It's an older Spec-Ops Patrol sling. The current versions use a slightly "slicker" material.
The manual was reprinted in it's entirety for the book "Top Secret: MAJIC" by UFOlogist Stanton Friedman. The MAJIC12 manual is almost certainly a hoax, but it makes for a fun photo prop.
I have a few SpecOps slings on my older Colts. They're great slings.
When the M16A2 carbine series came out in the 1980s, there were some variances. In early 1985, Colt unveiled the "M16A2 Carbine," (Model RO723) which essentially was an improved version of the CARBINE, 5.56 MILLIMETER, M16A1 (NSN 1005-01-029-3866; also known as the model RO653 carbine). These originally had large round forward assist and used M16A1 lower receivers. Later versions used a D shaped forward assist and the smaller round forward assist as they used the M16A2 lower receiver.
"A Bad Day At The Range Is Better Than A Great Day Working"
USMC Force Recon 1978-1984
US Air Force Res. 1995-2004 (Air Transportation)
M16/AR15 shooter since 1978, gun collector and AR builder since 2004
For some hardcore retro people, the M16A2 is not included in the retro world, but they do accept the M16A2 series of carbines (723 and 733). Personally, I would recognize the M16A2 as being the latest retro. That said, I do not consider it vintage. I consider the M16A1 series of weapons as being vintage. Of course, some construe vintage and retro being the same, therefore creating some confusion for others. For the A2 in question, the M5 RAS, weaponlight, and aiming laser are not retro and certainly not vintage. It is a good looking weapon nevertheless.
"A Bad Day At The Range Is Better Than A Great Day Working"
USMC Force Recon 1978-1984
US Air Force Res. 1995-2004 (Air Transportation)
M16/AR15 shooter since 1978, gun collector and AR builder since 2004
I have original military contracts still in packaging made by Americans in early mid Seventies. They are a light gray park. I also have assembly parts. They're so much nicer than the new FAs. I have one on my 723 clone it clears the newer lower without issues. I've had them on a 6920 lower and it also clears without modifications. I think the early reinforced lowers were the issue.
And technically Vintage is just speak for what we call Generation these days. A1, A2, A4 But Retro is subjective. Retro means "recent past" so A2 would qualify.
Last edited by Core781; 09-28-18 at 20:21.
Having original military contract large round forward assists still in packaging is entirely possible. During the developmental stage of the M16A2, they did utilize the large round forward assist on the M16A1E1 (Model 645) in the later 1970s. The upper they used on these was the C7/A1E1 type which had the Brunton Bump (brass deflector). They also used the M16A1 lower (AUTO converted to BURST). The Marine Corps started testing these in 1981. Early M16A2s (A2 upper and lower) had the D shaped forward assist before going to the small round forward assist.
"A Bad Day At The Range Is Better Than A Great Day Working"
USMC Force Recon 1978-1984
US Air Force Res. 1995-2004 (Air Transportation)
M16/AR15 shooter since 1978, gun collector and AR builder since 2004
This is a picture thread, right?
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