Description
The Colt M16A1 Reissue 5.56x45mm, 20″ Barrel, A1 Fixed Sights, Government A1 Grip, Black, 20rd is a faithful modern reproduction of the iconic Vietnam-era rifle. It’s a semi-automatic AR-15 platform rifle built to the original M16A1 specifications, offering historical authenticity and mil-spec reliability for the collector and enthusiast. This is not a budget rifle, but for the price of $2665.83, you’re paying for the Colt rollmark, correct period details, and a piece of American military history that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Key Features
- Authentic M16A1 Profile: Features the correct 20-inch pencil barrel with A1 birdcage flash hider and triangular handguards.
- Period-Correct Furniture: Includes the original A1 pistol grip and buttstock, along with the iconic A1 rear sight assembly.
- Colt-Branded Lower Receiver: The heart of the rifle, marked “Property of U.S. Govt M16A1” and “Colt’s Patent.”
- Semi-Automatic Only: Built for the civilian market, offering the classic look and feel in a legal configuration.
- Mil-Spec Construction: Built to original military specifications for durability and compatibility.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 Rounds (1 included) |
| Sights | A1 Fixed Rear Sight, A2 Front Sight Post |
This rifle is a true clone, right down to the 1-in-12 twist rate of the barrel, which was standard for the original M193 ball ammunition. The lower receiver is the centerpiece, featuring the correct roll marks that make it a collector’s item. It’s built on a mil-spec platform, meaning many internal parts are compatible with standard AR-15 components from brands like Brownells or Palmetto State Armory for easy maintenance—though purists will want to keep it stock. Here’s the thing—while the price tag is significant, you’re avoiding the hunt for rare parts and the cost of building a clone yourself, which can often exceed this price when done correctly.
Who This Rifle Is For
This Colt reissue is built for a specific buyer. It’s for the military history collector who values authenticity over customization. It’s for the shooter who wants the classic handling of a 20-inch rifle with that distinctive A1 sight picture. It’s also for the enthusiast who appreciates the simplicity and ruggedness of the original design, without the modern rails and accessories. If your goal is a practical, do-everything rifle, a modern mid-length AR offers more features for less money. But if you want a piece of history that’s drop-in ready from the factory, this is it.
Practical Pros & Cons
Pros: Unmatched historical authenticity straight from Colt. The iconic look and feel are perfect for collections or period-correct reenactment. High-quality construction with the Colt name ensures resale value. The 20-inch barrel provides excellent velocity and a smooth shooting impulse. It’s a conversation piece that commands respect on the range.
Cons: The price point at $2665.83 is a major investment. The fixed A1 sights lack windage adjustment at the rear, a trade-off for authenticity. The 1-in-12 twist barrel is optimized for lighter 55-grain bullets, limiting heavy bullet options. The pencil barrel can heat up and shift point of impact faster than a modern heavy barrel. You’re paying a premium for history, not cutting-edge performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a fully automatic machine gun?
A: No. This is a semi-automatic only rifle manufactured for the civilian commercial market. It fires one round per trigger pull. It is legally a rifle, not a machine gun, and requires a standard FFL transfer for firearm purchases.
Q: Can I use modern PMAGs or other magazines with it?
A: Yes. While it includes a classic 20-round aluminum magazine, the lower receiver accepts all standard AR-15/M16 pattern magazines, including modern 30-round PMAGs from Magpul. The original 20-rounders are just for that pure vintage look.
Q: How does this compare to building an A1 clone from parts?
A: Building a clone can be cheaper, but sourcing correct, high-quality parts—especially a properly marked lower—is time-consuming and often costly. The Colt reissue guarantees all parts are correct and fit together perfectly with no gunsmithing required, offering peace of mind and immediate authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
For the collector or history-focused shooter who wants the real deal without the project, the Colt M16A1 Reissue stands alone. It represents a specific moment in time, built by the original manufacturer. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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