https://www.brownells.com/firearms/index.htm
They ain't cheap. Personally, would seek out a real SP1 Colt for a little more money. They start at about $1500 for a 6 digit serial number and at 3 to 4 thousand for a 4 digit SN. The sky is the limit for 3 digits.
Edit to add; beaten like a borrowed mule.
FWIW, you can occasionally still find original M16 Parts Kits available that can then be used to build a retro rifle. I went this route a few years ago with good results. You will likely need to get on a mailing list for somebody that gets them, they sell out quickly when an importer gets some in. The one I have is a Colt's made part set that came out of Malaysia. I added a new pencil barrel with an Anderson receiver and it runs great.
https://atlanticfirearms.com/products/colt-m16a1-parts-kit-cal-223
Ok, THAT is cool.
If you want to go “full retard” you get an 80% receiver, have it “reprofiled” into A1 configuration, and have the correct Vietnam markings engraved onto it. Then, you can finish it out yourself and be as close to the real thing as you can legally get. Mine even says “safe, semi, full” - but of course it is ACTUALLY “safe, semi, semi”. You also have the “added” benefit of No paper trail on the receiver, so it won’t ever have to get lost in a boating accident.
Very nice. Looks like the A1 I had in the Marines. What twist is the barrel?I have one made by Brownells which is a nice copy of an M16A1 or you can get a copy of the earlier M16 whichever is your preference. They are a bit pricey but nice, they do put them on sale quite often.
I took a peek at the Brownell's web site and the model BRN-16a1 has a 1:12 twist rate so I don't think it would like a 62gr bullet much. MSRP of the Brownell rifle was like the Windham M-16a1 look-a-like but out of stock. It is a nice looking rifle and maybe when the crazyness settles down might be a good addition to the fleet.
Jump62
aka Paul
For me, as a gunsmith, it would depend "How Accurate" do you want the retro to be?
4 notch round post front sight? 4 notch square post front sight? No forward assist, no trap door butt plate, 3 prong flash hider, rifle grenade 'Finger' attachment under flash hider, Etc...
You can very well go 'Full Stupid' like someone else said!
Some of these parts are EXTREMELY hard to find...
My buddy decided to get the BRN-16a1 from Brownell's.
Thank for your time and suggestions.