My 603 build, almost complete

[Dravur]

Hi, Just started wandering around M4Carbine and thought I would share my 603 build. Oddly enough, it started with the Flash Hider. I still need to find an early sling, and I need to put the front sling swivel on, but here it is.. Plus, I want to see how to include photos.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6968012129_3bcc05cbc8.jpg

I have replaced the spikes lower with a Nodak Lower. The LPK isn't retro, and I am searching for some small parts to switch out, but everything else is correct. I even found a period correct bolt and carrier.

What would the correct sling be for an early 603? Would it be the seat belt model or just a green sling?

Now I have the bug and working on an XM177 clone.

[A square 10]

very nice looking job , either sling would be correct but i ended up using the OD nylon version on mine ,

i did one a number of years ago to a rough 1969 vintage - i used the birdcage FS on mine ,
ive been shooting it with a ceinar 22LR conversion lately


http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r188/Asquare10/mikesrifles008-1.jpg

[Dravur]

The only reason I used the three prong is... I happened to have one. For some reason, I have always liked the way they look, so I left it on there. I also don't have an A1 birdcage anyway. Do you know of anyone who stocks the original slings?

[A square 10]

i like the three prong , it was fitted to the earlier [than mine was intended to mimic] rifles , it has a bit of retro all its own ,

try here for a repro-
http://www.usarmory.com/catalog.asp?PAGE=18

midway down is real thing-
http://www.northridgeinc.com/store/index.cfm/c154

real correct era webb ones here-
http://www.mooremilitaria.com/prod03.htm

and near the bottom of the list - both cotton webb and nylon
http://www.raparts.com/Products/m14parts.html

[Frens]

beautiful gun! ;)

I'll buy a real 603 soon but I'd like to replace the birdcage with a 3 prong FH... where can I find one?

tnx

[Todd00000]

How is a 603 different from a M16A1?

[Dravur]

The 603 is just a numbering system that Colt used to determine models. There are a couple of earlier pre-production models, like the 601 and 602.

The 603 and 604 were the first M-16s, and I believe the 604 was introduced to the Air Force first. The 603 was the first "M-16" widely used by the Army. The only real difference between the 603 and 604 was the 604 did not have the forward assist and did have the Bolt Carrie with no slots on the side., a slick bolt.

So, in a nutshell, the 603 and 604 are probably the first M-16s out there. Now, of course, mine is an AR as it is Semi Auto.

There are dozens of variations through the years to the first M-16s.. so, you can have a 603 with a 3 prong FH, or an A1 Birdcage, for example.

Also, you can get a 3 prong FH from this guy....

http://www.mooremilitaria.com/prod03.htm