Literally the only part i liked on the one i reviewed was the lower...which yes was clearly a Nodak Spud, zero question. The barrel for me was the biggest let down. That's the heart of a rifle and if its not right? screw it.
Hopefully Colt is like Gibson Guitars where the MSRP is generally 45% to 60% higher than street price. Both companies are making some real nasty turds though. I quit buying new Gibsons, and eventually quit buying used Gibson guitars, and buy the 1980s Japanese lawsuit copies. The quality was markedly better and in the 1980s the prices were 50-70% less. Now my Tokai Greco and Burny guitars are fetching $2000, $3000, and even $8000-$12,000 for the EDS1275s. They are bringing full blown used Gibson prices, OR BETTER, and it's still a better product. Same with Colt. People will pay $$$ for that rampant raging pony, but is it really that good? Nope. The Colt 2000 was the epitome of Colt's business model failure. They out-shopped EVERYTHING and it was a total abortion.
@F15EJäg_AR15_MG42 If you're in Europe I would caution against a Bushmaster rifle. They sold out long ago and aren't as good as they used to be. Get a Windham Weaponry rifle, it will serve you well.
Making more friends at Colt's I see Chris? lol, You know I am kidding. You have the same results as I did with my review 'reissue M16A1' last year. The lower markings on mine were pretty good, but that barrel was a piss-poor excuse...and this coming from a blind guy! When i handle my original M16A1, i can easily feel the CMP Chromebore rollmarking, its a neat feature. My SP1 just has '12' on it and then 'MVP' under the FSB. I love original Colts. Like you, i grew up with an SP1, so that model holds a special place in my heart. What have they done to our company? And i do mean that, Colt should just belong in trust to the American people. At least we'd treat it with respect and dignity.
Let’s put it this way, these days, for $2,400, get a couple S&W M&P-15 if you want to go the budget route and ammo for the rest. For a high quality one, a Gesslie Super Duty or a DD DDM4V7/9 and ammo with the left over or a good sight if you don’t have one. If you REALLY want to blow all $2,400 on a single rifle, a DD MK12, which beats the stinky PANTS off of anything Colt and will be far more reliable, accurate and higher in quality.
Scooby and the Gang: “Let’s see who this really is” *Removes Mask* “Nodal Spud!” Colt: And I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for Small Arms Solutions..
I would like to make known, I was contacted by a trusted contact that the upper and lower receiver forgings for the Colt Reissue are Colt owned forging dies and were newly designed for this program. The forging are not Nodak. Colt supposedly built the dies off of original prints. The forging process done now by Anchor Harvey Forge is different which accounted for the variations I saw. Credit due to where credit is earned.
Robert Walker they were not. Colt abandoned them years ago at the forging companies. They were long gone. Colt does not keep outdated tooling and in most cases parts in inventory.
This is why this channel is one of the best gun channels period, all the detail and intimate knowledge that the average person wouldn't know to look for or think about. As for building a replica, it looks like with a like patience, time, money, and knowing what to get on Brownells, you could probably build a better one for the same cost or less as this Colt
No question, much less money. You can find all original Colt parts from the 1970s with some looking and patience. From there, just nab a Brownells or NDS lower, and you're in business. Heck, you could even buy an SP1, strip it for parts, rebuild on a pair of NDS receivers; and Still be cheaper.
I think it's really sad how far Colt has fallen. They need to get someone in charge who's not out of touch with reality and can really do the name justice.
I handled one of these Colts at a local gun store, and I remember feeling like I was holding a parts bin special. I was not too fond of the $2400 asking price either.
I built a early 604, late 604 and M16A1 all on original Colt uppers from the 60's/70's. All original furniture, original Colt barrels and BCGs on Nodak lowers and I am about $1000-$1200 in each one.
I can't believe that roll mark on the receiver!!!! You can't even see the pony, that is outrageous. That alone would make me lose it if I paid soooo much. Chris is right too, that is what you paid so much for in the first place, the name. They can't even put their name on it right. RIP Colt, may you return one day in glory.
@@MishacoOBA Hey Misha!!!! Awesome to see you over on Chris's channel! I think you are correct on that. Colt didn't mess it up because they never actually touched it hahaha. Still pretty disappointing for a "colt".
I have a 1976 Colt SP-1 that I bought from its original owner around 1978. It is all original (I had A2 hand guards & a forward assist upper receiver on it but I took them off & returned it to all original, I had kept the parts). I also have a period correct Colt 3x scope. When I go to a range or gun shop, I get tons of comments. I LOVE it. But you know what? I can find them for around $1500, some more, some less, on the internet. $2499 is absurd. And the thing isn't even really made by Colt (no offense to U.S. Armament, they actually seem to make quality stuff). Great video, Chris, I love your work.
I will give Colt some credit for bringing back their revolver line and to me, doing a pretty good job so far except for the useless night cobra. That said, I give them a score of 8 out of 10 on the douche bag scale for the gouging on the retro rifle they offer and some of us will never forget how they blew off the civilian market to kiss up to the government gun banners.
Thank you sir for the excellent video. If you served in the military as an NCO, as did I, I apologize for calling you sir. I know you worked for a living , hehe. I was in the Us Army in the 70s and 80s. We were issued the M-16A1. Aside from Air rifles and pistols I had no experience with firearms before. I must say as a new recruit I was impressed when we were taken to the rifle range and to show us newbies that we had nothing to fear from the M-16 recoil the Drill Sergeant put the butt stock of his weapon on his forehead and pulled the trigger. After training and getting our battlesight zero I was surprised when I shot 38 out of 40 targets when I qualified. Three years ago i decided to build my own AR-15A1 rifle project. This would be my second build. My first was an AR-15A2 HBAR 20" rifle i built about 15 years ago. It was a fun build but it did not have the sweet balance my old M-16A1 had back in the day. I live on a low SSI disability income now so I would just buy a part here and there when I could afford it. Because of my budget I was forced to make some compromises. I could not afford the price then of $249.00 for the proper A-1 upper receiver so I had to settle for an Anderson Flat Top upper with a Chinese carry handle. I started the project with a Polymer FMK A-1 Extreme stripped lower. I used an A-2 stock. The D-Ring was angled not straight and I had the round FWD assist. Well last year I saw that Brownells finally had their NDS cast A-1 uppers back in stock for $149.99. I bought the blem for $124,99. I found a GI surplus A-1 butt stock at Numrich for $22.00. I replaced the handguard D- ring with the proper straight one as well as replacing the FWD assist with the tear drop model. Lastly i bought an aluminum stripped Anderson lower to replace the polymer FMK one. I added a GI issue nylon green sling to finish things off. I could not afford a 1:12 barrel but I am happy with the gov profile slim barrel in 1:9 twist I got from Del-Ton. I know she is not perfect but she sure feels good in my hands. Here are a few pics before I switched out the polymer FMK lower with the aluminum Anderson lower. What do you think? beta.photobucket.com/u/bdcomp1701compuguy2/a/efa88b6c-0a05-4f77-bd09-ed48af062bf3/p/7bd174e7-89c9-4cda-8a64-cfb383627e62
@@joelloza2076 Thanks Joel. I am not sure I mentioned it eaarler but I also have a M-7 Bayonet with scabbard. I was really happy when i was able to make my AR-15A1 project more accurate by replacing the Flat Top upper with the Brownells correct A-1 upper. An added bonus when I replaced the FMK Polymer lower with a locally bought ( no transfer fee ) Anderson Aluminum lower I also was able to get PSA to replace a defective hammer that was making my trigger group act like a binary trigger. After I transferrred all lower p[arts to the new lower i was pleasantly surprised that I now had a great trigger with absolutely NO creep and a nice clean and crisp trigger break. It would be nice to see pics of your AR-15A1 .project. I use Photo bucket to post my pics.
@@Bill23799 I'll check out photo bucket. I haven't logged into my PB account it years. Probably since the My Space days lol I'll upload a pic to my photo bucket and post link
I got my hands on one, the original issue at Fort Leonard Wood. The upper and lower had so much wiggle between it had to have some tape applied during my qualification. Still I loved it. I had been issued several but that ONE is burned into every crevice of my mind and soul. I can't tell you the name or describe the first girl I kissed but I can recall every scratch, bump, and mark on that M-16. To this day the feeling of a black rifle in my hand, the smell of ammo and CLP, the thought of eating those rations at the range arouses me. This is why during this period of gun grabbing with red flag, mag restrictions and assault rifle bans I have decided to say "I will not comp;y". Perhaps the feelings, thoughts and smells are not better than sex? To me they are more important. They are an integral component of me. To ask me to give up my rifle is the same as asking me to give up my kids, my wife, my dog. Thank you for all you two do with the Black Rifles.
worddunlap thank you for being one of the few non coward gun owners out there that actually exercise their right as well as their American duty to disobey unlawful laws and lawmakers.
You really spoke a lot of truth, not that I'm any type of expert...but like you said Colt could've done better for their price point...I wonder if they've have seen your video... good work...
Oh I think Colt knows how Chris feels. F$%& 'em, they've been bankrupted and bailed out so many times you'd think someone over there would get the memo by now. I doubt they have any kind of community outreach to gauge customer satisfaction or interest - they make decisions from a high high chair and don't seem to take much notice of the fallout. This is what happens when a corporation becomes a retirement home for old generals like some kind of sad ordinance corps facsimile. They're all running it into the ground and turning their backs on their own labor union while doing it.
Just bought a BRN16A1- I'm pleased to announce that they have gone to a charcoal-gray receiver. The slip ring is gray. The dust cover and trigger guard are still black, but overall, really nice. (2-19-19 I'm new to the AR world. The receiver actually looks gray and just slightly green. Just happy it's not the jet black that they initially had.) New to the AR world but absolutely hooked. Best combat rifle ever. Stoner was a genius and Glock is the AR15 of the pistol world.
The M16A1 I was issued in Boot camp and the one I fired during my time in the Marine Corps all had the trap door in the stock for cleaning kit. I don't thing the ones without that accurately represent the M16A1. I was in until 1983
Carried a colt in boot in 1975. Lefties got colts and righties got the newer H&Rs. The colts were from Nam. They had the slick shiny stock a and handguards. The H&Rs were the dull finish. The colts were 3 prong and the H&Rs were bird cage. Both guns had the nylon with clasp slings. The colts were grey and the H&Rs were almost black.
I just found a complete upper with no forge code, an mp c marked barrel, colt bcg, non left and right marked handguards, early gas tube, and milled flat drain hole fsb for 500 bucks yesterday
I said in 2017 and I will say in 2019 rich person's toy. If you have watched his video's or have his Black Rifle II Chris is very much able to talk about this.
I had a Vietnam era Colt AR-15. I inquired with Colt, as to when this rifle was made. They told me , between 1973 and 1975. I purchased the gun in 1992, from a local FFL dealer. In November of 2015, I was at the range running .223 55 grain full metal jacket through it, as I had done numerous times before. The gun blew up do to an over pressure incident of somewhere around 80,000 p.s.i. The steel 30-rnd. mag was ruined, as were both receiver halves, bulging out to the point that the bolt would not properly ride inside the upper receiver. Long story short. . . the ammo company replaced my vintage Colt AR rifle with a more modern Windham Weaponry SRC 308 rifle in timber tech camo. I couldn't be happier with the Colt replacement.
When I first saw these being announced at Shot I was all excited until they mentioned the price. Now I learn a couple of years later they were not even made by Colt and they took a bunch of shortcuts to boot. Really Colt, really? Not long after Colt announced the "Reissue" model I found a near mint Colt SP1 for $1,100 and couldn't be happier.
Thanks for the knowledge and honesty. We need more of that in this industry. I want Colt to come back and be awesome but until they stop being shady to their customers I'm afraid it won't happen.
Outstanding video! I was fortunate to have been issued an M-16A1 during my time in the US Army in the early to mid 1970s. Lots of range time and thousands of rounds fired with never one malfunction or jam. Great rifle. Cpl. Sev.
Your own build, running parts that aren't made anymore, could probably go for more than Colt's. It's also a one off. I noticed you had a CAR-15 diagram in the background. Back in the late 90s, my local gun shop had some Colt guys there and some pre-ban CAR-15s were for sale. Stupid me thought that since I already had an AR-15 A2, I didn't need a CAR-15. I'm still kicking myself over that decision. About the only way I can soften the blow is that I was a bit strapped for cash in those days. It would have been a major expense for me, but just doable.
Thanks Chris, you are the historian. I would have bought the Colt retro but they didn't make enough of them and they were all bought up bye the time I learned that they had produced them. The same with Brownells, a Fine reproduction but they stopped producing them bye the time I learned about their retro line. The market for the retro M16A1 is definitely there but it takes time for people to realize that they are tired of the standard modern AR and decide that they want to experience the original platform and a piece of history. Blessings to you and family, happy holidays.
About 15 years ago I bought an M-16A1 kit all original except with a new barrel. Two months ago I finally got around to putting it together. It feels like old home week -- much nostalgia.
Long post here, and I hope the viewers and uploader really understand this: This is what a lot do not see, or notice or even consider: To start, the shapes of the receivers. The upper could be Nodak... Sure. However, the lower has so many distinct shapes that makes it obvious that is NOT Nodak, and it points to it being a "re-tooled" A1 lower. Nodak has forging marks, there are none noticable. So either they were removed very carefully, or they got a contract with Nodak, or just simply retooled their own from originally drawings. If you're going by color, know this... Colt never forged pretty much 99% of their receivers anyways, or even anodized 100% their stuff at the same factory. They absolutely do not have to be the same color, especially the slip ring. It's made from a different type of aluminum usually. Same to this date... The aluminum used from factory to factory varied, just as the dye used did. This has been going on for 40+ years. When it comes to finishing, and why "You can tell the difference", Colt does a terrible job removing or cleaning up unnecessary machining spots. They are a bit better at it now, but their finishing quality is actually pretty average(imho, subpar). They do have a mil-spec quality on machining which is what matters. How do you know it's a Colt upper these days? Simply sometimes stamp a "C" next to the forging company. They use many... If I use the same dye on a AH Upper and a Cerro lower, the color could be greatly different just because of the composition of the aluminum. You might have grey, you might have a yellow hue, maybe blue, maybe purple-ish, depends. You literally cannot tell by "feel". You would have to have a microscope... As far as Colt "never made". Again, Colt mostly never forged their own stuff. Colt had plenty of "AR15" receivers that have "stop notches". The "semi automatic" simply didn't have the auto sear pin drilled. The "Magazine Fence" you refer to around the magazine release is obvious enough to know this is not modern, nor Nodak... If you have any questions. I would gladly explain!
Got the Brownell the other day and it does have the parts and color corrections. I have a real M16A1 upper on an SP1 lower and they'er both closer to black. When the two rifles are side by side you can see the lighter bluish gray on the Brownell. Not had a chance to shoot the new one, I might not ever do it, I bought it for living history displays.
Because of your Channel I started looking into the early development of the M16 that book the M16 controversies was one of the best books I've ever read
Some might think it"s a lot to "take in"..... Others come here to "find out" all these details that others miss.... This was a great presentation Chris.... Glad I came here to learn the fine details....love that Brownells retro.... 👍😃
Wow, that's almost exactly like the M16A1 I built. Had a parts kit from about 10 years ago and built it about 10 years ago, only thing that was missing from the kit was an original barrel. The kit came with a new green mountain barrel. Everything in the kit was colt, all C marked and all the correct gray. The theory was these kits came out of the middle east but I could never get a clear story. There were all over the place in around 2009-2010 for $500 and then they vanished. I see them go on GB for $1000-2000 now. They were all in excellent condition and near mint never used. I do regret deeply not picking up several. I used a LMT trigger too with a Nodak A1 lower. Finally in 2011 I found a real C MP Chrome Bore NOS barrel that supposedly came out of a depot in Alaska. Put it all together and it is one of my prized possessions. Going to do a video on my channel about it and some retro optics for it soon!
I bought Windham's A1 clone on sale for $799. It is simply an amazing rifle. My buddy bought the Brownell's A1 offering for $1399. We went to the range and the Windham absolutely destroyed it in every way.
Great video - I just found it by accident on a gas block search. If this has already been covered in the comments I apologize in advance. First - I would like to point out that Stoner's original design for the AR-15 was a 1:14 twist barrel. The Army spec called for a FMJ 22 caliber bullet to dump all of its energy before exiting the 8 inches flesh, of a typical human body, like a 30-06 hollow point. Stoner and Sullivan found the 1:14 twist barrel and the 55 gr FMJ .223 bullet did just that. The Armalite AR-15 barrel was not marked "1:14" because there was no other choice to meet the Army rifle competition specification. The original Armalite AR-15, Colt AR-15 and Colt M-16 barrels were 1:14 twist and they were not stamped "1:14". You may find an M-16 with a 1:12 stamped barrel and no forward assist. However these rifles, were used by the Army for testing early in the M-16A1 development effort. See "related notes" below for more info. Related notes: Sec Dev McNamara, after seeing Stoner demo the Cadillac Gage "Armalite AR-15" blowing watermelons apart with .223 FMJ ammo forced the Army to drop the M-14 and accept the AR-15. (Air Force General Lemay had already seen the demo and ordered Armalite AR-15 rifles to replace the M2 Carbines his "red hats" used. The Air Force AR-15s were still in service during the Gulf War! The Air Force had a separate ammo supplier that did not change the powder. Air Force AR-15s have 1:14 twist barrels and function flawlessly.) The first Armalite and Colt AR-15 rifles sent to Vietnam for Special Forces to test functioned flawlessly. The Army did not want the "little black rifle" (M-16). The first thing the Army brass did was change the barrel twist from "1:14" to "1:12" which over stabilized the 55 gr .223 FMJ bullet and the M-16 (Armalite AR-15) went from being a "tack driver" to a very inaccurate rifle. Colt put all of the original "1:14" twist barrels aside. Colt would later install them in the 1974 SP-1 AR-15s for commercial sales. The second thing the Army brass did was change the .223 powder spec .308 ball powder! This caused the M-16 rifle (now with 1:12 twist) to empty a 20 round magazine as fast as a MAC 11! (which wears out the lower receiver parts). The bolt carrier literally rebounds off of the rear of the buffer tube as if the spring is not there! And there is 2 foot long muzzle flash! I had some LC ammo with 67, 68 and 69 head stamps. All of it contained .308 ball powder! The switch to .308 ball powder gummed up the rifle and necessitated the "forward assist". This last change to the original Armalite AR-15 design resulted in the M-16A1. The rifle twist and ballistic information is is not covered in the book: The Great Rifle Controversy. Refer to SWAT magazine article "The AR-15 An Interesting Twist: Some interesting facts on ballistics that explains the difference in effectiveness of the AR-15 over the years" by Jim Sullivan.
My Colt reissue XM177E2 arrived with dark green anodized receivers, delta ring, trigger guard, and buffer tube, I had to disassemble it and coat them with Norrell’s moly resin, to get the correct gray color. The strange part; the inside of the upper was already coated with a gray dry film lube! The carbine also had many failure to feed issues with different mags, all using US made M193 ammo. I had to expand and polish the feed ramps, now resembling the M4 style, to get it to feed right. The action spring was an “extra power” type, so I had to replace that with a standard CAR spring. I also had to remove the M4 style donut from the extractor, since that’s not period correct. It seems to operate normally now. The roll marks on mine are good on the mag well, but are a little faint towards the back of the lower. Unless you’re a hardcore history/AR/M-16 geek, I’d say go with Brownell’s or build your own. I also had the Troy version, and it wasn’t as good as the “Colt”. Your mileage may vary.
My father was issued GM Hydramatic in 1970 as a Philippine Constabulary. Its sad nobody mentions it today in YT despite half million were made based on my research.
Great insight Chris and H. There is a colt HBAR at local shop for around 1k. Waiting on that to see. Great stuff, COLT can’t get much anything right in the modern era....a shame.
Braceman isn't doing engraving. I missed that train. It's really frustrating that Colt can't give people the replica rifles that we've been demanding for years. I was bummed out when I realized that I missed out of the M4A1 SOCOM with US Govt. property markings.
I did a Xm16e1 with a colt M16a1 parts kit and a nodak spud lower. Absolutely love that rifle. If these "Colts" were in the 1000-1200 range then I would be down for one. Excellent video!
Colt scammed buyers on their reissue. They don't care. Bought a Colt AR15A4 and it ran out of windage and couldn't zero. Did I get a replacement their factory canted front sight assembly? No, they just beat the crooked one w/ hammer sent it back "your rifle is fixed.",
That’s a beautiful rifle you built sir! The Brownells Retro line is great stuff for good prices; I finally got my retro dissipator complete for around $300. Thanks for the knowledge!
I found one of what I believe to be one of these at a gunstore. It was in pristine condition and the guy was calling it an original "commercial" m16a1. I was suspicious and found this video trying to look up info. He was trying to sell it for $3000.
A scathing - but deserved - review of the Colt retro release. Their business decisions continue to prove heartbreaking, to say the least. The Brownell’s offering looks solid. Your account here and others I’ve read elsewhere all sing the praises of their retro products. It’s encouraging. The third example examined - your own build - is *mouthwatering* ... as the old Blimpie TV ad used to say, “it’s a beautiful thing.” Seriously makes me weak in the knees to see it. Thank you for this detailed review, in-depth comparison, and excellent contrast. These videos are a real service to the consumer, without peer.
It looks like the just re-milled a modern lower receiver. the didn't even bother to blend out the area under the front pivot pin where they milled away the re-enforcement.
There's your $2,500 justification, 2 muzzle devises. The conglomerate running Colt is crazy for pricing this rifle at $2,500, I sae the videos last year of them saying "we had to rebuild all new tooling" then we findout its not made in house and is probably made from Nodak forgings? IMO this is them trying to squeeze every penny they can out of the Colt name before its either Sold again or goes under
Seems to be a lot of that going on, these days. Iconic American brands that took many decades to build into greatness no longer being run by men of integrity. No Sir, the Young Turks are running the corporate boardrooms nowadays, and their only business model appears to be pimping out the company their grandfathers founded, wringing every last dollar out of it, until all that is left is an empty shell. Sad times...
I bought a original Colt AR 15 SP1 with a Colt 3x20 scope manufactured in the 70's with a 1/12 twist pencil barrel. The rifle cost me damn near 3000 dollars. But it's worth it to me cuz i carried and trained with the M16 version of it in the USAF back in the 80's. But I wouldn't paid 2500 for that AR 15 that you reviewed.
In the past year I built 3 of those with 1/7 lightweight chromed barrels and A1 furniture. NDS A1 uppers with M4 ramps, $700 each after all is said and done. Yes, they shoot and run fine. Authentic? Close enough for me
My uncle was feeling nostalgic and asked me to build him a rifle that had the essence of the one he carried in '69. A faithful repro.....nope. I got the hand guards and the 3 prong FH, but I used an A2 upper, delta ring and and Magpul MOE grip. As for the A2 upper and the MOE grip it just enhances the range time, it's a shooter not a collectors item and it makes him smile. I was well under a $1k building it.
When we landed in Oakland in 1970 from Vietnam my two comrades and I took three M16's and dismantled them and put them in our duffel bags but one of my friends and myself were nailed. The guy that went to lunch didn't check anything. They had another trooper come in to take over our inspection and he made us take everything out of the bags. We actually got into a fight. Our first night stateside and we really didn't give a lot of shit about rank. O'well. At least one of us made it through. Can't stand those lifers. Kevin
I qualified expert during BCT with a GM hydromatic M16 in the early 70s. It was worn out and the barrel looked like the craters of the moon. But would still wear out a 300 meter target!
Nobody i'm aware of including forgotten weapons has gone into so much detail about this rifle and i'm very glad you did...I live in the UK and can only get a deactivated version but you go into such fine detail that allows me to inspect the one I have and understand the various markings and details I would have otherwise overlooked...thank you for being so interested and giving us history that I didn't even get from the Eugene Stoner interviews...
I was thinking about getting one of these but I decided to have John Brace weld an intact demilled XM16E1 (my favorite rifle) magwell (with very crisp roll marks) to the rear half of one of his 80% receivers and use a mid 60’s no forge code colt upper with recessed front pivot pin. When it’s done it’ll be 95% mid 60’s authentic Colt that’s actually been there and down that, and it’ll be cheaper than a modern knock off
Thanks for the review and critique............I assembled a replica Model 605 last year. John Thomas did the barrel work. Used original...or what was advertised as original triangle fore end, pistol grip and "D" butt stock. Upper/lower/charge handle are Nodak Spud retros with the "Battle Wear" finish on the Colt grey. BCG is chrome from Rock River (I may change thins later), Lower and upper parts from Ar15sport. It is a cool replica and I like it. Oh....bought some repro "Waffle" magazines from Nodak Spud....then bought some Vietnam era 20 rounders at a gun show. Guess i have about 13-14 magazines. M1956 web gear goes well with the rifle. Had Ident Marking engrave a "Colt" logo and "AR-15" markings on the left side. Saw photos of their work on similar rifles.
Chris your retro build is absolutely beautiful! That engraving job is the most exciting thing Ive seen in a long time..its not even my rifle and im tickled to death over it
Amazing the amount of knowledge you have regarding these Colt rifles. I have no idea how you find out all of this information. Thanks for sharing and passing it along to us.
Chris, yours is simply the best gun channel out of all of them. I know you guys have had some challenges with the channel, but I think you are only going to grow as more people realize the wealth of information you provide.
It would be kind of neat to machine a faux auto sear pin head on each side for external aesthetic purposes. If done right it would look the part from further than a couple feet away.
Andrew Cannon No kidding? I didn’t know that. I don’t have any experience with select fire stuff. What about that makes it illegal? Appearing like a select fire gun?
I’d like to know more about the colt SP1. Mine came with a colt stamped bayonet, colt stamped scope, the butt stock trap door and no forward assist. Bought it in 1979.
I see LW Schnieder just like the Springfield Saint. Would like to see a side by side comparison of an "entry level" such as an Anderson, Palmetto rifle vs an LMT, Daniels. Finish, attention to detail, and overall quality comparison. BANG FOR THE BUCK !
Awesome Video (as usual!) Thanks for all the info/insight Chris! I am going to go against the grain with my reply though, I have the same rifle (my serial number is about 200 higher) and I can assure you that the slip ring and trigger guard on mine are grey and a solid match to the upper/lower receiver, I am also very satisfied with the lower roll marks on mine. They are well done and look like the rest of my colts rifles. Another point that I would like to make that the Colt is using an actual A1 lower NOT a "doctored up" re-machined A2 (like the Brownells and others). It's obvious by the shape of the "triangle" at the bottom of the vertical section of fencing, the area around the front take down pin, and the flair angle of the lower just behind the magwell. Also the front sight post is machined to remove the flashing (again something the others don't do). I will concede that it's overpriced, but I would still argue that for a rifle that can be purchased vs built from parts, it's the most faithful/accurate reproduction.
What's next from Colt? A $2500 Python made by Taurus?
$2400 for a halfassed colt roll mark. Thats it? This is why colt is where it is.
Literally the only part i liked on the one i reviewed was the lower...which yes was clearly a Nodak Spud, zero question. The barrel for me was the biggest let down. That's the heart of a rifle and if its not right? screw it.
Hopefully Colt is like Gibson Guitars where the MSRP is generally 45% to 60% higher than street price. Both companies are making some real nasty turds though. I quit buying new Gibsons, and eventually quit buying used Gibson guitars, and buy the 1980s Japanese lawsuit copies. The quality was markedly better and in the 1980s the prices were 50-70% less. Now my Tokai Greco and Burny guitars are fetching $2000, $3000, and even $8000-$12,000 for the EDS1275s. They are bringing full blown used Gibson prices, OR BETTER, and it's still a better product. Same with Colt. People will pay $$$ for that rampant raging pony, but is it really that good? Nope. The Colt 2000 was the epitome of Colt's business model failure. They out-shopped EVERYTHING and it was a total abortion.
It’s nice, but damn that’s a lot of money
In Ga. This Colt is 2699.00 1/ 5 /
2020
@F15EJäg_AR15_MG42 If you're in Europe I would caution against a Bushmaster rifle. They sold out long ago and aren't as good as they used to be. Get a Windham Weaponry rifle, it will serve you well.
My wife bought a Colt SP-1 at a Estate sale yesterday for 500.00
SCORE !!!!!!!!
William Nipper lucky man!!
William Nipper did you thank her
I hate you lol
That's a keeper for sure William. Good woman.
Colt just keeps inventing new ways to disenfranchise and alienate buyers - the government, gun enthusiasts, collectors...
Making more friends at Colt's I see Chris? lol, You know I am kidding. You have the same results as I did with my review 'reissue M16A1' last year. The lower markings on mine were pretty good, but that barrel was a piss-poor excuse...and this coming from a blind guy! When i handle my original M16A1, i can easily feel the CMP Chromebore rollmarking, its a neat feature. My SP1 just has '12' on it and then 'MVP' under the FSB. I love original Colts. Like you, i grew up with an SP1, so that model holds a special place in my heart. What have they done to our company? And i do mean that, Colt should just belong in trust to the American people. At least we'd treat it with respect and dignity.
Mishaco you see more blind than most with 20/15 vision!
Colt is out of their goddamned minds with that MSRP.
ya think...
.... that’s why they’ll go out of business, what fools they are to their costumer and arrogance
Colt in general Is Not what they Use to Be.
You guy expect too much from a company that hasnt innovated in 70 years.
Let’s put it this way, these days, for $2,400, get a couple S&W M&P-15 if you want to go the budget route and ammo for the rest. For a high quality one, a Gesslie Super Duty or a DD DDM4V7/9 and ammo with the left over or a good sight if you don’t have one. If you REALLY want to blow all $2,400 on a single rifle, a DD MK12, which beats the stinky PANTS off of anything Colt and will be far more reliable, accurate and higher in quality.
Scooby and the Gang:
“Let’s see who this really is”
*Removes Mask*
“Nodal Spud!”
Colt: And I would’ve gotten away with it if it weren’t for Small Arms Solutions..
Scroll down in the comments (about 3 months ago) Chris made it clear that it is NOT A NODAK
The forge markings only show where it was FORGED. Not the company that sells them.
The title should be, “Save a thousand, shop at Brownells” 🤣
A thousand a half 👍
Mort Business save $2000 shop at Palmetto state armory 😁
Title should be, shop nowhere, out of stock everywhere.
Yeah... they Sit back on their Military contracts! & SCREW the Public! 😊
I would like to make known, I was contacted by a trusted contact that the upper and lower receiver forgings for the Colt Reissue are Colt owned forging dies and were newly designed for this program. The forging are not Nodak. Colt supposedly built the dies off of original prints. The forging process done now by Anchor Harvey Forge is different which accounted for the variations I saw. Credit due to where credit is earned.
If so then why does the underside of the front takedown pin not looking like a forged A1 but simply a machined off A2?
Don't think so, the dies were in hand ALREADY"!!
Robert Walker they were not. Colt abandoned them years ago at the forging companies. They were long gone. Colt does not keep outdated tooling and in most cases parts in inventory.
"You're saying $2,500 because you [Colt] had to retool.. No you didn't" lol
Well at least Colt got the "tool" part right hehehe.
This is why this channel is one of the best gun channels period, all the detail and intimate knowledge that the average person wouldn't know to look for or think about. As for building a replica, it looks like with a like patience, time, money, and knowing what to get on Brownells, you could probably build a better one for the same cost or less as this Colt
No question, much less money. You can find all original Colt parts from the 1970s with some looking and patience. From there, just nab a Brownells or NDS lower, and you're in business. Heck, you could even buy an SP1, strip it for parts, rebuild on a pair of NDS receivers; and Still be cheaper.
Mishaco is good too
I think it's really sad how far Colt has fallen. They need to get someone in charge who's not out of touch with reality and can really do the name justice.
I handled one of these Colts at a local gun store, and I remember feeling like I was holding a parts bin special. I was not too fond of the $2400 asking price either.
They felt like this in the Military also. So glad my unit issue one had a 204 attached to it .
I built a early 604, late 604 and M16A1 all on original Colt uppers from the 60's/70's. All original furniture, original Colt barrels and BCGs on Nodak lowers and I am about $1000-$1200 in each one.
I can't believe that roll mark on the receiver!!!! You can't even see the pony, that is outrageous. That alone would make me lose it if I paid soooo much. Chris is right too, that is what you paid so much for in the first place, the name. They can't even put their name on it right. RIP Colt, may you return one day in glory.
To be fair, Colt didn't put anything on this rifle. They simply licensed this out to a 3rd party and i bet it never even breathed CT air.
@@MishacoOBA Hey Misha!!!! Awesome to see you over on Chris's channel! I think you are correct on that. Colt didn't mess it up because they never actually touched it hahaha. Still pretty disappointing for a "colt".
great points and solid info as always
Mrgunsngear Channel let’s stick to the Brownells retro series!!! THATS where I’m going 👴🏾👍🏾
I have a 1976 Colt SP-1 that I bought from its original owner around 1978. It is all original (I had A2 hand guards & a forward assist upper receiver on it but I took them off & returned it to all original, I had kept the parts). I also have a period correct Colt 3x scope. When I go to a range or gun shop, I get tons of comments. I LOVE it.
But you know what? I can find them for around $1500, some more, some less, on the internet. $2499 is absurd. And the thing isn't even really made by Colt (no offense to U.S. Armament, they actually seem to make quality stuff).
Great video, Chris, I love your work.
I will give Colt some credit for bringing back their revolver line and to me, doing a pretty good job so far except for the useless night cobra. That said, I give them a score of 8 out of 10 on the douche bag scale for the gouging on the retro rifle they offer and some of us will never forget how they blew off the civilian market to kiss up to the government gun banners.
Thank you sir for the excellent video. If you served in the military as an NCO, as did I, I apologize for calling you sir.
I know you worked for a living , hehe. I was in the Us Army in the 70s and 80s. We were issued the M-16A1.
Aside from Air rifles and pistols I had no experience with firearms before.
I must say as a new recruit I was impressed when we were taken to the rifle range and to show us newbies that
we had nothing to fear from the M-16 recoil the Drill Sergeant put the butt stock of his weapon on his forehead
and pulled the trigger. After training and getting our battlesight zero I was surprised when I shot 38 out of 40
targets when I qualified.
Three years ago i decided to build my own AR-15A1 rifle project. This would be my second build.
My first was an AR-15A2 HBAR 20" rifle i built about 15 years ago. It was a fun build but it did not have the sweet balance my old M-16A1 had back in the day.
I live on a low SSI disability income now so I would just buy a part here and there when I could afford it. Because of my budget I was forced to make some compromises.
I could not afford the price then of $249.00 for the proper A-1 upper receiver so I had to settle for an Anderson Flat Top upper with a Chinese carry handle.
I started the project with a Polymer FMK A-1 Extreme stripped lower. I used an A-2 stock. The D-Ring was angled not straight and I had the round FWD assist.
Well last year I saw that Brownells finally had their NDS cast A-1 uppers back in stock for $149.99. I bought the blem for $124,99. I found a GI surplus A-1 butt stock
at Numrich for $22.00. I replaced the handguard D- ring with the proper straight one as well as replacing the FWD assist with the tear drop model. Lastly i bought an aluminum
stripped Anderson lower to replace the polymer FMK one. I added a GI issue nylon green sling to finish things off.
I could not afford a 1:12 barrel but I am happy with the gov profile slim barrel in 1:9 twist I got from Del-Ton.
I know she is not perfect but she sure feels good in my hands.
Here are a few pics before I switched out the polymer FMK lower with the aluminum Anderson lower.
What do you think?
beta.photobucket.com/u/bdcomp1701compuguy2/a/efa88b6c-0a05-4f77-bd09-ed48af062bf3/p/7bd174e7-89c9-4cda-8a64-cfb383627e62
@Bill23799
Looks sweet man!
Just got that same OD military issue sling for my M16A1 retro build as well.
Nice build!
@@joelloza2076 Thanks Joel. I am not sure I mentioned it eaarler but I also have a M-7 Bayonet with scabbard. I was really happy when i was able to make my AR-15A1 project more accurate by replacing the Flat Top upper with the Brownells correct A-1 upper.
An added bonus when I replaced the FMK Polymer lower with a locally bought ( no transfer fee ) Anderson Aluminum lower I also was able to get PSA to replace a defective hammer that was making my trigger group act like a binary trigger. After I transferrred all lower p[arts to the new lower i was pleasantly surprised that I now had a great trigger with absolutely NO creep and a nice clean and crisp trigger break.
It would be nice to see pics of your AR-15A1 .project. I use Photo bucket to post my pics.
@@Bill23799 I'll check out photo bucket. I haven't logged into my PB account it years. Probably since the My Space days lol
I'll upload a pic to my photo bucket and post link
I got my hands on one, the original issue at Fort Leonard Wood. The upper and lower had so much wiggle between it had to have some tape applied during my qualification. Still I loved it. I had been issued several but that ONE is burned into every crevice of my mind and soul. I can't tell you the name or describe the first girl I kissed but I can recall every scratch, bump, and mark on that M-16.
To this day the feeling of a black rifle in my hand, the smell of ammo and CLP, the thought of eating those rations at the range arouses me. This is why during this period of gun grabbing with red flag, mag restrictions and assault rifle bans I have decided to say "I will not comp;y". Perhaps the feelings, thoughts and smells are not better than sex? To me they are more important. They are an integral component of me. To ask me to give up my rifle is the same as asking me to give up my kids, my wife, my dog.
Thank you for all you two do with the Black Rifles.
worddunlap thank you for being one of the few non coward gun owners out there that actually exercise their right as well as their American duty to disobey unlawful laws and lawmakers.
Amen. Agree completely.
Did my Army Basic in Fort Leonard Wood with an M16A1. It will always be the issue rifle that I remember the most fondly.
You really spoke a lot of truth, not that I'm any type of expert...but like you said Colt could've done better for their price point...I wonder if they've have seen your video... good work...
Oh I think Colt knows how Chris feels. F$%& 'em, they've been bankrupted and bailed out so many times you'd think someone over there would get the memo by now. I doubt they have any kind of community outreach to gauge customer satisfaction or interest - they make decisions from a high high chair and don't seem to take much notice of the fallout. This is what happens when a corporation becomes a retirement home for old generals like some kind of sad ordinance corps facsimile. They're all running it into the ground and turning their backs on their own labor union while doing it.
Just bought a BRN16A1-
I'm pleased to announce that they have gone to a charcoal-gray receiver. The slip ring is gray. The dust cover and trigger guard are still black, but overall, really nice.
(2-19-19 I'm new to the AR world. The receiver actually looks gray and just slightly green. Just happy it's not the jet black that they initially had.) New to the AR world but absolutely hooked. Best combat rifle ever. Stoner was a genius and Glock is the AR15 of the pistol world.
To think H&R teamed up with PSA and now we have Retro 20 inch M16A1 for 1,100$
The M16A1 I was issued in Boot camp and the one I fired during my time in the Marine Corps all had the trap door in the stock for cleaning kit. I don't thing the ones without that accurately represent the M16A1. I was in until 1983
Carried a colt in boot in 1975. Lefties got colts and righties got the newer H&Rs. The colts were from Nam. They had the slick shiny stock a and handguards. The H&Rs were the dull finish. The colts were 3 prong and the H&Rs were bird cage. Both guns had the nylon with clasp slings. The colts were grey and the H&Rs were almost black.
I was born in ‘68 while my Dad was fighting in Vietnam. I was in the first series of Parris Island recruits issued the A2 in 1986…
I just found a complete upper with no forge code, an mp c marked barrel, colt bcg, non left and right marked handguards, early gas tube, and milled flat drain hole fsb for 500 bucks yesterday
I said in 2017 and I will say in 2019 rich person's toy. If you have watched his video's or have his Black Rifle II Chris is very much able to talk about this.
I think the lower receiver is a reprofiled A2 pattern. Look below the pivot pin boss. You can see where the A2 reinforcing was machined away.
I had a Vietnam era Colt AR-15. I inquired with Colt, as to when this rifle was made. They told me , between 1973 and 1975. I purchased the gun in 1992, from a local FFL dealer. In November of 2015, I was at the range running .223 55 grain full metal jacket through it, as I had done numerous times before. The gun blew up do to an over pressure incident of somewhere around 80,000 p.s.i. The steel 30-rnd. mag was ruined, as were both receiver halves, bulging out to the point that the bolt would not properly ride inside the upper receiver. Long story short. . . the ammo company replaced my vintage Colt AR rifle with a more modern Windham Weaponry SRC 308 rifle in timber tech camo. I couldn't be happier with the Colt replacement.
Built an M16A1 clone. Used a Colt parts kit, faxon barrel, and Aero lower. Apparently it's more Colt than this is. All for well under $1k.
When I first saw these being announced at Shot I was all excited until they mentioned the price. Now I learn a couple of years later they were not even made by Colt and they took a bunch of shortcuts to boot. Really Colt, really? Not long after Colt announced the "Reissue" model I found a near mint Colt SP1 for $1,100 and couldn't be happier.
Thanks for the knowledge and honesty. We need more of that in this industry. I want Colt to come back and be awesome but until they stop being shady to their customers I'm afraid it won't happen.
Outstanding video! I was fortunate to have been issued an M-16A1 during my time in the US Army in the early to mid 1970s. Lots of range time and thousands of rounds fired with never one malfunction or jam. Great rifle.
Cpl. Sev.
When I joined my Light Infantry Unit in the late 80s. We were issued M-16 A-1s and my unit still had Colt .45s and 1/4 tons jeeps.
Your own build, running parts that aren't made anymore, could probably go for more than Colt's. It's also a one off.
I noticed you had a CAR-15 diagram in the background. Back in the late 90s, my local gun shop had some Colt guys there and some pre-ban CAR-15s were for sale. Stupid me thought that since I already had an AR-15 A2, I didn't need a CAR-15. I'm still kicking myself over that decision. About the only way I can soften the blow is that I was a bit strapped for cash in those days. It would have been a major expense for me, but just doable.
its a $1200 for the rifle and im suspecting ANOTHER $1200 for the colt name and thats about it.
Thanks Chris, you are the historian. I would have bought the Colt retro but they didn't make enough of them and they were all bought up bye the time I learned that they had produced them. The same with Brownells, a Fine reproduction but they stopped producing them bye the time I learned about their retro line. The market for the retro M16A1 is definitely there but it takes time for people to realize that they are tired of the standard modern AR and decide that they want to experience the original platform and a piece of history. Blessings to you and family, happy holidays.
About 15 years ago I bought an M-16A1 kit all original except with a new barrel. Two months ago I finally got around to putting it together. It feels like old home week -- much nostalgia.
Your M16A1 build/clone is faaar much better than the other two, Sir.
Sarco used to sell complete, less lower, M16A1 kits for $279.
Long post here, and I hope the viewers and uploader really understand this: This is what a lot do not see, or notice or even consider: To start, the shapes of the receivers. The upper could be Nodak... Sure. However, the lower has so many distinct shapes that makes it obvious that is NOT Nodak, and it points to it being a "re-tooled" A1 lower. Nodak has forging marks, there are none noticable. So either they were removed very carefully, or they got a contract with Nodak, or just simply retooled their own from originally drawings. If you're going by color, know this... Colt never forged pretty much 99% of their receivers anyways, or even anodized 100% their stuff at the same factory. They absolutely do not have to be the same color, especially the slip ring. It's made from a different type of aluminum usually. Same to this date... The aluminum used from factory to factory varied, just as the dye used did. This has been going on for 40+ years. When it comes to finishing, and why "You can tell the difference", Colt does a terrible job removing or cleaning up unnecessary machining spots. They are a bit better at it now, but their finishing quality is actually pretty average(imho, subpar). They do have a mil-spec quality on machining which is what matters. How do you know it's a Colt upper these days? Simply sometimes stamp a "C" next to the forging company. They use many... If I use the same dye on a AH Upper and a Cerro lower, the color could be greatly different just because of the composition of the aluminum. You might have grey, you might have a yellow hue, maybe blue, maybe purple-ish, depends. You literally cannot tell by "feel". You would have to have a microscope... As far as Colt "never made". Again, Colt mostly never forged their own stuff. Colt had plenty of "AR15" receivers that have "stop notches". The "semi automatic" simply didn't have the auto sear pin drilled. The "Magazine Fence" you refer to around the magazine release is obvious enough to know this is not modern, nor Nodak... If you have any questions. I would gladly explain!
Got the Brownell the other day and it does have the parts and color corrections. I have a real M16A1 upper on an SP1 lower and they'er both closer to black. When the two rifles are side by side you can see the lighter bluish gray on the Brownell. Not had a chance to shoot the new one, I might not ever do it, I bought it for living history displays.
Because of your Channel I started looking into the early development of the M16 that book the M16 controversies was one of the best books I've ever read
I bought a complete M16 A1 parts kit, it had everything except the lower, lower parts kit & a sling.
Some might think it"s a lot to "take in"..... Others come here to "find out" all these details that others miss....
This was a great presentation Chris....
Glad I came here to learn the fine details....love that Brownells retro.... 👍😃
Wow, that's almost exactly like the M16A1 I built. Had a parts kit from about 10 years ago and built it about 10 years ago, only thing that was missing from the kit was an original barrel. The kit came with a new green mountain barrel. Everything in the kit was colt, all C marked and all the correct gray. The theory was these kits came out of the middle east but I could never get a clear story. There were all over the place in around 2009-2010 for $500 and then they vanished. I see them go on GB for $1000-2000 now. They were all in excellent condition and near mint never used. I do regret deeply not picking up several. I used a LMT trigger too with a Nodak A1 lower. Finally in 2011 I found a real C MP Chrome Bore NOS barrel that supposedly came out of a depot in Alaska. Put it all together and it is one of my prized possessions. Going to do a video on my channel about it and some retro optics for it soon!
"Oddball, the uniforms I can understand. But to buy this tank? You'd have to be crazy!"
I have to say “hat’s off” to Brownell’s for making such a tremendous effort to offer us some pretty unique rifles.
I bought Windham's A1 clone on sale for $799. It is simply an amazing rifle. My buddy bought the Brownell's A1 offering for $1399. We went to the range and the Windham absolutely destroyed it in every way.
Great video - I just found it by accident on a gas block search. If this has already been covered in the comments I apologize in advance. First - I would like to point out that Stoner's original design for the AR-15 was a 1:14 twist barrel. The Army spec called for a FMJ 22 caliber bullet to dump all of its energy before exiting the 8 inches flesh, of a typical human body, like a 30-06 hollow point. Stoner and Sullivan found the 1:14 twist barrel and the 55 gr FMJ .223 bullet did just that. The Armalite AR-15 barrel was not marked "1:14" because there was no other choice to meet the Army rifle competition specification. The original Armalite AR-15, Colt AR-15 and Colt M-16 barrels were 1:14 twist and they were not stamped "1:14". You may find an M-16 with a 1:12 stamped barrel and no forward assist. However these rifles, were used by the Army for testing early in the M-16A1 development effort. See "related notes" below for more info.
Related notes: Sec Dev McNamara, after seeing Stoner demo the Cadillac Gage "Armalite AR-15" blowing watermelons apart with .223 FMJ ammo forced the Army to drop the M-14 and accept the AR-15. (Air Force General Lemay had already seen the demo and ordered Armalite AR-15 rifles to replace the M2 Carbines his "red hats" used. The Air Force AR-15s were still in service during the Gulf War! The Air Force had a separate ammo supplier that did not change the powder. Air Force AR-15s have 1:14 twist barrels and function flawlessly.) The first Armalite and Colt AR-15 rifles sent to Vietnam for Special Forces to test functioned flawlessly. The Army did not want the "little black rifle" (M-16). The first thing the Army brass did was change the barrel twist from "1:14" to "1:12" which over stabilized the 55 gr .223 FMJ bullet and the M-16 (Armalite AR-15) went from being a "tack driver" to a very inaccurate rifle. Colt put all of the original "1:14" twist barrels aside. Colt would later install them in the 1974 SP-1 AR-15s for commercial sales. The second thing the Army brass did was change the .223 powder spec .308 ball powder! This caused the M-16 rifle (now with 1:12 twist) to empty a 20 round magazine as fast as a MAC 11! (which wears out the lower receiver parts). The bolt carrier literally rebounds off of the rear of the buffer tube as if the spring is not there! And there is 2 foot long muzzle flash! I had some LC ammo with 67, 68 and 69 head stamps. All of it contained .308 ball powder! The switch to .308 ball powder gummed up the rifle and necessitated the "forward assist". This last change to the original Armalite AR-15 design resulted in the M-16A1. The rifle twist and ballistic information is is not covered in the book: The Great Rifle Controversy. Refer to SWAT magazine article "The AR-15 An Interesting Twist: Some interesting facts on ballistics that explains the difference in effectiveness of the AR-15 over the years" by Jim Sullivan.
So yes someone at Colt confused the M-16 with an unmarked (twist) barrel with the later M-16A1 with a marked (twist) barrel.
Didn't McNamera insist on dropping the crome lining as well?
I got lucky and found a complete a1 parts kit for 500. just used the nodac lower so all done less than 700 and almost completely colt
My Colt reissue XM177E2 arrived with dark green anodized receivers, delta ring, trigger guard, and buffer tube, I had to disassemble it and coat them with Norrell’s moly resin, to get the correct gray color. The strange part; the inside of the upper was already coated with a gray dry film lube! The carbine also had many failure to feed issues with different mags, all using US made M193 ammo. I had to expand and polish the feed ramps, now resembling the M4 style, to get it to feed right. The action spring was an “extra power” type, so I had to replace that with a standard CAR spring. I also had to remove the M4 style donut from the extractor, since that’s not period correct. It seems to operate normally now. The roll marks on mine are good on the mag well, but are a little faint towards the back of the lower. Unless you’re a hardcore history/AR/M-16 geek, I’d say go with Brownell’s or build your own. I also had the Troy version, and it wasn’t as good as the “Colt”. Your mileage may vary.
I'll wait until the GM Hydramatic version comes out.
My father was issued GM Hydramatic in 1970 as a Philippine Constabulary. Its sad nobody mentions it today in YT despite half million were made based on my research.
Fantastic info. Just piece your own together or go brownells... it’s sad that Colt couldn’t deliver with this.
Great insight Chris and H. There is a colt HBAR at local shop for around 1k. Waiting on that to see. Great stuff, COLT can’t get much anything right in the modern era....a shame.
Braceman isn't doing engraving. I missed that train. It's really frustrating that Colt can't give people the replica rifles that we've been demanding for years. I was bummed out when I realized that I missed out of the M4A1 SOCOM with US Govt. property markings.
I did a Xm16e1 with a colt M16a1 parts kit and a nodak spud lower. Absolutely love that rifle. If these "Colts" were in the 1000-1200 range then I would be down for one.
Excellent video!
I fully agree, had it been a true Colt Rifle done right, $2,500 would be a good deal. As it stands now, I am going with Brownells
Colt scammed buyers on their reissue. They don't care. Bought a Colt AR15A4 and it ran out of windage and couldn't zero. Did I get a replacement their factory canted front sight assembly? No, they just beat the crooked one w/ hammer sent it back "your rifle is fixed.",
That’s a beautiful rifle you built sir! The Brownells Retro line is great stuff for good prices; I finally got my retro dissipator complete for around $300. Thanks for the knowledge!
I found one of what I believe to be one of these at a gunstore. It was in pristine condition and the guy was calling it an original "commercial" m16a1. I was suspicious and found this video trying to look up info. He was trying to sell it for $3000.
A scathing - but deserved - review of the Colt retro release. Their business decisions continue to prove heartbreaking, to say the least.
The Brownell’s offering looks solid. Your account here and others I’ve read elsewhere all sing the praises of their retro products. It’s encouraging.
The third example examined - your own build - is *mouthwatering* ... as the old Blimpie TV ad used to say, “it’s a beautiful thing.” Seriously makes me weak in the knees to see it.
Thank you for this detailed review, in-depth comparison, and excellent contrast. These videos are a real service to the consumer, without peer.
my original colt hand gards are stranded fiberglass, and they are brittle. they are marked colt inside and have an aluminum inner shell.
It looks like the just re-milled a modern lower receiver. the didn't even bother to blend out the area under the front pivot pin where they milled away the re-enforcement.
Great review and what a shame on Colt's end of things. I built my Brownells M16A1 off your original video....so +1 man.
There's your $2,500 justification, 2 muzzle devises. The conglomerate running Colt is crazy for pricing this rifle at $2,500, I sae the videos last year of them saying "we had to rebuild all new tooling" then we findout its not made in house and is probably made from Nodak forgings? IMO this is them trying to squeeze every penny they can out of the Colt name before its either Sold again or goes under
Seems to be a lot of that going on, these days.
Iconic American brands that took many decades to build into greatness no longer being run by men of integrity. No Sir, the Young Turks are running the corporate boardrooms nowadays, and their only business model appears to be pimping out the company their grandfathers founded, wringing every last dollar out of it, until all that is left is an empty shell.
Sad times...
You can get a original parts kit for $400 and machine a lower along with new Barrel for 300. So $700 and you have it
I bought a original Colt AR 15 SP1 with a Colt 3x20 scope manufactured in the 70's with a 1/12 twist pencil barrel. The rifle cost me damn near 3000 dollars. But it's worth it to me cuz i carried and trained with the M16 version of it in the USAF back in the 80's. But I wouldn't paid 2500 for that AR 15 that you reviewed.
I feel lucky to own a sp 1 myself
excellent review/evaluation. I was lucky to buy a Colt R6500 transitional model: A2 barrel (1/7 twist), A2 furniture, A1 sights
I can't stop thinking about the fact, that some airsoft guns are more correct externally than the "Colt" Reissue,
Very much enjoyed this. I couldn't believe what Colt wanted for their "retro". The A1 you put together is amazing.
In the past year I built 3 of those with 1/7 lightweight chromed barrels and A1 furniture. NDS A1 uppers with M4 ramps, $700 each after all is said and done. Yes, they shoot and run fine. Authentic? Close enough for me
Your wealth of knowledge on this gun is very impressive. Thanks for sharing.
My uncle was feeling nostalgic and asked me to build him a rifle that had the essence of the one he carried in '69.
A faithful repro.....nope. I got the hand guards and the 3 prong FH, but I used an A2 upper, delta ring and and Magpul MOE grip. As for the A2 upper and the MOE grip it just enhances the range time, it's a shooter not a collectors item and it makes him smile. I was well under a $1k building it.
I love his channel, you call them out on their bullshit!!
When we landed in Oakland in 1970 from Vietnam my two comrades and I took three M16's and dismantled them and put them in our duffel bags but one of my friends and myself were nailed. The guy that went to lunch didn't check anything. They had another trooper come in to take over our inspection and he made us take everything out of the bags. We actually got into a fight. Our first night stateside and we really didn't give a lot of shit about rank. O'well. At least one of us made it through. Can't stand those lifers. Kevin
I qualified expert during BCT with a GM hydromatic M16 in the early 70s. It was worn out and the barrel looked like the craters of the moon. But would still wear out a 300 meter target!
Nobody i'm aware of including forgotten weapons has gone into so much detail about this rifle and i'm very glad you did...I live in the UK and can only get a deactivated version but you go into such fine detail that allows me to inspect the one I have and understand the various markings and details I would have otherwise overlooked...thank you for being so interested and giving us history that I didn't even get from the Eugene Stoner interviews...
The blemished BRN-15 lowers they sell say that they are machined by Aero precision for Brownells.
Love my old 2010 CAI C15A1. Made with Colts parts kits and was under $600. Very well made with quality parts.
Good accurate info nice to know still many folks feels and think the same about historical fire arms
Colt should hire you to design them. You obviously know WAY more than Colt and the average guy put together.
I went to Brownells site to look at the 16 a1 ... looks very nice for me at a 1200 price , love it for me ... what I used in early 80s
I was thinking about getting one of these but I decided to have John Brace weld an intact demilled XM16E1 (my favorite rifle) magwell (with very crisp roll marks) to the rear half of one of his 80% receivers and use a mid 60’s no forge code colt upper with recessed front pivot pin. When it’s done it’ll be 95% mid 60’s authentic Colt that’s actually been there and down that, and it’ll be cheaper than a modern knock off
I got one of the first batch Brownells BRN-16A1 that they shipped, love it and I'm not changing anything on it!
Thanks for the review and critique............I assembled a replica Model 605 last year. John Thomas did the barrel work. Used original...or what was advertised as original triangle fore end, pistol grip and "D" butt stock. Upper/lower/charge handle are Nodak Spud retros with the "Battle Wear" finish on the Colt grey. BCG is chrome from Rock River (I may change thins later), Lower and upper parts from Ar15sport. It is a cool replica and I like it. Oh....bought some repro "Waffle" magazines from Nodak Spud....then bought some Vietnam era 20 rounders at a gun show. Guess i have about 13-14 magazines. M1956 web gear goes well with the rifle. Had Ident Marking engrave a "Colt" logo and "AR-15" markings on the left side. Saw photos of their work on similar rifles.
Chris your retro build is absolutely beautiful! That engraving job is the most exciting thing Ive seen in a long time..its not even my rifle and im tickled to death over it
As always great video! Thanks Chris! Do you know who made the handgaurds?😁
Amazing the amount of knowledge you have regarding these Colt rifles. I have no idea how you find out all of this information. Thanks for sharing and passing it along to us.
Chris, yours is simply the best gun channel out of all of them. I know you guys have had some challenges with the channel, but I think you are only going to grow as more people realize the wealth of information you provide.
It would be kind of neat to machine a faux auto sear pin head on each side for external aesthetic purposes. If done right it would look the part from further than a couple feet away.
Banshee365 that is very illegal
Andrew Cannon No kidding? I didn’t know that. I don’t have any experience with select fire stuff. What about that makes it illegal? Appearing like a select fire gun?
Banshee365 essentially yes. The atf believes if you put a small circle in the place a third pin would be its a machine gun
Andrew Cannon And the Auto mark on the selector on the lower on the Colt and FN collector guns are no problem? I mean, it says AUTO.
For a $2,499 MSRP, and be a "real deal" M16A1, the FA fun switch should be fully functional. . .
I’d like to know more about the colt SP1. Mine came with a colt stamped bayonet, colt stamped scope, the butt stock trap door and no forward assist. Bought it in 1979.
I just got a text from John Brace last night letting me know my 3rd XM16E1 reweld is almost done, the man is a wizard!
I see LW Schnieder just like the Springfield Saint. Would like to see a side by side comparison of an "entry level" such as an Anderson, Palmetto rifle vs an LMT, Daniels. Finish, attention to detail, and overall quality comparison. BANG FOR THE BUCK !
I made a brownells xm16el and an a1 carbine. They are some of my favorite rifles I own and made out of quality parts. Never selling them!
Awesome Video (as usual!) Thanks for all the info/insight Chris! I am going to go against the grain with my reply though, I have the same rifle (my serial number is about 200 higher) and I can assure you that the slip ring and trigger guard on mine are grey and a solid match to the upper/lower receiver, I am also very satisfied with the lower roll marks on mine. They are well done and look like the rest of my colts rifles. Another point that I would like to make that the Colt is using an actual A1 lower NOT a "doctored up" re-machined A2 (like the Brownells and others). It's obvious by the shape of the "triangle" at the bottom of the vertical section of fencing, the area around the front take down pin, and the flair angle of the lower just behind the magwell. Also the front sight post is machined to remove the flashing (again something the others don't do). I will concede that it's overpriced, but I would still argue that for a rifle that can be purchased vs built from parts, it's the most faithful/accurate reproduction.
My god. They couldn't even mark it right. Truly a company with no pride in their product and no shame in their pricing.
A knock off with Colt stickers. Thanks for the heads up.