I've always wanted to build a replica of an M16A1, I thought it was one of the coolest looking rifles with it's triangular handguard and 20" pencil barrel profile. I started hunting down the parts for a build about a year ago and now I finally have everything I need to get started on this project. I'll be using original and new parts in this build. I plan on shooting this rifle so I'm not interested in an original shot out barrel or worn bcg etc. My goal is to have a faithful reproduction that's reliable and shoots well. So here I go.
This is what I'm starting with. I'm using an original Colt M16A1 upper and a Brownell's M16A1 reproduction lower.
This upper has seen some action over the years and has the scars to prove it.
I removed just enough material to smooth out the damage to the top of the carry handle and then recontoured it back to the original shape.
I did likewise for the rest of the gouges and nicks. It's actually smoother now than it was originally as I removed some of the casting flash marks.
I also lapped the face of the receiver where the barrel seats. I've heard a lot of arguments that say this doesn't help accuracy but I figured It couldn't hurt. I got the tool on sale for $25.00 so It didn't hurt to at least try it.
I originally took the upper and lower to a gun smith to have it Cerakoted, I was there to have some laser engraving done on the lower so I thought, why not. Only trouble was I didn't like the grey color I chose. Instead of waiting weeks to have the gun smith Cerakote it again I decided to do it myself. I ordered this gun on Amazon, it's made by Shop Fox and it did a fantastic job so I can recommend it. It uses an 0.8 tip which is what Cerakote recommends.
The basic process is this: Clean all parts with brake cleaner, blast all parts with aluminum oxide, I use an air etcher for this. Then the parts are heated to burn off any oils, at no point can the parts be touched by hand during the process, gloves are worn at all times. Then the Cerakote is run through a strainer and sprayed. Sounds like a lot but I can assure you it's easy. It does make a mess though. I chose Graphite Black which turned out to be a dead ringer for the original Colt finish. I'm really happy with this color.
This is what I'm starting with. I'm using an original Colt M16A1 upper and a Brownell's M16A1 reproduction lower.
This upper has seen some action over the years and has the scars to prove it.
I removed just enough material to smooth out the damage to the top of the carry handle and then recontoured it back to the original shape.
I did likewise for the rest of the gouges and nicks. It's actually smoother now than it was originally as I removed some of the casting flash marks.
I also lapped the face of the receiver where the barrel seats. I've heard a lot of arguments that say this doesn't help accuracy but I figured It couldn't hurt. I got the tool on sale for $25.00 so It didn't hurt to at least try it.
I originally took the upper and lower to a gun smith to have it Cerakoted, I was there to have some laser engraving done on the lower so I thought, why not. Only trouble was I didn't like the grey color I chose. Instead of waiting weeks to have the gun smith Cerakote it again I decided to do it myself. I ordered this gun on Amazon, it's made by Shop Fox and it did a fantastic job so I can recommend it. It uses an 0.8 tip which is what Cerakote recommends.
The basic process is this: Clean all parts with brake cleaner, blast all parts with aluminum oxide, I use an air etcher for this. Then the parts are heated to burn off any oils, at no point can the parts be touched by hand during the process, gloves are worn at all times. Then the Cerakote is run through a strainer and sprayed. Sounds like a lot but I can assure you it's easy. It does make a mess though. I chose Graphite Black which turned out to be a dead ringer for the original Colt finish. I'm really happy with this color.