Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1542142
What You Get and What to Do You are buying a 50-year-old M16A1. These have been converted for the civilian market: incapable of full-auto fire and engraved with a new seri- al number. Here is the best part: the conversion is top-notch. The new numbers are laser-engraved inside the upper receiver, where the charging handle rides, preserving the external aesthetics. The barrel is marked un- derneath the handguards. This shows that historical weapons can be legally marked without being defaced. The conversion retains the entire original fire control group—yes, the full-auto parts are still there, disa- bled to prevent sustained fire. My first M16 had the auto-sear removed entirely. This current batch is an ex- cellent example of deactivation done right. This method provides an extra safe- ty feature: the original auto-sear acts as a disconnector, preventing out- of-battery ignition—a feature civilian ARs lack. WARNING: If you attempt to "fix" the M16 to restore full-auto capability, you face up to 10 years in prison for illegal firearm manufacture. Me- chanically possible, legally suicidal. Revitalization Mechanically, the ri- fles are superb. Externally, conditions vary. All have an ugly red oil-paint mark on the buttstock and a small- er one on the bayonet lug—a military designation for demil surplus. Paint stripper gel removes this easily with- out affecting the finish. www.fragoutmag.com