M16A1 vs XM177 retro

[mavracer]

I have a older SP1 style big pins Colt lower and am wanting to do a retro build and am torn on a A1 build or a XM177. I have other ARs and don't really have a specific need for this.

 

[badkarmamib]

I feel like the XM177 gives up velocity, while still having the 16" barrel length. If it were me, and I had my "needs" filled, wanted a retro AR, but did not have an A1 already, I would think the A1 would be my first addition to my collection. It was the original combat design, so I think it should find a place in anyone's collection.

 

[Jackal]

A civvy legal XM177 just seems dumb. There's literally zero reason to have a 16" long 11.5" barrel...

 

[theothermike]

XM177 is cool and unusual, that's more or less why I built one.

 

[mavracer]

That's my problem since it'll really only be a safe queen the cool factor of the XM177 plays a roll, it'd prolly be ok for closet duty but way to valuable when I can stick my $500 lightweight 16" there.

 

[horsemen61]

I'd do the A1

 

[bannockburn]

I have a Colt SP1 and I built an XM177E2. Just like the compact look and handling of the shorter carbine. I vote XM177.

 

[Fishbed77]

XM177, but only if you can get it SBR'd with the proper muzzle device.

Otherwise, M16A1.

 

[kimberkid]

If it has no specific purpose I would go with the XM177 ... the cool retro factor is reason enough.

 

[kBob]

OK this was hard for me.

Just this past year I made a serious error when I passed picking up a faux -177 suppressor that slipped OVER a 16 inch pencil barrel rather than needing to be welded onto a 12.5. A buddy had one back in the late 1980's that I lusted over and or course I wanted a real one in the service because I was young at the time. (Interestingly enough my Buddy's gun actually went to Vietnam. His baby brother bought it and was on an aircrew that flew one of the early recovery remains flights to VN and the gun got strapped into the plane in plain view and no one ever asked about it as it was in a spot the USAF version was meant to be stored for the load master. I believe it also went to (over) Panama and (over) Grenada but possibly not to the First Gulf War as they flew out of Germany)

On the other hand I actually did tote an M-16A1 a fair bit and (like it or not) depend on it.

I have long wanted one of the short rubber baby bumper butt stocked M-16A1to mimic my service rifle during my enlisted tour. 20 round magazines, of course. And an M7 bayonet.

Biggest issue I see in making one is the 1-12 barrel. Such would make a fine host for my Olympic Arms conversion device. Used "Cobray" made model in college with local reserves' M-16A1s with good effect.......much better than with 1-7 Colt HBAR Match you betcha.

So I voted "rifle"
-kBob

 

[Dr.Rob]

Because you can.

Tony's customs make a great 1/9 barrel that looks very close without being an SBR.

 

[Quentin]

If I were going retro, the M16A1. Because that's what I had in Vietnam. What I actually have today are 16" flat tops - much more flexible.

 

[joem1945]

I sold my M16A1 last year. Got tired of everybody wanting to shoot the heck out of it and bitchin when I said no.

 

[agtman]

XM177, but only if you can get it SBR'd with the proper muzzle device.
Otherwise, M16A1.

This.

Get the A1 now. Then do a (semi-) XM177 clone on the NFA route post-July 13th.

 

[entropy]

I voted A1. I was issued one. I did build an XM177 copy when I got out, (16"), but sold it when Slick Wille deemed it too evil. I didn't shoot it much, and people were paying unbelievable Benjamins for any AR just before it kicked in.

 

[Swing]

M16A1 if you can. Though XM177 isn't a bad option. Hell, I'm seriously considering doing that instead of Form 1ing and going completely shorty on an AR. Naw, I'll probably go NFA, who am I kidding.

 

[Gtscotty]

An NFA XM177 is one of the few SBR's that interests me, so if you're willing to play the NFA game that would be my vote. I've had the opportunity to shoot a full auto XM177 and it was probably the most fun machinegun I've shot. I'm sure the semi version wouldn't be quite as much fun, but I still think it'd be a hoot.

 

[Nature Boy]

I sold my M16A1 last year. Got tired of everybody wanting to shoot the heck out of it and bitchin when I said no

Taking full advantage of the M16A1's features, you should have just butt stroked them. If you had, you might still own it today.

 

[mavracer]

Update actually looked to see what my lower is and it's not a SP1 it's a Govt' service which was basically a A2 configuration so now I'm even more lost as to what to do.

 

[sawdeanz]

Dang, I would have said xm177, even with a 16" barrel it would be pretty handy and fun at the range, but I went the sbr route and have no regrets, it's really fun with a 11.5" barrel. Well really mine is a commando but same overall idea. Course the m16a1 configuration is surprisingly light and would be nice for any type of marksman practice.