M16/M4 parts kit into a semi AR15/M4

[KosmicKrunch]

I have seen many M16A1/A2 kits out there, all parts except the receiver (Sarco, Numrich etc.) for $485.00. Can those parts kits be built onto a Semi Auto lower without much issues and be legal and come out with a decent AR15/M4 to build up from?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.
Except by the time you buy a new lower, replace the full-auto trigger parts with new semi-auto parts, and replace the shot-out barrel?

You could probably buy a brand new Colt AR-15 for less.

rc

 

[KosmicKrunch]

These are Colt kits, The barrels they say are NEW never issued, I found a Colt semi-lower for $140 and a lower parts kit (Recon) for semi $56.00. Actual Pre-Ban Colt AR/15's when you can actually find them are running right at the $1000 or more mark, usually like $1300 and more are common. I figured I will have about $750 into an actual Colt AR15/M4 as long as no machining work needs to be done on like the carrier, bolt etc....... If everything is just drop in/assemble and go, I think I can get away at a lower cost to build a decent M4 on.

 

[Big44mag]

Colt

I think someone is pulling your chain or is mistaken about the lower manufacturer, stripped Colts go for a bit more than $140.

 

[Birddog1911]

I looked at Sarco's site, and saw where they stated that the bolt carriers were "converted" to semi auto. I wonder what that means, as I run a full auto bolt carrier in my carbine. I wouldn't want some carrier that had been altered in some fashion.

 

[Acera]

Birddog, usually that means they have cut some of the metal out of the carrier, so as it would not trip the auto sear. From my reading here, it is pointless to do so, as the ATF is not concerned about parts in the upper as much as the lower.

Bottom carrier is an unconverted, true M-16 carrier. The others are AR-15 civilian carriers. The one in the kit will have less metal than the lower one, and probably not as nice as the upper two if they hacked on it.

 

[Birddog1911]

Thanks for the great post. I would pass. The reason a number of us run full auto bolt carriers is that when things are matched up properly, the rifle has less impact during the firing phase. Nothing wrong at all with a full auto carrier, provided you understand what you are doing.

Overall, I'd pass on this kit. That is just me.

 

[KosmicKrunch]

That did not answer my question though, can the M16A1 Kit be installed on a semi lower with a semi lower trigger group kit without any real issues that require machining?

The $140 Semi Lower Receiver is at a local gun shop to me and he has 3, I looked at them, they are Colt Mfg and look never fired, all the holes and openings are fresh, he also has a counter full of NEW Gov't issue "Sanchez Mfg" magazines I will grab up for $17 a piece still in the wraps. Those are the light green follower and the teflon on the inside walls and Parked on the outside and double twisted spring

As long as I do not have to do any major machining, I think I am going to try this. I have ZERO interest in a full auto or even ability, that would not serve my purpose at all.

When I talked to the guy at Sarco. he indicated that this is an easy build with a semi lower, but he was a salesman, I needed to know from someone that KNOWS AR's and knows what the build would take. I am totally new to them as an owner except I know how to break down to all piece parts and rebuild for an M16A1, I do NOT know the operations/build of a AR15/M4 LOWER though and until I actually build one, I guess I never will.

Yes, he said they are professionally hogged out so as not to trip an auto sear.

 

[R.W.Dale]

That did not answer my question though, can the M16A1 Kit be installed on a semi lower with a semi lower trigger group kit without any real issues that require machining?

Not only will it go together on a semi lower it will do so like a match made in heaven.

I have a rifle that uses a COMPLETE USGI surplus colt 603 upper complete with A1 furnishings on an el cheap-o semi lower with a parts kit trigger.

The only oddball COLT uppers were the civilian ones

 

[KosmicKrunch]

I ordered everything this morn before taking the kid to Karate Lesson. When I get everything I will take some pics of the build and will see if it is easy or a PBR and I will do a range report. This will be my first AR style gun owned in civ life. over the next year I will then build it into a NAM style CAR or Mirror an XM177E2 (w/o the real flash/sound sup of course, just a look alike).

When I ordered the 16A1 kit, a note popped up about assembling into a as is full auto and that the carrier was machined to prevent that full auto build. Also the paid invoice/receipt online gave a date of 1978 for the DOB of the kit. I wish I knew the serial number of the real M16A1 receiver it was disassembled from.

I left a note at the gun shop that I am picking up the $140 AR Colt Rec. I wonder if the 4473 will say rec or rifle? Just curious, not really important either way.

Were the Colt rifle barrels 1:7 or 1:9 Twist or ???, does anyone know?

Were they Chrome lined chamber/barrels?

What is SS109 5.56 ammunition? (he has like 7 filled cloth bandoliers on stripers of that ammo.)

 

[R.W.Dale]

Were the Colt rifle barrels 1:7 or 1:9 Twist or ???, does anyone know?

If it's an A1 barring some rare oddity it should be a 1/12" twist, and it could either have a chrome bore or just a chrome chamber depending on the exact model.