Brownells Retro Update

[@gregdunn6040]

The M16A1 is my favorite, I carried it as a 17 year old soldier long ago so I'm pleased that it has some interest and is available again on the market.

[@toki89666]

My late Grandfather, very near and dear to me my entire life until 5 years ago when he passed, joined the Army in 1947, served in Korea and Vietnam and retired in 1969. I was wanting to get/ build an M16A1 clone in honor of him but thanks to this channel I learned that the A1 wasnt adopted until '69, the year he retired. So the M16 he mentioned in a few stories was very likely the XM16E1. Thanks for all the info you have provided and I can now buy the correct retro rifle.

[@TwinklesTheChinchilla]

I want the original 1-in-14" twist. Because I'm a naughty boy like that.

[@bobbysmitherjones9920]

green mountain has them

[@RicArmstrong]

I love that early gray Colt finish. I hope more manufacturers are able to start reproducing it.

[@ThePr8head]

I'm about to build a M-16 from a surplus parts kit. SmallArmsSolutions is a wealth of information!!! I won't be totally authentic as I went with Brownells 1-7 barrel and the XM16E1 lower (was a blem on sale:). I started out wanting to be totally authentic with no refinishing but have shifted to it's my rifle and I can make it how I want it. I have ALWAYS wanted a M-16 and soon it will be mine. Thanks for all the info!!!

[@767dag]

I love listening to what he has to say about Brownells colt line , 👍

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Thank you for your strong influence on Brownells. I too want to rebuild the M16E1 1967 version. Reason is I was born that year in November and my Uncles were fighting in Vietnam both on their second tours in different infantry units.

[@mrmorrisjh]

Love what you and Brownell are doing. The M16 is so iconic and darn good looking, Keep historical guns alive 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@spacedredd]

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!! Another great production Heather... You ROCK!!! I'm really thinking about an A1. Thats the Black Rifle I started w/in the military. However, I'm wanting an BRN-180 first. Hopefully you'll get one of those soon and Chris can test that rifle.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Thanks Cary! I appreciate it!

[@philipmcguire6797]

FYI: I was in the 1/504 Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division from 1977-1980. We were issued M16A1's. Our rifles had chrome bolt carrier groups, birdcage flash hider, and our front sight post was split down the middle with a tritium insert in the front sight post so we could see our front sight at night. Our rifles (and bcg) were in like new condition. Our lower receiver had the raised ridge around the magazine release.

[@vern7690]

Still waiting for a aluminum car stock produced by brownells.

[@sims2mw]

i bought mine from retro rifles

[@TheJedi270]

Vern I got extremely lucky finding a new old stock XM177 stock and it was far from cheap but I'm anal about it

[@cletustheslackjawedyokel6083]

Troy makes a version of that rifle that has an aluminum buttstock. It even has the receiver engraved so it looks like it has the pin for the auto sear. Overall I think Brownell’s did a great job on these, but I saw a review of the Carbine on the Military Arms Channel and it looks like Troy did a little better job on the carbine.

[@RobinP556]

Grant Clark I own several of the Brownells retro rifles including the new Proto, but my XM177E2 is from Troy. It truly is a masterpiece. They do use a 11.5” barrel only they make the flash hider longer to get the barrel to 16”. I had my regimental crest from my time in Special Forces put on it as well as the last ODA that I served on and my last name and rank. I was originally going to build one before I found Troy, but I did get my hands on a metal buttstock.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

Even Colt has a decent one but it's 2,599.99 I'm thinking about getting 2 of them.

[@mylesrickbeil1493]

Chris you are killing me. I've got every part I need to assemble an XM16E1 style rifle. I've been waiting since January to put it together with my girlfriend. That was the deal. I could add an another AR to the collection but she gets to put it together.

[@Hermann-lz2jb]

Myles Rickbeil you got a good life bro haha

[@AR15SP1]

i have 2 of these. one with a 3-prong and one with a birdcage. both using Nodak Spud receivers and colt parts kits

[@blantant]

Interesting and informative. Always enjoy your videos

[@Sandhill1988]

I've got one of their M16 A1's, had it engraved with the proper roll marks. Now I'm in the process of building a hybrid 601-604. Gotta love a 6 pound rifle.

[@darkoflight4938]

Brownells have done a great job trying to recreate the golden oldies. But there are small differences of course. Markings and such or small things like the XM177e2 didn´t have a bayonet lug. Great, great video as always!!!!

[@CaptainsOrders]

When is brownells gonna give you a discount code?! You have done so much for them.

[@bigredone1030]

CaptainsOrders Brownells has discount codes?

[@bartb7790]

AR10, the frontside is different from the Portugese pattern: the Portugese pattern rifles had a adjustable gas port on them. Also the Portugese pattern rifles had heatshields under their handguards. The pivot pins on the Portugese pattern were captive. I like the fact that Brownells makes those retro rifles, I would've liked it even more if the parts were interchangeble with the original rifles, but I understand their reasoning. Only simple change they could make is getting the colors right, especially the Colt 601 green. Keep on the good work, Brownells and Chris :)

[@Liberty_76]

You mentioned John Brace, that man is a wizard!! He currently has my Xm16e1 magwell and is grafting it to the back half of an 80% for me.

[@davidholman6276]

I always loved how the M16 A1 looks with a 30 round mag

[@AR15SP1]

agreed

[@spiffthreedaddy]

Remember that the original twist barrel for the 601 and 602 is 1:14 (Green Mountain makes them)... It was said to fail under low temperature conditions, i.e. stability. There was one series of tests done for this. Allegedly the test was sabotaged by the removal of the drift pins and the addition of "welding rods". A lot of the old tests are declassified and can be found on the internet as PDF's and downloaded, interesting to read.

[@AR15SP1]

true. will stick with 1/12.

[@TheMosinCrate]

Your videos are a wealth of information. Thanks for posting.

[@NCrdwlf]

Slick side uppers for life.

[@cletustheslackjawedyokel6083]

Thanks for a great run down on all these rifles. It’s nice to see a knowledgeable reviewer that can point out all the differences between the Retro series and the originals. Brownell’s really seems to be doing a great job. It’s great that they are fixing some of the very minor cosmetic differences as production continues. I really want one of the AR10 rifles but I couldn’t resist the XBRN16E1 on sale at $900 + 10% off + another 6% cash back @ Active Junky. The AR10 rifles are also on sale at a great price now but I keep hoping they will clone some of the sniper versions with the special carry handle mount. I’ll definately watch your video regarding the M16 in Vietnam. It’s sad that many people still judge this rifle for the problems it had over 40 years ago.

[@lkjh00on89]

Glad you showed a different angle of the target footage. All this time I thought Chris was firing rifles at the pistol distance targets!

[@toki89666]

I have a merchandise idea for you, Small Arms Solutions: You should create a poster that has all the the different AR-15 / 10 retro variants up until the M16A2 and a little description of the years produced and what branch/agency they were made for. I'd pay $24.99 for one to help support the channel! And then a 2nd poster with the A2 until present day.

[@31Mike]

The Forward assist wasn't totally useless. Many in my basic training platoon needed it while qualifying. Granted, basic training rifles in 1988 were well used... overused, rifles that were leftovers from Vietnam. But the forward assist was definitely needed on those rifles.

[@Apathesis0]

FINALLY! Functional 25-round straight magazines.

[@bigbasscatcher86]

I know it's a brief history or maybe not much to it but, what about a video on the history of the dissapator?

[@ezilla11B]

Some of these Brownells Retro AR15/AR10s are on my list of must haves

[@pLAST3RdISAST3R]

Incredible! Especially love the Air Force Models of the 601 and XM177.

[@thomasstorgaard9750]

It would be awesome, if Brownells remade the original Armalite AR 15 (the pre - Colt model produced in 1959), the mother/father rifle of everything that followed there after.

[@radical026]

They actually do, the BRN-PROTO has been announced and is on their site. On sale right now, too.

[@Ballardsi]

These rifles are my favorite by far as well.

[@alexgman1988]

I have a mighty need for that CAR-15 poster.....

[@todd2048]

Cant wait for an update hopefully on the H&R M16 clones!

[@mohammedcohen]

...my rifle in Basic (Jun-Aug 1971, Ft Dix A-3-3) was made by H&R and had a distinctive bluish grey anodization...

[@cosmokramer8078]

One mag, no sling, wow times must be hard at Brownells

[@gtfkt]

Brownells has GOT to offer that XM177 repro buttstock in mil-spec diameter.

[@yawenclaudio5756]

I love the music and the intro in this one

[@Appalachia_Ape]

Excellent video as usual Mr. Bartocci. I hope to one day be as knowledgeable as you are on the AR platform.

[@ambramilty]

Great video, will you be reviewing the brownells retro carry handle scope?

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Greysun yes

[@1Knightwolf]

Remember the Alamo!

[@donb.1426]

Absolutely fantastic video! You sir are one knowledgeable person!

[@abubbam]

The parts I ordered for 601 build came as a more grey/ drab green than what yours looks in video

[@todd2048]

I wish brownells or other companies would make a 14.5" pencil barrel for retro 723 guns that the Green Berets and Rangers were issued in the 1980s.

[@chillios2222]

Vietnam vet did his M16A1 with a stainless heavy barrel. Sounds odd but the rifle was great. Light body and stock of the A1 with Vietnam looks except heavy barrel which made it rest forward. Sweet build.

[@chillios2222]

My buddy was a very firearms knowledgeable vet. He preferred the 55 grain 1 in 12 twist I believe because he thought the less stable round was more lethal. Good logic. Now that I look at it go 1 in 14 with 55 grain. Unless you're going Arctic accurate LOL

[@jeremywatson9129]

I'm supremely interested in the dissipator they recently put out.

[@spiffthreedaddy]

the XM-605 clone. Upper receiver is incorrect. I was interested myself till I noticed this oversight. It's nothing special now in its current state.

[@paladin50554]

@@spiffthreedaddy what is wrong with the upper?

[@nathanbenorden5102]

@ROLLIN PUMA SIMULATOR no one's making you buy. I want one of these retro rifles just because I can and I like them. Im sure that's how most who buy these view it.

[@ayatollahal-avtomat8382]

The dissy is cool as dissipators for some reason have caught my interest but I find the 3 prong flash hider very odd looking on anything besides a the 20" 601/602 (the original M16 was a Colt 602 right?) rifles. I also don't like the sound moderator on the XM177s/GAUs, especially since it has been neutered because of the NFA & BATFE, ugh.

[@spiffthreedaddy]

@@paladin50554 THe original had the forward assist "bump" milled down and not bored out. NoDak Spud used to make them. That is who i believe is making their retro uppers and lowers at the moment.

[@BBrunswicker]

Thanks for the video Chris! These have been super interesting to me.

[@davidschaadt3460]

Real nice program.

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

So when does Brownells make a semi-auto Stoner 63?

[@sqike001ton]

I'm going to take a guess and say too easy to convert to full auto they would have to re design it to make it not except original parts plus smaller market for it and it would be really expensive it was a complicated gun to begin with

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

@@sqike001ton My comment was mostly in jest. Its just such a cool and interesting gun I'd love to own one, even a 'fake' one.

[@sqike001ton]

@@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093 I would love one too I assumed it was I a joke but there are people who would like one but don't really get why its never going to happen

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

@@sqike001ton I don't have much interest in NFA items, but a 63 is the one item I'd be willing to jump through the government's hoops to own. Besides the ease of conversions, I think that even a semi-auto version with all the bells and whistels to change to all the different platforms would be ungodly expensive and would limit the market to the point where it would not be profitable.

[@bigredone1030]

Fully semi automatic

[@jumpykilllerqx6029]

These reto rifles get me going, especially that Ar10 and the 20in Ar15.

[@richardlahan7068]

Wish I could add them to my collection.

[@NineteenEighty-Four]

I have 3 black lowers with a slight purple hue.

[@MrShtbrick]

The word obsolete and discontinued tend to get interchanged quite often. Any of of those 60 parts could be used on a modern rifle however, they are less optimal than what is available to the military or the civilian market currently. Awesome video as always Chris.

[@todd2048]

Just a fyi Brownells updated the green color on the 601 stock sets they look OD green now a little light but OD green they look 100x better then the lime green.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I want that BRN-605 carbine but with the green furniture !!!! It just screams sex appeal and a go getter done yesteryear tacticool look for today !!!

[@noelr2502]

I cant wait for the 4X retro scope to come out. I want to put it on my Brownells 601

[@davesloat9006]

As an Air Force guy, I would really like to see them produce the GAU-5 (XM-177 without the forward assist)! I am seriously considering building a 601 with my tax refund. Great review!

[@davesloat9006]

Lehrgeschwader 1 They do.

[@todd2048]

I can remember training in Norway they had white A1 stock sets issued not painted I have never seen those again I had also seen the Arctic white A2 stock sets as well I believe Colt made these special for the USMC back then for the Cold War effort man I had tried to get a set thought they were neat even tried to bribe the armorer no dice guy said these are strictly inventoried that the Norway Armory training center only had so many on hand so move along wise guy ! The Norway A1 consisted of white parts-- bayonet handle and M7 metal sheath white too , Complete stock set A1 or A2 , Sling, Magazines USGI Aluminum 7x mags each 30rnd, buttstock cleaning gear vinyl case , Outer garment coat, outer garment pants, White micky mouse boots, Pack cover shell, Wool cap, Helmet cover, 1 set cross country skis and a few had 782 gear white most were od green.

[@todd2048]

Maybe Brownells can make different color A1 sets like dessert tan Arctic white that would be something I would love my Norway A1 again! Also your question on shooting these past 300yds yes and Tim from Military Arms channel can tell you the USMC qual course open sights is 200 yd, 300 yd and 10 rnds prone 500 yds the gun will deliver just like the A2 did.

[@Rhethion]

I thought it was interesting when I got my surplus A1 kit, it had the old style ejection port cover. Probably my favorite rifle.

[@Capt_Tarmac]

I’m wondering how the Fulton Armory retro compares to the Brownells...

[@sendit7922]

I have a legacy upper from FA and am pretty pleased with it

[@TheJedi270]

I've gotten the gray right in tough paint. Meaning tougher to Han anodizing. It matches nodak and u.s. Does those.

[@larryh502]

Brownell's saw that the retro market was a real thing and that Colt wanted to leave money on the table and said "fuck it we will be happy to make these guns and take that money".

[@festus7873]

Could you please cover the USAF GUU-5P...it was a great stopgap carbine built and rebuilt by USAF armorers to provide a carbine for security forces and special operations

[@sorryociffer]

What would like to see from Brownells....a SP1 and a Daewoo K2 copy....

[@TeCHnORiOT]

Then here's me still waiting for them to go into the A2s.

[@SaginawGS]

Be easy for them. All theyed need is non f marked fsb and tge a2 receiver. All the other parts are still common on tge a4

[@TeCHnORiOT]

@@SaginawGS They could make semi auto versions of the Colt LMG, it has an A2 upper without a forward assist and a slick side A2 upper.

[@WasatchGarandMan]

That'd be neat. I wonder of Brownells would be interested in doing a clone of Norinco's ARs...

[@JayM1989]

Bushmaster xm15a2... $600...

[@heathw6822]

A2’s are still easy to find new production parts for. Pretty much the only thing that might be “hard” to get is the a2 upper itself. I put hard in quotes because you can find new colt a2 uppers on brownells

[@fwhiteification]

I know I’m ordering my first retro today!

[@utubesgai]

Ill pay 1k for a retro machine gun, make it happen brownell

[@rcairnut]

Sweet!!! what great video of the guns I used way back in the day, thank you sir.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

I wish they got the front sight base right for the early style

[@fluff2001]

Is the A4 not considered 'Retro" ? Have the Colt retro A4 going up in value now, since they stopped selling commercial ?

[@splynch1980]

Between watching the nerds lose their minds about Captain Marvel and watching the nerds lose their minds over retro AR builds, I am in such a happy place right now. 😆😆😆😆

[@keiththiha]

19:25 I believe the originals were vinyl acetate. I could be wrong though

[@scottcampbell2836]

Good to see you again. Upright and alive lol and youtubin. Liked and subbd

[@CaveWyatt]

You have a 601 stripped upper? I’ve had one on back order for weeks! I’ll give you $10 for it right now, no questions asked. But only if it has the front takedown pin. They’re on BO, too. I built a Franken-601 out of all the spare parts I had and then watched your videos on the subject. I’m now going through and replacing the A2 stuff with Brownells “original” stuff. Except the barrel. That Criterion mid-weight beauty stays right where it is. I’m loving it! Except now I still have all those spare parts again. Jeez!

[@TheDandyMann]

The only time that the forward assist was ever useful for me was when I was at a range in Michigan where they hadn't cleaned the gun in a while and when I would charge it with the handle it would get caught on all the built up carbon. Just pushing the assist put the round into battery. Every other mag I used that day I locked the carrier back and when I released it, it would always go into battery without a problem.

[@toki89666]

The one time I used the FA was on a buddies 16" carbine length that he had bought used from some guy. I fired 1 mag and it locked back but when I inserted the next mag and hit the bolt catch the bolt actually stopped 1/2 short. There wasnt a misfeed or anything it just stopped short. I noticed because there wasnt the usual ka-thunk sound. I pressed the FA several times until it forced into battery, fired the mag and then taught my buddy how to clean it. It had so much carbon I had trouble finding the firing pin retaining pin! I suspected that the rifle had probably NEVER been cleaned before!

[@cs-rj8ru]

I've used it many times. Mainly shooting lots of highpower and shooting various handloads not always intended for my rifle. Sometimes an out of spec cartridge will cause it to jam up not quite in battery, but too stuck to get it open with the charging handle. In that case you pound the FA until it closes and fire. Problem solved.

[@meanieband]

Interesting! Thank you.

[@NSANasaSrpskaArhiva]

God's work they are making these cool M16a1s. Sad that the M16 / AR platform got really too degenerate and lost the cool look through the years. Unfortunately here in europe Brownell are selling them for 1650 € so roughly 1900 USD so it is not really an affordable option.

[@ttype231]

Thanks for posting! I learned a lot. Also, kinda seems like Brownell's is covering a niche that PSA was missing. Personally, I really want to make a tribute rifle for my late father, that served in Vietnam. ...But I live in California, so, I'd have to use a Franklin Armory Magazine, or a Jugernaut Hellfighter kit.

[@r.plante878]

Thank-you, very informative.

[@gewamser]

A great review Chris!

[@kacasio1]

How is does the chrome BCG compare to a standard milspec phosphate finished BCG? Since Brownells is selling them for $105 right now, would it be worth it vs a cheaper standard BCG?

[@todd2048]

You gotta do a new Retro Video with all of them come on man you know you want to gives you a reason to spend money ! Anyway I was in the USMC at a weird time I started with the M16A1 then a year later transitioned to the A2 as with my unit hadn't yet transitioned to the Beretta M9 yet that was 89' to about 92' by 92' we had all A2 rifles and the M9.

[@aaronorr5586]

Sick 🔥 on the FA. 😆 Keep preaching how it is!

[@ortiz11039]

I like the forward assist, it makes me happy. I tap it on my first charge always. Only on the first.

[@Excalibur01]

I want them to introduce the M16 type that has an early weaver rail that replaces the carrying handle

[@ElTejon47901]

The AR-15A4?

[@doctorwarpspeed8779]

Do a special video on your ideal Alamo gun! I know it's redundant, we have your ideal battle rifle and others of the sort. But we definitely don't know what your personal "Alamo" gun is. Not saying pick an old rifle, but if you had to go back in time and give those boys a rifle what would the setup be?! Or for a modern day Alamo!

[@fwhiteification]

And Paul Levy is the man!

[@etizzle915]

Means a lot coming from Yankee

[@frederickfrank2451]

I just got my new Brownell's 601 and love it. Awesome shooter ! On the subject of color, my furniture is not the neon green like the rifle shown in your video or the Brownell's advertisement. Mine is more of olive drab. Assuming there was a color correction at some point but wondering what is correct furniture color for 601 ?

[@nickma71]

Why do you like the old one so much? I didn't finish the video yet. I also wanted an A2 clone like you did. I don't need a three shot burst trigger.

[@calebclark6739]

I can’t decide between the E1 & A1. Why do you prefer the E1 ??

[@paulbarnes2752]

Just ordered their M16A1 clone for $820 shipped (29 March 2019). They had a 10% off plus free shipping promo going on.

[@AR15SP1]

i already have 2 of them, nodak lowers w/ colt parts

[@jpthomason]

So the original BCGs were chrome and the rifle was gray?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

These are cool as Hell.

[@dragdragon23]

Been wondering why I haven't seen these in gun stores or even promoted?

[@servicerifle16]

Funny that this vid came out because I ordered an XM16E1 yesterday.

[@calebclark6739]

Yeah ? I can’t decide that or the A1

[@servicerifle16]

@@calebclark6739 Yeah, I ultimately decided on the XM because the A1 doesn't have the trapdoor stock on it.

[@calebclark6739]

Kennard Lang Oh. Ok. I didn’t know the E1 had the door either

[@servicerifle16]

@@calebclark6739 It doesn't, just a buttplate and sling swivel. Might pick up an A1 when they start coming with trapdoor stocks and fixed sling mount.

[@Excalibur01]

I would love them to remake the Colt SMG

[@dr.killjoy29]

Love your videos!!👍👍 💯🍻

[@LoLreality1]

Did you say Marine proof ? Nothing is Marine proof brother 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@KalashniKEV762]

The twist rate of the barrel is not readily observable, and can not be measured without tools. It makes no sense to have the wrong furniture loud and in your face and then also spec a less useful twist so you can be authentic.