The only other difference I can think of between the A1 and A2 lower receivers is that the A2 has a slightly thicker extension where the buffer tube screws in compared to the A1. Q: Can I legally build an M16 from an AR-15? However, it is one of those differences that you pretty much have to see side-by-side to notice. Which buffer is required for the gas system and caliber of choice? Materials used in the lower receiver are almost identical here. These two rifles are nearly identical in materials and construction. Many companies still sell their lowers with M16 trigger pocket dimensions, they are just missing the proverbial "third-hole".Drilling that third hole is what legally changes your AR-15 from a semi-automatic rifle, into an illegal machine gun. Posted by AR-15LowerReceivers.com on Sep 1st 2020. I can barely afford to shoot my AR's one shot at a time! It’s a small percentage of the work. With an estimated 10,000,000+ in civilian hands, it has earned the well-deserved moniker, “America’s Rifle”. Here we show you from start to finish, how to machine a quality and reliable 80% lower receiver. The AR-15 came first, in 1947; the M16 a decade later. Difference between lower receivers? M4e1 stripped Aero lower. Handgun. The AR-10 utilizes the .308/7.62x51, while the AR-15 uses the .223/5.56 x 45 cartridge. The M-16 has remained with a 20” barrel from the time of it’s conception, which has become increasingly cumbersome as our wars have largely moved to densely-packed, urban environments. The original AR15 (before it picked up a military name) was fully-automatic, as well as plenty since then. Hey guys, I'm trying to build my 1st ar15 and decided to go with an aero lower to complment my BCM upper, I originally deiced to go with a reg ar15 Aero lower but I keep seeing builds that use the M4E1 lower, is the M4E1 better in anyway, what are the differences or does it really not matter? The parts of the M16 and AR-15 are the same with the exception of the hammer, trigger, disconnector, selector and bolt carrier. OK...That said,my question is,Is the lower reciever different on an ar15 than on the M16 other than the markings for safe/semi/full auto. You can see the difference in dimensions. The AR-15 was a direct evolution of the AR-10, which was developed by Eugene Stoner in the 50’s. There are some good … M16 bolt carrier group, too. This select-fire, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle was designed to provide infantrymen with a new and lightweight rifle, one that could be carried more easily than the large 7.62mm NATO rifles then in use by the military. Check out our guide on building a mil-spec AR-15. - AR-15 Lower Receiver . There are many opinions and versions around the Internet about the actual differences between the M16 and AR-15. Re: What's the diff between M16 and AR15 (mechanically & leg The differences are : Mechanically the lower receiver has an extra hole machined to pin the auto sear in place above the selector switch (also some manufacturer omit the machining inside the lower receiver to allow installation of an auto sear). A: Sure, if you have around $25,000. Dec 24, 2011 #1. This little lever is the M16 auto sear. Just looking at the height of the high shelf and the low shelf, you can see the difference between them. We are a national retailer of individual components and not all products depicted on this website are legal in every state. Answer Save. How To: Dissasemble & Clean an AR-15 BCG (Bolt-Carrier Group). The other difference is the lower reciever. Gunco Guest. AR-15 vs. M16 vs. M4 – What’s the Difference? And what most people don’t realize, is that the military has also tested semi-automatic M16s as well, which later earned designations as the famed Mk12 Mod 0. The information, pictures, text or products presented on this website are not a representation by us, and should not be understood by you, that any product or completed firearm is legal to assemble or own in your state of residence. Only the early M-16 variants (Colt 601, 602, etc) had slab-sided lower receivers. 80% lowers! These fully automatic rifles look identical to the typical AR-15. That includes using an 80% lower. We Join Lawsuit to Fight for 80% Nationwide! Colt took the design and made some improvements to bolster accuracy and reliability. The M16 LPKs and sears should be OK to own, but there is not a reason to own them without a M16. And what kind of bullet do they shoot? All Rights Reserved. Just as effective as the M16 for fighting. imize the possibility of misplaced M16 parts, but on most non-Colt rifles, M16 parts will fit in place of. The M-16 saw wide-spread use in the Vietnam War . Relevance. Let's break down these sibling weapon platforms. There are endless questions when it comes to this topic, but we tried to answer the most common ones. The M16's lower parts kit uses a different trigger, disconnector, hammer, and safety selector lever in tandem with an auto sear to provide three-round-burst and fully automatic fire. The extra pin holds the auto sear in place. Nonetheless, this disparity is not considerable. The lower receiver and other key components on the AR-10 are also somewhat larger than on the AR-15… If you get a factory made Colt M16 A2 in new (never fired) condition, it may run you around $25,000 or more. Well, let’s go ahead and break this down for you like a fraction. The M16's lower parts kit uses a different trigger, disconnector, hammer, and safety selector lever in tandem with an auto sear to provide three-round-burst and fully automatic fire. Materials used in the lower receiver are almost identical here. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, or just information that has been repeated so often that it’s taken as fact. Price comparisons of Difference Between Ar15 And M16 Lower Receiver And Dpms Ar 1 Tracing it’s roots to the compact XM177 and the GAU-5 of the Vietnam war, the M4 began development in 1984 and was officially adopted in 1991. The AR-15's lower parts kit is not capable of providing these two functions and can only afford semiautomatic fire -- one round per trigger squeeze. An M4A1 in the hands of a United States Army Soldier. Development of the M16 required several iterations because of bullet design, firing modes, and structural reliability.The M4 came … Besides the civilian and military designations what’s the real difference between the M16 and the AR15? While the AR-15 was derived from the M-16, there several distinct differences. AR15 Stripped Aero lower Gen 2. An M16 is a select fire military weapon that allows the shooter to select between semiautomatic fire, full automatic fire (the M16-A2 has the 3-round burst capability instead of full automatic). Thanks guys,thats something I have always wondered.A few years back I got into a couple of M1 carbines and as I studied the different variations of the gun I would notice the little differences there were between the M1 and M2 and what made them work.I have had an AR15 for 25+ years and I am just getting into building them so I am always wanting to know how they work. Again, material is removed to prevent the bolt carrier on an AR15 from tripping an auto sear. Now you know the AR and M16 are more similar than they are different. WIth four variations in service with the United States Military (yes, there are still rear-echelon units with the M16A1), the rifle has developed over time to suit the constantly advancing and adapting needs of our warfighters overseas. The AR-10 utilizes the .308/7.62x51, while the AR-15 uses the .223/5.56 x 45 cartridge. The original AR15 (before it picked up a military name) was fully-automatic, as well as plenty since then. A: No. Shown with the safety lever removed, the AR-15's lower receiver (even if "mil-spec") does not have the necessary space to accept an M16's auto sear. Minus the reinforcements on the front pin holes and the rear where the stock attaches, minus the accessories (pistol grip, FCG, etc) and the markings, what are the differences between the three Colt M16 stripped lower receivers? You can buy a nearly finished AR15 receiver, with the locking pin holes and interior machining already done, and all you have to do is thread the rear for the stock tube. Nowadays, the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in America. Leave the lower in the oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Colt continued to manufacture commercial AR-15's with slab-sided lowers up through 1991, though. Home Defense: AR-15 vs. The easiest way to look at it is this: Every M16 is an AR15, but not all AR15s are an M16. To start with, let’s clarify something so you don’t accidentally put your foot in your mouth when it comes to this rather notorious firearm: the “a” and “r” of AR 15 does not stand for assault rifle. I purchased an Anderson AM-15 lower receiver but saw a post for an Aero M4E1 receiver. Is there a difference between the M16 and AR15? Ratings: +0 / 0. M16 lower receivers have a third trigger pin hole for the auto sear, while AR-15 lower receivers do not. A: No. Shop for cheap price Difference Between Ar15 And M16 Lower Receiver And Flat Dark Earth Lower Receiver Kit . It only requires that it be less than %80 complete. Thanks for the quick replies. While this may help for differentiating between the two for civilian purposes, this isn’t at all true. The M16 rifle and the M4 carbine are semi-automatic and automatic weapons that originated in the U.S. Technically, 80% lowers are stripped by nature, and do not need to be referred to as “stripped lowers”. An AR15 is semiautomatic only. The main difference between an AR-15 and an M16 lies in the lower receiver. We encourage each and every builder to perform their own research about the state and federal laws that apply to them. To allow the auto sear to provide full-auto function, the M16's bolt carrier must be fabricated different from an AR-15's "commercial" bolt carrier group. Home Forums > AR 15 Forum > AR Talk > How to tell the difference between AR-15 and M16 Discussion in 'AR Talk' started by anhiciano, Jun 21, 2007. By 1963 the weapon was being sold in a semi-automatic version to the public and its M16 automatic version was being pitched to the military. Neither of the upgrade weapons really inspired military leaders but while the AR10 captured their imagination, and, initially, it lost out to the Springfield Armory T44 and it looked as though the ArmaLite weapon would be consigned to history. There are minor difference between a civilian AR and a military M4 or M16. The original design was equipped with a 20" pencil profile barrel. You can own an M16 as a civilian depending on your state laws, however, since there are only so many of them available (none available for civilians after 1986), the price is high. Mar 20, 2011 #4 . With so many variations available now from the Pistol to SBR, or a service rifle to SPR or hunting variety, the AR-15 has developed into a platform suitable for the every man, and all of their needs. The portion highlighted in red must be milled or cut to make room for the sear. 6 Answers. Your stripped down, average M16 (even a conversion) will run you about $9,000. All it needs is milling and it will be ready to accept the LPK. Considerations While we have discussed some of the history of upper receiver types in this post, the A1, A2, A3 and A4 classifications of upper receivers refer to how the military distinguished each of the M16/M4 model setups. AR15 Forums. Best answer gets 5 stars. While the AR-15 was derived from the M-16, there several distinct differences. One of the most obvious differences between the AR-10 and the AR-15 is the caliber. It rests above the safety lever and behind the hammer and trigger, allowing the M16 parts kit to provide all three modes of fire. The M16 was always fitted with a 16" to 20" barrel. (AR-15, AR-10, M4, M16, AK-47, and More!) The M16 disconnector has an extra "tail" behind its spring notch to work with the safety lever. AR15: The ArmaLite AR-15 is a selective-fire, 5.56×45mm, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle, with a … To start, let’s talk a little bit about the history of these two rifles to get a sense of their purpose. The difference is the Pistol lower cannot accept a stock of any kind, where a Rifle lower can. Many M-16's were upgraded to A1 status by putting A1 uppers on older lowers, though. Differences Between High Shelf And Low Shelf Lowers. The selective fire has varied between Semi/Full Auto, and Semi/Burst throughout the years. The M16 hammer has an extra hook at the top which is caught by the auto sear. There are many opinions and versions around the Internet about the actual differences between the M16 and AR-15. Difference between M16 and AR15? AR15 Forums. Jun 21, 2007 #1. anhiciano Guest. They are issued to U.S. troops and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces worldwide. You can buy a nearly finished AR15 receiver, with the locking pin holes and interior machining already done, and all you have to do is thread the rear for the stock tube. As mentioned in their names, the high shelf lower receiver raises more elevated than the low shelf receiver. Be the first to know about our product launches and deals. The M4 carbine was later introduced, further blurring the lines between Stoner's semi- and fully automatic black rifles. Let's see how the M16 is different from the AR-15 and we'll also cover the M4 carbine. An AR15 Lower Receiver on top, with an M16 lower on bottom. The M16 lower parts, specifically the firecontrol and sear pieces are not OK to use in a AR15. The lower receiver and other key components on the AR-10 are also somewhat larger than on the AR-15… Many people will tell you that an AR15 is semi-auto only, and the M16 is full-auto. There have been "drop-in" auto sear (DIAS) units made for the AR-15 by licensed FFL manufacturers for the AR-15's receiver, but these are not available for sale to the public and installing or using is still prohibited without licensing. The AR-15 traces it’s lineage back to 1956, when Armalite (then based in Costa Mesa, California), and Eugene Stoner designed a lightweight, gas-powered, selective-fire rifle for the United States Military. A: No. difference between ar15 and m16 - Bing . The hook at the top of the M16 hammer engages the automatic sear. A lot of AR parts manufacturers like to label things meant for .308 rifles as "AR-10" parts. So what’s exactly the difference between the M16 or AR15? If you're a gun owner getting into the AR platform, you've already seen references to the M4 and M16, two military-issued rifles currently in service. To understand the different types of AR15’s, you first need to start with a little history. ArmaLite decided to sell them the production rights to the AR10 and AR15 in 1962 after the many failed attempts for the AR 10 to catch on in high enough numbers so it was mass produced on a large scale. But with all these different rifles stemming from the same platform, what’s the difference? Be first to know about promotions and new product launches. The emergence of the Russian AK-47 forced a redesign of the M14 to increase firepower and dependability, resulting in the adoption of the M16 during the Vietnam War. Also, that receiver does not have to be completely built from scratch. Ratings: +0 ... is the magwell in the front is "flat" and cut in a little deeper to expose the bottom "lip" were as a ar15 lower kind of bulges out. However, this is not a rule. Jun 21, 2007 #1. anhiciano Guest. Hell, with all the misnomers and different configurations hitting the market, you may very well think that all .308 parts are "AR-10" parts. The primary differences between a select fire M16 receiver and a semi-automatic AR15 receiver is that the select fire receiver has some extra material … The first ones were no more than simple scaled down versions of the AR-10. Let's review how the magic happening inside the lower receiver separates the semiautomatic AR from the fully automatic M16. Moving into the mid-2000s, the M4 was adopted for the entirety of the US Armed Forces. In addition, the M16 selector will be capable of being rotated to the third, auto, position (pointing to the rear) while in the receiver; this is possible because of an additional index on this selector. That was until Vietnam. AR-15 vs. M16: What's the Difference? Doing so is illegal, since machineguns cannot be manufactured without special licensing and case-by-case approval from the ATF. Ratings: +0 / 0. ATF recommends not having any of the M16 versions of these part installed in an AR-15 because this can result in you being charged with possession of an unregistered machinegun. You can legally use M16 parts on your AR-15 like the bolt carrier, but you cannot own an auto sear and a rifle. However, due to financial difficulties (probably related to manufacturing machine guns in California), they made one of the poorest business decision in history, and sold the design to Colt in 1959, as well as the rights to the names AR-15, and AR-10. While it got off to a rocky start due to magazine issues that were largely blamed on the rifle (although the rifle did have some issues related to an un-chromed chamber at first as well), it has since become one of the most iconic military weapons of all time. This hole is were a hammer block (often call an auto sear) goes that help ensure the hammer does not follow the bolt close causing a misfire in full auto or three round burst. AR15 vs. M16 vs. M4 – What’s the Difference? As the industry leaders in 80% Lowers and Jigs, we have everything you need to start your next AR-15 build in the comfort of your own home. It’s a small percentage of the work. Difference between lower receivers? At this point, the lower cannot be touched or contaminated by anything. Your stripped down, average M16 (even a conversion) will run you about $9,000. So how exactly does the M-16 differ? There are so many of them available in new calibers and configurations, it can be difficult figuring out what 80 percent lower is what - and more importantly, what you might want to build. The Marines were the last holdout, but eventually moved towards adopting the M4 as well force wide. Shotgun vs. After 30 minutes, remove the raw lower and place it in the oven. Also, that receiver does not have to be completely built from scratch. I’m talking $25,000-$30,000 high. Serial Numbers – The Difference Between AR 15 Uppers and Lowers For those of you who are new to the world of AR 15s, let’s go back to basics. The most noticeable difference is that the civilian AR15 lower receiver does not have the third trigger pin hole for the auto sear above the safety selector. M16 lower receivers have a third trigger pin hole for the auto sear, while AR-15 lower receivers do not. Shipping of various products found on this website are prohibited to some states (such as California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington). A stripped AR15 80% lower receiver. AR15 Stripped Aero lower Gen 2. As inventory dries up, prices will continue to climb. Hell, with all the misnomers and different configurations hitting the market, you may very well think that all .308 parts are "AR-10" parts. The primary differences between a select fire M16 receiver and a semi-automatic AR15 receiver is that the select fire receiver has some extra material removed and a hole drilled for an additional pin running through the trigger housing. The rifle saw trials as part of a competition to replace the military's 7.62mm rifles. Difference between AR15 receiver and HK416 receiver Discussion in 'AR Talk' started by Gunco, Dec 24, 2011. The only difference between the M4 and M16 is barrel length. 6.5 Grendel vs. 6.5 Creedmoor: Which is Right For You? Almost all AR-15 barrels are made from 4150 (CMV) steel used in the M16's barrel. I purchased an Anderson AM-15 lower receiver but saw a post for an Aero M4E1 receiver. The M16 lower is designed to accept the auto sear where the AR has extra material to prevent it As to making an AR into an M16- The AR-15's lower parts kit is not capable of providing these two functions and can only afford semiautomatic fire -- … After Colt won it’s manufacturing contract, the M-16 was first shipped to troops overseas in Vietnam in 1964. This Is What Sets AR-10 and AR-15 Rifle Apart The AR10 and AR15 are solid workhorse weapons, and pretty interchangeable in terms of their style and functionality, but there is one pretty big, fundamental difference: Caliber. The information, pictures, text or products presented on this website are not a representation by us, and should not be understood by you, that any product or completed firearm is legal to assemble or own in your state of residence. Prices have doubled in the past 10 years or so, which is currently a lot better return than the stock market. The AR-15 is basically the civilian counterpart to the M16. The M16 was made by Colt to be little more than a fully automatic AR-15 but today, there are loads of configurations available for both rifles. We stand behind all our products and we’re here to support you. Colt re-designated the AR-15 the M16A1 and provided it for service in Vietnam in 1964. So, what are the differences? It is your responsibility to understand the law and we encourage you to consult with an attorney or your local ATF representative. The AR-15 shares many similarities across its available configurations. The main difference between the A3 and A4 is that the latter includes M4-style feed ramps, which serve the purpose of complementing the feed ramps found on an M4 barrel. You will never be this cool. First is the hammer. When comparing an 80% lower to a stripped lower, a few key differences arise: The differently shaped parts generally prohibit the kit from being installed in a commercial lower. 110 0. Let's see how the M16 is different from the AR-15 and we'll also cover the M4 carbine. Shipping of various products found on this website are prohibited to some states (such as California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington). The original design was equipped with a 20" pencil profile barrel. The mil-spec AR and M16 use forged 7075-T6 receivers. That's the going price for an early Colt M16 transferable machinegun. Q: Can I install any M16 parts kit in my AR-15? They are not and this can be a problem if you're building your own rifle at home. 1.9K views 9 years ago. Video of Comparing M16 to AR-15 Lower Receiver Full auto lowers are always 0.5mm thicker then AR15 lowers, in every corner of the lower receiver. While the AR-15 was derived from the M-16, there several distinct differences. Are there internal differences,or additional holes drilled in them or any other obvious differences or is the difference just the internal parts? This price difference is due to the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Gun Control Act of 1968, and the Hughes Amendment of 1986. For example, which gas system can be installed on what barrels? These are where the similarities between these two rifles end. A good place to look is here: AR-15 Vs. M16 Parts Ill show a couple of photos from Your Firearm Resource. This "off-gasses" any remaining de-greaser. The M-16 saw wide-spread use in the Vietnam War. There are three main parts which are different between these two rifles. M16 lower receivers may also be milled to slightly different dimensions to accommodate the full auto fire control group. If you are looking for Difference Ar15 M16 Lower Receiver And Getting To Know You They guide the drill and provide precise hole placement so a valuable receiver is not destroyed. They will physically not fit, holes would have to be drilled in reciever and additional material removed from reciever to enable them to fit. Is the difference between these two lowers purely cosmetic? M16 Rifle vs M4 Carbine comparison. ArmaLite decided to sell them the production rights to the AR10 and AR15 in 1962 after the many failed attempts for the AR 10 to catch on in high enough numbers so it was mass produced on a large scale. Favorite Answer. The AR-15 was designed in 1956 by Eugene Stoner of ArmaLite, an American small arms company based in California. Basically, is there anything other than what I mentioned above that would demand a much higher price for an M16A1 over an M16? The most noticeable difference is that the civilian AR15 lower receiver does not have the third trigger pin hole for the auto sear above the safety … We are a national retailer of individual components and not all products depicted on this website are legal in every state. 80% Arms Joins Lawsuit Against ATF To Prevent 80 Lower Ban, Proudly Made in the United States of AmericaProudly Made in the United States of America, Monday-Thursday 12pm to 5pm PST Closed Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Many parts are interchangeable across builds, while some parts are specific to the configuration. There are many opinions and versions around the Internet about the actual differences between the M16 and AR-15. While we can’t sell you an M16, we can absolutely help you build a high-quality rifle with an AR 15 80 lower kit, one of our Build Kits, or Complete Uppers. They are not and this can be a problem if you're building your own rifle at home. The first ones were no more than scaled-down versions of the AR-10. A semi-auto receiver is not set up to fit an auto sear. ​AR15 vs M16 vs M4: What’s the Difference? The M16 and AR-15 use the same polymer buttstock, forged buffer tube, and forged aluminum (7075-T6) in their lowers. The M16 trigger has a small notch cut into the far end to accommodate the M16's disconnector. On the lower receiver there is an addition hole just above the safety. The main difference between an AR-15 and an M16 lies in the lower receiver. Proudly Made in the United States of America. It was designed by Eugene Stoner and it is based on the Armalite AR-10 rifle. Facing financial difficulty, ArmaLite sold the AR-15 to Colt in 1959. It only requires that it be less than %80 complete. And what most people don’t realize, is that the military has also tested semi-automatic M16s as well, which later earned designations as the famed Mk12 Mod 0. This price difference is due to the National Firearms Act of 1934, the Gun Control Act of 1968, and the Hughes Amendment of 1986. © 2020 AR-15LowerReceivers.com, a division of Tactical Gear Heads, LLC. The M16 was designed in 1956 and replaced the M14 as the U.S. military's standard service rifle in 1969. forces in the Korean War. - AR-15 Lower Receiver M4e1 stripped Aero lower. It is your responsibility to understand the law and we encourage you to consult with an attorney or your local ATF representative. We show you step by step using the 80% Arms easy jig. The .223/5.56 AR-15 rifle was a direct evolution of the 7.62×51 AR-10, which was developed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950’s. If you are looking for Difference Ar15 M16 Lower Receiver And Getting To Know You Mac. Why separate names for something that is so similar, and which ones can we and can’t we own as civilians? AR-15 vs. M16: What's the Difference? Almost all AR-15s use an  But the M4 carbine, introduced in the 1980s, is yet another departure from the AR's original design. What's the difference between the AR-15 and the M16, a military weapon? When some of the first T44’s – now designated M14 – went up against the AK47’s of the Vietcong, and was very hard to control when being fired in fully automatic … They look damn near the same, is there any differences … The trigger pocket is also typically milled to different dimensions to prevent the acceptance of an auto-sear as well. Lv 6. The M4 carbine exclusively uses a 14.5" barrel. Stripped 80% lower Receivers. Owning these parts together is called "constructive intent" and is illegal under federal law. If you get a factory made Colt M16 A2 in new (never fired) condition, it may run you around $25,000 or more. These are where the similarities between these two rifles end. Unless you're a Class 3 FFL, you can't build a machinegun. The M16 and AR-15 use the same polymer buttstock, forged buffer tube, and forged aluminum (7075-T6) in their lowers. AR15: The ArmaLite AR-15 is a selective-fire, 5.56×45mm, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle, with a rotating bolt and straight-line recoil design. Submerge your raw lower in chemical de-greaser for 30 minutes. Allows users to fine tune the fit of the upper and lower receiver using a nylon tipped tensioning set screw inserted in the grip tang of the lower receiver. One of the most obvious differences between the AR-10 and the AR-15 is the caliber. Both use the same stainless steel firing pins and gas tubes, and many AR-15s use the M16's front sight post/gas block combo shown above. The M16's safety lever is fabricated with extra channels and shoulders to provide safe, semi-, and full-auto function. We encourage each and every builder to perform their own research about the state and federal laws that apply to them. Based on the .308-caliber AR-10, the smaller AR-15 was favored by military brass for its maneuverability, ammo capacity, and surprising wounding ability. As far as connecting the Rifle Upper to a Pistol Lower yes you can connect them together, it is all about the wording on the 4473 and bound book, that is what will get you in trouble.