View Full Version : M16A1 replica for service rifle matches
armed_zebra
07-22-13, 11:04
I have been wanting to build a M16A1 replica for a while now with the intention of using it to shoot service rifle matches at my local club. My first question is, where are you guys getting parts kits from currently? Everywhere I look has mixed reviews ranging from excellent to very poor. Is there any one place that has a better reputation for turning out quality kits?
Second, where is everyone sourcing barrels and lowers? For the barrel, I want something that will work for competition. I don't care if I win. I'm just doing it for fun but I do want it to be reliable (not on a life or death scale). As for the lower, I see lots of people using Nodak. I'd like to have a Colt if possible but I would settle for buying something else that would allow me to have something engraved.
I'm just looking for suggestions that I couldn't find with my search. Any extra help is appreciated.
Sarco inc. sells original surplus M16A1 parts kits. It's about as authentic as it gets and comes with everything you need but the lower and barrel. The kits do come with an automatic trigger group so keep that in mind. http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/search.aspx?find=m16a1
Just FYI
http://www.odcmp.com/competitions/rulebook.PDF
Page 29, 6.2.3 U.S. Rifle, Caliber 5.56mm, M16
The rifle must be an M16A2 or M16A4 rifle issued by the U.S. Armed Forces or a commercial rifle of the same type and caliber. M16 rifles must be chambered for the 5.56mm cartridge and comply with the following specific requirements:
* Bunch of items *
then:
An M16A1 rifle (short) butt stock or pistol grip or its commercial equivalents may be installed in lieu of the M16A2 or M16A4 butt stock or pistol grip
* Some more items *
armed_zebra
07-22-13, 13:01
Sarco inc. sells original surplus M16A1 parts kits. It's about as authentic as it gets and comes with everything you need but the lower and barrel. The kits do come with an automatic trigger group so keep that in mind. http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/search.aspx?find=m16a1
The grade 1 kit from Sarco only has 1 rating and it isn't good. Do you have any personal experience with these, by chance? I don't want to order a parts kit and then have to start sourcing parts to replace parts in the kit, if I can help it. Any input as to the quality of the Sarco kits vs. the Sportsman Guide kits?
Also, Dan, thank you for the input. I will keep those items in mind.
I recently just assembled one for my dad because he wanted a build similar to what he carried in Vietnam. If you want new parts I definitely wouldn't recommend this. The parts all came in good shape but are definitely noticeably used and they came VERY dirty. I ran all the small parts through my sonic cleaner for about 10 cycles and afterwards some light toothbrush scrubbing got them looking good again. Everything in the kit was useable except the trigger/hammer pins which were a smaller diameter, I just replaced them with some old pins I had laying around and they work fine. The BCG looks surprisingly new and the bolt itself looks like its barely been used. The upper receiver has got a fair amount of wear to the finish but is otherwise fine. The stock and hand guards show scuffs and wear marks but nothing is broken.
http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Dan_Meyer/IMG_0837_zps4277bc2a.jpg (http://s1012.photobucket.com/user/Dan_Meyer/media/IMG_0837_zps4277bc2a.jpg.html)
http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Dan_Meyer/IMG_0839_zps8f46210b.jpg (http://s1012.photobucket.com/user/Dan_Meyer/media/IMG_0839_zps8f46210b.jpg.html)
http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Dan_Meyer/IMG_0838_zpsaff67901.jpg (http://s1012.photobucket.com/user/Dan_Meyer/media/IMG_0838_zpsaff67901.jpg.html)
http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Dan_Meyer/IMG_0841_zpsf3884328.jpg (http://s1012.photobucket.com/user/Dan_Meyer/media/IMG_0841_zpsf3884328.jpg.html)
http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Dan_Meyer/IMG_0843_zps644321b5.jpg (http://s1012.photobucket.com/user/Dan_Meyer/media/IMG_0843_zps644321b5.jpg.html)
I'm currently looking for a barrel to complete the build but not a whole lot of companies make 20" lightweight barrels. Some companies I've found that offer them are DPMS, Green Mountain, DEZ arms, Del-Ton and Alpha shooting sports.
To be competitive in service match a freefloat'd, A2 sight'd, heavy pig with at least 77gr is required.
To have fun, rock what you got
armed_zebra
07-22-13, 17:27
To be competitive in service match a freefloat'd, A2 sight'd, heavy pig with at least 77gr is required.
To have fun, rock what you got
Well, my club has a max of 4 shooters on match day and I'm usually 3rd or 4th of those. Then again, I have an old, worn the hell out Garand with a broken lug and a barrel that is probably beyond its service life. Oh, did I mention that I suck at shooting it?:laugh: This build is for fun, to own something cool aside from my modern day suppressed SBR's, and to be able to shoot some matches with something I am more familiar with, as far as a manual of arms goes.
The M16A1 is a fine, fun rifle. It's not used in Service Rifle competition because the rear sight does not allow for rapid windage and elevation adjustment at mid-range (500 and 600 yards).
You can make a free-float tube for the A1:
http://i36.tinypic.com/30agkuw.jpg
armed_zebra
07-23-13, 15:47
OK, so NoDak says they don't expect having the receiver I need in stock until the first quarter of 2014. Any other options anybody know of?
Am I missing something or is just buying a Colt SP1 not an option? I know the SP prices have gone up but I have seen them selling back in the 1,000 range again. I like the thrill of the hunt looking for parts and truely enjoy building AR's but at least with the Colt you have rifle easy to resell. I have shot my SP1 in local HiPower matches, I've been competitive with it and it was a hoot to shoot, but you are going to have to learn Kentucky Windage and 600 yards is a waste of 55 grain ammo.
My rifle is box stock, the key to shooting it well is having the sling pressure consistent on that skinny little barrel. Offhand has less pressure so you have to shoot with a fairly loose sling which isn't to bad with a 7 pound rifle.
Match223
I built my A1 clone with the last of CMMG's 20" LW 1:7 twist barrels (chrome lined). Best of both worlds: A1's lightness and the 1:7 twist's ability to shoot heavier loads. This was in 2009; I doubt you'd find one of those barrels now.
IIRC Fulton Armory offers a 1:8 LW 20" barrel that is chrome lined. It needs a FSB attached though.
ETA---just looked at Fulton's website and they no longer list it. It was a Criterion barrel as I recall.
halfmoonclip
10-29-13, 21:19
Give some serious thought to a Geissele SSA trigger in an SP-1 or whatever clone you create; long as it's legal, a good trigger makes a world of difference, and the SSA certainly looks kosher enough not to get anyone excited.
Fully understand how an A2 would be an easier choice at 600yds, but the A1 is just so damned light and handy....
Moon
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