M16A2 Clone Rifles 

I went to Marine Recruit training in August 2004 and the M16A2 issued to me was terribly beat up. The barrel was silver, the hand guard's would rattle and nearly fall off when we did drill, no stippling on the pistol grip, and the butt plate was worn down and rounded off. I couldn't believe I was able to hit Man size targets at 500 Meters with it and qualify expert. With all the Rumors I had heard growing up about how much the M16 was a "POS" I was shocked to see how awesomely reliable it was. I carried the A2 until 2006 when we transitioned to the A4. Later I was in Afghanistan with Army in 2011 and picked up one the Afghan Army's A2's I had forgotten how incredibly lightweight it was compared to my M4 with all the optics on it that we now have. The Afghan soldier tried to explain to me in broken English (M16 suck....AK much better bang, bang, bang) I gave him a small hip pocket class on how to properly lube his M16 in broken Dari which was mostly grunts and points. I tried to explain to him that the M16 is the best small arm on the planet. He looked at me like I had a dick growing out of my forehead, the Rumors will never end.

Considering the Russians and the Chinese are still using mostly AK-74Ms/QBZ-95s with iron sights, I'd say that the M16A2 isn't too terribly outdated.

i personally am of the opinion that the old A2 style rifles are the best, 20 inch barrel gives you full velocity, and the fixed carry handle makes it almost impossible to lose your zero, or have the entire thing loosen and back off of your rifle.

I served with this rifle in the USMC during the Gulf War and Somalia...In the hands of properly trained individuals (ie. UNITED STATES MARINES) those rifles can get the job done at 600 yards in daylight with no optics on a fairly regular basis. It is a fine weapon which thanks to your perfectly addressed video, I now feel the need to duplicate....great work sir!

I went to Parris Island in February of 92, we were issued the A2. My first one was a colt with a black lower, and the upper was worn until it was almost silver. When we went to the range, we discovered that my front sight post was bent, I was sent to the armorer, were he promptly look it over, threw it in a crate, and issued me a brand new colt.

A2 rear site... because the USMC figures all wars will be fought on the Lejune KD range.

Fulton Armory does an A2 replica called the FAR 15 A2 which is close to mil-spec as possible. They also sell all the components to piece it together. I hear good things about Fulton Armory.

I carried a A1 in the Corps back in the early 80's a qualified expert with it three times. In 2012 I bought a RRA A2 standard and lost all nostalgia for the A1. Considerably more accurate and love those sights!

I went through basic at Ft Leonard Wood in 95. We had A2’s the whole time. Though my lower was an Arsenal rebuilt A1. You could see where 1 and AUTO had been milled down and re-stamped 2 and BURST. So the selector markings were still only on the left side. They hadn’t even re-parkerized it. The milled areas were shiny. The A2’s I had the rest of my time in were built as A2’s. I’m working on a clone myself. Unfortunately I started in early 2020….. My lower is a government property, M16A2, safe semi burst marked Palmetto State clone. It is built. My upper is built. I have all the parts to finish it, except the barrel which has been on backorder for months…… Finding somebody selling one with an FSB that isn’t F marked isn’t easy these days. Aaaaand finally found a barrel and finished my clone! Can’t wait to shoot it in a few days.

That's neat. We was the last cycle to use M16A2s. Well at least started phasing them out.

I only carried one of these in Basic, but I still miss these. Such a better shooter than an M4 or M4A1.

I have a Colt Sporter A2 HBAR from 1992. It was my first AR type rifle. I had been shooting Service Rifle competition since the early 70s with M1s and M1As and considered the AR a "mouse gun". The A2 version fixed the problems (lightweight barrels, poor sights and slow rifling twist) of the earlier A1 and suddenly it was THE rifle to have for match shooting. You hardly see the older guns on the line anymore. We still have them, we just don't use them in competition. If you want to compete, you use an A2 or A4 rifle. Great rifle and, IMO, the best looking AR rifle. I also have an Enhanced Rifle with 24" stainless bull barrel and recently added an A4 clone HBAR. I had some carbines and one AR pistol and sold them off. Nothing better than the full size AR15/M16.

Just bought an 80s Colt AR15 A2. Technically Sporter Match HBAR

Man, videos like these make me miss my A2 service stick.

PSA has the A2 uppers with CHF FN barrels in stock for $399.00

There are many rumors about why the Gov't profile barrel came to be. In actuality it takes about 1,000 lbs of force to permanently bend an A1 barrel. Even the paratrooper landing barrel down on the ground is impossible. If their rifle hit the ground with 1,000 lbs of force that paratrooper probably had a malfunctioning parachute would've died or never walked again as a result. The real reason for the gov't profile barrel on the A2 is the marine corps was having unexplained accuracy problems with their old worn out A1s in the early 80s. Colonel Lutz and his team when coming up with the A2 design heard about this and looked at some of these A1s with the accuracy problem. They stuck full bore sized dowels down the barrel and on many the dowel would stop right around the front sling swivel area which indicated a bent barrel right at that same spot on many rifles. Lutz had a theory that the barrels were bending right at the spot due to it becoming a fulcrum point on the barrel during bayonet practice. And over the years there have been the theories of soldiers opening c ration crates with the bayonet affixed and also paratroopers landing. So Lutz and his team put in for a thicker barrel in this area for the new A2 program. Not long after that they realized that there was excessive copper fouling that was accumulating right around the rim of the gas port (which is directly above the sling swivel) and this is what caused those dowel rods to stop at that point and also causing the severe accuracy issues. But by this time the A2 design had already just been approved it was too late to go back to just a pencil barrel profile. The A2 gov't profile was born out of a misunderstanding and exists for literally no reason. Im sorry that I can't remember the source for this info but Colonel Lutz is documented saying this stuff himself. On a side note: there actually was a problem with the original Colt 601 skinny 3 prong flashider bending when soldiers used it to open crates and thats why on the 602 and XM16E1 the 3 prong hider was beefed up a bit. And then even the improved 3 prong allegedly was getting caught on branches and what not in the jungles so they went with the closed birdcage starting in '67 with the type classification of the M16A1.

IMO a “better” clone would be the AR-15 Government Model with the GS serial number. No sear block, has the bayonet lug but has that ridiculous front pivot screw. I think it also had the small trigger pins but I could be mistaken. That sear block and the chopped bolt carrier would ruin my day. All that said, these 20” rifles are sweet!

I'm working on an A2 build myself. I could not locate a Colt barrel, so I bought one from Windham Weaponry instead.

We had FN M16A2 guns during my service, early '90s as well. Our receivers matched, color wise, plus I always had the M203 as well.

97-2011 Army. Thanks to all Veterans for your service!

Just got my A2 build finished and it looks and feels incredible!!!

Bravo Co 6 Bat 1st ITB Sand Hill Ft Benning GA 1983 ... Used M16A1 with triangular handguards, slip ring, soda straw barrel, tear drop forward assist, and sights were adjusted with a M193 bullet tip back then ... The Tip of the Bayonet

In 2020 I built an A2 clone rifle. Using a Luth-AR A2 upper receiver, Palmetto State Armory lower, Wilson Arms 20 inch government profile barrel 1x9 twist. Finding parts was a challenge. Had to go with a nickel boron coated BCG. Had to put the front sight base on myself. Did a lot of looking on the web. Found a sight that had a guy who goes by “a Catholic Mechanic “ who has a wonderful page. I used his advice on doing it. Surprisingly it worked. The rifle shoots straight. The A2 is my favorite AR15 version. Oh, upper has A3 feed ramps? No problem with feeding from different mags. I have two M4 uppers, one 1x9 made by CORE. The other one built on a Aero Precision upper, Ballistic Advantage 1x7 qpq barrel. Haven’t shot it yet. Again I installed the FSB. Praying it shoots good.

I took a CA legal Colt M4 and got a Colt A2 M16 upper and A2 Colt stock and boom I have a Colt A2. With a Colt marked bayonet and colt magazines of course 10/30 mags.

My 20" A4 HBAR rifle, being complete and functioning perfectly, opens me up for my next build which will be an A2. The lower is complete just waiting on the trigger. I like a 2 stage and will go "incorrect" as far as triggers. After that will be the A1 then I'll purchase the 601 and AR-10 from Brownells. Thank you for the retro videos and information, it is an exciting time for those of us that love marksmanship and rifles that don't look like a Christmas tree while weighing 30 pounds...........

Lucky for me I bought my colt in 1991 that had the .154 pins with no sear block. All them years and it still looks brand new

I used the M16A2 in 2010 in boot camp just before they switched to the M16A4 with RCO’s..needless to say I want to get an A2 for my collection.

I still can't believe the Philippines, Israel, Costa Rica. Just to name a few still carry the M16A2 rifles.

I was a year behind at sand hill.....bless you my friend......I like that rifle. It's the one I learned how to fight with so to me; there is no other rifle.......

The A1 looks cooler, but the A2 would be my go to on this platform

I love the a2, I was at ft Benning in 95 and it was very accurate for me.b258

back in the 70's my first m16 a1 was made by H&R then over sea's they issued me a colt m16 a1 they were both great weapons

Sad day when the U.S.M.C goes away from a FULL SIZE battle rifle to a carbine

Very educational for me, thank you! I am building a bastardized version, but appreciate knowing how off I am on mine. This is my rifle, there are many others like it, but this one is mine. :) Appreciate man!

Might be time for an update, now that other clones are out. Would love to see u do a refresh on these. As a lefty, the A1 put a lot of hot brass down my shirt, so the A2 clone looks really interesting to me.

Dude! Alpha 1/19 Rock of Chickamauga August 1990. Then on to planet Ord to the 1/9 Infantry Div. Manchu's. Lightfighters!

I built a colt 713 export. Early A2.

Good info. Currently building an all fn a2 with a mil collector m16 marked lower and a midlength a2 on an anderson pony

Still my favorite variant

I was at sand hill in 89. D 4/60. We carried the m16a2, we took 16a1s for bayonet and other training. But mostly carried the a2. I don't know why you were told that.

The A2 is still an excellent Rifle. I have the A4 clone, but prefer the A2.

I would love to have one of these. Assuming the barrel twist it 1 in 7

Thanks Chris 😊😀🔥😊😊 I Am a Fan Of The M16A2 Also But The M16A1 Is Always My Favorite

I bought a Bushmaster A2 target model with a heavier barrel. No regrets since. Doesn’t matter to me what logo is on the left side of the lower, as long as it shoots well and feels nice to shoulder.

I went to basic at Ft Benning in 1987, at Harmony Church and we had M16A2. So I don’t think you were even close to the first group to have them. 😂

I was just looking for this vid from your original channel

From what I understood, with all the changes in the last 18 years in small arms, I thought the US military had overall decided the m16 family of weapons would remain in service until at least 2025. If not further?

Long live the 20".....

Very interesting and informative.....thanks for you service

Great vid, really informative with lots of facts for future reference - thank you! Out of interest, is that a spinal brace? Hope you're all good?

Just got one from Windham Weaponry today!

556 was designed for a 20 inch barrel

My Sporters came factory drilled in the fence/boss for the front pivot pin. I have a worse than semi auto carrier, the whole bottom is gone. Also my rifles are greenish gray.

Hey, Chris, since you have a C7A1, all you need now is a transferable A1 lower!🍁🦅

My A2 has an A1 lower with the screw in front and push pin in back.

I prefer the triangular hand guard also.

A1 is the best, looks so sexy with a 20 RND mag.

I thought they made the forward area of the barrel because we had idiots who were using their M-16A1 barrels to break the steel bands on cases of their C-Rats ( really MRE ).

I picked a Contracted FN M16A2 Upper from a gun shop in Anniston AL. They told me it was an actual USMC issued . I shot 100 rounds through it . Then put it in a shadow box for my man cave .

How hard was it to dremmel the upper receiver? I have a retro A1 upper receiver and I want to put a A2 barrel that has M4 barrel extension.

I was looking for this video, but it seemed to have disappeared.Im to see glad it's back, but what happened?

Did you have back surgery? Last chest rig I saw like yours was the one I wore after my first back surgery. If you did have back surgery I'll pray it turns out better for you than it did for me. In truth, my doctor gave me a 50/50 chance of success. Take care.

“They didn’t want this 179 rare bullshit” Keep telling it like it is.

I have a colt upper 1/7 HBAR with original bcg. Any suggestions on a lower receiver for it , it has the large swivel pin front.

Was thst also known as the Colt Model 645? Before it was the M16A2 or E1

2022 October, it’s getting harder and harder to find an A2 upper. I finally found a Colt A2 upper and I’m trying to find a matching lower receiver but they want so much money for it.

Are you guys gonna re-upload the M4 clone vid?

Hello. I’ve built an A2 clone similar to yours. For nostalgia, I put on an A1 triangle guard. Did the A2’s and A4’s have the “government” barrels? How much heavier would they have been compared to an A1 carried in Vietnam? Like you, I enlisted in 1991-January, Air Force. I could swear we were still using A1’s to train on.

Hi, what is the most period (say around late 80s, early 90s, none of those 3 point slings) correct sling you would recommend?

Hey there great videos you have taught me and I’m having a hard time figuring out what my dad had has he passed away and I was hoping you could maybe help me with

Yap colt is like An apple iPhone treating their customers like children! Used the m16a2 back in 88, loved my 1st 3 issues from my 1st 3 duty stations. Got to my 4th duty stations and had to fight tooth and nail with the Armor in the FMF to get the warped berrel replaced ! So many other companies out their make better lowers then Colt! I would not waste money on a colt. A shade tree Armor can make a better lower out of an 80% lower then Colt does! When you were lucky to get a good A2 they are sweet! But if your unlucky and get a beat up issue they totally suck !

Its the best in the armalite platform

Considering a PMS 20". I like it's appearance, but it has a 1/7" twist. Any suggestions?

Is it ok if I put a m16 upper on a normal AR15 lower since the buffer tubes look different

I can get a bushmaster for 900.00 . I used the A2 in the military but I thought Colt was the best

Mine had an FN on it.

I know late-production 'Colt-grey' was much darker than early 'Colt-grey', but you often see pictures of M16A2s which appear have modern Type III black anodising; did Colt ever produce M16A2s for the US government with this finish, or were those FN production rifles?

Seems to me I need to purchase an A2 from Colt. These "what's happening now" are short barrel and I could hit AOT at 800 meters. I want something I can use with ease ...muscle memory with my old data book.

Good. Volume is low on this, hard to heàr.

What’s the back brace for? Great video!!

The marines should keep the M16A4 and A2

What was the cost on the new one? I've decided Colt can go to hell for their prices which means now, I don't have a clue what to buy or what's a fair price

What is your opinion on the Palmetto State Armory A2 Kits? Are you familiar with them?

Why is your M16A2 missing BURST setting? My Army issue in 1995, had the SAFE, FIRE, and BURST

As I'm a Colt "purist"...the arrogance of Colt since the beginning keeps repeating itself! Ugh! Dan Wesson introduced the "cartridge" to replace the ball & cap, but Samuel Colt basically called him STUPID! Then Colt, waiting 7 years for the patent to run out, jumped aboard. (Dan and Horace connected to be Smith & Wesson) As I thoroughly enjoy Small Arms Solutions, we fill his, your, frustrations, being a Pony guy, seeing the other mfg's building/selling "mil-spec Colt" without trying to bow to the government, so to speak.

How much price this M16A2

holy shit its Alex jones' doppelganger

Give me the A4 over the A2 ............ Got to be able to take the carry handle off adding optics etc ............. I got a Colt A4 for Christmas and I really like it a lot ...... I prefer a 77 grain polymer tip round which the 1/7 twist of the full size rifle vs a M4 round of 55 or 62 grain ...... Colt disappointed me when they turned Democrat and announced a stop to making ARs for commercial market ..... A Pussy move imo ........

97 to 01 Marine