My replica XM177E2 project progress

[Crusader_22]

I am working, slowly, on building a replica semi-auto XM177E2 (otherwise known as a Colt model 629).

I started with an Olympic Arms "Plinker", a very simple AR platform I got used from a friend. He had broken one of the upper reciever pin tabs, so he got a forged DPMS M16A2 upper to replace it (the OA Plinker does not have a forged reciever). It was missing the A2 sight components, so I got those. He kept the original barrel, which is good. It is a heavy barrel, with a .75 outside diameter all the way to the muzzle, with a "ban" style set screw flash hider. I junked that, and got a replica slip-over brake that is designed to look like the XM177 moderator, but threads to the standard 16" barrel. (The real XM177E2 had an 11.5" barrel, with a 4.5" moderator). I plan to have this barrel cut down and threaded to accept a true XM moderator with the grenade ring.

Next, I just got a Colt M16 A1 upper, with the correct sight, teardrop forward assist, and no brass deflector. It also has the correct A1 dust cover door.

I added an early non-ridged pistol grip, and more correct collapsible buttstock. It should be aluminum, with a 2-position buffer tube, but this is a polymer exact copy of the aluminum one (compare to a modern M4, which is different). Also added correct 6 hole carbine forend handguards, and topped it off with the correct nylon "seatbelt" type sling.

The front sight should not have a bayo lug, so that is correct. I finished it with dry film lubricant, the greay that is used on AR mags from the factory, to replicate early grey Colt anodizing.

All I have left is the barrel mod and moderator, find an aluminum buttstock/buffer tube, and eventually replace the lower with a Nodak Spud retro lower.

I'm almost there! Overall, a pretty cool rifle as my "workhorse" for the MUTT offroading ad tossing around, with almost no money to do it at this phase.

Jeff

[ohiomgman]

deleted..double post ? ? ?

[ohiomgman]

I had and carried a Car-15...THAT is what we called them, 40 years ago.

Prettttty close.

This is the one I have now....



OLD....Slabside Colt receiver, A2 upper. Barrel is 12" long, Heavy, Stainless steel, w/perm attached, 4" long, flash hider. Aluminum buttstock, Chrome plated bolt and carrier.

I have the Colt Parts to make it correct...as a Car 15. I will prob just use the parts I already have and by mixing them up, put another one together on a Bushmaster receiver that I have sitting on the shelf.

[Crusader_22]

Cool! I like the slabside, but the later carbine I am building would have the later "full fence" lower much like the one I have now.

Do you have any pics of the whole rifle with flash hider?

Man, you have some cool stuff, mg man. Can I come visit you? I'll bring ammo.

Jeff

[WC Matt]

Jeff
That looks really cool, man . Now you've got me thinking about another "project" after I finish my L1A1 project. If OMGM's rifle had a slick side upper and A1 sights, it would have looked exactly like the Colt I had back in the mid 80s. On the flip side, that rifle was the biggest POS I've ever owned Still, pretty cool though.

Matt

[Crusader_22]

Thanks, Matt. It will look a helluva lot better when I get the barrel cut and threaded. I am going to cut this barrel, I think, and have the moderator permanently attached so it is not a SBR, and add a grenade ring to the rear of this moderator.

Then the overall barrel length will be the legal 16", it is way too long now, at 18.25" in these pictures.

I really do like it. I want to do a retro M16 build next. Then I should be OK....

Jeff

[WC Matt]

Jeff
You can sink a lot of money into those projects but the end result is kind of rewarding making all the hassle worth it . I failed to post link to you in my last post (sorry) I assume that you probably already know about it. Here it is: http://98.196.65.94/retroblackrifle/index.html

Matt

[Crusader_22]

Thanks, Matt...but yes, as you guessed, I am all over retroblackrifle.com already!

I used to collect WWII mausers, and specifically snipers. I was pretty into it, I have done a lot of research, and have some (minor) stuff published that I did for real new research. It was a passion, but just WAY too over the top expensive, I could not justify it anymore with the expense - and the level of fakery in that collecting realm.

I can build 5 retro AR rifles for the cost of a low grade sniper from that era. I used to look at a $5000 rifle as a near term goal. Bear in mind, the really nice originals that are 100% untouched are $20,000 guns in some cases. I traded one rifle from my collection for my M151A2. Now, I got rid of them all because of family financial needs, and have just a couple pieces left with sentimental value.

I am done with that. Collecting Vietnam militaria is my new passion...and I can live with it, realistically. Plus, it is a lot of fun, and I am truly fascinated by everything about that conflict. It feels more "close to home" for me now. I learn more every day, and love to hear from veterans, and being a combat vet myself, find it easier to ask and listen than before.

OK, enough about my life story.

Jeff

[ohiomgman]

OK...



I seem to be unable to post an image of the entire firearm as it keeps getting the end cut off.. So..

[moose53]

actually the whole pic did post, it was just too big for the viewing space. hold down the ctrl key and use the thumbwheel on your mouse to shrink or enlarge the pics....

Jim

[ohiomgman]

actually the whole pic did post, it was just too big for the viewing space. hold down the ctrl key and use the thumbwheel on your mouse to shrink or enlarge the pics....

Jim

BINGO!

[Crusader_22]

Damn. I keep forgetting that, despite the fact that I post huge pics. Thanks.

Nice carbine, OMGM, now that I see it.

Jeff

[Floyd]

Jeff: Awesome project. I was just looking at all the Colt AR15-M16 variants. I had no idea so many existed. I noticed one (633) with a 7” barrel and no moderator, can you imagine shooting that on a cold winter day. They say it was used by the DEA.

Good luck with your weapon.

Floyd

[Bill, Idaho]

You guys realize the original XM flash-hider/sound moderators are controlled by the ATF and have to be registered, don't you?

[Crusader_22]

Yes, Bill, I know all about that. There are a lot of cosmetically correct replicas that look like a real one on the outside, but have none of the interior features.

Jeff