The M16A3 - The Most Obscure Rifle in the Series

This guide details the process of converting older M16 and M16A1 rifles to the M16A2 standard using conversion kits. It covers component identification, lower receiver modification, and reassembly, drawing on the expertise of firearms historian Chris Bartocci. The process involves replacing the upper receiver, stock, and fire control group, while carefully re-marking the lower receiver to reflect the A2's burst fire capability and updated model designation.

This video delves into the history and technical aspects of Colt's four-way enhanced rifle fire control group, a system offering Safe, Semi, Auto, and Burst modes. The expert instructor, with extensive experience at Colt, details the evolution of the burst cam, patent information, and specific rifle models that utilized this complex mechanism. It highlights practical challenges and historical context, including issues faced by the Greek Army and the eventual discontinuation of the program.

This guide details the process of building and outfitting clone-correct and clone-similar AR-15 platform rifles, focusing on offerings from Palmetto State Armory (PSA) and Harrington & Richardson (H&R). It covers selecting appropriate components for various configurations like the M16A1, M4A1, and M110, including specific barrel types, receiver markings, and accessory choices such as optics and stocks. The information is presented with practical advice for achieving both aesthetic accuracy and functional performance on the range.

This video details a physical inspection of three Brownells M16A1 barrels, with one exhibiting a chamber issue and failing front sight base alignment. The uppers are identified as 1970s Colt. Despite the defect, the decision is made to repair the barrel due to its scarcity. The repairs involved using a Flex Hone for the chamber and re-aligning the front sight base with reamed holes and oversized taper pins. A follow-up video is promised to showcase the repair process.

This video focuses on the identification of US Government M16A2 uppers, likely as part of a series on the M16 rifle's history and development. The description includes affiliate links to books like "Black Rifle II: The M16 Into the 21st Century" and "The Black Rifle: M16 Retrospective," suggesting a deep dive into the platform. It also promotes various gun cleaning kits, targets, and armorer's manuals, indicating a focus on maintenance and practical application. The content appears to be aimed at firearm enthusiasts interested in the M16 platform's military history and technical aspects.

This video from Brownells, Inc. features Larry Zanoff from Independent Studio Services (ISS) showcasing a replica MK12 rifle used in the movie 'Lone Survivor'. The replica is built on an M16A2 receiver and features historically accurate, non-functional components like a dummy suppressor and period-correct optics, along with a custom weathered desert camouflage paint scheme. Zanoff highlights the meticulous work of Hollywood armorers in ensuring historical accuracy for storytelling, including the creation of multiple prop versions with varying degrees of weathering and simulated blood for different scenes and potential reshoots.

This video offers a highly critical, historically grounded analysis of the M14 rifle's shortcomings, attributing its failure to flawed US Ordnance Corps decisions regarding cartridge standardization and weapon design. The speaker, an expert in small arms, details how political motivations and resistance to innovation led to the adoption of an inadequate weapon system, contrasting it with superior alternatives like the AR-10 and FN FAL. The analysis highlights the detrimental impact of these decisions on US military effectiveness, particularly in Vietnam.

This expert-level entry details the M16's troubled introduction in Vietnam, debunking myths of inherent design flaws. It highlights how political decisions, procurement issues, and ammunition choices, rather than the core design by Eugene Stoner, led to early reliability problems. The entry emphasizes the mechanical evolution from the AR-15 to the M16A1 and the critical role of chrome lining, proper maintenance, and correct ammunition in establishing the platform's eventual success.

This guide, drawing on the expertise of a former Colt employee and AR-15 SME Hank Tatro, details the critical role of AR-15/M16 buffers. It explains how buffer design evolved to manage bolt carrier bounce caused by increased firing rates and different ammunition types. The guide emphasizes selecting the correct buffer for specific firearm configurations and warns against improper mixing and matching, particularly for duty applications. It covers standard rifle and carbine buffers, as well as H, H2, H3, and specialized 9mm buffers, providing insights into their construction and application.

This comprehensive review by Chris Bartocci, a recognized expert with extensive military armory experience, debunks common myths surrounding the Beretta M9/92FS. Bartocci details the pistol's history, including its selection over the M1911, and addresses controversies like slide failures, attributing them to ammunition and high usage rather than design flaws. He highlights the evolution of critical components like the locking block and discusses magazine reliability issues, offering practical insights for owners and enthusiasts.