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AR15.COM
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7/18/2007 3:06:22 PM EDT
Hi all, a "newbie" here, but not to the black rifle!
About 25 years ago, I had a Colt SP1 AR-15, and one of the first CAR models they produced. (Yeah, I know! "IF I still had them!....) Anyway, I got the "retro" bug, and put together an AR with an upper assembly from Ohio Ordnance. They were advertised as 16A1s, but after looking through the information posted here, I have come to the conclusion that it is an XM16E1 from 1968 or 1969. Now, my questions are:
It most likely ISN'T chrome lined, so are there any ammo types I should look out for?
Can it have unacceptable bore/chamber wear?
I primarily put it together for living history/re-enacting, but would like to shoot it, also.
Thanks!
Greg.
7/18/2007 4:13:09 PM EDT
[#1]
Hey, Greg!

Welcome to retro.

Can you describe any markings or letters on the barrel?
7/18/2007 4:31:36 PM EDT
[#2]
E1/A1/SP1, they all get advertised as A1's these days. Keep in mind the 603 went from the E1 to the A1 in 1967. Look between the front sight legs and between the front sight and the muzzle for barrel markings.
Welcome.
7/18/2007 5:04:30 PM EDT
[#3]
Hi again, thanks for the welcome!
The barrel is marked between the front site base legs "MP", and a "12" just about an inch behind the flash hider, on the bottom of the barrel (So to speak!). The FH is a birdcage, and the upper (FA) has a "C" inside a square, underneath a small triangle just under the front of the carry handle above the ejection port. The handguards are shiney shiney SHINEY!!! black, and the Upper is black...It does'nt seem adonized like I remember my old AR being. I have this mated up with a DPMS lower at the moment, and they match pretty good! Other than the fact the DPMS lower is A2....heSigh.
If all else fails, I guess I can get a Nodak lower!hanksGreg.
7/18/2007 5:46:05 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
Hi again, thanks for the welcome!
The barrel is marked between the front site base legs "MP", and a "12" just about an inch behind the flash hider, on the bottom of the barrel (So to speak!). The FH is a birdcage, and the upper (FA) has a "C" inside a square, underneath a small triangle just under the front of the carry handle above the ejection port. The handguards are shiney shiney SHINEY!!! black, and the Upper is black...It does'nt seem adonized like I remember my old AR being. I have this mated up with a DPMS lower at the moment, and they match pretty good! Other than the fact the DPMS lower is A2....
I was planning on building a 603 (Semi-auto) type for the 1968-1970 time frame, A1 with the full mag guard.
Sigh.
If all else fails, I guess I can get a Nodak lower!
Thanks again!
Greg.


Well, it has Colt proof marks, no forge codes so the receiver is pre-'71.  The barrel has "MP" so it's no earlier than '66 and "12" so no later than '67.  If the barrel is original, it is consistent with the upper being '66-67.  Since the receiver is black, it has been refinished, if it is not anodized it must have been coated with Norrells or something similar.  Of course, I could be wrong.  Check out Retro Black Rifle.
7/20/2007 5:34:34 PM EDT
[#5]
congrats.


I bought my 64 made upper from cdnn when they had theres. it was for about $270 and it was marked as a non colt upper. I got it becasue of the three prong. (the later ones with chrome bore, birdcage and late barrel markings whent for $100 more) Imagin my surprise when I found out about a year later that I had something far more rare and valuable than I thought. I wish I could have bought 2 or 3.
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