Retro CAR15

Printable View

11-23-2018, 03:02 PM
AmEngRifles

2 Attachment(s)

Retro CAR15

I am not sure how the nomenclature CAR-15 came about, but in the 70s and 80s, that is how we (in the civilian world) described the XM-177 series of rifles the military had been using, especially as in Viet Nam. Even some of the manufacturers, like Olympic Arms would make a "CAR-15". Did Colt actually refer to them as "CAR-15" for a commercial market?

Well, the little rifle had always been on my most wanted list and I finally built one in SBR format a few years back. I love the little thing. It is not 100% exact in it's reproduction, but I enjoy the size and handling of it. The flash suppressor is of course NOT the Sound Moderator Colt use to put on the XM's. And the barrel is a 1/9 twist. Sort of splits the difference between 55 grain and 62 grain. Shoots both fine, although I am in the process of making a new upper with 1/12" twist for authenticity.

I also have a XM-177E2 copy, but that one was built without requiring it to be registered as an SBR. $200 filing fee seemed a bit much for 1" of barrel reduction.

Seen next to my "Arnold Schwartzkopf" commemorative carbine.
11-23-2018, 03:20 PM
browningautorifle

Love the little M1A1...that would be fun.
11-23-2018, 04:08 PM
RCS

3 Attachment(s)

I had an old friend that hauled salvage out of Rock Island Arsenal way back in time, people would bid on lots by the pound and he would haul it out. He always found interesting parts and one time he found a Colt CAR-15 stock (could have been a XM607 stock) and he always believed it was a CAR-15. He died in 1983 and years passed and I was able to buy this stock from his wife. It also took some time to restore it as some of the internal parts were missing. I used a Colt AR-15 SP1 from 1975 and got it together with a regular carbine length barrel.Attachment 97363 Attachment 97364 Attachment 97365
11-23-2018, 08:46 PM
RCS

1 Attachment(s)

Colt photo of CAR-15 carbines

Here is a Colt photo showing two variations of the Colt CAR-15, note the six hole hand guard on the bottom
11-23-2018, 10:11 PM
AmEngRifles

Quote:

Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Love the little M1A1...that would be fun.

I love shooting it! Quite a fireball and the report is loud, like a .308! It is a fun little flame thrower.

Next one I build is going to have a threaded muzzle to run with a flash hider.

---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 PM ----------

Good stuff RCS. I guess that is what would make the salvaging business so much fun, IF one is a gun guy?