My Favorite Member of the M16 Family: the XM16E1

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[@possumpatrol45]

Whoever made the decision to use the incorrect powder should have gone to prison. Knowing the government, he probably got a promotion.

[@arlissyoung8899]

Most likely sent to the Top in their field.

[@andycraig6905]

​@@edmundcharles5278the ordnance corps got a lot of people killed by providing the wrong weapon for the conflict and environment because of politics. Good riddance.

[@petercarmody4897]

Probably he got a bonus; the powder they used that was bad was WW2 surplus. He was only trying to save money 🙄

[@jonniez62]

You notice there's not any ordinance Corps anymore.

[@PureCountryof91]

I mean.. the military is still screwing up basic stuff..

[@99Racker]

My experience with the XM16E1 did not come from my military USMC service but as a deputy sheriff. I was issued this rifle as over watch duty in a crowd control/ riot use. From training with it, I learned that this particular M16 was reliable. I later used it when we initiated a SWAT unit. The Army 7th Infentry AMTU supplied M16 training. This rifle had a different buffer than later models that allowed a slightly higher cyclic rate. I had noted this and bet a Army unit member that I could empty a 20 rounds mag faster than he could with his issue rifle. I won the bet and we all later shared the case of beer.

[@davebickler4643]

As a trooper with the 1st Cavalry in 1966-1967 I carried an XM16E1. The only time I had a problem with it was if I was using what I'd call corroded cartridges. If using nice shiny brass it performed well for me. Lack of cleaning kits was also problem.

[@jebstuart3]

HECK! A Lack of cleaning kits was still a problem for me in the late ‘80’s! I remember going home for my first Christmas leave in ‘87, and I brought back MY OWN cleaning kit supplies for my .22 rifle back home! I remember BOTH my squad leader and platoon sergeant throwin’ a pissy fit about it 😂, but they never told me to stop using my own cleaning rod/bore brush, etc., since it was getting the job done. Somethin’ tells me these same issues persist to this day.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

The M-16 may had a rough beginning, but boy, did it ever redeem itself afterwards! 60 years on and it's still a front line firearm for dozens of militaries around the world. Amazing!

[@markp4401]

Seems like the lesson learned from the M16 is you don’t develop a weapon system in the field during a war. Back then I don’t know that there was a choice though.

[@AzrealMaximus]

The new British Ranger Regiment (not to be confused with the 75th Ranger Regiment) has just switched from SA80 to the M4 platform (KAC).

[@jonathanrichwine1996]

The picture of the soldier at :25 is of Rick Rescorla in 1965 during the battle of the Ia Drang valley. He retired from the Army as a Colonel and later became the head of security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center’s South Tower. He drilled his people hard, carrying out evacuation exercises and fire drills every few months making sure everyone knew what to do in an emergency after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. On September 11, 2001 after flight 11 hit the North Tower, he immediately knew they were under attack, and began the evacuation of the South Tower, even as building officials were saying the disaster was confined to the North Tower and that tower 2 was secure and telling people to remain at their desks. When United Airlines flight 175 hit the South Tower, he began to rescue people trapped in their offices and get them to safety. To keep up morale and from people panicking he sang “men of Harlech” which was something he did in Vietnam to keep up the morale of his troops. He could’ve easily made his way out of the tower but chose to remain behind until everyone else had made it to safety, telling a colleague who urged him to leave “As soon as I make sure everyone else is out.” He was last seen on the 10th floor heading back up the tower to rescue more people. He died at 9:59 am on September 11, 2001 when the South Tower collapsed. His remains were either never found or if they were, have yet to be identified. He’s credited with saving the lives of at least 2,700 people.

[@dr.pastrami5272]

0:25 Thank you for this story. Blessed are the Sheepdogs.

[@christinepearson5788]

My dad was issued an XM16E1 in 1968. Made a comment that the flash hider came in handy in opening bands on rations and ammunition. He never commented about "rifle" problems but the ammunition was "filthy".

[@artyfo46]

I agree

[@christinepearson5788]

@@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138 You don't understand how the barrel is retained on an Ar upper do you?

[@OutSciEd]

My Harrington & Richardson (PSA) M16a1 just arrived today and I am so excited... then this video was on my KZbin screen. Chris, you've read my mind!!! Having said that, "back in the day, people knew that when you put the magazine in and released the bolt, you'd load a round... now everyone has to do a press-check" - hilarious!

[@coltonowens2742]

Those rifles are so good looking. Gonna buy one after I get my NV squared away.

[@OutSciEd]

@coltonowens2742 the serial numbers apparently started at 2000000 back in January and mine isn't even at 3,000 yet so lilely they haven't produced as many. Low supply, high demand.

[@markp4401]

@@coltonowens2742 NV?

[@thegeorgiawild]

Got my H&R M16A1 and love it!

[@richardlahan7068]

The New Zealand Armed Forces recently replaced their Steyr AUGs with the LMT Mars L version of the M16 and the British MOD Is replacing their L85 series rifles with the L403 A1 version of the M16 produced by Knights Armaments. The M16 family is very much alive.

[@itsapittie]

"This was the first one adopted by the U.S. military." U.S. Air Force: "Hello?"

[@skepticalbadger]

Also Project Agile.

[@mhmt1453]

I was in the Army for nearly all of the 1980s, and was issued the M16A1, and later the M16 variant with attached M203 grenade launcher. The opinion at the time (with nearly anyone I took up the conversation about) was that the AK was a far better rifle that was less prone to stoppages, and had greater hitting power. Immediately after I got out of the Army-around 1992, I think-I purchased my first AK… mostly, because it was only $200 at the time, and a case of 1000 rounds only $100 more. Certainly, it was a novelty for many people, and quite popular at the range. I soon discovered that the myth of the “invincible AK” was not entirely correct, and that the rifle could suffer from stoppages just the same as an AR; which is to say, not often, but it does happen. I found it had a bit more recoil (which turned off many a girl I was trying to impress), and did not seem as accurate out past 100 meters. I did find myself wistfully remembering how good I was shooting my M16 in the service. My second sportier rifle was then a Bushmaster model of the M4 carbine. Now I have multiple iterations of both platforms. For my original Romanian AK, I bought an inexpensive Riley to keep company, but for the AR, I spared no expense building a fantastic rifle complete with all high-end parts, and EOTech optics for its companion. After 40 years of shooting both, I’m comfortable with either, but I’m more confident in my accuracy with the AR-15. I suppose our fascination with the AK back in my Army days was more or less due to the hype and mystique of the rifle, without having the opportunity to compare the two in any way. I did, however, have the chance to qualify with the [1980s version] of the German MG-42, and will swear to my dying days that it was a far better machine gun than the M-60! 😊

[@TheRobman139]

Now I know I’m not the only one. I served in the US Army of the 1980s and my issue rifle was an M16A1. I went along a broadly similar path, fascinated by the AK and later getting one as my first military-style semiautomatic rifle, then later getting an AR and rediscovering the satisfaction and importance of being able to shoot that much more accurately that much more easily. Enjoy both platforms now but prefer the AR due primarily to the accuracy. Still appreciate the easier maintenance of the AK, tho’.

[@Hibernicus1968]

I went into the army in 1996, and I was first issued the M16A2. I had never fired an AR platform before, and I wasn't favorably impressed by the boinging recoil spring and buffer, and the gas that escaped back into my face around the charging handle, plus I was firearms enthusiast who had ready all about the problems with the M16 in Vietnam, and I had a fair level of distrust for the rifle. At the time I too would have been more favorable toward a variant of the AK -- doubtless an improved variant like the Valmet or the Galil. Well, over the course of the next four years, with the M16A2 and later M4 I was issued, I actually learned to love the platform. It was very accurate, it's ergonomics were second to none, and I never had a malfunction that wasn't traceable to a bad magazine. Having actually handled and fired AK's since then, I appreciate how much better the AR15/M16 series is in almost every respect. As a result I own more than one AR variant today, and I plan to own even more -- I want to get my hands on a vintage Colt SP1 next. I'd like to add an AK one of these days, but now that the inexpensive ones have all dried up, I'm honestly in no hurry.

[@donwyoming1936]

The slick side Model 604s we had in the Air Force were absolute perfection. No forward assist. All business. I'd make friends with the Combat Arms guys on base. They could always find me a near new/original rifle with chromed carrier, 3 prong flash hider & 20 round Colt mags with stainless steel followers. I was in heaven.

[@Hibernicus1968]

I built a semi-auto clone of an Air Force GAU-5A/A on a Nodak Spud lower receiver. It has the full fence around the magazine release, but has no forward assist. The long moderator is a dummy basically -- just a hollow tube with flash slots at one end -- but it's made to slip over a 14.5 inch skinny barrel, so it looks like the original with the 11.5 inch barrel and sound moderator. The 14.5in bbl and faux moderator look the same from the outside, but give better performance.

[@cheapolegunguy]

I spent a lifetime in the Infantry (Army) and always kept my rifle clean (personal motto: "First my weapon, than myself"), I can't even begin to tell you how many times I needed to use my Forward Assist. Just saying.

[@usmcvet0313]

Yep

[@derekbrogan5008]

Were there any situations whare pulling the bolt back slightly and slingshotting it wouldn't have resulted in the same fix?

[@hairydogstail]

Kyle Rittenhouse ended the debate about the FA IMO..The new M-5 still uses the FA..Stoner stated he didn't think the chamber needed chrome plating which was a mistake. The edgewater buffer never did work correctly even in the best circumstances according to Colt..DuPont couldn't cherry pick lots of stick powder to meet velocity requirements as they had done before without incurring chamber pressure problems while manufacturing the large amount of ammunition needed for the war effort..The government wouldn't change the velocity requirements so the stick powder could be used, which is why the ammunition manufacturers switched to ball powder with the blessing of the government..Another excellent review, as always..

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Not at all. Broken clock is right twice a day.

[@hairydogstail]

We can agree to disagree Chris, but I do enjoy your channel and find you second to none with your knowledge and information..Have a great day and thanks for sharing your knowledge..@@SmallArmsSolutions

[@markrenton3941]

Except he'd be dead if that clock wasn't right that time. @@SmallArmsSolutions

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Very big difference in mechanics vs perception. Poor training on any firearm can induce malfunction’s requiring immediate action. 99% of the time forward assist is used is initial loading. The charging handle is rode forward taking the spring force needed to load away thus failure to lock normally via the extractor stalling on the rim. The other failures would be a damaged round requiring it to be removed from the chamber not hammered into battery inducing a more serious malfunction. Of all the trials and testing I have been part of we never used the forward assist. The purpose is soled training. Press checks. It amazes me how much so called experts ignore the designer. This was testified in front of congressional hearing. All initial testing on this rifle was without the forward assist. It was requested for theoretical reasons by the army.

[@hairydogstail]

@@SmallArmsSolutions There is a lot of discourse over the FA by qualified people on both sides of the debate, but the fact Kyle Rittenhouse's life was saved by that little device proved its worth to me..I'm quite aware of the Wheeler button, it's history, controversy and Stoner's opinion.. Whether it "was" theatrics or not back in the 1960's , I doubt it's inclusion on the M-5 (M7) rifle is still theatrics.. That said, I believe replacing the M4A1 completely with the M-5 (M7) and over pressured round is another boondoggle, forgetting all the lessons of why we went to the 5.56 in the first place.. I do have the Aberdeen Proving Ground test with the FA'S REPORT ON USATECOM PROJECT NO. 8-3-0030-06F PRODUa IMPROVEMENT TEST OF BOLT ASSIST DEVICES FOR RIFLE, CALIBER .223. AR1S REPORT NO. DPS-1120 l NOVEMBER 1963 It is an interesting read..

[@jasonyoung9249]

I love the original 20” barreled M16s. They are very light and much easier for me to shoot accurately than a carbine. I built a clone using a 1964 or 1965 barrel marked VP and a 12 near the muzzle. Shoots well. Was hitting a paper plate at 170 yards kneeling.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Plus that 20 inch barrel makes use of all the actual power that round has. All my buddies are man why do you carry a long barrel? Because that's what Gene Stoner made it for. Plus it's lighter.

[@Paladin1873]

If the A1 had an ambidextrous safety and shell deflector, I would love it too.

[@Paladin1873]

@@JamesThomas-gg6il You're right, but I'd be willing to settle for an 18" barrel.

[@jasonyoung9249]

@@Paladin1873 I’m left eye dominant so I shoot left handed with rifles. The brass flies close to my head but doesn’t bother me.

[@Paladin1873]

@@jasonyoung9249 It varies. Supposedly H&R built rifles were more southpaw friendly, but my first time on the line with one involved an early production M-16 (not E1 or A1). Bras hit my face, bounced onto my neck and down my chest, burning me in three places. The range officer saw this and installed a brass deflector for me.

[@tomgoodwin9161]

You forgot to mention how efficient the forward assist was as a vine attractor. Three prong flash hiders were great at that too. I constantly fantasized about welding a washer on the front of the flash hider but never did. I hated the rifle because of the rusty chamber I got in Vietnam, mid 1966. Failure to extract was common. The fix was the old three-section cleaning rod, carried on the bipod pouch. Had a skinny knurled end that would fit in the bore. Stick one section into the muzzle and leave maybe three inches hanging out. Then smack the rod into the barrel and knock the brass out. Then "pour" the rod section out and try again. All this under fire of course. Ammo was mostly stick powder. Got a brand new M16A1 in March 1967. Barrel was marked "C MP" chrome was in the chamber only. New in the box. Had a RED plastic muzzle cap. By that time I was committed to the Thompson (went Recon in December 1966 and got to turn in the M16). So the new rifle I got was left in supply. I liked the round but not the rifle.

[@PARR53]

I love my XBRN16E1 (XM16E1 clone) from Brownells. It’s excellent and a solidly built weapon. Have had it since they were brought on the market. I would love to get an H&R M16A1 through PSA eventually.

[@markp4401]

I’m glad I picked one up too. I don’t thinks Brownells is making them anymore.

[@gewamser]

As usual your analysis is totally correct. In ‘70 in VN the M16A1 had become one of the best combat rifles ever fielded, but…the problem then became finding good magazines!

[@donh6177]

Excellent video, I enjoyed learning somemore of the history of the M16. By the way I ordered a Small arms solutions T shirt last week and received it yesterday. Awesome quality shirt!!! I will be wearing it at our next range day. Thx for everything you do for the 2A community.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Very cool!

[@arlissyoung8899]

There is one time [that I know of] the forward assist saved a life. It can be clearly seen is TY hasn't bad the video. The young man that got into all the trouble when he shot and killed a thug and another thug got hit when the protests where going on. The video show the young man struggling with his AR and it failed to fire, he hits the forward assist sending the blot home then defends himself. This was the on fire case that had everyone watching the out come, the young man was found Not guilty and went on to become so what of a hero. Thank You Chris I really enjoy your work, there's no better IMO.

[@RocketPropelledGuy]

This guy is referring to Kyle Rittenhouse. That is true, he did indeed use the forward assist. Frankly it's the only time I've seen one actually be useful. It was immediately before Grosskreutz compelled him to shoot him by pointing his gun at him.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

🤷🏻‍♂️you are entitled to your opinion

[@markrenton3941]

Exactly. Anyone who advocated for getting rid of the FA essentially would have been giving KR a death sentence. It's the difference between actual soldiers knowing the need for something and people who sit behind the engineering desk and push papers@@RocketPropelledGuy

[@williamflowers9435]

@@markrenton3941couldn’t he have just used the charging handle and ejected the round, loading another?

[@leonardwei3914]

The only time I HAD to use the FA for my M16a2 in the military was during a two week long FTX out in the NC woods using nothing but blanks. Excess carbon build up plus few opportunities to clean our rifles as well as normal contributed to some chambering issues.

[@PumpkinDefender]

Love these videos! I’d love to see more about the evolution from the CAR-15 to the M4 with all of the transitional models in between.

[@cadamsm11]

It’s always amazing to think how much of the war (and most intense parts) were fought before the new A1. I don’t know exactly when average troops got it, but but even Hue and Khe Sanh both happened in early ‘68.

[@jackbower8671]

Same. Especially with weird stuff like the 656

[@dalehenry4694]

Chris/small arms has video on all that.

[@videomaniac108]

I trained with both the M-16A1 and XM-16E1 when I was in the Army in 1969. Whenever the rifles jammed I would automatically hit the forward bolt assist, always to no avail. Invariably, I would have to break down the rifle and extract the round. We were blamed for not doing enough cleaning maintenance on the rifles or doing it Improperly. Frequent cleaning and efforts to keep them out of the dirt didn't seem to make much difference in the seemingly random nature of the jams.

[@TheSundayShooter]

The detent pin relief 1:26 is missing on the "golden" XM16E1 (serial number 50,000). Either Colt 603 production began before that particular update or this decorative unit was assembled from stock components not meant for deployment

[@dtnetlurker]

The XM16E1 is the most badass of all the M16 variations in my personal opinion. After the proper upgrades were made it was a perfect battle weapon. It's good for close quarters, but it can make longer shots as needed. The XM16E1 and it's earlier models changed weapons design forever. For as old as it is, it still looks very cutting edge and futuristic.

[@JaySmith-r6t]

50yrs ago I was taught to use the forward assist to when draining water from your barrel after being submerged and doing a DZ lock & load (especially at night). Later when Teaching BRM in the 80s, Insert the Magazine, Palm Tap it twice, release the bolt and hit the forward assist, move the selector lever and watch your lane. I could tell y'all horror stories about receiving Connex'es jammed full of uncleaned M16s direct from Cam Ranh.

[@fathead8933]

When used for it’s designed purpose ie operate in every environment on earth, it’s kind of a requirement. Part of the stack procedures is the press check. “But you should know the status of your weapon” True, however, was the initial loading done at night while getting yelled at for something that has no bearing on a mission, in a moving vehicle, while being completely exhausted? Because I’ve literally walked around for 3 hours with an unloaded rifle before. So yeah, press checks are real because they save lives. Then you introduce sand, dirt, debris, ice, water, etc. “but you should clean that out” yeah let me field strip this rifle when I need to be shooting or I can hit this button that smashes a piece of whatever into my chamber, but is most likely stripped on extraction and ACTUALLY let’s me shoot. But hey it must only be psychologically beneficial to us. Lol They XM110 is my example on why the forward assist is important. Because I’ve seen an entire mag dumped on the ground for lack of a forward assist. That thumb hole idea sounds great until the rifle is hot.

[@user-qn7ui7sb1q]

@@fathead8933I agree I think it has a good purpose.

[@garthland]

I like the Airforce's model 614-it's everything the E1 was sans forward assist. Love all of them early ones,but since we're getting picky,lol

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Wasn't that the 604, and the 614 a export model?

[@tasjan9190]

Favorite member of the M-16 family. The Colt model 639 XM177 Colt Commando. The original blued with the slick 2 position aluminum stock, 11.5 inch barrel, and moderator. Absolutely fell in love and never looked back when it comes to rifle/carbine selection. ARs are the BEST combat rifles/carbines on the planet. Nothing has been able to topple it's reign, many have tried, many have failed. No matter the competition or competitors they always fail to match the performance of Mr. Eugene Stoner's gift to the free world.

[@markp4401]

I’m averse to those shorter barrels. I want the additional velocity.

[@jesseventura3576]

The XM16E1 is also my favorite M16 rifle! It's a real nice classic American rifle!

[@zotirruges]

Mine personally is the XM177 definitley something that really made me love M4s in the long run.

[@SidewinderNetwork]

YOU SIR....truly are an encyclopedia of the black rifle. I would like to ask if it would be a possibility for you to do a video on the .308 ar10 variant, specifically stating your opinions on variable weight (scs type) buffer systems and variable mass carrier relationships. Im building a large pattern ar right now and im curious what your opinions are on how to obtain the best reliability with the current parts options we have. reliability and suppression seem to be two hot topics and i have seen a bunch of products claiming to provide the much needed reliability to the platform but nobody really has put the depth of knowledge that you possess into a subjective opinion on how to achieve the goal. please and thank you.

[@PavewayJDAM]

I'm so glad he has decided to make these videos to dispense his lifetime of knowledge!

[@stevezielinski9257]

Chris you are a true treasure!! Love these videos the wealth of knowledge you have is amazing!! Keep it up!!

[@sae1095hc]

1985, Ft Benning GA, I got handed a very beat-up, middle 100 thousand serial number XM16E1 to do my infantry OUSET with. Probably only the lower had any original parts in it. The barrel parkerizing was still there, so was fairly new. I was enough of a gun guy to know that it had probably been through hell and back again. Shot Expert with it.

[@Paladin1873]

I've never before seen the history of this rifle covered so succinctly and so accurately. Now I want to build my own hybrid AR. I'd use the basic layout of the M16A1 but get rid of the FA and install a brass deflector, use an 18" pencil or gunner barrel with a 1:14 twist, and add an ambi safety selector. Do you know if such a barrel and upper receiver exist?

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Sadly no 18" 1:14 twist barrels exsist, at least commercially. Only company I know of that makes a 1:14 for AR's is Green Mountain Barrels. As for the no FA but with a deflector, check out Mayhem Machine Tool. They have a carry handle upper they call the Ruggiero thats an A1 upper without the assist. You'd have to send it in to someone to have the metal coating done, however.

[@Paladin1873]

@@georgewhitworth9742 Thanks, I'll check them out.

[@Paladin1873]

@@georgewhitworth9742 I received a 20" pencil barrel in 1:14 from Green Mountain last week. It will go on my early USAF M-16 build.

[@stevejorgensen5274]

I carried a M16A1 from basic on until I went to work for someone besides the army. Then I carried an AKM. Would loved to have carried a M16A1 but couldn't. Nothing US issue. Besides sense the otherside used AKMs ammo resupply after a fire fight was on the ground. With a M16 I would have to carried all the ammo I would need as there was no resupply. Good video. The first rifle were marked Colt's Armslite AR15.

[@TheRobman139]

Very interesting. Would you have rather carried the M16 just because of the lighter weight or did you consider it a better weapon overall, and if so, why? Just curious. Your perspective is intriguing since you had so much real world experience with both platforms.

[@stevejorgensen5274]

@@TheRobman139 M16 was a better more reliable rifle.

[@TomasMartinoLlamas-xf4xx]

I love these videos about the history of the m-16. Love the Car-15 and commando!

[@Peace-ju9us]

What I had in BCT, 1972...The only problem I saw was that the barrel was to light, so I got a Colt SP2, with the heavier barrel yet kept all the A1/SP1 features...happy then and now...

[@billisthebest8131]

I used the forward assist. If you have the drop on your enemy it is much quieter to go through the malfunction process by using the forward assist than to be using the charging handle. Helped me get the kill that day.

[@3SLXXV]

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the new H&R m16a1 variants from PSA.

[@thegeorgiawild]

He should. Got mine this week and it’s a fantastic rifle and example.

[@ДнищеВтундре]

Interesting information, from the military AR-15 (in this case, we are talking about rifles), in my opinion, the best option is Diemaco C7, as it has the advantages of M16A2, without its disadvantages (too complex sighting, mode with a cutoff of 3 shots, barrels with low resource (5000-10000 shots, in Australian tests resource was 5000-6000, against about 11000 in AUG A1)), and the most aesthetic, M16A2.

[@corporalpunishment1133]

M16A2 complex sighting? Anybody should understand how to use it after 2 minutes if they don't they shouldn't be using a rifle.

[@KeterMalkuth]

Unfortunately, the C7 still has the gov't profile barrel of the A2. That ruins it, IMO. The pencil barrel is the A1 is a part of the magic that makes them handle so well.

[@ДнищеВтундре]

@@corporalpunishment1133 The sight itself is more complex than the M16A1, it was promoted by the Marines, as it is better for precision shooting, but the ordinary soldier does not need such a sight, rather even harmful.

[@ДнищеВтундре]

@@KeterMalkuth As far as I know, the barrel of C7 has more 2-3(30000 as far as I know) times life than that of M16A2.About the latter I have looked different data and in general it is difficult to understand what is the real life of its barrel.Australian test shows the life of 5-6 thousand shots (comparable with cheap Chinese AKs), data from forums and some documents say about the average life of about 10000 (range from 7500 to 15000).

[@KeterMalkuth]

@@ДнищеВтундре The C7 barrel is great, because diemaco is just a phenomenal manufacturer and uses cold hammer forging. However, the advantages of durability the barrel has is similar to other cold hammer forged barrels and isn't reliant on the A2 type profile. Rather it's because of the manufacturing technique, heat treat, chroming, etc. It could be applied to a better profile than the gov't profile of the C7. For example, the L119A2 is manufactured by Diemaco, and so far as I'm aware it has a straight medium profile. Still heavier than I think is necessary, but it makes more sense than having all the weight at the very end of the barrel.

[@artyfo46]

I joined the 1st Inf. Div. in South Viet-Nam in September 1968. I was issued a XM-16E1by my field artillery unit. Later I was attached to an infantry company; they all had M-16A1s. I continued to carry my XM-16E. I did, in fact, open C ration case several times each week with the 3 prong flash hider with no apparent damage. We were only given M-193 55 grain ammunition and used 20 round aluminum magazines. We were told to load 18 rounds to avoid feeding problems. The cyclic rate of fire was 800-850 rounds per minute. The rifles had manganese phosphate bolt carriers, any chromed bolt carriers were to be replaced immediately. We cleaned our weapons each day whether fired or not. I have witnessed tens of thousands of M-16 ammunition without malfunctions. The exception was the 3 or 4 XM-177E2s in the company; at least one would jam in each fire fight. Our rifles were cleaned and lubricated with LSA; they were reliable and dependable. I have trusted the M-16 with my life.

[@markp4401]

I wonder if it’s because the XM-177E2 has a shorter length gas system.

[@grandpaweber2097]

I'm having a problem understanding why you would prefer an earlier, unimproved rifle over the newer, improved M16A1. Seems like a no-brainer. I carried a series of worn-out but still serviceable A1's during the '80's. My favorite is my 'A4, though.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Exactly!

[@phillipk1258]

Thank you Chris!

[@tomkava2000]

I had two M-16s in Viet Nam, neither would load a round after firing. Without exception it took three hits on the forward assist to load the next round.

[@bazookawarren]

I personally prefer the A2 iron sites over the A1, but I shoot out to 500 meters. Marksmanship is fun!

[@usmcvet0313]

Agreed

[@elia7597]

Good point on the bolt close mech., I use it for a chamber check/reclose only also.

[@badfishgood]

Awesome video. My fav is the M16A4.

[@rtz549]

If barrel twist makes a lot of difference; they could have marked the twist on the barrels and used what ever they needed for the location they were at.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I still have fond memories of the old M16A1 from 1986 till 1988. Very good combat capable rifles till we got the M16A2s, it was a bit heavier but nothing really significant about it in performance despite it's hype. Zeroing was much more complicated just using the sights, good for the Marines and target shooters but not for the average infantryman. It didn't shoot any better on qualification as in target groups because it still had the standard feel of the G.I. trigger. The 3 round burst was useless because all infantrymen were not trained to use that mode of fire even with the full auto on the M16A1. The M16A1 was very comfortable to fire with the M193 which is a deadly round. I have shot a 1 inch thick mild steel billet at 100 yards and blow through with no problems in my old AR-15 Sporter from 1978, 20 inch barrel and 1/12 twist with Winchester white box or Federal Eagle 55 grain FMJs. During 1989 when I was in Panama doing live fire exercises before the Panama Invasion when using M16A2s with M855 FMJs, the copper jackets would split upon impact on wood which we used to hold up the man sized card board targets. I also noticed that they would split open rocks as big as a cabbage head from the steel penetrator. When the invasion started and going through with combat operations, I did notice that M855 ammunition from M16A2 and M249 SAW did break up cinder block walls like nothing and caused the Panama Defense Forces to retreat during brief engagements. The steel penetrators I though did their job. I ETS out of the Army after Panama and tried out to see if the M193 Ball was less effective in shooting at wood or cinder blocks out of my COLT AR-15 Sporter Carbine with a 16 inch barrel, 1/12 twist At 50 yards first with a block of hardwood Mesquite, 5 inches thick, the M193 penetrated it like a hot knife through butter. Next at the same distance with a cinder block with no concrete fill, it exploded into dust. Meaning from my opinion and view the M193 is still a deadly round and could defeat Soviet design body armor like what the M855 was designed to do in the 1980s. The M855 was designed to penetrate a Soviet steel helmet at 800 meters which is ridiculous in my opinion. Tiny fragments form shrapnel going at high velocity have killed more soldiers and civilians than direct rifle fire in combat other than artillery or random rocket artillery.

[@markp4401]

Thanks for your comments man. It reminds me of the stories I’ve heard about the VC/NVA calling the M16 the black rifle. It got this moniker not because of its color but because of its lethality. The 5.56 rounds inflict maximal tissue damage.

[@drizler]

They were still kicking around in parts form in the mid 70s. I’m not sure, but I thought mine was an E-4 but I’m not sure . When I worked as an MP on nuke site guard duty that was the receiver mine had. Everything else was standard M16 with the updates. What a nice rifle. Mine came straight from refurbishment from the look of it. It was gray parkerized and the finish was thick. It felt like fine sandpaper. I got a 1911 that was done up the same way at the time. I couldn’t shoot it all that well but there was definitely no rattle when you shook it. I never saw another pair like those again.

[@javajoy100]

I believe I used the forward assist only once in my 25 year military career and it was at the range. When you pop the wire seals on the ammo cans the ASP won't allow you to return the unused ammo so logically you have to shoot it all. After firing a metric sh!t ton of ammo I had my bolt on an A2 fail to go into battery so a slight tap on the FA got it to run again. I could have had easily have used my finger on the bolt to do the same thing (or better yet, I should have gave the internals a wipe down).

[@bentheenigma1913]

Mine is the m4 so I bought a cr6920 thanks for everything SAS

[@garykappes4654]

I served in the US Navy in the late 70's to the early 80's active. Reserve until the early 90's. Served with a lot of combat vets from "nam". One guy that served with the army and later switched over to the Navy said if they found an AK they would throw the M16 in the mud and use that......that sounds pretty simple so I suppose their had to be enough ammo around to feed it.

[@monocogenit1]

I love the XM flash hider. I put it on my 5.56 AR. Thanks for the vid.

[@wacojones8062]

I have two rifles without the forward assist one is a 1974 Colt SP-1 the new one is a Walmart build with no dust cover upper and no forward assist on a brand new lower.

[@markp4401]

Walmart build?

[@gunnierunner1]

I recently used the FA after noticing my bolt wasn't closed all the way on a very dirty and suppressed 10.5. I ended up getting light strikes. When it happened again, I just racked it and seated a new round. No issues. If I had loaded with the bolt locked back, this probably wouldn't have been an issue at all.

[@xxdmoneyxx4968]

I hope PSA sends you one of their H&R rifles to review!

[@Paladin1873]

I've used the FA a couple of times to fully seat a bolt after I pulled the charging handle partially backward to see if there was a round in the chamber. In truth I could have closed it just as easily by pushing on the bolt carrier with my thumb, which is something I have done on a number of other occasions. I did once have the FA fall out of my upper receiver because the roll pin failed while I was firing the rifle. It did not affect the mechanical operation of the rifle, but neither did it fill me with a warm fuzzy. To me the FA is dead weight I can do without and one more part that could fail. Forcing a bolt home is dumb. Instead, clear the malfunction and inspect the chamber for debris.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

That’s not what the intent of the forward assist is. Press checks ar training not mechanical

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Something about that rifle in that Army Green Color, makes me want to get an A2/A4 Style and paint it OD Green

[@grandpaweber2097]

OD is the best color, very true.

[@TheGM-20XX]

That's Air Force Green.

[@cherylseverin4652]

Outstanding video! Cpl. Sev.

[@saltyguerrilla]

Great video as usual Chris. Im blessed to own a Colt GAU 5A/A (1 of 500), SP1 , 14.5 Colt SOCOM, and 16 Colt SOCOM. To this day I love that S1 slickside more than all my other Colts and Gucci commercials. It just feels right.

[@emersonchattin9512]

Been waiting for this one!

[@survivaloptions4999]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. Great video as always. Does the scalloped area on the bolt carrier that actuates the dust cover have a name?

[@stargazerlaurent6780]

I took the time to clone one of these out of about 80% original Colt parts. It’s by far my favorite AR.

[@MrSLF]

Thank you. 👍

[@johnemmert9012]

The XM-16E1 is my favorite of that family as well. I want a clone of this model.

[@davidschaadt3460]

Wonderful program, Chris.

[@Jeremy-pi5mz]

I have a 605 clone but with mid length gas and I love it

[@Liberty_76]

It’s my favorite as well! I have 5 XM16E1 rewelds (3 of which I have videos on) and soon I’ll have a 601 reweld

[@thesanfordmethod1905]

Awesome and perfect video, many of my questions on this era of AR15 answered right here ! :D

[@AAAthreat]

Thank you, that was a fascinating.

[@thecoltar15resource]

Great video Chris. Thanks!

[@garykappes4654]

I used to bolt forward assist one on some of my reloaded ammo. It blew the mas out of the gun and locked up the bolt.

[@walkercustoms]

Thank you

[@jarink1]

I had an XM-16E1 in Basic Training in 1985.

[@DillonG71]

fantastic video.

[@atlanticproducts]

I have to respectfully disagree with the latter-day conventional wisdom regarding the forward assist. For some unknown reason, especially during the winter months (yes, it can get cold there) during my deployment to Iraq in 2004-2005, whenever I chambered my first round upon leaving the wire, the bolt would hang-up just shy of going into full battery. So I used the forward assist to fully seat the bolt. During test-firing soon after leaving the wire, the rifle never failed, and a slap on the bolt catch never failed to chamber a round completely. But for some reason, that first chambering on a cold rifle, during cold weather, often seemed to need a little help fully seating. YMMV, but I very much appreciated having the forward assist feature on our M-4 carbines back then.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

I have vast amount of winter experience from the winters in Denmark, Ukraine, Afghanistan as well as growing up in upstate NY. I never had the issue. I loaded from the bolt locked to the rear. The only reason it would stall like that is if you rode the charging handle. Or if the gun was lubricated with the wrong. Oil and the oil froze to sludge. Loading from an open bolt and using the bolt catch, should never happen. Another aggravating circumstance is slingshotting with a full 30 round aluminum mag, that friction could slow the velocity slightly. My experience. Cold weather should make no diffrence.

[@joshb5719]

I have used a forward assist. Popped primer got the bolt stuck rearward. If not for the forward assist I would've had to remove the whole receiver extension.

[@dimsum1033]

Such a beautiful rifle!

[@claytonmachine12]

While I understand the hate for how the M16 has become so heavy. A lot of it is things that did end up being needed. All programs have found that you really want an optic. So more weight. You want accessories for night fighting. more weight. While we did need to go from the pencil barrel (there were known issues with the metallurgy at the time, modern ones not so much) though they did kind of fuck up in the way they changed it. But even if we kept the barrel. Your still getting optics. your still getting rails so you can toss things like NVDs, PEQs, Flashlights, grips, bipods, etc on there because it does increase the ability of the shooter to hit the locate, identify, and engage the target. And those attachments have spoken for themselves countless times since the 90s. And its still comes in 2lbs lighter than an M14 with some of that on it

[@elifoust7664]

Kyle is on video using forward assist, it saved his life.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

🙄

[@DefunctYompelvert]

Forward assist is equivalent to wearing a cloth mask..

[@TheRobman139]

Good video. I agree that the M16 is arguably one of the very best fighting rifles ever made; Mr. Stoner was truly a genius. It’s not perfect - nothing is - but it was so far ahead of its time. I carried an M16A1 in the army of the 1980s. My only complaint about the original design, that you failed to mention perhaps because you personally could not relate, is that it is not so great for us left handed shooters; the hot brass in the face and potentially down the neck was annoying to say the least. This was remedied from the A2 onwards, of course.

[@astragreen]

The fact it’s so light you can fire it on the right side if you keep at it, you basically become ambidextrous in no time at all, it’s a hole lot different with the heavy M1 rifle!.

[@TheRobman139]

@@astragreen Perhaps, but in my particular case I really can’t do that because I have a problem with my right eye such that I can only aim with my left eye, I MUST shoot left handed. Anyway, Windham Weaponry made the perfect AR for me, their “Government Model A1” that’s basically a semiautomatic only hybrid of the A1 and the A2. It’s got the brass deflector so I’m good.

[@ezequielmarte1800]

Very informative video. Makes me want to own one of those M-16s

[@GregsGruns]

Nice review Chris, I just did a review on my XM16E1 over on my channel. My review is a little different though 😄

[@ckiefner715]

The A1 is my favorite configuration

[@blitzkrieg2003]

cool rifle! thanks for the review

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Great info, really enjoyed. Thanks

[@Wolfwood428]

The XM16E1 is the sexiest, and my earliest example ever seen in a video game growing up (Metal Gear Solid 3). I'm inspired to build a "clone" but obviously only do a cosmetic clone, not a true clone.

[@evatroniclover0026]

F I N A L L Y an MGS3 comment.

[@zerowykd]

16" or 18" barrel? Ready... Go!

[@rcairnut]

absolutely a great video, thank you for this!

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I love the XM16E1 as well, but I love the 601 and shoot my Brownells version any chance I get. Didn't MACV-SOG use the Airforce rifle in combat? So technically it was the one without the forward assist that the Air Force adopted that was the first.

[@markp4401]

General LeMay had a hard on for the 601.

[@jebstuart3]

I wonder if there were actual issued M16A1 rifles in Vietnam in ‘68 (….or even a little later for that matter) that still had the 3 prong flash hiders on ‘em??….or were ALL ISSUED M16A1’s in ‘68, and later, issued with the birdcage flash hiders??

[@onseki1774]

I personally love the 601 even with all its shortcomings. Can you imagine picking up a 601 in 1960? Forged aluminum, gas operated, straight pull recoil, intermediate caliber rifle with composite furniture weighing a scant 6lb? The flash hider made it ring like a bell with no flash. It was completely alien, on the bleeding edge of the US's collective manufacturing ability. Sure it wasn't really ready for the military but it was (and still is!) ready for the civilian to go out and shoot targets and blow up watermelons

[@calebclark6739]

Wish Brownells was still making these.

[@projectsdonepoorly1383]

Mine is the one i have

[@shanelowe3902]

Great content, thank you!

[@johnpa9326]

I like my XM16E1 build the most out of my collection as well. Are those NDS receivers on yours? Still looking for the proper “grey” parts kit for mine. Great video as always

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Yes, early NDS with perfectly accurate finish

[@deputygunner]

Agreed

[@bozo572]

What are your thoughts on the PSA H&R clone rifles?

[@Mrgunsngear]

🇺🇸

[@kylesprengeler5965]

awesome