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Taz1, First off, welcome to the forums. Secondly, what model are you trying to research a M16(what model) or a Semi AR-15. This plus the serial number (time of production) can influence what may are may not be "correct". To give a "Generalized" answer, the hammer, trigger and disconnector should have some form of a "C" marking on them somewhere. But, Colt has used a variety of markings on their FCG parts depending on the era of manufacture and model. There was also a lot of over-lap as they transitioned from one to another. The following is from my data on M16's. AR-15 production generally followed M16 production but was also known to utilize or use up older versions of certain parts. IIRC, Ekie has a good database on AR-15 components tied to serial numbers. Early Hammers and Triggers lacked the C and but were marked with numbers like 1, 2, 3, etc. Early disconnectors were unmaked and the earliest had a different profile from what is commonly encountered today. Colt did not mark parts with a C until after H&R and Hydramatic started their production. Though they continued to utilize the unmarked parts until they were exhausted. From the early 70's to mid 80's Colt M16/A1 parts were marked like the examples in joelad's pictures. A Colt disconnector from this era should be C marked. Also, I've never encountered and selector or bolt catch that was C marked. Most will be marked with a number which is usually hidden when assembled or be unmarked. Colt burst components used in the production of M16A2/A4 and M4's will "usually" have a C marking in conjunction with a subcontractors mark. The only components that can be modified for use in a Semi and are likely to be encountered are the Hammer and Disconnector. Though Hammers will often be found on original rifles with only the revision number (E I, E II, E3 or E4) and the subcontractors marking (M, N or S) Long winded answer I know but, research is vital before proclaiming the piece in question is genuine or has been altered. Wpns Man |
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To add to Wpnsman's post, I have two M16 selectors that are in fact marked w/a C inside a square box on the inside of the thumb piece. Also found an M16 disconnector awhile back, which I installed in my class 3d SP1, marked w/a C and another (contractor?) ID letter. So at least some of these pieces are in fact marked. Re hammers and triggers, there seems to be at least two styles of C markings. One is the type shown in the pics, with the stamping bordering the C stamped, and the C prominent. An earlier type has a stamped circle, and also a C and number stamped in. I assume these stampings(?) were impressed before the piece was hardened. I'm sorry I can't post pics, but don't have the capacity  . Maybe someone else can.
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shamayim, Yes, all but the earliest Colt disconnectors have a C mark on them. Most of the latest disconnectors are CF marked, there are others. If for a burst FCG it will be slightly bent on the end to engage the selector. Per the hammer and trigger markings. I've encountered variations ranging from a C by itself, C within a circle, to the C within a circle with numbers from 1-4 within the C. When it comes to the burst hammers and triggers the combinations are numerous. Good catch on the selectors, the C marked ones show up sporadically in my data on 4 mil range Colts. Wpns Man |
Thanks for the expanded info on the markings. I realize that my first post description was very fuzzy. The hammer on my class 3d piece has what I think is an earlier type stamp that is a depressed circle, with the C stamped or pressed in right around the edge of the depression, and the number stamped in the middle. Unless you look very carefully, it's possible to not realize that there is, in fact that C there. At first glance it just looks like a pressed in circle with a number in it. My hunch is that this is an earlier type stamping than the ones shown in the pics above, since this is the hammer that the mfger who class 3d my piece installed back in 1978. More recently I came accross the type shown in the pictures, where the C is above the surface of the circle. I'm a total ignoramus on A2 type pieces, since I've never owned or closely examined any 
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Thank you so much for the information. I believe I can identify them now. I need replacement parts for my Olympic 16 and a parts kit for an SBR I want to build. Does anyone know a vender for Colt Factory lower parts kits? I've tried to locate one with no luck. Paper work should be back soon and it would be nice to have a parts source. THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE HELP |
| Taz, check out Specialized Armament. Lots of Colt parts in stock. Not cheap, but they are Colt. |
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