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Posted: 9/26/2006 4:09:41 AM EDT
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I have a barrel that I bought at least 25 years ago (for $12.50) to have as a spare for my SP1. Since my SP1 has just passed 7,500 rounds, I got the barrel out to look it over. I thought it was a Colt barrel but there are no markings on the barrel at all except the number "12" underneath the barrel just behind the muzzle threads. This barrel is identical in configuration and finish to the Colt barrel on the rifle, is chrome plated and has the complete front sight assembly (with bayonet mount) mounted on the barrel but with the taper pins only partially inserted. There is a white cardboard tube in the barrel held in place by orange plastic "caplugs" on both ends of the barrel. Anybody know who made it? Thanks. |
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good post, Randall Would you also suspect it being a 1/12 twist? I cannot recall the introduction of the 62gr NATO 5.56, but I thought it was early 1980's That would make the 1/12 more likely, and less desirable today, other than a retro safe queen build- which it would be great for. |
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The 12 marking was used from 1963 all the way into 1967. Details here: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=123&t=241681 |
From reading Ekie's post, looks like the 12 was to differenciate from earlier 14" twist barrels. There is another post going right now with a bunch of 1982 to 1984 SWAT magazine covers and one of them talks about the "NEW M855" ammo coming into acceptance, so yeah, early 80's for 62gr ammo, right before the A2 update to be able to actually USE the 62gr ammo. Don't let them tell you not to use a 1:12 barrel. If all you shoot is 55gr (and that's all most people shoot), that barrel will serve you just fine. If you want a better barrel, I'll make you a trade on it. My M16 clone could use a new barrel. 
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| That early 80's about M855 is misleading. The article was about M16A1E1 being tested by the Marines. I am not sure when the round or weapon was adopted by either the USMC or Army, but I never received an A2 until 1986-1987 time frame, and was in the 82d in an Infantry outfit at the time. I was in the 101st prior to that, also in the Infantry and we still had good old M16A1's. In the early 1970's I had an XM16E1 and also an H&R A1 once. We had the GM Hydramatics too but they had the absolute worse finish on them - more like an automatic transmission than an automatic weapon. |
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