The Rebirth of My M16

[VUPDblue]

Since we at the INGO forums have no NFA section, I'll post this here. Last year I bought an M16. It was actually an AR conversion done by Sendra pre-1986. I always had wanted an M16 and thought one would forever be out of my reach. Well, it just so happened that I found one that I could afford. She wasn't perfect, but she cought my eye anyway. Her journey to perfection is almost over, and so I thought I'd share the "rebirth" if you will...

Here is how she looked the day I brought her home. Note the rough selector stop and the diagonal imperfections in the anodizing.

I sent her off to M60Joe to fix the selector stop and to do some work in the very tight magwell. M60Joe does excellent work. Here she is after M60Joe got done with her:

 

[Ri22o]

When can I shoot the beast.

 

[VUPDblue]

Next, the employee who did the conversion conspicuously forgot to add the "Auto" marking near the selector. I sent her out to Orion arms to get that marking added. While he had it, he went ahead and added all three markings to the right side as well. When I got her back from Orion, I sent her off to US Anodizing for removal of the old coating and a fresh application of Type II hardcoat anodizing that is MilStd. in the current MilSpec black color. US A also removed the diagonal scratches around the selector. I got these pics today from US A showing the receiver "in the white" before it went into the tank:

 

[VUPDblue]

The 'ol girl is in the capable () hands of the USPS as we speak. I expect to have her back in hand by Saturday. I will post pics of the finished receiver and complete rifle as soon as I can.

 

[VUPDblue]

Nick, you can shoot her anytime. You just name the when and where! Currently I have setups to run in Auto in .22lr, 9mm and 5.56.

 

[Ri22o]

That is going to be one nice looking lower. It almost makes me want to have one clear anodized.

 

[pmpmstrb]

Hmm I have over 3600rnds of .22. I might have to give it a shot. Get it.

 

[phylodog]

Wow, very nice! I'd like to have one someday but it's looking pretty unlikely...

 

[Ri22o]

Nick, you can shoot her anytime. You just name the when and where! Currently I have setups to run in Auto in .22lr, 9mm and 5.56.

I have the perfect place.

We usually shoot at my grandma's house. Apparently the new neighbors don't like us shooting and have called the police on us a couple of times. The first time the DNR officer said that they had a call about automatic weapons. I think we need to give them something to call about.

 

[VUPDblue]

As long as it's legal to shoot at your grandmother's house, then I'm game for it.

 

[Ri22o]

As long as it's legal to shoot at your grandmother's house, then I'm game for it.

This is what happened the last time the cops came out.

Is this your property?
'Yes'
Does it go all of the way back?
'Yes'
Ok, have a nice day.

 

[VUPDblue]

either post or PM me an address and I'll googleearth it.

 

[bigcraig]

Excellent!

I am jealous as hell.

Congrats Nick.

 

[jrogers]

That's absolutely awesome. The first firearm I ever fired was an M16A2. I've been hooked ever since, although I've given up on the possibility of owning one myself unless a miracle occurs and the NFA is repealed or the registry is reopened. Would you mind posting pics of your setup when you get everything all together?

 

[VUPDblue]

Update !

US Anodizing sent me some pics of the finished product. I couldn't be happier and I would highly recommend them if you need any anodizing done. Check out their website Welcome to US Anodizing
Here is a pic of the finished lower:

Compare that to my avatar for a nice before and after.

 

[Ri22o]

Wow. Everyone did a nice job on that.

 

[NateIU10]

*Drools uncontrollably*

I envy you

 

[shooter521]

That is flat AWESOME.

I was jealous of the killer deal you got on the thing to begin with, and am doubly so now! Out of curiosity, what'd all the work and refinish set you back?

Enjoy it! :do2:

 

[VUPDblue]

That is flat AWESOME.

I was jealous of the killer deal you got on the thing to begin with, and am doubly so now! Out of curiosity, what'd all the work and refinish set you back?

Enjoy it! :do2:

M60Joe's work in the magwell and on the selector stop was $120. Orion's work on both sides was $100. US Anodizing's work to remove the scratches was $50 and the anodize was $150. Then you gotta figure 3 round trips via USPS Registered mail at $25 each ship...

 

[Paul]

That is awesome!!!! I am jealous. Nick, let me know when this is going to happen cause i am so there