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Thread: A General Motors M16?

  1. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by dewatters View Post
    I only wish that the other 11 sections of the report were available for download as well.
    Especially this one:

    Title: Report of the M16 Rifle Review Panel. Volume 1. History of the M16 Weapon System.

    http://stinet.dtic.mil/stinet/jsp/do...28s%29&MC=&PE=

  2. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Slater View Post
    http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA953115

    Above is a report from 1968 detailing the M16 rifle's procurement, cost, and performance history up to that point. Toward the end of the text is a mention of two proposed alternate manufacturers, Harrington and Richardson and General Motors, and their forecasted prices.

    I can't imagine GM making that much money off of a small arms contract when compared to their automotive operations. Indeed, did GM even make any small arms after WW2?

    As a point of interest (from the report):

    " Colt's Inc. acquired the rights from Fairchild on or about 7 January 1959, at a cost of $75,000 plus 4.5% royalty on all weapons produced. Colt's contract with Mr. MacDonald (who recommended the acquisition) provided a payment of $250,000 plus a 1 per cent royalty on every rifle produced. (The fee to Mac Donald is referred to as a finder's fee and takes into account funds which he expended on exhibits and firing demonstrations throughout the world)."

    As there's some interest in GM and the rifle of passion here, I post a quote from 1970 in Time magazine regarding issues facing the automaker:


    "In front of General Motors' fortress-like headquarters building in Detroit last week, antiwar picketers waved banners reading G.M. GETS RICH, G.I.s DIE. Why did they pick on G.M.? Last year it received only 3% of its $24.45 billion revenues from defense contracts, largely for M16 rifles. But, as the prime symbol of corporate success in modern America, G.M. is a conspicuous target. This year it is under rising pressure not only from citizens objecting to the Viet Nam War and pollution of the environment, but also from the Government and competing automakers."


    Pretty much an anecdotal blurb, but maybe it will help.

  3. #13
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    I had a H&R A1 overstamped and converted into a a2 at Basic in 2003.

  4. #14
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    A co-workers issue M16 (LE) is a GM. Mines just a regular Colt. I will snap a pic.

  5. #15
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    I had a GM Hydramatic Div. M16A1 in basic training back in 1986. I have seen some here in country as well.



    Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms

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  6. #16
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    I have seen both M16's and M2 .50cals both made by GM. The 50's were date stamped in the late 60's, 68 and 69 if i remember correctly. Probably not much GM hasn't made over the years.
    Last edited by ErikL; 12-11-08 at 12:43.

  7. #17
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    Hrmmm, gun sales up 50% since the election...
    American car sales in the dumpster...

    Isn't perspective wonderful.

  8. #18
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    I never even knew GM dabbled in bullet propulsiuon devices. Of course that tells ya how much I know. Im still laughing about seeing "GM" stamped on an old fridge in my grandpas barn....

  9. #19
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    I saw a few GM M16 lowers when I was in basic training. I had never known before that either.

  10. #20
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    so GM just step in to help colt with overwhelming request on M16A1?
    GM doesn't produce M16A2, right?
    I saw a lower markin in "AR-15"
    there is a lower markin GM and M16A2

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