Colt Model 601

**Iraqgunz** · 04-30-16, 23:30

This Model 601 is property of the USGOV and on loan to agency that hosted my course a few weeks ago in Georgia. From what I saw, it was all original except for the flash hider and the buffer. Overall it was in pretty good condition except for some surface rust. It's sad that these things sit around and rust away or get abused. I'd like to see it transferred to the Infantry Museum at Benning or elsewhere.

**SteyrAUG** · 05-01-16, 00:09

Wow. I think I'd give almost anything for a Colt / Armalite marked M-16.

Things like that should be on sale at the CMP right now.

**Cagemonkey** · 05-01-16, 08:51

Awesome. Should be in Museum.

**Renegade04** · 05-01-16, 17:34

Nice piece of M16 history. Not too many 601s still around that look that good. I am not sure why the FH was swapped out. Probably because the birdcage FH reduced the flash signature better or they preferred the birdcage FH since it had lesser of a chance to shag on things. The buffer was most likely changed out for dependability and to preserve the original Edgewater buffer. This does belong in a museum.

**SeriousStudent** · 05-01-16, 22:19

Agreed - that rifle should be in a museum at Benning or Bragg.

That's for getting the photos for us, I've never seen the guts on a 601 before.

**edison0918** · 05-02-16, 01:26

This is indeed a piece of history

**user** · 05-02-16, 11:32

Wow, is that a hard chrome bcg?is that original / what they used back then?

**Renegade04** · 05-02-16, 17:07

Originally Posted by user

Wow, is that a hard chrome bcg?is that original / what they used back then?

They are chrome. The 601, 602, 605, 607, and a few others had chrome carriers. Many of them had chrome bolts as well. I have a few of the older chrome BCGs in some of my retro builds. Phosphate carriers started showing up on the late XM16E1, the M16A1, 604, and many of the carbines.

**bm176** · 05-02-16, 20:37

Wow..very nice, much appreciate you sharing with us the original 601. I built a clone, but refreshing to see an original. I like the chip on the grip hinting the original mottled brown color underneath