Name that rifle! (retro pic)

rasj · Jan 5, 2008

Here's a pic of my dad from the "'nam" days. I am guessing the rifle in his hands is an XM16E1, but was hoping those "in the know" could verify. I'm looking to build one like it soon.

bennnn · Jan 6, 2008

You'll be able to put one that looks like that together pretty easily. I've got one that's pretty close to that, I just need the correct grip.

I know a guy who can probably match that color on the receivers,

nbkky71 · Jan 6, 2008

Yup, that looks like a Colt model 603 (aka XM16E1).

If you're looking to build a replica, check out retroblackrifle.com for a list of the correct parts.

General Dynamics · Jan 6, 2008

Colt

Actually, the designation XM16E1 indicates that it would be prior to being accepted (ie qualified for use) by the military. That'w what the the 'X' is for (Experimental). Once its type classifed (TC), the 'X' gets dropped.

The E1 designator is also part of the pre-TC nomenclature. Once it was qualified, it would change to A1.

Thus, unless someone can specifically state that the picture was taken prior to the Type Classfication, you would be looking at an M16A1.

nbkky71 · Jan 7, 2008

I thought that the M16A1 had the full fence around the magazine release whereas the 603 had the partial fence.

Guest · Jan 7, 2008

Re: Colt

...Type Classfication said:
I second that!!!

Oneofsix · Jan 7, 2008

didn't the forward assist get added after it was fielded? ie, after it was designated A1?

rasj · Jan 7, 2008

According to retroblackrifle.com, that (lower) is a XM16E1, or Model 603.

RBR.com said:
The Colt Model 603 / XM16E1 was the first attempt at providing an improved M-16 for the US Army. The Colt
Model 603 / US Army XM16E1 production ran from early 1964, and transitioned into the Colt Model 603 / US
Army M16A1 in early 1967. It was the first model to incorporate the forward assist feature. This model was
also one of the first to use the "Partial Fence" reinforced lower receiver. This was a "transitional" model and
as such early and late models could have been found with varying component makeups.

RBR.com said:
The Colt Model 603 / M16A1 was the final model that incorporated all of the improvements requested by the US Military. Those Improvements included, a modified buttstock with internal storage space, etc.

The rifle in the photo did not have the trapdoor in the buttstock, and it didn't have the full fence either. This photo was taken sometime in late 1967, or early 1968.

So is it a M16A1 model 603 or the XM16E1 model 603? I'm all confused now! :lol:

Name that rifle! (retro pic)

rasj

bennnn

nbkky71

General Dynamics

nbkky71

Guest

Oneofsix

rasj

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