From a 1987 Colt advertisement, The Black Rifle II, pg. 19.



Delta with 723, following Mogadishu raid



Protective detail with 723--note 14.5" A1 profile barrel with the late production A1 upper.

Very

The M16A2 Model 723 was supposedly produced for Delta and exportation to the UAE. It featured an A2 lower, a modified A1 or A2 upper, a 14.5" 0.625 barrel, a CAR collapsible stock, A2 front sight and an A2 flash hider. The 723S was the safe/semi only version, and it's the subject of my first build. In my opinion the 723 combines the historically perfect A1 components (barrel and rear sight) with several A2 improvements in one package. This is near perfection in a handy, simple, sub six pound defensive AR carbine. The only non-milspec component will be the 0.200" longer barrel.


Here's specifically why the 723 is possibly the best AR ever designed:

Barrel--Called "A1," "Lightweight," "Pencil," or "Standard profile," the 14.5" A1 profile barrel offers a substantial velocity improvement over 10 and 11.5" offerings while remaining compact and extremely light--nearly a pound lighter than heavier profile barrels. Unless you need incredible precision or are dumping mag after mag full auto, the light weight barrel is the best choice. Light weight barrels help the AR point faster, are easier to carry, and decrease fatigue during training sessions.

Upper receiver--The modified M16A1 upper receiver features the simple and well protected A1
sights, the case deflector, aka "Brunton Bump" for firing weakside or by left handed individuals, and also the forward assist.

A2 front sight--Though it has coarser adjustments than the A1, the A2 square front sight post offers a clearer view of the front sight in variuos light condition relative to the round post.

Lower receiver--The A2 lower receiver offers several key improvements over the A1.

A2 Flash hider--While not the best flash hider currently available, the A1 and A2 offered good flash suppression at the time of development. The A2 has the added benefit of a closed lower port to reduce kicked up dust when firing prone.


I'll be using the following high quality components:

Noveske/CMT A2 lower
CMMG A1 upper receiver with forward assist and case deflector
CMMG 14.7" 0.625 barrel 1/7 (revised version, when available)
A2 flash hider permanently mounted
CMT M16 MP bolt/bolt carrier
CMT charging handle
CMT LRPK, A2 grip
CMT CAR stock with milspec receiver extension
CAR handguards

Total cost minus tools and shipping will be in the $800-$900 range.

I'll post pics of components and subassemblies as the build progresses. I'll give a review of the individual component quality as well. A running tally of the cost, with and without shipping will be kept. Most orders will be placed with ARF vendors and shipping times will be posted.

Noveske/CMT lower receiver $135 + $10 shipping if IIRC.

I picked this up before Christmas not exactly knowing what I'd build with it.

Quality of the piece is excellent--only a few barely perceptable scratches below the finish. No visible machine marks. Surface metal treatment is even, and the anodizing looks perfect, with a deep charcoal color.  Nice, bold rollmark. I went with the Noveske because I've read a great deal about the milspec quality of the CMT components, the rollmark is badass, and Noveske is really pushing the envelope in AR design. I'm going to stick with components from just two manufacturers, whenever possible, in this build to prevent this from being a frankenAR.

CMT/Stag LRPK ($64) and CAR stock assebly ($70) ordered from Stag this afternoon. Shipping was $9.

Total spent to date $269, plus $19 shipping.

Nice! I modeled my latest build after the Colt 723.

Very nice! Is that a Colt or BM 16 inch barrel? Have you thought about dropping the bucks on CMMG's new lightweight 14.7" barrel? They pulled the lighweight profile barrels off the website because they will soon offer 0.625" under the FSB profiled barrels. The old ones were fat under the FSB and didn't quite look right.

That was one of the reasons I had put off this project--milspec 14.5" (14.7") lightweight barrels were almost nonexistent. Your only options prior to this were the strange CMMGs, old 14.5" Colts or Deimarcos or a cut down Colt or BM 16" lightweight barrel (and you lost the shoulde before the flash hider). Then you had to SBR your lower or put the crazy looking extended A2 flash hiders on. In my opinion the best compromise is the standard A2 FH permanently mounted on a 14.7" barrel.

Quoted: Very nice! Is that a Colt or BM 16 inch barrel? Have you thought about dropping the bucks on CMMG's new lightweight 14.7" barrel? They pulled the lighweight profile barrels off the website because they will soon offer 0.625" under the FSB profiled barrels. The old ones were fat under the FSB and didn't quite look right. That was one of the reasons I had put off this project--milspec 14.5" (14.7") lightweight barrels were almost nonexistent. Your only options prior to this were the strange CMMGs, old 14.5" Colts or Deimarcos or a cut down Colt or BM 16" lightweight barrel (and you lost the shoulde before the flash hider). Then you had to SBR your lower or put the crazy looking extended A2 flash hiders on. In my opinion the best compromise is the standard A2 FH permanently mounted on a 14.7" barrel.

Mine is more of a “Franken 723”, I used a RRA lower, Colt A1 PG, BM A1/C7 upper, Del-Ton CAR kit with DPMS 16” Lt. Wt. barrel.

Quoted: Very nice! Is that a Colt or BM 16 inch barrel? Have you thought about dropping the bucks on CMMG's new lightweight 14.7" barrel? They pulled the lighweight profile barrels off the website because they will soon offer 0.625" under the FSB profiled barrels. The old ones were fat under the FSB and didn't quite look right.

Are they going to do the 0.625" FSB in a 14.5" length?


Scott

From CMMG on Industry Forum

Warm up your plastic. They were previously offered in 14.5" and 14.7" lengths. The new ones should be as well.

Are they going to come with standard feedramps and regular (non F marked) front sight bases?


Scott

Likely M4 barrel extensions, but those could be replaced if you were motivated enough.

"Complete" barrel assemblies will likely feature F-marked FSBs as standard. However, there's always the option of buying a "stripped" barrel and adding your own A1/A2 0.625 FSB. It would be pretty easy to source that component (BM, etc.). Hopefully CMMG wouldn't mind installing one on one of their stripped barrels--they'd save the cost of their own F-marked FSB for the hassle, and they don't seem to shy away from giving us the product we want.

I'm liking this project so far!


Would they have run these with an A1 or A2 rear aperature?

I'm not sure on the aperture. I'll probably upgrade to an A2 or an XS same plane.

The beauty of this build is that all the components to make a fairly accurate 723 are easily available--A2 lowers, correct, enhanced A1 uppers, A2 grip, plastic CAR stock. Hopefully the correct barrels will be available soon as well.

--milspec 14.5" (14.7") lightweight barrels were almost nonexistent. Your only options prior to this were the strange CMMGs, old 14.5" Colts or Deimarcos or a cut down Colt or BM 16" lightweight barrel (and you lost the shoulde before the flash hider).

The Diemaco C8 barrels are only lightweight forward of the FSB, similar to what CMMG used to offer.  They use a .750 FSB, skinny profile forward of that and it ends with a long tapered shoulder that ends up the same diameter as a regular A2 barrel just behind the flash hider.

I've been trying to think of way to accomplish the same look, only using a .625 FSB.  I think that it would look way better than the odd appearance of the fat/skinny barrel.  The only thing I can think of is to make it in two parts;

-lightweight profile with extra long threading at the muzzle
-a seperate shoulder/flange that threads on to the barrel.

The only problem I have with this is how to properly torque the shoulder without machining flats into it.  I've thought of drilling a couple of holes in the face of it and then making a wrench similar to a barrel nut wrench to secure it properly.

Im going to build one just like it

When CMMG has the barrels ready

tag

A quality/affordable .625 sightbase lightweight 14.5" barrel with chrome lining, 1/7 twist and M4 feedramps will sell LIKE HOTCAKES.

Bring it on! (Please)

Quoted: A quality/affordable .625 sightbase lightweight 14.5" barrel with chrome lining, 1/7 twist and M4 feedramps will sell LIKE HOTCAKES. Bring it on! (Please)

I really hope they offer these without a F stamped FSB or M4 ramps as many people will be using these on fix handle uppers for KISS carbines that do not have feed ramp cuts.

I said it 3 months ago and I will say it again.

Quoted: I really hope they offer these without a F stamped FSB or M4 ramps as many people will be using these on fix handle uppers for KISS carbines that do not have feed ramp cuts. I said it 3 months ago and I will say it again.

+1

    This is an early Colt M16A2 model 723. Almost all of the early model 723s I have seen had C H marked A1 uppers with no M4 feed ramps, a 2 position metal stock, & a 14.5" NATO 1/7 marked pencil barrel. The later model 723s were delivered with the 4 position FiberLite stock.
                                                                  HTH,
                                                                  Carey
Edit: The FOIA revealed this Colt M16A2 Carbine model 723 left the factory in June, 1985.

Carey, thanks for the additional pic--they're hard to come by. That barrel is a great lenght and profile.

It's interesting that some sources list several variants of the 723 with a 0.750 barrel in addition to 0.625. If they were M4 profile, wouldn't that be a 720?

Regardless, I'm very excited about CMMG's new barrels. If they build them with the aforementioned retro features as an option, they will have difficulty keeping them in stock. A 14.5/14.7" A1 profile barrel on a K.I.S.S. AR will be one sweet handling practical carbine.

Hee hee, more Advanced Retro!!!!

Bottom gun, 723-ish with an M4 stock setup......this thing is uber sweet!!!!!  I actually based it on the C7 Carbine...or is that the C8???  I hate being dyslexic!!!!

Curare,
    You never can tell what Colt would put together and sell in the early-mid '80s. The one in the pic was apparently delivered from the factory with a tear drop FA and no spent case deflector. Go figure! But one thing is certain. The model 723 is a very light, reliable, fast handling rifle. You can improve on it, but it will start getting heavy.
                                                                  Carey

When are these revamped CMMG lightweight barrels suppose to be out?

The upper is a Colt 723 w/factory M4 feedramps. Mated to a 6530 barrel. With some updates to bring it up to speed while still KISS- sorry it isn't completely retro. Sure shoots nice though...

Quoted: Quoted: A quality/affordable .625 sightbase lightweight 14.5" barrel with chrome lining, 1/7 twist and M4 feedramps will sell LIKE HOTCAKES. Bring it on! (Please) I really hope they offer these without a F stamped FSB or M4 ramps as many people will be using these on fix handle uppers for KISS carbines that do not have feed ramp cuts. I said it 3 months ago and I will say it again.

And I'll say again, M4 feedramp barrels work just fine in standard receivers.  F height FSB's are GTG almost always, just a bit lower on the front sight adjustment.

I'd really like to find a 723 type upper receiver with M4 type cuts personally (and matching barrel).

Quoted: The upper is a Colt 723 w/factory M4 feedramps. Mated to a 6530 barrel. With some updates to bring it up to speed while still KISS- sorry it isn't completely retro. Sure shoots nice though... coloradoshooting.org/ipw-web/gallery/albums/Sovereign/IMG_2079.jpg coloradoshooting.org/ipw-web/gallery/albums/Sovereign/IMG_2112.sized.jpg

sovereign,
    What are the forge marks on your upper with the M4 feed ramps, C M?
                                                               Carey

"CH"

    C H is the most common 723 upper marking I have seen. Did Colt stamp a 4 or M4 on the front to ID it as having M4 feed ramps?
                                                                Carey

I don't recall seeing the "4" or "M4" before I built it up. The ramps are the correct geometry and are anodized.

   Good find! Chalk it up as another variation. I had seen an unmarked "C M" A2 upper with feed ramps, and I have a "4" marked "C AF" A3 upper with feed ramps.
                                                           Thanks,
                                                            Carey

Great project, and thread.  Am planning on building a 723 clone one of these days.  Am holding out on finding a real upper, already found some 653 uppers and a 727 upper.

Starting in the late 1980's Colt added M4 feed ramps to thier carbines.  They are not usually marked 4 or M4 (flat top uppers being the exception).

I have not seen any evidence that the four position butt stock and beefed up castle nut was in use prior to 1994.

An F stamped FSB should work fine with a fixed handled upper, just use a standard A2 post.

Great topic!

I would really like to know where the info came from that Special Forces / Special Operations had Model 723’s. If anyone can provide some info or pics I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
“Capt Richardson”

   I filed for and was granted a FOIA on the Colt M16A2 model 723 Carbine previously pictured. Hard copies will be here in a few weeks, but I am guessing Colt's build date is 1985.
                                                           Carey
Edit: The FOIA revealed that the Colt M16A2 Carbine model 723 previously pictured left the factory in June, 1985.

Quoted:    I filed for and was granted a FOIA on the Colt M16A2 model 723 Carbine previously pictured. Hard copies will be here in a few weeks, but I am guessing Colt's build date is 1985.                                                            Carey

Where did you file for this? I want hard copies!

    You file them with the DOJ/BATFE, but only the current registered owner of an NFA item will have a FOIA approved. One FOIA I already have in my possession reaches all the way back to the inception of NFA registation in 1934. Interesting piece of weapons history.                  
                                                           HTH,
                                                           Carey
                                                     

Can you put XS same-plane apertures in an A1 sight?



ETA: Do the 723s have round or tear drop forward assists?

Put the lower receiver together today--went smoothly with the right amount of force from my 4oz. hammer. My first time assembling an AR lower, and I have to tell you--it was very satisfying.

The CMT/Stag LPK was good quality. Trigger pull is fine. I really like the CMT/Stage CAR stock assembly with the mil-spec receiver extension. I received both within a week of placing my order.

Total so far is $269 plus $19 shipping. I haven't spent any money on tools yet. I've had my Brownell's John Masen brass, steel and nylon punch set with 4 oz hammer for some time now. I will need to buy a CAR stock wrench in the future. I plan on staking the receiver extension on.

Now we wait for the 14.7" lightweight barrel...

Quoted: Quoted: I really hope they offer these without a F stamped FSB or M4 ramps as many people will be using these on fix handle uppers for KISS carbines that do not have feed ramp cuts. I said it 3 months ago and I will say it again. +1

+2 and worth repeating

Very Interesting

Tagging with my AR6320/723 clone. I bought it from a member here. I dislike 16" carbine barrels, but I can't force myself to cut this one just yet. It will happen, maybe. It also uses the newer castle nut and 4 position extension; My older castle and 2 hole tube will go on my 653 clone. It's a feedramped "4" upper.
Thanks.....Chad

Well here is my setup. The complete upper assembly is an original Colt M16A2 Carbine/723. I bought it back in the mid '90s from Keisler's. The lower is a Bushmaster with my RDIAS installed. While not 100%correct(stock/grip) this makes for a very light, easy to handle carbine.
Pat
0-1-25

Quoted: Tagging with my AR6320/723 clone. I bought it from a member here. I dislike 16" carbine barrels, but I can't force myself to cut this one just yet. It will happen, maybe. It also uses the newer castle nut and 4 position extension; My older castle and 2 hole tube will go on my 653 clone. It's a feedramped "4" upper. Thanks.....Chad img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/CRS188/100_0507.jpg

NICE Rifle

Quoted: NICE Rifle

Shoots great too!
You are so da' man
Thanks.....Chad

Quoted: Can you put XS same-plane apertures in an A1 sight? ETA: Do the 723s have round or tear drop forward assists?

Yes, I have one in a Bushmaster C7 type upper.  

Awaiting the new CMMG LW barrels...

Quoted: Awaiting the new CMMG LW barrels...

Does that mean they're shipping, or do you just have your fingers crossed?  I'm waiting for Eagle Firearms to ship me my 16" lightweight with perm. A2.

Quoted: Well here is my setup. The complete upper assembly is an original Colt M16A2 Carbine/723. I bought it back in the mid '90s from Keisler's. The lower is a Bushmaster with my RDIAS installed. While not 100%correct(stock/grip) this makes for a very light, easy to handle carbine. Pat 0-1-25 i4.photobucket.com/albums/y143/HK33K/M16A2Carbine.jpg

This fits into my "Advanced Retro" concept.  A rifle or carbine that sticks to the original precepts of the "Light Rifle" but with jusssst enough of the worthy features of the more "advanced" guns or concepts, like improved grips, night sights, A2 lowers, etc to make it "extra" useable for "certain" or even "general" purposes.

The point being that Advanced Retro holds to the true intention of the AR-15 and continues that intention with only the most necessary of innovation.

I'll be pluggin' that concept till the day I die!!!

Very good little carbine setup, Pat, I hope you enjoy it half as much as I enjoy my 723/6320 clones and my A1+ rifle!!!!

Hmm, I do have a C7 upper laying around.