Description
The Troy XM177E2 Commemorative AR-15 Carbine is a faithful, shootable reproduction of the iconic Vietnam-era Colt Commando. It’s a 5.56 NATO carbine with a 12.5″ barrel and a permanently attached 4.5″ moderator to achieve a legal 16″ overall length, sold as a complete rifle with a period-correct furniture kit and magazines. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of M193 through one, and it’s a blast—literally and figuratively—offering a tangible piece of history that runs on modern, readily available ammo. This isn’t just a wall hanger; it’s a functional tribute that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Key Features
- Authentic Reproduction: Built to mimic the look and feel of the original Colt XM177E2 “Commando” used by Special Forces in Vietnam.
- Period-Correct Kit: Includes the classic triangular handguards, 6-position telescoping stock, and A1-style upper receiver with forward assist and brass deflector.
- Functional Moderator: Features a permanently attached 4.5″ moderator (not a suppressor) that brings the barrel assembly to a non-NFA 16″ legal length.
- Complete Rifle: Comes ready to shoot with both a 20-round and a 30-round magazine, capturing the evolution of issue mags during the period.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 12.5″ (16.1″ with pinned moderator) |
| Overall Length | 32.25″ – 35.75″ (stock collapsed/extended) |
| Weight (approx.) | 6.8 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | Includes 1x 20-round & 1x 30-round magazine |
| Operating System | Direct Impingement |
Here’s the thing—this rifle is built on a modern, mil-spec compatible platform. The lower receiver is a standard AR-15 pattern, which means a huge range of aftermarket triggers, grips, and parts will fit if you ever wanted to tweak it (though that kinda defeats the purpose). The 1:7 twist rate barrel handles both lighter 55-grain and heavier 77-grain loads effectively. At $1212.59, it sits in a interesting spot between a basic modern AR and a true custom clone build.
Who This Rifle Is For
This carbine is perfect for the collector-shooter who appreciates military history but demands a reliable, functional firearm. It’s for the enthusiast who wants the iconic “CAR-15” look without the six-figure price tag of an original or the legal hassle of an NFA Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR). It also makes a fantastic base for a more detailed, historically accurate clone project, as the core components are already correct.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The historical cool factor is off the charts. It’s a conversation starter at any range. The build quality from Troy is typically solid, and it’s a complete, drop-in ready package—no hunting for rare parts. The included two magazines are a nice touch for authenticity. It’s simply fun to shoot, with a unique report and feel from that moderator.
Cons: The sight radius is very short with the classic A1-style fixed carry handle, making precision work a challenge. The triangular handguards get hot faster than modern round ones. The moderator is permanently attached, so you can’t swap muzzle devices. And let’s be honest, for pure modern performance, a flat-top AR with an optic rail is more versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 4.5″ moderator a sound suppressor?
A: No, it is not. It’s a muzzle device designed to replicate the look of the original XM177’s moderator/suppressor, but it does not significantly reduce sound. Its primary function is to be permanently pinned and welded to the 12.5″ barrel to create an overall barrel length of over 16 inches, keeping the rifle in a non-NFA, title-1 status. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Q: Can I mount optics on this rifle?
A: Not easily in a traditional sense. The upper receiver has a fixed, non-removable carry handle with integral A1-style sights. Your options are limited to carry handle-mounted optic bases or very low-profile optics that might co-witness with the irons. For a true period look, you’re sticking with iron sights.
Q: Is it compatible with all my standard AR-15 magazines and parts?
A: Mostly, yes. It uses a standard mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver, so it will accept any standard AR-15 magazine (like Magpul PMAGs or USGI aluminum mags) and many internal lower parts. The upper receiver group, due to the unique barrel/moderator assembly and fixed carry handle, is its own dedicated system.
If you’ve always wanted the iconic look of a Vietnam-era Commando without the collector-grade price or complexity, this Troy commemorative model is one of the most straightforward ways to get there. Check availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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