u/ducksandcuse

Didn’t even know Colt themselves manufactured these bayonets until I found one!

Colt assigned part number 62316 to their “New Model” M7 design. These were produced under contract by the Imperial Knife Company of Providence, Rhode Island, around 1963–1964

Roughly 30,000 units made. But Only about 8,000 made it into U.S. military service (mostly Vietnam era). The remaining ~22,000 sat in storage until the early 1990s, when Colt sold them off as surplus/export.

There were also licensed versions made in West Germany by Carl Eickhorn (marked “Made in W. Germany”), but the true US-made Imperial/Colt ones are the prized ones

The M7 bayonet was adopted in 1964 as the official bayonet for the M16 rifle. It was a evolution of earlier designs like the M4/M5/M6 series.
Standard production was handled by various contractors (like Milpar, etc.), but Colt got involved because they were the primary manufacturer of the M16 itself.

Colt assigned part number 62316 to their “New Model” M7 design. These were produced under contract by the Imperial Knife Company of Providence, Rhode Island, around 1963–1964

Roughly 30,000 units made. But Only about 8,000 made it into U.S. military service (mostly Vietnam era). The remaining ~22,000 sat in storage until the early 1990s, when Colt sold them off as surplus/export.

There were also licensed versions made in West Germany by Carl Eickhorn (marked “Made in W. Germany”), but the true US-made Imperial/Colt ones are the prized ones

Reposting because my last pictures sucked.
Colt XM16E1 the predecessor to the M16A1. This gun cost more than I expected to put together, but I’m very happy with how it came out.

US Collectors Ordnance is absolutely fantastic!
Just received a Type D stock for my XM16E1 build. I left a note with the order saying that if they happened to have any stocks with original rack numbers or labels, I’d really appreciate one — but I’d be happy either way.

They completely delivered! The stock is in excellent shape and they hooked me up with a perfect period-correct green embossed rack tag: “12 83914”

US Collectors Ordnance is absolutely fantastic!
Just received a Type D stock for my XM16E1 build. I left a note with the order saying that if they happened to have any stocks with original rack numbers or labels, I’d really appreciate one — but I’d be happy either way.

They completely delivered! The stock is in excellent shape and they hooked me up with a perfect period-correct green embossed rack tag: “12 83914”

I’m beyond happy with it. These little details really make the rifle feel authentic.
Does anyone have more info on these green rack tags?

Take that dirt!
Trying to run some rounds through the gun to wear through the cerakote overspray in the bolt. Seems to run well now maybe a bit over gassed.
We got hit by rain and a dust storm so got a bit dirty but I have no safe queens

Found this 590a1 locally for $500 dates 2000-2001 26 years old and still running like a champ.

Found a used 590A1 locally for $500 has the older markings. Looks like it’s been through a lot and I love it.
Serial is late 2000-early 2001.

Crazy to look at this evolution side by side. Colt Xm16E1 next to an FN M4A1.
After messing with this older m16 for a while picking up my M4 felt very strange. Although its shorter its a whole lot heavier.

Had this build that had a black upper and grey lower. Wanted to get them matched. After a bit if research opted for Sniper Grey which ended up being a very close match for anyone is a similar predicament. Other option would be moly resin “colt grey”

Just picked up my Colt Xm16e1. Couldn’t find much on them but after some research found the following info in case anyone else ever needs it.
2018-2022 Colt Remanufactured a few of their original AR family rifles that would not be manufactured again (as per Colt)

CRM16A1 (M16A1 Retro Reissue)
Limited to 2,500 units.

CRXM177E2 (XM177E2 Retro Carbine)
Limited to 2,500 units.

CRXM16E1 (XM16E1 Retro Reissue)
Limited to 500 units.

CRGAU-5A/A (GAU-5A/A Retro Carbine)
Limited to 500 units

They were released with a $2500 MSRP and have since then become somewhat uncommon to find in the market

Really excited to have this in my collection and love the roll stamp look

ALSO as per the guy at the cabelas counter this is NOT a real Colt because it doesnt say SP1 on it lol. He was very serious.

Just picked up my Colt Xm16e1. Couldn’t find much on them but after some research found the following info in case anyone else ever needs it.
2018-2022 Colt Remanufactured a few of their original AR family rifles that would not be manufactured again (as per Colt)

CRM16A1 (M16A1 Retro Reissue)
Limited to 2,500 units. 

CRXM177E2 (XM177E2 Retro Carbine)
Limited to 2,500 units. 

CRXM16E1 (XM16E1 Retro Reissue)
Limited to 500 units.

CRGAU-5A/A (GAU-5A/A Retro Carbine)
Limited to 500 units

They were released with a $2500 MSRP and have since then become somewhat uncommon to find in the market

Really excited to have this in my collection and love the roll stamp look

ALSO as per the guy at the cabelas counter this is NOT a real Colt because it doesnt say SP1 on it lol. He was very serious.

Saw this for sale at cabelas and don’t know much about them. maybe the retro line. Can’t find much info on these all I can find is the retro line m16a1. Does anyone know if they’re any good?

Looking for some advice I have $2k set aside for a retro m16/ar15. Locally there is a 1973 fully original SP1 for $2,000 (firm on price) and then there’s the option to go repro with an H&R M16A1 or 601 for $700 less. What would you choose and why? (Pic for attention)