CAR 15 Build

[12Bravo20]

When I hear the term CAR-15, I think about the XM177, XM177E1, and XM177E2.

I had built an AR pistol in 9mm with a 10.5" barrel years ago using a Fulton Armory 601 type upper. I decided to turn it into a rifle once the braces rule went into effect versus messing with a NFA Form 1. I ended up getting a fake XM177 muzzle device and permanently installing it on the 9mm barrel. Anyway here is a photo of my 9mm XM117'ish rifle.

 

[CapnMac]

CAR-15, I think about the XM177

Which is entirely natural, given that there were two different "eras" when there was a desire to "carbine" the M-16. One was in the late 60s and gave use the GAU-5/XM-177 series. Which resurrected in the late 80s with the 732/737 series which resulted in the M-4. And the term "CAR-15" was applied to both as a marketing tool. Which was resurrected after the sunset of the fed AWB when everyone and their brother wanted to sell their now cheap AR parts as handy carbines.

 

[12Bravo20]

The XM4 and M4 were just starting to get issued right before I retired in 1996. And they were not common issue outside of SOCOM and 18th Airborne Corps. They were originally intended as a replacement for the M3A1 SMG (Grease gun) for most other units. And after the AWB sunset, everyone called the 16" carbines "M4gery's

 

[DMW1116]

I have a spare stock and carry handle for my DMR. An F-marked upper and swapping out the fixed stock would be right where I want and not have to deviate from the current project. It would be a flat top upper, but that’s not a huge deal to me. One of those rear sights with the elevation drum but no “handle” portion would work too, as a concept rifle but not a clone.