We use the M16A4 in US Marine boot camp and MCT. Infantry marines use the newer M27 in ITB and in the fleet though. POGs (person other than grunt) use the M16A4 in the fleet. Nice video bro.
Yeah 20 inch AR was my first AR. I had already dabbled into a couple AKs, idk maybe I wanted to be hipster, so when it came time to get my first AR I wanted it to be a 20 inch. I picked up a m16a4 clone from Windham Weaponry (same factory that used to produce the coveted bushmaster rifles of the 80’s and 90’s) which I’ve pretty much left as it came from factory. It’s has A2 style handguards and I haven’t put an optic so it’s still got the removable carry handle, but it’s been a blast even as a plane Jane AR. I’ve gotten a Gucci LMT since then, but my 20 inch still gets plenty of attention.
If you like 20" sized rifle clones, then take a look a Canada C7 inspired project. Even if you cant get the Diemaco barrel, some of the other design ideas were very piratical.
I'm currently completing an M16A2 clone build and just bought the lower receiver for my next build. An M16A4. I already have an M4 clone and after the M16A4 will do an M4A1 build. I am using PSA lowers which are marked as "US Government Property", the correct model markings and the correct safety selector markings. The M16A2 is finished except for the A2 rear sight (on order now) and the handguards. I'm still searching for suitable, original handguards. The M16A2 build has an original COLT upper (bought as a stripped upper at an estate sale) It's a lot of fun searching and collecting the correct parts, finding them for good prices and putting everything together.
Oh man definitely, the build process is so fun. Those builds sound solid. I had my eyes on some of those PSA lowers you’re talking about. An M4A1 Block 1 build would be sick too 👀
In grunt side (Usmc)the boots used the M16 and seniors the M4s. Then everyone started getting the m4s. When i would shoot the smaw and back slung the M16, the barrel would bury itself into the ground. Probably the only thing I hated about the rifle.
That foregrip is sweet. I went back to only using mil-spec CH because it works and catches less on other things. Are you cool with the BCG being a finicky eater? Knowing that would you change it if you knew youd really need it?
Thanks yeah, I love it and am considering putting it in my M4 lol. As for the BCG - I ended up swapping it for a Toolcraft phosphate BCG. Now it runs just fine. I look it to the range the other day and it only had one hiccup - a single failure to feed - from 200-250rds of Wolf Steel. Much better!
The M16 is the best AR variant imo. Best muzzle velocity and aesthetic. Only thing i'd change is using an A1 length buttstock instead of an A2 buttstock. The A2 is slightly too long. I also switched out the pistol grip for an A1 pistol grip, but other than that it's perfection
Im building an m16 clone and id like the a4 upper and an a1 upper. My lower is the aero precision. This is my first build and i want it to be the m16 and not a 6mm arc just yet lol
New subscriber! Great job. Going to be cloning a Colt 20” soon. Hope to get some content on my channel once it’s underway. Again, awesome job with your video quality.
Oh NICE, how do you like the FN upper? I don't have one myself so I'm curious. I've heard about them from the Military Collector Editions but never shot them. Thanks for the sub!
It shoots as nice as my service rifle for competition. It came with the cardboard straw down the barrel. Looked unfired. Cage code and not the script FN font like the collectors on the barrel. P&S handgaurd came with it. I am told the uppers where a late M16A4 contract that got canceled. I had to find the bolt, stock assembly and PG. Ohio Ordinace had them a few years back. Everything is FN surplus less the receiver from BCP. The markings are really nice. I have a NM carry handle, and the charging handle is generic. Such an easy gun to shoot.
@@jamesshoots From what I understand, the A2 handguard came standard on the A4 (as did the carry handle), so you would still be clone correct with that. I also have an A1 triangle handguard, for when I want to go in my “Way-Back machine” to when I was in Basic Training!
What if I told you my M16A4 is my grab and go do everything rifle?🤔 point shooting at CQB ranges and RCO for everything else, it’s a force to be reckoned with. And honestly the weight is negligible when in use. Any adrenaline in your system and the weight and length just aren’t even noticed. Don’t get me wrong, I love my M4A1 14.5” also, and it gets rounds on target just as easily, it’s just…the A4 puts those rounds on target with some major hatred behind them!
Did your upper not come with a bcm BCG? Just curious why you would skimp on one of the most important pieces of a build and use garbage PSA BCG? Love the rifle do yourself a favor and upgrade your BCG
LOL fair point. While the BCG holds up fine minus the steel thing, tbh if I were to re-do it, I'd get a different BCG - maybe like a Toolcraft or something without a fat logo on it. PSA can go in the spare parts drawer...
PSA uses toolcraft to OEM their bcgs I would get something more reputable like an actual BCM BCG or anything made by micro best I've heard of plenty of toolcraft bolts sheering in half and snapping lugs at very low round counts good luck 👍
Mind you, I have no professional experience at all, so I would defer to someone who carries/carried guns for a living. With that being said, if I keep both eyes open (you're supposed to anyway with this scope) and focus on the target a little more with my non-dominant eye, I find that keeps my shots relatively on target. I find this helps me overcome most of the 4x magnification at closer ranges!
How surprise, and how close CQC? The RCO can be used fairly well snap shooting with both eyes open at pretty close range. Some of the tables you qual with it are inside 20 yards shooting while moving and doing target transitions. The RCO has a larger FOV than most 4x optics, and the fiber optics puts enough light into that chevron to really burn it into your consciousness. We actually taped our fiber optics just to keep them from pulling too much light. At across the room or down the hall ranges, esp indoors, we short stocked the rifles, often using the hot spot from our Surefire white lights as aiming points. Short stocking has been taught to LEO entry teams since the early 90s as a way to reduce the length of shotguns and rifles in tight places. It involves turning the weapon inboard 90 degrees and placing the flat of the stock over the top of the shooting shoulder, then running the shooting hand all the way back until the thumb is about resting on your clavicle, or the IBA and patrol pack strap on your shooting side. This allows you to reduce weapon length by a good 6 to 8 inches. You're looking down the side or your weapon, so there is no sights. You can do okay point shooting with practice. And like I said, we'd use the hot spot from our torches as improvised laser sights. This still wasn't as precise, but it would get you minute of jihadist at indoor distances. There is actually precedent for using the hot spot off your weapon light as an aiming point too. When SAS took the Iranian Embassy back in 1980, some of the operators had what were essentially C-cell Maglites on their MP5s. Because the lights were almost as big as the SMGs they were mounted on top of, they precluded the use of the MP5's excellent aperature sights. The operators focused the beam to intensify the hot spot, then used that as an aiming point. So neither of these techniques were invented by the USMC, but both were adopted to good effect with the M16A4.
@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62 so basically the best way to use the RCO in close quarters is not using it. 😂 If I run RCO on my rifle I will always run it with an offset red dot
@jamesshoots yup. The ACOG was designed with the Bindon Aiming Concept in mind. Essentially you run it with both eyes open. Your focus will determine which eye becomes dominant and what your brain sees. I'd you are focusing past the optic, and your reticle is bright enough, your brain superimposes the lit up reticle into the middle of your vision. So in a sense you use it just like an RDO for close range shooting. Interestingly, this was how primitive RDOs worked in Vietnam. They were not see through, but were essentially a solid tube with an LED light shining in your eye. With both eyes open, the light floated in the middle of your vision.
Steel cased ammo tends to have lower pressures so the BCG could be short stroking and not feeding the next round. I would test again but douse your star chamber in lube to see if it will feed the next round. Nice build!
Dude honestly I feel like clone parts from that era are harder to find. I waited months (granted, I wasn’t checking everyday) and just finally got a KAC M4 front sight in Taupe for my MK18. We just gotta hold the line 😭😭
@@jamesshoots ERA!? *AM I OLD!?* clone what ? I got a m16 collector and it comes with the kac but for a year I couldn't find any in stock and everyone was still getting them idk. Then I called kac and was like wtf guys and they were like IDK were still pumping them out like normal and I was like something sus. And now I feel like people are now finally catching up to the sus. I heard there's a clone company that is literally the same exact thing ; theyre making it for mil too, but they're out too and I didn't understand their product code differences. Then you got commie democrats making parts now illegal while China walks around surveying their future land
@@jamesshoots I wanted one for my m400 srp cus muh kac also I like the rail guard covers on a kac. They gave me an m16a2 with an acog on my carry handle and idk what my acog was I swear it was a red star .
Beautiful assembly bro, congratulations enjoy it. Hopefully you are active in securing our God given rights, tyrants are coming after our sovereignty with everything they got. Blessings from the Most High to you and your family.
The price is hard to beat, but I've ran into reliability problems with basically all the HLXs I've gotten after a year or so. I switched over to Surefire on my other rifles. Even if it costs way more, it also lasts longer and is more secure. But at least the chunkiness of this Streamlight works for the look!
The M16A2/A4 is the most consistently accurate service rifle ever put into human hands.
This dude needs more subscribers, the quality of his videos are awesome. 👍
Thank you!!
Let it written, let it be done ✅
DD and then this BCM build. There is something to say about starting your collection with quality pieces. Nice work.
Thank you! Definitely taking a “buy once cry once” approach haha
We use the M16A4 in US Marine boot camp and MCT. Infantry marines use the newer M27 in ITB and in the fleet though. POGs (person other than grunt) use the M16A4 in the fleet. Nice video bro.
POG here, soon to be former POG. Yes, always had M16A4 until qual in 2021.
rather be a pog than a peacetime grunt 🤷♂️
I just want access to what I paid for the Taliban to have.
Went through in '18 and I am probably going to have an A4/RCO build, it's just so comfy
POGS use M4s now
Nice review. The A2/A4 are fire. Good memories of USMC days. I have two of the FN collector's series and they are fantastic.
Nice man, that's awesome! I'm jealous - having an FN would be sweet.
Nice video. Been getting to Retro builds, and that 20 inch barrel on the M16 hits the nostalgia feels just right.
Excellent video, been waiting on them to restock this upper.
Yeah 20 inch AR was my first AR. I had already dabbled into a couple AKs, idk maybe I wanted to be hipster, so when it came time to get my first AR I wanted it to be a 20 inch. I picked up a m16a4 clone from Windham Weaponry (same factory that used to produce the coveted bushmaster rifles of the 80’s and 90’s) which I’ve pretty much left as it came from factory. It’s has A2 style handguards and I haven’t put an optic so it’s still got the removable carry handle, but it’s been a blast even as a plane Jane AR. I’ve gotten a Gucci LMT since then, but my 20 inch still gets plenty of attention.
There is something to be said for learning how to use a carry handle iron sight. They are capable of much more than most people think.
@@davidstevens6117what if your vision is lacking
@@imjudeau2156 Mine is starting to be lacking for sure. I guess some sort of low-powered scope would be best.
I’m loving the aesthetics of the videos, brother. Keep up the great videos. 🙏🏽
Thank you man!!
If you like 20" sized rifle clones, then take a look a Canada C7 inspired project. Even if you cant get the Diemaco barrel, some of the other design ideas were very piratical.
Stellar vid! Great vibes and close ups of a beautiful rifle!
Thank you!!
I have a spare M5 rail with full panel kit & VFG. Might turn it into one of these.
10/10 would recommend, it's such a fine rifle to shoot!
Good-looking rifle! BCM makes excellent stuff. Congrats!
Thank you!!
M16A4 IS LEGEND VERY PERPECT RLFLE. This rifle is so beautiful 😍👍
Thanks! Yeah def one of my favorites!!
At my unit we covered the fiber optic on the acog all except the tip. (The thing that lets the light in, may not be fiber optic)
I'm currently completing an M16A2 clone build and just bought the lower receiver for my next build. An M16A4. I already have an M4 clone and after the M16A4 will do an M4A1 build. I am using PSA lowers which are marked as "US Government Property", the correct model markings and the correct safety selector markings.
The M16A2 is finished except for the A2 rear sight (on order now) and the handguards. I'm still searching for suitable, original handguards. The M16A2 build has an original COLT upper (bought as a stripped upper at an estate sale)
It's a lot of fun searching and collecting the correct parts, finding them for good prices and putting everything together.
Oh man definitely, the build process is so fun. Those builds sound solid. I had my eyes on some of those PSA lowers you’re talking about. An M4A1 Block 1 build would be sick too 👀
Absolute beautiful build.
Thank you!
In grunt side (Usmc)the boots used the M16 and seniors the M4s. Then everyone started getting the m4s. When i would shoot the smaw and back slung the M16, the barrel would bury itself into the ground. Probably the only thing I hated about the rifle.
Well done. Excellent video with the classic A4.
Thank you so much!
That foregrip is sweet.
I went back to only using mil-spec CH because it works and catches less on other things.
Are you cool with the BCG being a finicky eater? Knowing that would you change it if you knew youd really need it?
Thanks yeah, I love it and am considering putting it in my M4 lol. As for the BCG - I ended up swapping it for a Toolcraft phosphate BCG. Now it runs just fine. I look it to the range the other day and it only had one hiccup - a single failure to feed - from 200-250rds of Wolf Steel. Much better!
Keep the videos coming. What kind of guns would you want to review next?
Good video. I wouldn't skimp on the BGC either, you have a decent build there. Get a DD BGC or a WC (or even a BCM).
Bolt Group Carrier? WTF is that?
The M16 is the best AR variant imo. Best muzzle velocity and aesthetic. Only thing i'd change is using an A1 length buttstock instead of an A2 buttstock. The A2 is slightly too long. I also switched out the pistol grip for an A1 pistol grip, but other than that it's perfection
There's definitely something awesome about a full-length 20" barrel that maximizes the 5.56 round!
Interesting about the bcg I have a dpms and delton that gobble steel case. I need another bcg that will perform with it as I'm building a new rifle
Im building an m16 clone and id like the a4 upper and an a1 upper. My lower is the aero precision. This is my first build and i want it to be the m16 and not a 6mm arc just yet lol
New subscriber! Great job. Going to be cloning a Colt 20” soon. Hope to get some content on my channel once it’s underway. Again, awesome job with your video quality.
Thanks man, def share that video once you've made it!
Subscribed! Looks good! I did mine with a surplus FN upper.I need an ACOG or two for other projects
Oh NICE, how do you like the FN upper? I don't have one myself so I'm curious. I've heard about them from the Military Collector Editions but never shot them. Thanks for the sub!
It shoots as nice as my service rifle for competition. It came with the cardboard straw down the barrel. Looked unfired. Cage code and not the script FN font like the collectors on the barrel. P&S handgaurd came with it. I am told the uppers where a late M16A4 contract that got canceled. I had to find the bolt, stock assembly and PG. Ohio Ordinace had them a few years back. Everything is FN surplus less the receiver from BCP. The markings are really nice. I have a NM carry handle, and the charging handle is generic. Such an easy gun to shoot.
Should be a flat trigger guard. Don't think the A4s had the rounded trigger guard.
You are correct! I stick with the rounded one but flat trigger guard is the right way.
I need to build a 20 inch rife. The M5 RAS is outrageously priced though so I might go with another rail.
I haven’t checked the prices recently, but I believe there’s an M5 RAS rail by P&S Products (or something like that) for significantly cheaper!
@@jamesshoots From what I understand, the A2 handguard came standard on the A4 (as did the carry handle), so you would still be clone correct with that. I also have an A1 triangle handguard, for when I want to go in my “Way-Back machine” to when I was in Basic Training!
Put your acog on the dd and run it! Add a piggy back or offset reddot and your set for everything.
Hell yeah, I'm gonna do that this weekend at the range!
@@jamesshoots that would get a lot of views. Block II ➕ acog thumbnail
I thought this was the fn m16a4 clone at first nice build
Nice build! What’s the name of the track playing in the background?
Hey thanks! it's Cruise Control - Lolek
You wouldn’t happen to be talking about Salt Waters Gun Club in St. Augustine FL in the beginning would you??
Nah, I’m referring to ETTS in the DFW area!
hey its still more practical than your mosin 😂 love the build! keep the vids coming
hahaha I mean the Russians made do, so I can't complain!
Just finished mine
Great job!!!
Well done video. 👏
Thank you!!
What if I told you my M16A4 is my grab and go do everything rifle?🤔 point shooting at CQB ranges and RCO for everything else, it’s a force to be reckoned with. And honestly the weight is negligible when in use. Any adrenaline in your system and the weight and length just aren’t even noticed. Don’t get me wrong, I love my M4A1 14.5” also, and it gets rounds on target just as easily, it’s just…the A4 puts those rounds on target with some major hatred behind them!
Did your upper not come with a bcm BCG? Just curious why you would skimp on one of the most important pieces of a build and use garbage PSA BCG? Love the rifle do yourself a favor and upgrade your BCG
LOL fair point. While the BCG holds up fine minus the steel thing, tbh if I were to re-do it, I'd get a different BCG - maybe like a Toolcraft or something without a fat logo on it. PSA can go in the spare parts drawer...
PSA uses toolcraft to OEM their bcgs I would get something more reputable like an actual BCM BCG or anything made by micro best I've heard of plenty of toolcraft bolts sheering in half and snapping lugs at very low round counts good luck 👍
Would love to shoot one of these bad boys, I bet the recoil is nice.
It's super smooth! Would definitely recommend!
Hello there, James Shoot!
Nice rifle I loved mine in Iraq
Hell yeah!!
Full lenth rifle gas is best gas
Very cool
How would you use the ACOG in a surprise CQC situation?
Mind you, I have no professional experience at all, so I would defer to someone who carries/carried guns for a living. With that being said, if I keep both eyes open (you're supposed to anyway with this scope) and focus on the target a little more with my non-dominant eye, I find that keeps my shots relatively on target. I find this helps me overcome most of the 4x magnification at closer ranges!
How surprise, and how close CQC?
The RCO can be used fairly well snap shooting with both eyes open at pretty close range. Some of the tables you qual with it are inside 20 yards shooting while moving and doing target transitions. The RCO has a larger FOV than most 4x optics, and the fiber optics puts enough light into that chevron to really burn it into your consciousness. We actually taped our fiber optics just to keep them from pulling too much light.
At across the room or down the hall ranges, esp indoors, we short stocked the rifles, often using the hot spot from our Surefire white lights as aiming points.
Short stocking has been taught to LEO entry teams since the early 90s as a way to reduce the length of shotguns and rifles in tight places. It involves turning the weapon inboard 90 degrees and placing the flat of the stock over the top of the shooting shoulder, then running the shooting hand all the way back until the thumb is about resting on your clavicle, or the IBA and patrol pack strap on your shooting side. This allows you to reduce weapon length by a good 6 to 8 inches. You're looking down the side or your weapon, so there is no sights. You can do okay point shooting with practice. And like I said, we'd use the hot spot from our torches as improvised laser sights. This still wasn't as precise, but it would get you minute of jihadist at indoor distances.
There is actually precedent for using the hot spot off your weapon light as an aiming point too. When SAS took the Iranian Embassy back in 1980, some of the operators had what were essentially C-cell Maglites on their MP5s. Because the lights were almost as big as the SMGs they were mounted on top of, they precluded the use of the MP5's excellent aperature sights. The operators focused the beam to intensify the hot spot, then used that as an aiming point. So neither of these techniques were invented by the USMC, but both were adopted to good effect with the M16A4.
@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62 so basically the best way to use the RCO in close quarters is not using it. 😂 If I run RCO on my rifle I will always run it with an offset red dot
@jamesshoots yup. The ACOG was designed with the Bindon Aiming Concept in mind. Essentially you run it with both eyes open. Your focus will determine which eye becomes dominant and what your brain sees. I'd you are focusing past the optic, and your reticle is bright enough, your brain superimposes the lit up reticle into the middle of your vision. So in a sense you use it just like an RDO for close range shooting. Interestingly, this was how primitive RDOs worked in Vietnam. They were not see through, but were essentially a solid tube with an LED light shining in your eye. With both eyes open, the light floated in the middle of your vision.
@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62yup, at very close ranges your pretty much point shooting anyways.
What’s that sling called? How it is attached to the butt stock
It's the Vickers Padded Sling! It attaches to the stock using the M16 Buttstock Adapter. Both are from Blue Force Gear.
Steel cased ammo tends to have lower pressures so the BCG could be short stroking and not feeding the next round. I would test again but douse your star chamber in lube to see if it will feed the next round. Nice build!
I WANT THIS SO BAD
DO IT!!! It’s a great rifle and clone - you won’t regret it
@@jamesshoots IM BROKEEEEEE
Give me a M16a4 any day.. I built mine with a heavy barrel.
Wrong trigger guard, but otherwise good rifle.
early 2000's you were in elementary probably
*WHERE ARE ALL THE KAC RAILS WTF*
Dude honestly I feel like clone parts from that era are harder to find. I waited months (granted, I wasn’t checking everyday) and just finally got a KAC M4 front sight in Taupe for my MK18. We just gotta hold the line 😭😭
@@jamesshoots ERA!? *AM I OLD!?* clone what ? I got a m16 collector and it comes with the kac but for a year I couldn't find any in stock and everyone was still getting them idk. Then I called kac and was like wtf guys and they were like IDK were still pumping them out like normal and I was like something sus. And now I feel like people are now finally catching up to the sus. I heard there's a clone company that is literally the same exact thing ; theyre making it for mil too, but they're out too and I didn't understand their product code differences. Then you got commie democrats making parts now illegal while China walks around surveying their future land
@@jamesshoots I wanted one for my m400 srp cus muh kac also I like the rail guard covers on a kac. They gave me an m16a2 with an acog on my carry handle and idk what my acog was I swear it was a red star .
Beautiful assembly bro, congratulations enjoy it. Hopefully you are active in securing our God given rights, tyrants are coming after our sovereignty with everything they got. Blessings from the Most High to you and your family.
Algo
The M16A4 is superior to the M4.
Streamlight tape switches are gross.
The price is hard to beat, but I've ran into reliability problems with basically all the HLXs I've gotten after a year or so. I switched over to Surefire on my other rifles. Even if it costs way more, it also lasts longer and is more secure. But at least the chunkiness of this Streamlight works for the look!
You might as well just have an m4 putting all that stuff on it.
Painfully millennial
Shouldn't be running steel cased ammo anyway. I understand it to be terrible for the feed ramps/barrel extension.
Do you have instagram?
I sure do! @itsjamesshoots
great video