Tag Archives: H&R M16

Colt M16A1 Export Guns Turned into retro parts kits…

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A decade ago, you could get surplused GI M16A1 parts kits for about $200. Back then, nobody wanted them as these fixed stock, 20-inch 1:12 twist guns, complete with Vietnam-style carry handles and saw-ridge plastic handguards. They were so 1970s at a time when everyone was building or buying an M4 style carbine with a flattop, 16-inch (or smaller) barrel, and a handguard that had MLOK/Keymod or Quadrails.

Now, the bus has fully emptied, and everyone has an M4orgery of some sort, heck PSA sells them for $500 all day.

The hot new thing in the past couple of years, ironically, is “retro” builds. Basically, everyone wants a Vietnam-style M16A1. NoDakSpud, Brownells, and now, PSA with their H&R subsidiary, have all been cashing in on the trend.

With that in mind, when I saw that Atlantic had surplused Colt M16A1 parts kits, cut from retired overseas rifles and shipped in, my interest was piqued as to the price these days.

As detailed by Atlantic:

These parts are military surplus rated NRA Fair condition and finish will vary from kit to kit.

Parts will show usage & character. They are surplus but serviceable. The butt plate may be cracked and/or may have a small piece chipped off or missing small parts.

Beware, the price is four times what it used to be just 10 short years ago…

Palmetto State Armory Retro H&R M16

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Ran into this at SHOT:

The company that owns PSA grabbed some legacy gun maker names from the Remington Outdoors federal bankruptcy sale, including Harrington & Richardson (H&R). While this sparked a lot of folks to think PSA would be making break-action shotguns for the budget market, they have apparently gone a whole new direction.

You see, back in the 1960s, H&R made early M16 rifles for the Army during Vietnam as Colt needed some help filling the needs of Uncle Sam. Relax, the company was involved in fulfilling small military contracts for the Army for almost a century.

H&R was one of only four manufacturers (along with Colt, Fabrique Nationale, and GM’s Hydramatic Division) to have ever made an official M16 variant for the U.S. Military. Due to their relative scarcity, all H&R military weapons are considered highly desirable by collectors. This vintage transferable H&R-marked M16A1 went for $40K at a RIAC auction.

Well, using NoDakSpud’s retro black rifle know-how (PSA recently acquired NDS) they are sending a classic H&R-marked AR throwback to the market. Receivers and barrels are available this spring. Complete rifles available later in 2022. No price was mentioned.