The Real USMC M4 Clone

[@InvincibleRage]

Good video. The lines to the left, right, and below the chevron on the Trijicon Acog are for wind, elevation, and bullet drop. The lines to the left and right are for wind adjustments when aiming. The lines below are for bullet drop. The chevron is sighted for specific ranges up to 300 meters, 300 meters being below the chevron. Once you're shooting past 300 meters, the lines below allow you to adjust for bullet drop, and you would use the lines for the specific distance your shooting. It's why the numbers on the lines below go up, they're in 100x meters. For example, the line below the chevron has a 4 next to it, meaning 400 meters. So you would aim that line at your point of aim at 400 meters and hit your target. If you don't, you'll miss because the bullet has dropped. But these lines on the scope's reticle are only affective if you're an experienced long distance marksman, or sniper. Which is why most Trijicon Acog owners don't know what they're for, and don't use them.

[@ar-15techtipsinunder5minut8]

Maybe someone mentioned it as I didn't read thru all 213+ comments but that is a REAL Colt barrel made by Colt and not subcontracted. You can tell by the MP not having a space between M_P. Never modify or get rid of that barrel as its a very nice score.

[@CalebDowning]

Good to know 👊🏻

[@SuperFcsmith]

Great video Caleb! I got a Colt M4 at our sheriff store. (16” barrel), Just want that fantastic optic. I qualified at LASD with a Colt M4. (14.5” barrels), Originally with EOtec’s, they took those off and now use iron sights.

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks 👍 Why would they go away from optics and back to irons? 🤔 Sounds backwards...

[@SuperFcsmith]

They told us the Eotecs went out of zero in freezing climates, but we don’t have freezing weather in LA County?!?. Don’t know their reasoning..They are working on a deal with Aimpoint, 10-23 (standby). Will know more soon.

[@CB-ux5xc]

The new Eotechs don't have that problem. We use them in the northeast and have for years with no issues.

[@hgarza1136]

One of my PSA builds felt better than my colt. Ended up being my buffer spring. I put a chrome silicone spring in it. Its advertised to relieve the twang sound,& it definitely works. I tried it in all my AR's, & it made them all feel,sound better. I now have them in all my Ar builds. Best $5 bucks I've spent. Crazy how a spring can make that much difference. Anyway, great video. I still enjoy your clone builds.

[@CalebDowning]

Awesome 👍 I need to look into the whole spring thing. Apparently there’s a lot to it that most folks don’t even mess with. Thanks for your support man, it’s encouraging to get your feedback on the vids 👍👍

[@billwilliams1353]

H Garza a lot of people have no clue how great those springs are the standard springs wear out after a few thousand rounds I have the chrome silicon spring that has been through 2 rifles it has seen over 13000 rounds and not a single problem and when I put it next to a brand new chrome silicon spring there is no compression no difference whatsoever I swear by those springs and they really bring the rifle to life smoother function a slight difference in how the weapon recoils pair that spring with a h3 and it’s god like

[@cctrans29]

Beautiful Colt you have. I have a Daniel Defense M4A1. Have had it for a long time. Great rifle to scout my property in IL for coyotes. Has never failed me. I am also an Army Veteran. My question is are these popular candidates for a SOPMOD clone conversion? I already have a B5 SOPMOD stock and a Trijicon Red Dot.

[@CalebDowning]

I think DD has some contracts so you should be able to use that as a base for a clone, don’t quote me on that though. The best place to find all that out would be over on AR15.com and search for the SOPMOD thread.

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

Nice video. Went to PI back in 85'. We qualified with M16A1's. The platoon right behind us qualified on the A2's. I was jealous but when I look back now it was cool to have handled a Vietnam era A1. In boot camp we also used ancient M1911's. Soon after the Beretta 9mm's were selected. When I got out of boot camp and went into the field they were still using WWII jeeps!! Then the Humvee came out. The USMC was still flying the last of the Vietnam era F4's, then we got F-18's. A lot changed from 1985 to 1989. Ronald Reagan was president and he built up/ modernized the armed forces tremendously. As a side note, the USMC was working on the Osprey back in the 80's. Took 20 more years before it could fly and not kill everyone aboard!!!! I love the Corps Marpat uniforms that were adopted circa 2003. Too bad the F'ing Navy is wearing them now. They all look like 20 lb's of potatoes in a 10 lb sack!!!!!...but I digress.... Lastly, I bought a Colt AR15A2 for $900.00 back in 89' like the one's we were issued while in the fleet. I've got a lot of other AR's (cheapies) but the Colt is the only one that has NEVER let me down. I wish it were an A4 though. My eye sight is not good enough nowadays for them irons. Semper Fi.

[@CalebDowning]

Semper Fi Bro! True old school 💪 I love it. I wasn’t cool enough to have an A1. Our A2s were brand spanking new though 👍

[@lrm1981]

Your front sling mount is on backwards and the front locking tab on top of your KAC rail needs to go inside the cap to lock it in place, not on top

[@CalebDowning]

Good catch, not the first one to point it out but good catch. Those issues have been corrected 👍 Thanks

[@muneco803]

Where did you get the rail gaurds from? I bought the fn m4 collectors series and it came with 3 long ones and a short one but I'd like to buy another short one. The metal pin on mine are a copper color.

[@CalebDowning]

eBay is a good place. I got the covers with the Knights rail kit. You can also check ArmsList. When I was looking, they were pretty easy to find at both those places.

[@erichfouke3677]

In FedLog an M4 Colt 3 round burst cost the govt $624.

[@CalebDowning]

🤦‍♂️ wouldn’t that be nice 👍

[@michaels1432]

That’s some BS!

[@rampantcolt]

I paid $638 for my 14.5in socom barrel colt in 2017.

[@ruben42655]

@caleb downing with a colt le6920 and if it is stamped m4 why do some serial numbers start with le and some start with cr? Any knowledge can provide much appreciated.

[@CalebDowning]

Sorry for the delay ma. So as far as I can tell those are just prefixes and don’t really account for much. Some folks will want the LE ones but,again from what I can tell, they are the same as the CR marked ones. Again, sorry for the delay there. Hope that helped.

[@ruben42655]

@@CalebDowning yes appreciate you responding and was great info thankyou.

[@ruben42655]

@caleb I was wondering do you know by any chance what kind of rail was used on the colt in the movie I am legend?

[@CalebDowning]

According to the IMFDB, he had the C-MORE and Knights RAS.

[@ruben42655]

@caleb thanks again for that info put up more vids on the m4 plz.

[@pitmanballer88]

Another great build brother! Keep the clones coming haha

[@jonathanriveraquinones1410]

Little lines in the rco are bullet drop compensator the lines are different widths so at any given distance you can put the line on a man size targets shoulders to gauge range easier and aids in leading moving targets

[@hgarza1136]

Cdnn sports has the colt stock,car handguard,and colt f4 marked pistol grip for $20. If you just want the stock it's the same price. Doesn't have the circle mark. It's marked 4u488. Which is actually made by p&s product's for colt. P&s also made some of the kac ris handguards,vertical grip,& rail covers.

[@CalebDowning]

Good to know, thanks for the heads up 👍

[@biggerbehindthetrigger2814]

I have built several M1 carbines. I'm a fan of the 40's rifles. I am starting another build after 25 years from the last one. When I lived in Denver there was a big gun show twice a month. I had 4 guys that always had parts to build a correct rifle. Now a days the parts are so expensive. I still have a complete inland trigger group and a bunch of parts from other manufacturer's. We don't have that here in Illinois. Gun shows are a joke and everything is more then retail. I'm going back to Denver in a few months to find the rest of the parts to complete my Inland build. I just hope prices aren't through the roof.

[@CalebDowning]

Good luck finding those parts. If Trump gets a second term then I would bet that we'll see another big price drop.

[@hey.hombre]

Throw an A2 upper on it and it becomes a XM4 Carbine.

[@seanwhite304]

I picked up at budsgunshop they had the LE6920 SOCOM M4A1 Roll marked lowers with 14.5 " barrel for 1250$. Investing in some Colt Carbines would be a good choice for when they go under . CB said they aren't gonna make it another 90 days.

[@NickHopkinsMedia]

sean white colt isnt going anywhere

[@jonathanriveraquinones1410]

I've seen colts and armalites when I was in depends on unit inventory and what you wind up getting issued.

[@weedXD38]

Hay how's it going nice job and thanks for sharing ,keep us posted ,definitely going down memory lane No Doubt!!

[@motojesse]

Very nice! I just finished cloning the m4 I carried in the Army in Afghanistan. It started as an OEM 2012 6920. I had my buddy in the Army send me a KAC vertical grip and handguard covers. I bought a Matech BUIS and Aimpoint comp m4 (m68 cco). I'm using the actual mags I carried in Afghan (pmag gen 2 windowed), loaded w Black Hills 77g OTM (mk262) which we also used. I traded another veteran some ammo for a KAC handguard he said he had used in Iraq (looks like it was used, has minor dings.) I think the imperfections make the gun more military correct if you know what I mean lol. I even have my simple 2 point sling setup the same way. The only thing that I would like to change is the 16" barrel. I actually just ordered a 2018 version Colt 6920 SOCOM which has the 14.5" barell pinned and welded from the factory. I wish I would have gotten that to begin with lol... It comes with all the accessories (except for the optic obviously.) Guess it's a good excuse to have two rifles though lol. The thing both of my rifles lack is the notch in the safety selector. Do you happen to know which brand was actually used by the military?

[@CalebDowning]

Awesome man. I’d say yours is more “correct” than mine with all your used parts 👍 I like it. And y’all got mk262s 😳 lucky dogs. I’m not sure exactly what brand of safety’s they run/ran. You may be able to get that info from Chris Bartocci.

[@HypocriticYT]

If you can get them the C8 Diemaco (Colt Canada) uppers are the best. 14.5 inch barrel hammer forged with heavy chrome lining. Built for full auto fire. Like new surplus uppers are around $500 Can. Some sold to US police forces and have been surplussed out.

[@CalebDowning]

I almost got my hand on one of those uppers or maybe a C7 🤔 I can’t remember. I’ll keep my eye out for another one to pop up 👍

[@sonnyragland7135]

The barrel finish, is that Nitride or parkerized finish? I get them confused

[@CalebDowning]

I believe it’s parkerized, don’t quote me on that though 🤔

[@sonnyragland7135]

14.5 in?

[@CalebDowning]

Correct. It came with a 16 and I replaced that with a 14.5

[@sonnyragland7135]

I'd like to see what kind of deal I might be able to get on a parkerized 14.5 colt barrel.

[@CalebDowning]

I got mine from someone of Armslist for about $150. That was awhile ago though. I’ve seen a couple more of them pop up on there from time to time.

[@marlinbontrager]

do you have bird cage pined and welded or is that a sbr

[@CalebDowning]

Pined and welded. I made a video about the BCM A2 Extended and explain a little about it.

[@thebigsack5326]

I’m going to say this, unless it’s fully automatic (M4 carbine) or three round burst like the M16, then why does it matter to make a fake M4/M16? I built my own rifle in semi-auto, it’s more reliable than the old beat down rifle I used during service, that includes both the M4 and the M16 (because I could purchase new durable parts). It just doesn’t have the extra option to go full auto or three round burst. You can build a great rifle the way you want it, exactly how you want it. In any caliber. If you want a real M4 or M16 well class three is out there.

[@CalebDowning]

It’s the clone life man, plain and simple 👍

[@TooSoon2BeASaint]

Is it a SOCOM Barrel or is it a 14.5" OEM ?

[@CalebDowning]

That was a Colt 14.5” M4A1 SOCOM barrel.

[@halfdollar86]

Do you know where I can find a colt socom barrel with fsb. New would be awesome.

[@CalebDowning]

Try ArmsList. That’s where I found mine. Colt said they are gonna stop selling AR’s to the public, so cost has already gone up.

[@halfdollar86]

Caleb Downing yeah. I bought 2 colt 6920s just to put up. I thought they already stopped. Have they not?

[@CalebDowning]

Your smart 👍Yes, I believe they already have stopped.

[@srt8madman727]

What model lower do you have? I have a Colt model 603 clone. I'm using a SP1 lower and a model 603/XM16E1 upper. It looks pretty good. Walks to the left a few inches after you fire 20 rounds and get the barrel warm but they all did that from what I read. I didn't use the correct Edgewater buffer because there hard to find and there expensive. Anyway I'd like to build a M4 clone and the model receiver you have would be a good place to start.

[@CalebDowning]

My Colt M4 is built off an LE6920 OEM1 basically it’s a 6920 without any furniture.

[@andrewbaca5711]

what is the sling mount called, that takes the front sling mount from underneath to the side of the rifle, I can't find them or find a video on them?

[@tylertapp131]

Good shit man, only thing I'd add to her is a matech or knights rear sight and call it a day.

[@patricksmith5200]

I just want to verify because I'm trying to do the same thing. I bought a Colt le6920 Socom. As far as the lower receiver is it true that the authentic Colts for the military M4 carbine was the one with the pony? I have a different stamp on mine but the gun is made by Colt. And then the only other change then would be the 16.1 in to the 14 and a half inch barrel. If that's essentially it let me know I'd appreciate it.

[@CalebDowning]

I will do my best to get a picture and confirm 100%. For this build I went of memory of what I had. I didn't really take many pictures while I was in and now I wish that I had. I still have some friends that are at my old unit and they might be able to confirm some things for sure for both you and me. I sent a picture to one of those friend and they said it looked just like the ones they are still using. Unfortunately he had already turned his rifle for the day and was unable to get me a picture of his. All that being said, the 14.5" barrel is basically the only thing that needs to be change out on a standard 6920, and of course the Knights Armament rail too. Check out Chris Bartocci's video as well if you are serious about getting it correct. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZbRmHVqaJx7r9E

[@CalebDowning]

I'll get back with you as soon as I can confirm 100%

[@patricksmith5200]

Okay sounds good I appreciate it. I was also a marine I just got out in 2016. The ta31 f looks very familiar to me as far as the acog is concerned. I just can't remember whether my service rifle had the pony stamp or whether it was something different. I actually just got home and looked at my rifle now and it has the exact same Pony stamp and Colt stamp as yours but it says M4 A1 carbine on it instead. I'm just trying to do it as authentic as possible. I may just have to change the barrel because for the most part it looks just like yours. Thanks for the Fast Response By the Way Semper Fi. And a fun way to get around the selector switch issue on the lower receiver is to just get a bump stock while they're still legal LOL then you can at least show off to your friends the three round burst or full automatic(ish) capabilities

[@CalebDowning]

Just going off my memory, I think my issued rifle was an M4 A1, so yours might be more correct than mine....don't quote me on that though. I have thought about the bumpfire stock but I just don't like the way they look. Don't tell anyone, but I may or may not have an Echo2 trigger ordered, shhh... Semper Fi bro.

[@patricksmith5200]

Haha awesome and thanks for the help good luck with everything Semper Fi

[@jamesrussell3452]

The uid label you have on your m4, did you put your actual information on it? Also, who made yours?

[@CalebDowning]

I get my UID labels from Carolina Laser Works. You can put whatever info on it that you want 👍 I’ve even made QR codes that linked to my trust, it’s a little hard to scan sometimes but it worked 😃

[@johncollins9592]

Actually the TA 31F is correct for the period 2003-2006

[@derekhenretta33]

whats the name of your upper receiver is it BCM ??

[@CalebDowning]

It’s a Colt. That rifle was build on a Colt LE6920. I swapped out the 16” barrel for a 14.5”.

[@-LeThaiSon-s]

How much money for that rifle?

[@CalebDowning]

The rifle itself was about $800. Then I added all the furniture and such. Not sure what it’s sitting at now but it’s under $2k

[@-LeThaiSon-s]

@@CalebDowning Two thousand dollars! The price of the M16A4 is about one thousand dollar. It is expensive ,but I like it👍. Thanks for answer me

[@ItsJustMeMcKee]

What's your thoughts on Anderson? I've built 3 and have had a lot of crap about Anderson..... Mine have all ran fine.

[@CalebDowning]

I have never ran into any serious issues with Anderson products. The worst things I have see were a little rough machining and some anodizing imperfections. All the issues were easily overlooked and did not effect the operation of the firearm. I should also note that I got those lowers during the election rush and there were a lot of pieces and parts being manufactured and shipped out ASAP. So unless you need specific markings or just don’t like the Anderson logo, then I’d say rock those Anderson lowers all day long.

[@martinandrews8496]

Hey caleb it's me again. I'm prob gonna have commented on every video b4 KZbin isnt around anymore but I built a m4 also clone correct besides the acog and I really didnt like it. I mean compared to other rifles. But up to date what's ur favorite ar u have rn?

[@CalebDowning]

Hey Martin 👋 Comment away, your not gonna hurt my feelings. So to date I would say my favorite AR to run would either be my 11.5” build or honestly my Mk18 Mod0. Both are really smooth but something about the balance of the Mk18 probably pushes me to say that would be my all time favorite.

[@martinandrews8496]

@@CalebDowning yes I agree. I I love the 10.3 I'm unsure how different it will be once I get the dd ris 2 but I love the geissele mk8. Ur mod 0 has the fsb correct? Do u like that more than low profile? Also what buffer weight do u run in it

[@CalebDowning]

I’m running an H2 buffer in it currently and yes, it has the FSB. For hard use, utilitarian applications I would opt for a FSB. Less to break and always there. However on my 11.5 I’ve run folding sights abs don’t have a problem with them.

[@jasonborne5636]

great setup I was reading the comment and someone stated that the USMC was not using the colt and that is not correct they are using the Colt including the FN and also a third brand I cannot remember at this time

[@CalebDowning]

Good info man. I still have friends at my old unit and they also confirmed that there are still Colt M4's in current use. I would be interested to find out what that third party manufacture is.

[@delutedrepublic7759]

Daniel defense or aero precision

[@CalebDowning]

I really cannot give an educated response to that. I have never used a DD product and have only recently procured an Aero Precision stripped upper and BCG. I haven't used the AP upper yet but it looks to be nothing more than Mil-Spec.

[@eabe484]

Good job brother! I am building an M4 Commando with 11.5 in barrel

[@CalebDowning]

Nice man 👍

[@markanton2349]

Don't forget to add the Matech sight under the back of the A.C.O.G.

[@CalebDowning]

Mine didn’t have one, thankfully. That saved me a little money 😎

[@chillnick1865]

Great clone. I'm jealous.

[@newdefsys]

What was the final price tag ?

[@CalebDowning]

I think it was something something just under 2K. I’ll have to look it up and get back to you. If you don’t hear from me in a couple days hit me up again.

[@ItsJustMilkISwear]

i wanna do an ultra autism clone one day where i actually SBR the lower just to have the 14.5 barrel and a standard flash hider.

[@hanloncaldwell8571]

You don't have to sbr it. Take a 14.5 inch barrel and pin and weld the flash hider on so that it's non-removable thus making it a part of the barrel, which in turn make it 16 inches. Boom. No 200 dollar tax, no waiting 8 months on the atf and no risk of federal prison.

[@hk4lyfe59]

I'd rather illegally build a 14.5 inch clone before I do that ...not that I would, but just saying

[@hanloncaldwell8571]

@@hk4lyfe59 for an "1 1/2 difference? I mean if you're already going to put a flash hider or comp on it, make sure it's the one you want to use for the rifle (because there's no changing it once it's welded on.). Or just build with a 16 inch barrel and put whatever you want on it.

[@hanloncaldwell8571]

@@hk4lyfe59 sry I thought you were the OP replying to what I said. I just glanced at the notification, didn't read the reply name

[@WiiR3d0000]

@@hanloncaldwell8571 I mean you CAN switch it, it's just not recommended.

[@audreymota8423]

no peq box?

[@CalebDowning]

The POG unit I was attached to didn’t have peqs 🤷‍♂️

[@mpett2]

How about the laser unit

[@CalebDowning]

🤔 Do you mean a PEQ-15? I wasn’t issues one.

[@MJM804]

Colt's and FN are the best commercial AR's, that's why the military use them. To get better you need to buy semi-custom.

[@POPJack1717]

The military buys the 'cheapest' offering.....remember that. Just because the military bought something, doesn't mean its the 'best'.

[@bigsean4676]

Carolina laser is the best place for a uid sticker just a heads up.

[@CalebDowning]

That’s where I get mine now. He’s actually donated several towards my giveaways this year 👍

[@RayLahey]

Hey how long did it take for trijicon to repair your acog? I got 2 that need to get replaced wondering if I should send them 1 at a time or both if it's quick, thx

[@CalebDowning]

I tried to look up the dates but I couldn’t find them exactly. From what I remember it took about a week or so, but don’t quite me on that. If I can find the dates I’ll update you.

[@RayLahey]

@@CalebDowning cool thx appreciate the reply

[@cal30m1]

What’s the difference between that and the M4A1?

[@CalebDowning]

Markings mainly. I believe the M4A1 has a SOCOM profile barrel and some BCG upgrades, but I’d have to fact check that.

[@kevinbrady75]

thats cool i finally found the colt L.E6944ck and made it my version of a sopmod clone

[@CalebDowning]

Nice 👍

[@EpicCyborgChicken]

links for parts please?

[@CalebDowning]

I'll put something together, might be after Christmas.

[@EpicCyborgChicken]

thanks bro no rush as I'm stuck in south Korea for the year

[@CalebDowning]

I basically followed Chris Bartocci’s video on the proper selection of parts for the M4( kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZbRmHVqaJx7r9E ), as well as my own recollection of the setup that I had. My specific carbine is made up of these parts: Colt OEM 1 - georgiagunstore.com/colt-le6920-oem1-5-56-16-1-a2-blk.html Colt 14.5" - Armslist BCM Extended A2 Flash Hider - www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/muzzle-devices/flash-hiders/ar-15-extended-a2-flash-suppressor-22-caliber-prod64584.aspx Knights Armament M4 RAS - Armslist/eBay best bet, ~$145 Colt Stock(with no logo) - www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/stock-parts/buttstocks/ar-15-stock-assy-collapsible-oem-blk-prod4877.aspx?avs%7cManufacturer_1=COLT ACOG 4x32 Red Chevron - I got mine used from Armslist for about $750 shop.opticsplanet.com/trijicon-acog-4x32-advanced-combat-optical-scope-ta31.html?_iv_code=TJ-RS-TA31-CHA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8d2KlYKz2AIVDBCBCh3jIg2TEAQYASABEgIG2_D_BwE Mine, fortunately, did not have a backup rear sight I hope this helps. All these parts are simple enough to come by you just have to pay the money.

[@seanwhite304]

Chris Bartocci is my favorite

[@CB-ux5xc]

Nice build.

[@thenotoriousvlog5986]

I got something different... basically got a Troy industries handguard that has the pic rail, Magpul foregrip, and going to put a magpul pistol grip with a b5 sopmod buttstock. Just my preference everyone is different.

[@CalebDowning]

That does sound like a nice setup. The B5 is a nice looking stock as well.

[@mk4vws]

Your tab on front of the quadrail goes under the handguard retainer.

[@CalebDowning]

😉

[@tdotson66]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@CalebDowning]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@johncollins9592]

Did Trijicon replace the tritium even though you weren't the original owner?

[@CalebDowning]

Yes, they replaced it. The glass was a little scratched so I paid about $100 to have it replaced but the tritium was covered.

[@johncollins9592]

Bravo, I have one exactly like that! Put it together from a Colt M4 6920 receiver, Colt upper receiver,BCG and the 14.5" barrel with welded extended A2 FH., KAC M4 RAS handguards. I have an Eotech 551 on mine with a backup Matech BUIS and a Surefire M951 light. I have two earlier ones I did based on Colt MT 6400c s, which at the time were the only Colts marked "M4 carbine". I registered them as SBRS with the Colt 14.5" upper, KAC handguards and Aimpoint Comp M2 optics with the Surefire Lights. One of them has a real AN/PEQ -2A laser attached.

[@CalebDowning]

Sounds like some great builds there. I almost went with the SBR rout on this but since I found that extended A2 flash hider I decided against it for this one. Comparing this one to my "Poor Mans Clone" almost makes me cry. The Colt is waaay smoother and the trijicon is leaps and bounds better than that cheap Chinese ACOG clone.

[@johncollins9592]

Oh yeah, love the Trijicons I a had a couple but had to sell them Check out your video on the Mark12 Model 1 SPR. I posted my SPR build on there as well.

[@johncollins9592]

I do love clones. I put together a USMC SAM-R rifle a few years ago, still have it.

[@Elvis68spec]

Interesting video. Best of luck!

[@brannonpardue1358]

What’s up with your acog? Looks good all beat up lol Somehow get a bring back? Or did you use it that much? Just curious Nice guns on your channel! Enjoy the content

[@CalebDowning]

I got it used. I would like to know how the original owner got it all scratched up though.

[@brannonpardue1358]

Cool deal! Yea I got a green fiber optic model, love mine, great scopes Thanks man just thought I’d ask

[@CalebDowning]

I appreciate the question man 👍 these things are a little costly but they definitely work. I had the tritium replaced when I got it and, in hind sight, I should have had them replace the reticle for the ACSS one. O well

[@vuthai2011]

Not completed without back up matech 600 yards back up rear sight

[@CalebDowning]

Mine didn’t have back up irons 😏 That’s the Marines for ya 😁

[@t.m.h.7962]

Semper Fi...from a grunt. Viet 67/68, 3 Mar Div. I had built a M14/M1A, like I carried in country, but after my divorce, was moving had a cash crunch and had to sell my baby. Well ended up selling just about everything I had collected. Which was close to 40 handguns and long guns total, about half and half. Oh yeah, I had run up on an original E2 stock with hardware, also had a rubber armored scope and mount. So when I sold my baby I sold the whole thang. Man I wuz heart sick, but ya can't take it with ya. I think back and I must have been in good shape then cause humping a 14 with bipod, 6 mags, flak jacket(old type with plates inside/left over from Korea) 2 bandoleers of ammo on stripper clips, 782 gear. A lot different from the modern corps. We wuz still in OD green fatigues(tropical). Slant pockets. Steel pot, sure wuz different. Now everybody wears bullet proof gear, man it wasn't fair. Well watch ya six, cause ya never know who will do ya in.

[@CalebDowning]

I’d hate to have to sell my builds... And your right, I think the corps and people in general were tougher back then. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[@jeffmonson_666]

13629 cage code is not mill spec. Its Sub contracted civilian products.

[@hairydogstail]

All Colt parts other than full auto are mil spec..

[@saltcreekammo]

Just build a bunch of different upper clones for the same lower-- M16A4, A2... Etc...

[@CalebDowning]

True, that is an option.

[@JadeSchafer]

Build looks great. Also nice shirt, I have the same one.

[@CalebDowning]

Walmart special man, the shirt that is.

[@hey.hombre]

Jade Schafer You share t-shirts? That's too close for bro love for me.☺

[@hey.hombre]

Damn it now I have to make one. Semper Fi

[@CalebDowning]

The Colt OEM models are relatively inexpensive right now. You can also go cheaper and make a PSA one(spoiler alert: my PSA is consistently shooting better than the Colt).

[@hey.hombre]

Caleb Downing Yeah, watching your video got me all excited about building one. But after thinking about it the selector markings are SAFE and FIRE. I would have to have FIRE welded over, cleaned up and remarked then anodized. It wouldn't be cost effective just for it to have Colt M4 Carbine markings. I'm building a XM4 Carbine clone (I prefer open sights). Aero Precision M16A4 lower with SAFE, SEMI and BURST markings. Colt parts. I may go further and have a 80% lower engraved with the correct markings but that's on the back burner.

[@CalebDowning]

Your right about the markings. For me, it wasn't that big of a deal to not have the right markings but I can see how it could get under someone's skin. I felt this way about my Mk12 build. I ended up doing an 80% and electro engraving all my correct markings myself. For me, there are a few areas that can be compromised on when it comes to clones, and the lower is one of them. This is only due to the fact that I don't want to drop ~$20K on a full auto lower.

[@CalebDowning]

Hey, just a thought... keep an eye out on Shark Arms on FaceBook. Somehow that guy is getting some legitimate Colt parts and is selling them at a great price. I got a Colt Upper and BCG from him and am currently waiting on getting a 10.3" upper set that he is offering right now. You could probably get some great deals on the correct uppers, BCG's, charging handles, and even some 14.5" barrels.

[@hey.hombre]

Caleb Downing I concur. Check out Aero Precision M16A4 lower receiver. All the markings look good. It's a good base for a Marine M16A4 clone or any other military clone.

[@albertreyes6539]

The military uses a few different buttocks , I've been in 4 different units and all of them had different stocks on their M4s , the one in your carbine is correct.

[@CalebDowning]

Good to know, thanks man 👍

[@audreymota8423]

they also use the crane stock

[@TurdFergusson318]

I just don’t get the cloning craze. For the money you spend to get an exact military clone you can buy such a quality AR it’s crazy! Maybe I’m just not that nostalgic about service? Still a bad ass rifle though. Nice work!

[@CalebDowning]

Haha I hear ya man. Clones are a little off in the head to do what we do, I agree.

[@TurdFergusson318]

Caleb Downing I get it though, I did a loose 6920 clone of my issued service weapon. I wanted to go as accurate as possible but when I started to add it up, it just made more sense to do something that was just visually similar.

[@CalebDowning]

I hear ya man 👍

[@Magag4u]

Man wish I could afford an acog

[@CalebDowning]

It took me several years to save up for mine. If you want it bad enough then you can save for it and find a good deal on a used one 👌

[@drewbaglin1632]

Don’t forget your Matech rear buis with ranging

[@CalebDowning]

My issued rifle did not have one. I have seen some with and others without. I opted to go with what I had and leave the backup sight off. I guess I was lucky and got to save a little money. It doesn't make much sense for the marines to keep using those backups with that optic. The mounts for the ACOG are not quick release so if something was to happen to the optic you would be hard pressed to get it off in the field. I guess that's why some rifles have them and others don't. Good observation though.

[@joethe33]

Wheres the PEQ16b? ;)

[@CalebDowning]

Mine didn’t have one 😃 saves me a little on my build 👍

[@marryson123]

I would have just gotten it pinned an welded instead of SBRing it.

[@mdio9619]

The USMC doesn't use colt anymore it's FN M4 since 2013 besides training. I was issued a Colt M4 back when I was in. Btw it's smooth because it's a chrome lined chamber man lmao... Semper Fi

[@CalebDowning]

I know FN has taken over the military contract, thanks to Chris Bartocci's channel, but I never really paid that close of attention to the M4's markings. I know for a fact that my Boot Camp issued rifle was an FN but I'm still on the fence with the M4 that I was issued once I got to my unit. This has been driving me a little nuts, so I may just have to reach out to someone there and find out for certain. In hindsight, I should have taken pictures of several rifles that I came across while in. I have a good picture of an MK12 but the markings are a little out of focus. Anyway, thanks for the input man.

[@mdio9619]

Caleb Downing Well I know colt Owns the M4 name so they still get a cut of the money for the military contract so FN can call their rifles an M4. I believe there are some Colts still being used in the USMC but not as many. I hope they make a come back it's an American company. FN is Belgium. You definitely made the right choice for your build. I would take a Colt over FN still today. FN civilian rifle is overpriced and I heard they outsource parts for their civilian line. I also meant to say before one thing that helps the action stay smooth is the buffer spring and charging handle hate that gritty action as well. I wouldn't even think twice about it man Colt is the original owner of M4 you made the right choice. Also when I was in I didn't look at the make of my m4 much either because you're focused on your job and training you get your rifle from the armory and you're focused on the tasks at hand not a Roll Mark on your lower lol.

[@seanwhite304]

RetardedASS liberals Colt does not own M4 name the . They lost that lawsuit 20 years ago.

[@seanwhite304]

RetardedASS liberals Not to bust your balls lol. FNMI doesn't make M4s they make M4A1'S. There is only 2 differences between the two. M4 is 3 round burst with M4 profile and no ambi safety. Tje M4A1 is full auto , heavy barrel under handguard(socom profile ) , and ambi safety. Colt also does not own the TDP anymore , that belongs to the US Army. . The FNMI M4A1 uses the exact same as Colt. It's essentially a Colt M4A1 with FNMI ROLL MARK.

[@CalebDowning]

I think there’s a good amount of FN’s and Colts floating around. It all depends on your unit and what they have in inventory. At least that’s how I see it, I could be wrong though.

[@Elvis68spec]

You are correct about Chris Barucci! He is very knowledgeable. I bought aColt LE6920 and it's a complete Colt M4 clone down to all markings. I love your Rifle! Bad Ass!

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks man. Sounds like we have the same core rifle, just maybe different attachments.

[@jeremy2255]

Good enough you can't get 100% MIL-SPEC very nice carbine!

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks man. Some day perhaps we’ll be allowed to get the real thing...until then we can dream.

[@jeremy2255]

Caleb Downing. Where can I buy the COLT 14.5 SOCOM barrel with the f marked fsb and the older marked C MP barrel for my build I have a Bushmaster XM15-E2S lower I want the KAC RAS guards and the foregrip like yours.

[@CalebDowning]

I got mine from ArmsList. It took awhile to find one and then a little longer to find one that the seller would ship. I don’t know where the seller got he barrel but it looked new to me and came packaged as if from the factory. And mine is not a SOCOM profile...simple standard government profile. I would check Brownells for factory new barrels, also contact Shark Arms and see what they can get ahold of. Other than that just check the online forums like ArmsList and ar15.com’s equipment exchange.

[@jeremy2255]

Caleb Downing thanks what about the BCM 14.5 SOCOM UPPER I wonder how they compare to Colt quality

[@CalebDowning]

Ya know, I really don’t know. Right now I’m on the fence as far as trusting everything that comes from Colt we being the gold standard. I follow Chris Bartocci and he has brought to light the fact that Colt’s quality has wavered a little. I use the Colt parts for my clone builds but I’m not fully convinced they are he best quality out there. If I was going for function over manufacture name, I’d probably try out Brownells new SOCOM M4 barrel. I have personally never had or used a BCM upper. I have only heard good things about them though.

[@556guy4]

Nice video. I used the M16a2. Semper Fi

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks man 👍 Semper 💪

[@ysb-ant8600]

This is the gun the marines use?

[@CalebDowning]

The civilian version, yes 👍

[@johncollins9592]

Didn't the Corps use M16A4s?

[@CalebDowning]

That's what I was issued in Boot Camp. We had brand new flat tops with carry handles. I was told that the coming basics would have the ACOG but we were stuck with the old iron sights.

[@CalebDowning]

I just realized I might need to clarify, I was issued an M16A4 in Boot Camp but once got to my unit I have been issued and both the M16 and the M4. This is obviously the clone of my M4. And to be totally honest I can't remember if I had a Colt or an FN so I just picked the Colt.

[@johncollins9592]

It would have been a Colt I believe . I think that at the time of your service only Colt had the M4 contract.

[@kyledanger45]

did you put your rail on wrong in the Marine corps too? lol

[@CalebDowning]

I tried to set this rifle up the same I had it while I was in, so if it's wrong here then in was wrong there.

[@carlbecklehimer1898]

Chris worked at Colt. He has a unique insight to how the M16 family of rifles work.

[@CalebDowning]

I love his stuff in clones, MK18/MK12. I’ve probably watched those videos of his a dozen or more times 😁

[@ghettogunman5141]

If you going to do it that's the way to do it you did it Wright good looking rifle I want mine just like that

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks man, it was a fun project.

[@robsnizzle79]

Just went hassle free and bought the 80% lower. And built my ar15 easier.

[@CalebDowning]

There’s nothing wrong with that 👍 much cheaper than an actual Colt 😎

[@thainguyenvu4057]

It is really nices

[@CalebDowning]

Thanks man 😃👍

[@TheAmerican1963]

it looks like a 16" barrel.....just sayin'.....crush washer and all on the flash......

[@devenstone673]

So sexy. I have a 2013 6940.

[@CalebDowning]

Nice 👍

[@GODourFATHER]

hate to tell you but my m4 issued to me for the past 13 years has been FN made not colt. the last colt issued to me in the corp was the m16A2 in the 80's to 90's. so that is far from REAL usmc issued m4

[@moscasucio1686]

Not a real clone.

[@rb3tactical145]

false BIH

[@andrewbaca5711]

what is the sling mount called, that takes the front sling mount from underneath to the side of the rifle, I can't find them or find a video on them?

[@CalebDowning]

It is a "side sling swivel". I got mine off of ArmsList for like ~$15-20. You can find them online for $20ish depending on the brand and what kind of deals are out there.

[@andrewbaca5711]

what is the sling mount called, that takes the front sling mount from underneath to the side of the rifle, I can't find them or find a video on them?

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

USGI front sling mount is the generic term for it.