Early parts

[RCS]

Just like gas trap parts for the M1 Rifle, these early original parts for the AR-15, M16 and XM16E1 are also very difficult to find.

shown is the early carbon steel gas tube with early bend that was replaced with the stainless steel gas tube in the early/mid 1960's. Also the early bolt catch

also shown are two early charging handles which were also replaced around 1963Attachment 77632Attachment 77633Attachment 77634

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Those were the parts that they threw away as they changed them...

[RCS]

Just like gas trap parts for the M1 rifle

[browningautorifle]

Exactly...sad but that's how it's done.

[Bill Hollinger]

Out with the old, in with the new and with zero regard for collectability whatsoever. Just think of all the modified M1 carbines, M1 rifles, 1903 and 98K rifles.

[browningautorifle]

Agreed, we had the FN's and I watched that very thing happen. The old EX models were around and still serviceable, then they welded them solid for Para training. Threw copper coated parts into the steel salvage.