Help with this vintage Colt

**lawdawg97** · 01-29-13, 19:27

These pictures are of an all original, unfired, factory Colt M16A1 carbine that I have the opportunity to buy. My concern is that I have never seen a 3rd generation fiberlite stock on an Colt M16A1 carbine . My second concern in that the heat shields appear to be a later generation by looking at the matte color.

I realize you are limited by the pictures but does this seem correct?

**SteveS** · 01-29-13, 21:29

Sorry I can't help but The Colt is awesome !!! Though I had only Solt ARs and sold them at the First calif ban I like Colts.

**scottryan** · 01-30-13, 07:53

That barrel might not be original. It shouldn't have a bayonet lug, but some later 639s have a bayonet lug, so it is hard to say for sure.

We need closer pictures.

The plastic stock is probably not original.

**lawdawg97** · 01-30-13, 09:14

This is a Model 653. My research indicates the 3rd gen stock was put on the Model 653 Colt factory M16A1 carbines starting in 1985. First a 2 position, then a 4 position. This gun was purchased in 1985 and put away.

The camera angle and the muzzle shroud make the barrel look too short but the barrel length is 14.5 inches

Here are all the pictures I have.

Thank you for your help.

**lawdawg97** · 01-30-13, 09:15

more pictures

**scottryan** · 01-30-13, 09:35

You have pictures of two different barrels.

653s never had 4 position tubes.

Your 11.5" can be a 653 with a replaced 639 barrel or it could be an early 733.

The 11.5" could also be a cut down. Pictures are not clear enough.

The 14.5" can either be a 653 or early 723. Without pictures of the barrel markings it is impossible to tell.

**lawdawg97** · 01-30-13, 09:53

thank you scott
i have held the rifle in my hands - the barrel is 14.5 inches
the pictures are terrible - bad angle and cheap point and shoot lens

how about the 3rd gen stock?
I think we may be dealing with a 1985 or 1986 653 purchased right before the ban
not as "vintage" as most but perhaps a bit unique in its configuration with the factory 3rd gen stock

check out this link

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Colt_AR-15...on_Collapsible

3rd Generation Collapsible
"This stock was introduced in 1985 and is commonly known as the "fiberlite stock". The shape is similar to the early coated aluminium stock but was made from plastic, and can be differentiated by its matt finish (the coated aluminium stocks had a shiny black finish) and the two vertical strengthening ribs on each side. Early models were only two position stocks, but later models were four position."

thank you again for your expertise!!!