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Posted: 11/8/2007 1:02:41 PM EDT
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My XM16E1 upper I just got came with an A2 FH for some reason. I have a few questions: First, this is a later E1 barrel, (66-67) so an A1 birdcage would be correct right? I know they used the improved three-prong some on E1's but I'm guessing it was the '63 - '65 run. I have an A1 FH, just need the right split washer. My second question is regarding the A2 hider itself. It has some raised ridges on the bottom, in rectangular shapes, exactly where the slots would be if it had them on the bottom, but only at the front. Did they intend to just make the slots smaller on the bottom initially, then got rid of them all together? Are all A2 FHs this way? I've never noticed it before and have always had A1 FHs. Please excuse the rotten pic, but you can see the raised areas outlining rectangles at the muzzle end. Could this be a very early A2? Just weird - didn't think it was normal. My last question involves the barrel - it's an E1, so no chrome chamber, but I'm in AZ, so no humidity. I have a spare Sako barrel that's in like new condition. I am putting a new bolt & carrier in the E1 build. The E1 barrel is cool because it's correct for the build. I doubt I'd put enough rounds through it to shoot it out, but I haven't examined it carefully yet - no idea of round count. The Sako barrel OTOH is beautiful in every way - and they have a rep for being good shooters, but it's not right for the build, as it would be '74 or later. It is definitely the better barrel. Do you guys think I should just put the new BCG in with the old barrel, shoot the snot out of it and see what it does, or should I change barrels now and sell the E1 barrel to someone who just has to have the right markings? I could build this as an E1 or an A1 since I have both stocks, but I would want to use the right lower. Obviously it doesn't hurt my feelings having an extra A1 barrel assy kicking around, but since I'm putting in a brand new BCG, I figured I'd ask your opinions. 
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Hi! Who did you get your upper from? The date of your barrel would make either/or correct, although I like the birdcage. Can't help you on the technicals about the A2.....I only ever seen the A1 birdcages. I got mine from Ohio Ordnance Works, advertised as an A1, but was an E1, with the markings putting it in the 1966-69 timeframe. Mine had the A1 birdcage installed, and non-chrome ANYTHING! It even has the early-style gas tube! It still shoots like a champ, though, so unless you see REAL pitting or the likes in your barrel, have at it.....Mine shoots great! Regards, Greg. |
I got it from a member here on the EE. The barrel looks pretty good, but I haven't had the right light to really examine it. It also has the original style gas tube, and no drain hole for the sight on the FSB, which should make it '66 or earlier. One interesting thing that I just noticed it four marks at the lower RH edge where the ejection door was hitting. They are fairly bright, so I'm beginning to think that it might be an early E1 upper, that was being run on a slabside style lower instead of being a partial fence. As a former restorer of sports cars, I appreciate 'original parts' even though they may not be 'better' than newer ones. I'm just trying to decide what I want to do with it. I set out to build an A1 - this is the second upper I've bought with that plan...it's a long story, with lots of misc. AR parts having come and gone in the meantime, and I'm still not there!  I want an actual, shootable A1 by Christmas dammit!
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