M16 A3 Build is finally complete.

[Marquezj16]

M16 A4 Build is finally complete.

It seemed like forever when I started but in reality it took less than a couple of months. I set out a build an M16 A4 clone. My requirements were must have the A2 stock parts, 20" 1 in 7 twist barrel, A2 front sight and a detachable carry handle rear sight. I think I have somewhat succeeded.

Here's my parts list and cost.

Parts
M&P 15 stripped lower - $140
Bushmaster LPK - $50
RRA A2 Buttstock Kit - $60
YHM charging handle - $24
BCM Upper Receiver Kit - $79
BCM bolt carrier group - $139
DPMS rifle hand guard - $26
Miscellaneous Upper parts - $92
FN M16 A2 20" Barrel - $206
Carry handle sight - tbd - does anybody know where to get milspec ones?
Parts total - $816

Tools
Bench Vise - $50
ProMag Vise Block Set - $34
Armorers tool - $28
Roll Pin punch set - $16
Brass hammer and punch set - $20

Tools total - $148

Grand total of $964 plus s/h and tax (about $60)

One very important thing I have learned on this build! Don't mess with a front sight base. If you buy a bare barrel without a front sight, you will not be able to install a front sight base with out the right tools or having a gunsmith do it for you. Either buy one with the front sight installed or get a gas block that attaches with set screws.

And here are the pictures.
Completed lower.

Completed rifle.

 

[Marquezj16]

More pictures

 

[Marquezj16]

And last set

 

[sigcurious]

Nice! I hope my assembly comes out half as nice as yours.

I think I saw milspec carry handles for sale through BCM.

 

[Marquezj16]

Thanks. I checked up on BCM, they do have them in stock. A little more than I wanted to pay. I'll probably look around for a mil surplus, starting in my local area.

I took it out to the range today. Everything works. That feeling of "I built this rifle" is freakin' awesome! Pretty accurate too. It took twelve rounds to zero at 50 yards using Lake City 62 gr FMJ. I used the rear sights from my M&P Sport. I had to raised the front sight quite a bit. I also shot a couple of my steel targets at 200 (8x11 silhouette) and 260 yards (10" gong) using reloads (Hornady 55 gr FMJ). That ringing sound is instant gratification. I also shot the range steel target (12x12 cold steel) using the LC ammo. The sound it makes it not quite a ring but more of a twack!

I'll post more pics later.

 

[Marquezj16]

At the range

Here are some pics at the range.

Lined up for the 200 and 260 targets.

 

[Marquezj16]

More Range Pics

Here it is next to my M&P 15 OR with it's brand new Nikon M-223

Steel Targets shot at 200 and 260 yards

 

[Justice06RR]

Great build! I think you did fairly well spending only around $800 for rifle parts. Carry handles should be rather cheap,maybe $50 or so depending on the brand.

thanks for sharing. Nice M&P too!

 

[B. Lahey]

Good going, I've been rooting for you.

Aside from the big ol' goofy M&P rollmark, it looks good.

 

[Achilles11B]

Very nice!

 

[Marquezj16]

Thanks. I learned quite a bit with this build. Best (or could be worst) thing is it really is pretty simple to put all the parts together. My next build will be a middy for the wifey. Pink handguard, buttstock, and pistol grip. Then maybe a 6.8 SPC variety and a .308. Yeah, its the worst thing about it.

Aside from the big ol' goofy M&P rollmark

Yeah, I'm a little partial to the brand.

 

[greentick]

the 308s are easier to put together...bigger parts

Nice build on a budget

 

[micksis86]

Love it Marquez looks great!

 

[5RWill]

Full auto as well? Or strictly the look of the M16A3? Either way it's nice, even though i have a MK12 mod 1 clone i've given thought to a DMR m16A4 with a ACOG.

 

[Marquezj16]

blackops - no full auto. Never really looked into that aspect. I bet it would be pretty expensive for the parts.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

 

[Marquezj16]

Removable Carry Handle

I'm still looking for my removable carry handle. Does anybody know who makes them for the military? I've been looking for mil surplus with the 8/3 on the elevation drum but no luck so far. Ohio Ordnance has some 6/3 but the "unknown manufacturer" comment on it does not give me any confidence. That said though, is there a big difference between a UTG or Rock River Arms that warrants a $80 price difference?

 

[5RWill]

I didn't search the site thoroughly but BCM has to have one somewhere. That or look at FN, FN had the m16 contract for some time IIRC. This is the whole rifle obviously but if you can't find one on the sight email them, i'm sure paul would sell you a carry handle with no problem. Unless you mind the BCM logo.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-M16-A4-AR15-Bravo-Company-carbine-rifle-s/146.htm

 

[Technosavant]

It looks like most carry handles tend to run pretty near the $100 mark; I checked a couple vendors I tend to use, and theirs are also $100-125. Same price strata as BCM.

It seems to be one of those "that's just what the things cost" things.

Nice build though. I put together an A2 type build, and it's just fun to shoot, even though it doesn't have any of the fun optics hanging off the thing. Not my go-to rifle, but it just feels right and shoots VERY well.

 

[Marquezj16]

Blacktop/technosavant - I looked around at the usual ar15 sites. The removable handles are available but I was looking for mil surplus stuff first. If they are available.
At techno-at first it was going to be an A2, but I wanted an option to mount a scope so I went with an A4.

 

[blacksky]

Nice work and great shooting!

Looks awesome! Nice work and great shooting! Now onto that middy for the wife... I hear that PINK is in style this summer.