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Posted: 1/24/2007 8:11:50 AM EDT
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Is there a particular type of charging handle or bolt carrier group that should be used for an xm177e2 clone? Thanks, Mark |
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Due to dates of production there would be some variation here. But the typical bolt group for the 1968-1969 time frame would have these features: MPC bolt with the M&P run together large extractor spring, no buffer C marked carrier with modern stake job large right side hole for firing pin retaining pin on carrier flat headed firing pin |
Hmm. Didn't realize that there were C marked carriers with the large right side hole AND side staked screws. My own big hole carrier has the single center punches and is unmarked. Recently swapped it into the M16A1 clone, precisely to put a later A1 type carrier into the E2 clone, but that carrier has the small right side opening. Aaah. Decisions, decisions. Should I go back to the earlier carrier or leave it as is. 
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My complete 1969 upper, and my 1969 parts kit both came with these carriers.
The unmarked parked forward assit carrier was used about 65-67, then the C marked with modern stake job 68-69, then the small hole from about 1970 on. Of course these changes did not happen on Jan 1st, and there was long transition periods. And we surmise the XM177E2 was in production from 1967-1970, so any of the three could have been used. In your case use the old carrier for a 1967 clone, or the later carrier for a 1970. |
Appreciate the info. Looks like I can go either way then. Well, since the unmarked early piece has been in the gun since 1977, guess I'll put 'er back in it and leave the C marked later carrier in the M16A1 clone. BTW; I do notice that the later carrier in this case does have a VERY slightly larger right side hole than two other of the same type I own. I'm talking maybe 4 or 5 thousanths. Simple manufacturing variation? |
Yes, a manufacturing variance. There does not appear to be a very strict spec on that right side hole. While it's size can vary, it is quite obvious that the hole was decreased in size starting in about 1970. |
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