Whether a troop, a cop or a civilian, magazines are the key to the weapon’s reliability and knowing which magazines to buy will keep your rifle firing reliably when you need it most. The magazines we will examine here are magazine that have proven themselves through time and service. One is relatively new to the market but may prove to be the leading polymer magazine.

Capacity

Military magazines generally come in 20 and 30-round capacity. When the AR-15 first appeared in the early 1960s, they were equipped with a steel 20-round magazine known as the “waffle” magazines due to the pattern of the magazine. These magazines were quickly replaced in Vietnam with the aluminum magazines. The steel magazines would corrode and cause malfunctions amongst many other problems. These magazines are rare and often found in the hands of collectors. These magazines should not be used for defense purposes.

Soon after the weapon went into service, the aluminum 20-round magazine was introduced and remains in government inventory to this day in limited quantities. These magazines were manufactured by many different companies and came anodized in a grey, silver and green finish utilizing aluminum magazine followers. The base plates were locked in place by a leaf spring. Common practice was to only load them with 18 or 19 rounds due to them being difficult to load into the rifle with a full capacity if the spring was fully compressed. By removing one round, the follower/ammunition stack could lower into the magazine body enabling the magazine to be easily inserted with the bolt closed. These magazines worked well but their problem was they only held 20 rounds compared to the AK47 rifle’s 30-round magazines.

The standard aluminum 20-round magazines introduced in Vietnam are reliable and are still in use by military and law enforcement professionals; although now they are preferred by operators firing prone or off a bench. Newer 20-round magazines use a plastic follower. The longer profile 30-round magazines can cause difficulty when trying to remain low to the ground. These magazines are used with the SOCOM Mk12 special purpose sniper rifles. These magazines have been out of production for some time so any magazine should be tested before being used in a duty weapon. The feed lips on the 20-round magazines are more easily damaged than the 30-round magazines as the feed lips on the 30-round magazines are supported all the way to the rear of the magazine. Most of the 20-round military magazines will be manufactured by Colt, Adventure Line and Universal Industries.

The 30-round magazines were introduced during the middle of the Vietnam War and did not really see wide distribution until the end of the war. This higher capacity magazine was requested due to the fact the enemy AK rifles had 30-round magazines. These remain the standard issue magazines. The 30-round magazine is curved for a reason. If you were to lay fifteen 5.56mm cartridges, one on top of the other on a table, you would see they will curve. This is their natural position and they feed more reliably this way.

Colt does not manufacture magazines in house. They subcontract them out primarily to Okay Industries of New Britain, Connecticut. Okay Industries has manufactured 30-round magazines for Colt going back to the 1970s. This is a precision manufacturer who is the primary U.S. Government contractor producing more than 140,000 magazines a month as of their recently completed contract for the military. Current production Okay Industries magazines can be identified by their CAGE code appearing on the left side of the magazine, 33710 and underneath a month and year code. This will be found on magazines regardless if they have Colt or Okay Industries floor plates on them. Based on a U.S. Army report, during the Global War on Terrorism, the Army restricted magazine issue to troops in theater to only use Okay Industries/Colt magazines due to production problems with other subcontractors. Okay Industries make them off of the Colt Technical Data Package and are held to Mil-Spec standards that insure their quality. Okay Industries, by DoD request, has made magazines for the FNMI as well. The military has had difficulty in quality control with many of their sub contractors and have rejected many lots. These are what are commonly found at gun shows. There are no surplus magazines. These rifles are in service and the government gets all the magazines they can get their hands on. Okay Industries/Colt magazines are among the most reliable in the industry and are often the magazines chosen by law enforcement and military. They are also the most difficult to get.

Colt 30-round magazines went through an evolutionary change with the development of the M16A2. A new follower was introduced commonly referred to as the “green” follower. This follower was designed as a reliability enhancement for the M16A2 by the Marine Corps. Due to the cyclic rate, it was possible for the nose of the projectiles to be pushed into the front of the magazine and the bolt to push the round forward causing the bullet to impact the front of the magazine and subsequently push the bullet into the cartridge case. To remedy this, the green follower extended the legs on the front of the follower to prevent the follower from coming out of alignment with the magazine body. All GI magazines are now produced this way for the U.S. military. A sure bet to see you have a newer produced mil-spec magazine is to look for the manufacturer CAGE code.

Heckler & Koch High Reliability Magazine

Not a company you would expect to design a M16-type magazine, the famous German firm probably manufactures the finest magazine in the world for the M16-family of weapons. The High Reliability magazine stemmed from H&K’s attempt to fix the horrendous deficiencies in the British SA80 (L85A1) rifle program. As previously stated, the M16’s weakest link has always been the magazine, normally due to abuse and reusing over and over again when they were not intended to. The H&K magazine is designed precisely with constant use in mind. As with most German engineered weapons, the magazine is over designed. It is the sturdiest magazine of the lot.

The High Reliability magazine is made of steel instead of aluminum and coated with a special maritime finish to keep it from rusting as well as having self lubricating properties in the inside of the magazine that aid in feeding. The feed lips have the same strengthened design as the standard 30-round magazine. The profile of the magazine is somewhat different from the standard magazine that has two bends. The magazine has a constant curve to it, which H&K claims is another improvement in the reliable feeding of the magazine. The follower is made of steel as well. The follower is 100% anti-tilt inside the magazine body. H&K has used this magazine with their HK416 weapon system. Additionally, a rubber plug was inserted underneath the magazine, behind the floor plate. The purpose of this plug was to prevent unintentional release of the floor plate when firing the M203 grenade launcher without any rounds in the magazine.

Without doubt, these are the Cadillac of the magazines available anywhere. But along with that goes the price. They are normally 3 times more expensive than the standard magazines. You do get what you pay for. However, is it worth it? Well, it depends on your funding. In an ideal circumstance, this would be the best combination but when the funds are not there, the standard magazines are just as reliable when used as intended – they are just not as durable over the long haul and rough handling. H&K provided two of these excellent magazines for testing. More than 600 rounds were fired through each of them with no malfunctions at all in a Colt M4 carbine. Most of the fire was fully automatic.

Diemaco (Colt Canada) Polymer Magazine

Most early testing has shown that polymer magazines are not nearly as reliable as the standard aluminum magazines. Many attempts have been made. The first successful attempt was by the Canadian firm, Diemaco, now called Colt Canada. In the initial stages, the magazines did not fare too well and were, in fact, rejected by the Canadian forces in favor of the aluminum magazines. Not too long after that, Diemaco completed the design and worked out all the bugs producing the first combat reliable synthetic magazine. These magazines are identified by the maple leaf on the side of the magazine. Depending on the die, it could appear on either side. This should not be confused with the after-market look alike. They may look the same but they are not where it counts. These magazines have been sold too many other nations militaries by Diemaco including Denmark and the Netherlands. They have been used in many theaters of operations throughout the world. They are also in service with many Canadian Police Agencies. The only catch is that they are not available in the United States. While some may find their way south of the Canadian border, they are not sold directly into the U.S.

The Lancer “Green Magazine”

The Lancer magazine was developed in part by using the Colt M4/M16 magazine technical data under a technology license from Colt Defense. The prototype Lancer magazine examined is made of green translucent polymer but could be made in smoke, tan or any other color. There are labels marked “20” and “30” to let the shooter know how many rounds are in the magazine and when it needs to be changed out. The magazine uses the mil-spec green magazine follower. Metal feed lip inserts are molded into the polymer on the magazine. Disassembly is accomplished by use of a plastic tool that pinches the sides of the floor plate, releasing it. The floor plate, spring and follower are then removed. This will increase the maintainability aspect in sandy environments. Initial testing has yielded positive results in terms of reliability and durability. These magazines are manufactured by Lancer Systems, a manufacturer of plastic and composite products for military markets.

MagPul PMag

Although very new to the market, the PMag has a bright future ahead of it. Of all the polymer magazines examined, the PMag is the most sturdy and solid of the lot. As of this writing, the first production magazines are being shipped. They debuted at the 2007 SHOT Show. The factory reps were throwing the magazines on the ground, stomping on them and grinding the heels of their boots into them to show the durability of this magazine. The PMag will withstand any drop test. One of the supplied magazines was dropped from 6 feet with the magazine feed lips striking concrete. The feed lips were not damaged and functioned normally through a Colt Law Enforcement carbine (LE6920).

Currently, there are two different versions of the magazine. The other model is the model with two witness windows showing the number of unfired cartridges. This magazine has a magazine spring that is colored orange on a specific coil. When the orange is shown at the top of the window you are either out of ammunition or just about out of ammunition.

MagPul is offering their PMag in some different colors as well. The traditional black magazine, the new trendy earth tone as well as forest green. Additionally, they will be offering a completely clear magazine with a smoky tint to it.

Another innovative feature of the PMag is the introduction of a cover that fits over the top of the magazine. This does two things; first it protects the feed lips from damage and dirt. The second and most important, when installed, the cover pushes downward on the top cartridge, releasing tension from the top cartridge pushing upward on the feed lips. This gives a long storage life to a fully loaded magazine. The PMag is also designed to be a 30-round magazine which can be inserted easily into a rifle with a closed bolt. Some magazines are so stiff on the 30th round that it is difficult to insert the fully loaded magazine in the rifle. The PMag also has a proprietary magazine follower that is 100% anti-tilt. This is a major reliability enhancement. The alignment of the cartridges are straight and supported preventing failures to feed. When looking at standard GI magazines, you can push the front of the follower into the magazine body and it will stick. The PMags will not do this.

MagPul provided 5 sample magazines for testing. Of those, 4 were taken out to the range and more than 1,000 rounds were fired through those in a Colt Mk18 Mod O 10.3 inch barrel. Of those, most of the rounds were fired fully automatic. No malfunctions were experienced with the magazine or weapon. The fully loaded magazines were easily inserted into the weapon with a closed bolt. MagPul is currently working on a shorter 20-round PMag for use by bench shooters/snipers as well as patrol carbines.

The magazines are the heart and soul of any firearm. Care should always be taken to protect them. The standard GI magazines are extremely reliable but do have a service life. When used in the field, attention should be given to be sure the magazines are not dropped on the feed lips nor stepped on. With the recent controversy of the performance of the M16/M4 series weapons under scrutiny, the main problem is, and always has been, the magazine. This is not due to a design flaw. It is a design intent versus application issue. When Gene Stoner first developed the AR-10 with lightweight magazines, he designed them to be lightweight and disposable enabling the soldier to carry large numbers of preloaded magazines. But the key word is disposable. They are not designed to be loaded an indefinite amount of times and left loaded for months at a time without cleaning and inspection. The main issues coming back from the Gulf from the small percentage of troops who had problems all described their problems as double feeds, bolt over base and failure to feed. All of which are due to damaged magazines. The other issue brought out was failure to extract, which is caused by sand getting in-between the cartridge case and the chamber. Any weapon with this scenario will experience the same failure. The same soldiers interviewed claimed to be issued old magazines out of bins in some depot and carried them throughout his entire tour. The magazines were never gauged or checked for bent feed lips or magazine bodies and he never received replacement magazines. Many soldiers interviewed brought personally purchased magazines from home or ordered them through catalogs to insure reliability. The Army has had difficulty re-supplying troops with new magazines on a regular basis. Part of the way the Army is combating this is to have Colt Defense provide seven new magazines with every M4 they ship to the Army. Troops also do not clean the magazines at regular intervals to prevent the followers from seizing with sand. This type of detailed disassembly is really unique to the desert environment. Users need to keep in mind the design of these magazines as they are a disposable commodity. They should be replaced as often as possible and every magazine should be tested prior to it going in an ammo pouch. This will insure you do not find out you have a damaged magazine in a firefight.

With the advancements in synthetic materials, these are just as, if not more, reliable than the standard aluminum ones. However, the synthetic magazines (PMags, Canadian military and Green Magazines) offer some incredible improvements. Most troops will not notice a damaged aluminum magazine until they put it in their rifle and try to shoot. With the synthetic magazine, immediate signs show damage. The feed lips would be broken off and cartridges falling out. These new plastics are stronger than the aluminum ones and will not bend or dent. The magazines will be less expensive to make as well. All of the synthetic magazines examined in this article are simple to maintain and the MagPul PMag and Canadian magazines are proving themselves in combat. The Army has issued a magazine improvement program. This program calls for improved followers such as the ones MagPul is manufacturing which are 100% anti-tilt. The program calls for synthetic magazines as well as a standard go/no go gauge. Many defense contractors as of this writing are developing synthetic magazines though it is expected that the MagPul PMag will be the standard in synthetic magazines.

I would like to thank Matt Nassar (H&K Defense), Colt Defense, Matt Kirkpatrick of Colt Canada, Drake Clark from MagPul and Okay Industries for all their assistance with this article.

SAR Exclusive Industry Profile

For the first time in history, Bushmaster Firearms of Windham, Maine has allowed outside photographic equipment into their facilities. Small Arms Review was invited to visit Bushmaster Firearms to chronicle portions of the manufacturing process of their famous version of the Black Rifle.

In some parts of the world the word “Bushmaster” will conjure up images of large, venomous snakes. A member of the pit viper family, it is known for its lethality and is found in Central and South America. In circles of firearms enthusiasts and for members of the military and law enforcement, the same word is synonymous with quality AR-15 and M16 type rifles that are manufactured in the northern most state in New England.

Company History

Originally incorporated in 1973, Bushmaster Firearms concentrated their manufacturing efforts on the Bushmaster Arm Pistol, a survival gun designed for pilots during the Vietnam War. The Arm Pistol, along with a companion rifle known as the Bushmaster Assault Rifle utilized some parts from the M16 rifle family while employing an op-rod system similar to that used by the Soviet AK-47.

Following a company reorganization in 1980, Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. started to focus their efforts in selling AR-15 and M16 parts and eventually began to manufacture their own line of AR-15 and M16 replacement parts for sale. In 1983, the first complete rifles bearing the Bushmaster name were manufactured in Portland, Maine. Five years later the company relocated to their current location in Windham, Maine. Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. now owns a 52,000 square foot facility at their 19 acre business park and employs over 80 people at this location.

In 2002, Bushmaster established their Western Division in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This division of Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. is dedicated to manufacturing a Carbon Fiber series of the AR-15 and M16 type firearms. This Western division now has over 25 full time employees and occupies 12,000 square feet to house their state of the art injection molding and CNC equipment.

Quality First

With so many companies currently competing in the AR-15 and M16 market, our first question was an obvious one; “What makes Bushmaster stand out in such a large market?” Their answer came as fast as the question was asked and was simple enough: “Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y.” Even though they have an extremely diverse product line of quality products, the general feeling at Bushmaster is that their quality control is their best selling point. When we asked for an example, we were directed to their Quality Control (QC) building and allowed to sit in as their barrels underwent their normal series of tests.

Bushmaster barrels are manufactured from Chrome-Moly Vanadium Steel or from 416 Match Grade Stainless Steel. Each process of manufacturing has to undergo numerous levels of testing in order to progress to the next stage of manufacturing. The barrel stock material is first drilled, button rifled and stress relieved. After undergoing a series of QC tests, all barrels that pass are turned to their intended profile and head spaced. Following another round of QC testing the barrels are chrome lined and tested again. All barrels that pass this stage go on to have the gas ports drilled and front sights indexed followed by a phosphate finishing.

In between each of these steps, the barrels are bore scoped and air gauged. When a barrel is bore scoped a technician runs an extremely powerful microscope all the way down the inside of the barrel. An image is projected onto a monitor and the technician actually visually inspects the inside of the barrel looking for flaws or abnormalities. In the process of testing the barrels with an air gauge, the barrels are pressurized and an indicator rod is slowly run through the length of the barrel watching for a drop or increase in pressure, indicating either a tight area or loose area not visible to the eye even while bore scoping. Any deviation outside of Bushmasters strict specifications will cause the barrel to “fail” and it will never see the next step in the manufacturing process.

To go a step further, even though the barrels undergo Magnetic Particle Testing they are also checked utilizing an Eddy Current. Magnetic Particle Testing is a process fairly common to AR-15 and M16 Barrel manufacturing and most people may have noticed the “passing marks” on their barrels in the past. The familiar “CMP” mark often seen would indicate Colt Magnetic Particle Testing and “BMP” would indicate Bushmaster Magnetic Particle Testing and so on. Magnetic Particle Testing is a process that checks the integrity of ferromagnetic parts by looking for microscopic cracks. During this testing, when a crack is present, an amount of magnetic flux will gather at that spot attracting magnetic particles allowing the flaw to be discovered. Testing with an Eddy Current goes even farther and allows the operator to electronically “look through” the metal checking for structural integrity, case depth and hardness while also allowing the ability to “see” cracks, pits, seams or otherwise invisible surface flaws. Finally, head spacing is checked on 100% of the Bushmaster barrels rather than just a random sampling.

Bushmaster utilizes a similar quality control regimen on all of their parts including their lower and upper receiver sections as they progress from raw material to the initial forgings to their finished and assembled states.

Once all of the individual parts have passed every step of quality control and final finishing, it is time for their assembly. All firearms assembly is completed in house with each gun going through several “assembly stations.” Each station specializes in one specific area of assembly and as the firearms ascend towards completion they end up at the test-firing portion of the facility. Every Bushmaster firearm is laser bore sighted and test fired before being shipped. Every semiautomatic firearm is fired a prescribed number of rounds in rapid succession and every round must feed and fire perfectly in order to pass this final test and go on to inventory for shipping. The test-firing requirement for each full automatic firearm is similar to this, with more rounds fired and the firing is also done in full auto.

A Diverse Product Line

Since the early days of the Arm Pistol, Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. has introduced and currently includes an enormous number of items in their product line, with over 50 different firearms and several hundred parts and accessories available for sale. From the typical AR-15 and M16 style firearms used as the primary service weapon of the United States Armed Services for over 40 years, to the newest Carbon Fiber firearms technology, Bushmaster strives to have something for everyone. Their current offerings range in caliber from .22LR variants all the way up to .308 (7.62x51mm NATO) models and range in size from pistol configurations up to their 24-inch heavy barreled varmint series.

The Bushmaster M17S Bullpup Carbine may be one of the most unique firearms in the Bushmaster product line. The M17S affords the shooter a 21.5 inch barrel on a package with an overall length of only 30 inches. It is a short stroke piston, gas operated semiautomatic rifle and is chambered in 5.56x45mm. It utilizes standard AR-15/M16 magazines.

As well as servicing the U.S. commercial firearms market, Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. currently manufactures arms for U.S. law enforcement, governmental agencies and foreign military forces. Short-barreled rifles, law enforcement and post 1986 dealer sample machine guns are all available with prior BATFE (and at times, State Department) approval.

Bushmaster Firearms Inc.
999 Roosevelt Trail
P.O. Box 1479
Windham, Maine 04062
(800) 883-6229
www.bushmaster.com

Badger Ordnance
6302 N. Park Ave.
Gladstone, MO 64118
(816)455-3704
www.badgerord.com

By Bob Campbell

Within the framework of the AR 15/M 16 rifle there are subtypes that are very interesting, perhaps even more useful than the original gun. One of the most popular, a weapon of almost legendary reputation, is the CAR 15/M 177 or M4 Carbine. The first short barrel short stock M 16 variants appeared in the late 1960’s. They met with varying degrees of success. I’ve fired most, a notable exception to my experience being the ‘port firing’ M 16’s designed for use within armored vehicles. Early guns in the CAR 15 series were sometimes called Commandos. The original guns coupled a ten inch barrel with a folding or collapsing stock. Colt had wished this line to be known as the CAR 15 line to signify the difference between Colt and Armalite production.

The short XM 177 received and kept the CAR 15 tag. These guns were criticized on several points, especially reliability. Col. Tony Herbert, the most decorated enlisted man of the Korean conflict served as a officer in Vietnam. He found the M 16 was a fine rifle, well suited to the conflict, but derided the CAR 15 as unreliable. He felt it had more show than performance, likening its image to that of the Thompson submachinegun of another war. The XM 177E2, with a longer 11.5 inch barrel and other types of ‘tweaking’, proved more reliable.

The XM 177E2 was dropped from production. The early short M 16’s were plagued with reliability and ammunition performance problems.

Later carbines were developed which featured 14.5 inch long barrels. These longer barrels work much better with the M 16 gas system and retain more of the 5.56mm cartridge’s effectiveness. This is a round that relies upon high velocity for effectiveness. Wound ballistics are compromised when the velocity falls below 2,500 fps. With enhanced ammunition performance and increased reliability, later variants such as the 1980’s M 16A2 carbine were much more effective weapons. Many in the Army wished to adopt the Carbine as a standard weapon but it remained for the most part a special team weapon, often issued to drivers and dog handlers or other needing a short light weapon. It is much more effective than any handgun or submachinegun, weapons often assigned this task.

The M4 and M4A1 are recent variants, being adopted in 1994. Both are in wide use by all of the services. Two models are in use. The M4 has the familiar ratchet-type three shot burst limiter. When the weapon is on full auto, it can be fired only in a three shot burst mode. At least in my hands, the usual result is two shots close together and one with greater dispersion. The M4A1 has the more conventional mode of fire.

A trained operator can tickle the trigger well enough to fire two to four round bursts in full auto mode. The trick is in training, a greater indicator of success in the field than gear. The M4’s currently in service are flat-top models, or M 16 variants with removable carrying handles. These weapons may easily be fitted with telescopic sights.

The M4 type weapon is also popular with civil agencies, especially Special Weapons and Tactics units. The needs of mobile SWAT teams are well served by the M4. The M4’s 14.5 inch barrel is not civilian legal, but a number of approximations are available with legal length 16 inch barrels. They mimic the M4 in a reasonable manner, of course without the full auto option. I’ve fired quite a few and they are accurate, reasonably compact weapons. Several versions are offered by Wilson Combat. Not as well known for his rifles, Wilson’s rifles and carbines are world class weapons.

The true M4 exhibits the following features—

• 14.5 inch, 1 in 7 inch twist barrel
• 7 3/4 inch round handguard
• Double heat shield
• Flat top receiver
• Four position buttstock—Closed/Full open/one half and three quarters open.

Early ammunition problems with the CAR 15 type guns are well documented. Often, downsizing a weapon does not work as well as the designer had hoped. M4’s currently in use feature an increased diameter gas port, which aids in overall function.

The M4 carbine has been well received in service, passing stringent testing. It is used by airborne units, SEALs, and other special operators.

Notably, the availability of the M4 carbine has resulted in less utilization of other weapons such as the Heckler and Koch MP5 and other weapons. The M4 can perform the same tasks but arguably much better, while fulfilling the mission envelope of the M16A2 as well.

The carbines are six inches shorter than the M16A2, a significant advantage when parachuting or traveling in a raft, and an advantage in house clearing as well.

The problems encountered by Israeli and Palestinian forces in house clearing with the M16 and Galil are well known. The UZI found favor with the Israelis. They would not allow Palestinian forces to use the UZI. The UZI is a good weapon of the type, but not comparable to the M4.

The question of accuracy and lethality remains with the M4. Accuracy to even 500 yards is comparable to but not equal to the M16A2. I have fired several short carbines at length. I chose Black Hills ammunition for the chore. Since their match grade loads are used by Marine sharpshooters, it felt appropriate. I used not only standard 55 grain loads but the 52 grain match load, the 60 grain softpoint, and a 68 grain match load. Results were very good. At 100 yards-and infantry engagement range is held to be one hundred to one hundred twenty five yards-accuracy was excellent.

The .223 cartridge must retain 2,500 fps or more of muzzle velocity to retain its lethality. With short submachinegun type barrels as seen on the CAR 15 this was not always possible, but it is a non issue with the M4.

The M4 provides an excellent alternative to the M16A2, with many good features and few tradeoffs. It is a fine weapon for the 21st century warrior.

The Model 01 transitional gun encountered by this author had a number of “blended” features which undoubtedly make this AR-15 very different in some aspects from the M16 (Figure 2), but at the same time the two rifles share in common some unique features. For example, the Model 01 transitional gun still retains the original and obsolete Model 01 buffer (Figure 3A). This extremely lightweight buffer resulted in the high cyclic rate of the early AR-15s and was also the source of many failures associated with the weapons full-auto mode. In contrast the M16 buffer (Figure 3B) was considerably heavier and had individual weights inside of the buffer body that reduced the bolt bounce problems associated with the AR-15 Model 01.

The buttstock of the Model 01 (Figures 4 and 5) transitional gun retained many of the inherent design flaws of the original Model 01. This included a sling strap swivel that moved, narrow buttplate, and lack of a trapdoor for the cleaning kit. The overall length of the AR-15 Model 01 buttstock was about 1” shorter than the M16. The AR-15 Model 01 transitional gun buttstock was composed of a plastic composite versus the considerably stronger fiberglass reinforced M16 buttstock. However, the Model 01 transitional guns stock was black, which is quite different from the original Model 01’s green or black painted over simulated wood finish. Also evident in this photograph is the improved charging handle with its wider finger grooves. The same type of charging handle is also typically encountered on the M16.

The early duckbill flash hider typically encountered on the Model 01 had a bad habit of bending or breaking, and thus Colt manufactured a different flash hider called the three-prong flash hider that was noticeably stronger than the original duckbill flash hider. The Model 01 transitional gun has a three-prong flash hider (Figure 6) that is identical to the one found on later M16 rifles.

The bolt carrier of the Model 01 transitional gun is a hybridized mix of the original model 01 features and later M16 features (Figure 7). The Colt/Armalite Model 01 had a chrome carrier (Figure 7C). One problem with the chrome carrier was that its surface was reflective, which gave away troop positions. The bolt carrier encountered in the transitional Model 01 (Figure 7B) was dull parkerized with a chrome carrier key. The opinion of this author is that the idea was to remove the flashy chrome of the carrier but retain the anti-rust properties of chrome where the gas impinged on the carrier. Furthermore, the Model 01 transitional gun bolt carrier lacks the forward assist notches and the upper receiver (not shown) also lacked the forward assist.

The thought that this Model 01 was potentially a “one-off” or a “parts gun” was seriously contemplated. The author contacted Dennis Todd, a well-known Class III dealer who specializes in Colt M16-type rifles. Mr. Todd has consistently stated that the term “never” and “always” should not be used when describing many military weapons. Mr. Todd had the following comments regarding Colt manufactured M16 variants. “A common manufacturing process is to improve upon the design of a particular weapon during a production run. Defense contractors are constantly product-improving their items as a result of internal R&D, governmental R&D, and field experience from end users. This is particularly true when a new design is first used in combat. Parts are manufactured or obtained from subcontractors as part of the continuous flow of materiel. When improved components are accepted by the military, there may be a supply of “obsolete” parts on hand. Sometimes the contract allows those parts to used until expended. Other times, the new parts are introduced immediately and the older parts become excess. Colt, and other contractors who manufacture products for export and the civilian/law enforcement market as well as for the US military have a place to use the obsolete items (assuming that they are not dangerously defective). Many export or civilian/law enforcement M16s and even AR-15s will have parts originally intended for US military rifles but that became obsolete or excess to military production.

The result is that the vast majority of rifles will be “textbook” correct, but a number, frequently at the start or end of a type run will be “unusual” but factory correct nonetheless.” Mr. Todd indicated that he had encountered, albeit limited numbers, AR-15 Model 01s in a similar configuration. The original paperwork was retrieved for the AR-15 Model 01 described in this article and it shows the gun being sold directly from Colt to a police department located in Illinois. Kiesler’s Firearms and Accessories purchased the gun directly from this police department, and the gun shows little or no use.

However, it is important to note that because of the mixing of components by Colt on the M16-variants, and the potential for transferred guns to have features changed, caution should be taken when assuming a certain M16-variant will have certain features. Clearly though the Colt AR-15 Model 01 serves as an important link in the evolution of the M16 rifle.

Credits:

Special thanks to Martha Brown of Kiesler’s Firearms and Accessories and Dennis Royzer.

MAGPUL SPEEDLOADERS

The Magpul” is thermoplastic loop installed on the base of the 5.56 (M-16) rifle magazine. Through this loop and recessed rough gripping surface, it provides unsurpassed speed and controllability during high stress, tactical magazine changes. It’s patent pending design allows for quick and easy installation and removal without compromising the grip needed to remain on the magazine during tactical scenarios. The Magpul” is based on the tried and true para-cords and duct-tape tabs currently in use with special warfare units worldwide. These units discovered that a loop or tab affixed to the base of the rifle magazine could aid dramatically in a successful magazine change under high stress situations. The Magpul” offers the following benefits; rigid finger loop allows for greater speed in magazine removal and subsequent 180 degree turn for insertion in the rifle, easy installation and removal in under 30 seconds, the finger loop acts as a shock absorber to protect the magazine from damage if dropped as well as silencing magazines stored next to each other. The rough texturing also provides a positive gripping surface under slippery or wet conditions. Magpul” is compatible with all US Government M-16 30 round and 20 round magazines (including the new Teflon coated versions). Other 5.56 NATO magazines successfully tested by Magpul Industries Corp include Israelia Orlite, Thermodl, Sterling 40 round and the Steyr AUG. Versions for the 7.62 and 9mm are planned for release in the next three months. For more information contact Magpul Industries Corp., Dept. SAR, PO Box 17697. Boulder, CO 80308-0697. Phone: 1-303-410-0506. Fax: 1-303-404-9319

RUGER 50TH ANNIVERSARY RIFLE AND SHOTGUN

In conjunction with Ruger’s 50th anniversary they are pleased to announce two very special new products. The classic Ruger No. 1S rifle and 45-70 caliber and the Ruger Red Label over/under shotguns are being produced with commemorative engraving. The Ruger No. 1 rifle combines classic design with modern manufacturing to provide the knowledgeable rifleman with the luxury of a performance-proven rifle that retains the beauty and elegant simplicity of a century ago. Ruger celebrates its 50th anniversary in a very special engraved No. 1 S, appropriately chambered in the historic 45-70 cartridge. Selectively plated in 24 carat gold, the massive, sculptured receiver compliments the elegance of their tasteful engraving and special 50th year logo. Beautifully stocked in select Cirassian walnut, this rifle is designed for the serious Ruger collector and sportsman. Also available are the 50th anniversary Ruger Red Label shotguns. These classic arms are now available in a very special engraved edition. In their 50th year of production, Ruger proudly presents the Ruger Red Label shotguns in unique design with 24 carat gold plated birds in flight. The 12-gauge model sports a duck, the 20 gauge model a pheasant and the 28 gauge model a grouse. Each model is further enhanced with their anniversary logo. For more information on these highly collectable firearms contact, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Dept. SAR, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301-6181 Phone: 1-520-541-8824. Fax: 1-520-541-8850

TACTICAL GRIPS FROM S.C. HINES COMPANY

S.C. Hines Company has just introduced several new replacement grips for the AR-15/M-16 and the H&K rifles. Their grips are available in several types including, Target, Tactical and Tactical Deluxe. The new grips are direct replacement and are molded from a tough durable space age polymer. These series of grips are currently available; the Sure Grip”, the Ergo Grip” and the Clip-A-Grip”. Both the Target and Tactical series are available with palm shelf similar to the one on the H&K PSG-1 rifle. Other features include palm swells and thumb shelf on certain models. S.C. Hines Company even has an H&K Navy type grip for steel frame lowers. Check out this innovative company for all their top of the line grips. For more information contact S.C. Hines Company, Dept SAR, PO Box 423, Tijeras, NM 87059. They can be reached by phone at 1-505-281-3783.