The Colt M16A1 Retro Re-Issue — a collector-grade Vietnam-era reproduction semi-automatic rifle built by Colt on the original A1 pattern, with authentic triangular handguards, three-prong flash hider, and “Property of US Government” M16A1 markings.
- Colt-built factory reproduction of the original M16A1 rifle
- “Property of US Government” M16A1 markings for a period-correct Vietnam clone
- Original triangular handguards and 3-prong flash hider reproduced to the A1 spec
- 20″ 1:12 twist chrome-lined barrel in 5.56 NATO — correct for the A1 era
- Government A1 grip, 7075-T6 forged receivers, hardcoat black anodize
The M16A1 — the rifle that defined the platform
The M16A1 was adopted by the US Army in 1967 as the standardized combat rifle of the Vietnam War, succeeding the early-issue M16 (no forward assist) after fielding lessons from 1965–66. The A1 added the forward assist, a chromed chamber and bore to address the ammunition-corrosion fouling issues of early fielding, and the signature triangular handguards. The flash hider was the open three-prong design — the “duck bill” and later the closed A2 “bird cage” came in other generations.
Colt’s Retro Re-Issue is a Colt factory-built reproduction of that exact A1 configuration. The receivers are 7075-T6 aluminum forgings with hardcoat black anodize. The 20″ pencil-profile barrel is Chrome-Moly Vanadium steel, phosphated, with a chrome-lined bore and the original 1:12 twist (optimized for M193 55-grain ammunition of the era). The Government A1 grip is the short, near-vertical pattern correct for the period.
This is a semi-automatic rifle. The fire control group is semi-only — the selector markings are Safe / Semi, not the three-position A1 military layout. Everything else — handguards, sights, flash hider, grip, buttstock, barrel profile — is faithful to the A1 spec.
Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
- Barrel length: 20″
- Barrel twist: 1:12
- Barrel material: Chrome-Moly Vanadium, phosphated, chrome-lined 6-groove
- Capacity: 20+1
- Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Safety: Two-position selector
- Receiver: 7075-T6 aluminum forging, hardcoat anodize
- UPC: 098289024763
- Colt model: CR M16A1
State restrictions: Cannot ship to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Vermont.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but FFL transfer is required — no civilian exceptions.
- Check your state laws before ordering.
- Have your dealer send their FFL to Charlie’s.
- Our compliance team will be in touch within 3–4 business days.
California and New York residents, click here — state-specific processing applies.
Shipping note: Free shipping does not apply to full rifles unless purchased with a scope. If selected at checkout, we’ll bill shipping separately.
This is the rifle that opens every Vietnam-era collection. We’ve got your six on the clone-correct details — order yours today.
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