

[blade_68]

I keep a copy of this thread on my cell phone just for the photos.. I miss my old issued GM Hydromatic M16A1

[Benito]

Wow. That's pretty.