| This "Military Rifle Components Guide" will provide additional information and photos of the various components used on the Military Rifles |
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BUTTSTOCKS
The following classification system for Buttstocks was developed by M. Eklund.
The pictures were taken by both M. Richardson and M. Eklund.
_______________________________________________________________________________
TYPE A - ORIGINAL SOLID BODY
Approx the first 100 Stocks were
brown fiberglass, with the later
ones being painted green
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
Original version had a bare metal sling
swivel with front & rear movement,
pinned to the stock body.
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on the "Early" Model 601
TYPE B - IMPROVED SOLID BODY
Brown fiberglass painted green
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
bare metal sling swivel with
front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on
"Late" Model 601 - Brown Painted Green
"Early" Model 602 - Black
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE C - INTERMEDIATE SOLID BODY
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
bare metal sling swivel with
front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used first on the Model 602 in 1963
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE D - FINAL SOLID BODY
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
Rubber/Plastic coated metal sling swivel
with front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on the Model 603 and 604
starting in 1964
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE E - HOLLOW BODY / TRAPDOOR
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, with hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic, with center opening
SLING MOUNT:
Fixed metal sling mount, attached
to the stock body with a screw
BODY:
Hollow storage compartment
Used with the Model 603 / M16A1
and latter Models starting in 1969
________________________________________________________________________
BUFFER GROUP
BUFFERS:
ORIGINAL EDGEWATER SPRING GUIDE:
Used in the Colt Model 601, 602 and 603 / XM16E1 until Dec 1966
STANDARD RIFLE BUFFER:
Started use in late 1966, some variations do exist in the buffers
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SPRINGS:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TUBES:
ORIGINAL TUBE:
No wrench flats,
hole in tube
STANDARD RIFLE TUBE:
________________________________________________________________________
LOWER RECEIVER
STYLES:
"SLABSIDE":
"PARTIAL FENCE":
"FULL FENCE":
________________________________________________________________________________________
TAKEDOWN / PIVOT PINS:
601 FRONT PIVOT PIN:
TAKEDOWN & PIVOT PINS
WITH "DIVOTS":
TAKEDOWN & PIVOT PINS:
________________________________________________________________________________________
SELECTORS:
ORIGINAL WITH "DIVOTS"
Model 601 and 602
MID-PRODUCTION SELECTOR
Model 603 and later
CURRENT
________________________________________________________________________________________
BOLT CATCH / RELEASE:
________________________________________________________________________________________
MAGAZINE RELEASE:
________________________________________________________________________
UPPER RECEIVER
REAR SIGHTS:
No Directional Arrow
Model 601
Recessed Directional Arrow
Model 602
Raised Directional Arrow
Model 603 and Later Models
________________________________________________________________________________________
EJECTION PORT COVERS:
Original Model
Square External Detent Plate
Model 601and 602
Late Model
Rectangular External Detent Plate
Model 603 and Later
________________________________________________________________________
BOLT GROUP
CARRIER/KEY:
________________________________________________________________________________________
FIRING PINS
ORIGINAL HEAVY FLAT HEAD:
MODIFIED LIGHT FLAT HEAD:
CURRENT ROUND HEAD:
________________________________________________________________________________________
BOLTS:
________________________________________________________________________
CHARGING HANDLES
ORIGINAL TRIANGULAR SHAPED:
________________________________________________________________________________________
LATER STYLE:
________________________________________________________________________
HANDGUARD SLIPRINGS
ORIGINAL FLAT / STRAIGHT:
Found on the Model 601-604
_______________________________________________________________________________________
LATER TAPERED:
Not found on any of the Retro Rifles,
but found on some of the "Late" Retro Carbines
________________________________________________________________________
BARRELS (courtesy of M Eklund aka EKIE)
ORIGINAL WINCHESTER BARREL
Used on Colt Model 601
TWIST RATE: 1/14, Broach Cut 6 Groove
MARKINGS: Marked with a single M, and at least one W. Some barrels have the old C in Square proof marking
stamped near the breach. As with other early 1960's Colt barrels some have a sideways S stamp also.
The example above is stamped with two W's, one under the FSB, the other just behind the handguard cap. The M
is stamped on the exposed part of the barrel between the legs of the FSB on the right side. There is also a
witness mark at TDC, and the gas port hole is counter bored
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL COLT BARREL
Used on Colt Model 602
TWIST RATE: 1/12
MARKINGS: Colt’s first batch of in house barrels were proof tested and stamped with Colt's proof stamp a V and
a P in a triangle (Verified Proof), the barrel extension was marked with a C, used from 63-66.
A "12" marking was added just over and inch from the muzzle to differentiate the 1/12 barrels from the 1/14
barrels. Marking was used from 1963-1967.
In 1964 Colt’s began marking a M next to the VP marking meaning the barrel had been magnetic particle tested
after proof firing to find potential flaws in the barrel.
By 1966 barrels were proof marked in the same spot as before, but the proof symbol was changed to a P, so they
now simply read MP, with the M & P run together. This MP marking was moved by 1969.
Starting in October 1967 and prior to serial number 800,000 Colt’s added chrome to the chamber. Chrome
chamber barrels are identified by a C about an inch back from the muzzle rather then the earlier 12. Also note
that along with the "C" mark most of these rifles also had the new bird cage flash suppressor.
By 1969 and before serial number 1,750,XXX Colt's chrome chamber barrels were marked C MP C, and the proof
markings and C were moved to the same spot. This marking was used as late as 1970 or 1971 and serial number
4,552,XXX. The C means Colt’s, the M means Magnetic particle inspected, the P for Proof fired, and the C near
the muzzle for Chrome chamber.
Effective in 1970 or 71 at about serial number 4,700,000 along with the chamber the bores were chromed, early
ones were marked C MP B. The C means Colt’s, the M means Magnetic particle inspected, the P for Proof fired,
and the B for chrome Bore.
Starting in 1974 and after serial number 4,900,000 chrome bores were marked C MP CHROME BORE. This marking
was used until the end of M16A1 production.
________________________________________________________________________
HANDGUARDS
________________________________________________________________________
FRONT SIGHT BASES
Original Armalite Cast FSB
Used on the early models to include:
Model 601, 602, 603/XM16E1
Early Forged FSB
Used on:
Model 603 and 604
The first version of the forged front sight base was
machined smooth to remove forging flash
Production started as early as 1964, and was used
as late as 1969 and serial number 1,750,XXX
Early Ones lack the drain hole for the front sight
Late Forged FSB
Used on:
Model 603
Marked with a raised C and a Bell
The C and a Bell was in use by 1970,
and serial number 4,500,000
________________________________________________________________________
FLASHHIDERS
ORIGINAL 3 PRONG "DUCKBILL":
Used on the Colt Model 601. The lightweight prongs
were prone to bending which led to the creation of
the improved 3 Prong Flashhider.
__________________________________________________________________________________ _____
IMPROVED 3 PRONG:
Used on the Colt Model 602 and 603 / XM16E1.
The prongs were strengthened to prevent bending,
but the open design was prone to snagging on things
in the field which lead to the improved Birdcage Flashhider.
____________________________________________________________________________________ ___
A1 BIRDCAGE:
Used on the Colt Model 603 / M16A1 and later Models.
_______________________________________________________________________
BUTTSTOCKS
The following classification system for Buttstocks was developed by M. Eklund.
The pictures were taken by both M. Richardson and M. Eklund.
_______________________________________________________________________________
TYPE A - ORIGINAL SOLID BODY
Approx the first 100 Stocks were
brown fiberglass, with the later
ones being painted green
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
Original version had a bare metal sling
swivel with front & rear movement,
pinned to the stock body.
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on the "Early" Model 601
TYPE B - IMPROVED SOLID BODY
Brown fiberglass painted green
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
bare metal sling swivel with
front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on
"Late" Model 601 - Brown Painted Green
"Early" Model 602 - Black
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE C - INTERMEDIATE SOLID BODY
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
bare metal sling swivel with
front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used first on the Model 602 in 1963
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE D - FINAL SOLID BODY
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, solid with no hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic
SLING MOUNT:
Rubber/Plastic coated metal sling swivel
with front & rear movement
BODY:
Solid construction
Used on the Model 603 and 604
starting in 1964
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TYPE E - HOLLOW BODY / TRAPDOOR
Black plastic
SCREW:
Short A1 screw, with hole
BUTTPLATE:
Solid one piece plastic, with center opening
SLING MOUNT:
Fixed metal sling mount, attached
to the stock body with a screw
BODY:
Hollow storage compartment
Used with the Model 603 / M16A1
and latter Models starting in 1969
________________________________________________________________________
BUFFER GROUP
BUFFERS:
ORIGINAL EDGEWATER SPRING GUIDE:
Used in the Colt Model 601, 602 and 603 / XM16E1 until Dec 1966
STANDARD RIFLE BUFFER:
Started use in late 1966, some variations do exist in the buffers
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SPRINGS:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TUBES:
ORIGINAL TUBE:
No wrench flats,
hole in tube
STANDARD RIFLE TUBE:
________________________________________________________________________
LOWER RECEIVER
STYLES:
"SLABSIDE":
"PARTIAL FENCE":
"FULL FENCE":
________________________________________________________________________________________
TAKEDOWN / PIVOT PINS:
601 FRONT PIVOT PIN:
TAKEDOWN & PIVOT PINS
WITH "DIVOTS":
TAKEDOWN & PIVOT PINS:
________________________________________________________________________________________
SELECTORS:
ORIGINAL WITH "DIVOTS"
Model 601 and 602
MID-PRODUCTION SELECTOR
Model 603 and later
CURRENT
________________________________________________________________________________________
BOLT CATCH / RELEASE:
________________________________________________________________________________________
MAGAZINE RELEASE:
________________________________________________________________________
UPPER RECEIVER
REAR SIGHTS:
No Directional Arrow
Model 601
Recessed Directional Arrow
Model 602
Raised Directional Arrow
Model 603 and Later Models
________________________________________________________________________________________
EJECTION PORT COVERS:
Original Model
Square External Detent Plate
Model 601and 602
Late Model
Rectangular External Detent Plate
Model 603 and Later
________________________________________________________________________
BOLT GROUP
CARRIER/KEY:
________________________________________________________________________________________
FIRING PINS
ORIGINAL HEAVY FLAT HEAD:
MODIFIED LIGHT FLAT HEAD:
CURRENT ROUND HEAD:
________________________________________________________________________________________
BOLTS:
________________________________________________________________________
CHARGING HANDLES
ORIGINAL TRIANGULAR SHAPED:
________________________________________________________________________________________
LATER STYLE:
________________________________________________________________________
HANDGUARD SLIPRINGS
ORIGINAL FLAT / STRAIGHT:
Found on the Model 601-604
_______________________________________________________________________________________
LATER TAPERED:
Not found on any of the Retro Rifles,
but found on some of the "Late" Retro Carbines
________________________________________________________________________
BARRELS (courtesy of M Eklund aka EKIE)
ORIGINAL WINCHESTER BARREL
Used on Colt Model 601
TWIST RATE: 1/14, Broach Cut 6 Groove
MARKINGS: Marked with a single M, and at least one W. Some barrels have the old C in Square proof marking
stamped near the breach. As with other early 1960's Colt barrels some have a sideways S stamp also.
The example above is stamped with two W's, one under the FSB, the other just behind the handguard cap. The M
is stamped on the exposed part of the barrel between the legs of the FSB on the right side. There is also a
witness mark at TDC, and the gas port hole is counter bored
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
ORIGINAL COLT BARREL
Used on Colt Model 602
TWIST RATE: 1/12
MARKINGS: Colt’s first batch of in house barrels were proof tested and stamped with Colt's proof stamp a V and
a P in a triangle (Verified Proof), the barrel extension was marked with a C, used from 63-66.
A "12" marking was added just over and inch from the muzzle to differentiate the 1/12 barrels from the 1/14
barrels. Marking was used from 1963-1967.
In 1964 Colt’s began marking a M next to the VP marking meaning the barrel had been magnetic particle tested
after proof firing to find potential flaws in the barrel.
By 1966 barrels were proof marked in the same spot as before, but the proof symbol was changed to a P, so they
now simply read MP, with the M & P run together. This MP marking was moved by 1969.
Starting in October 1967 and prior to serial number 800,000 Colt’s added chrome to the chamber. Chrome
chamber barrels are identified by a C about an inch back from the muzzle rather then the earlier 12. Also note
that along with the "C" mark most of these rifles also had the new bird cage flash suppressor.
By 1969 and before serial number 1,750,XXX Colt's chrome chamber barrels were marked C MP C, and the proof
markings and C were moved to the same spot. This marking was used as late as 1970 or 1971 and serial number
4,552,XXX. The C means Colt’s, the M means Magnetic particle inspected, the P for Proof fired, and the C near
the muzzle for Chrome chamber.
Effective in 1970 or 71 at about serial number 4,700,000 along with the chamber the bores were chromed, early
ones were marked C MP B. The C means Colt’s, the M means Magnetic particle inspected, the P for Proof fired,
and the B for chrome Bore.
Starting in 1974 and after serial number 4,900,000 chrome bores were marked C MP CHROME BORE. This marking
was used until the end of M16A1 production.
________________________________________________________________________
HANDGUARDS
________________________________________________________________________
FRONT SIGHT BASES
Original Armalite Cast FSB
Used on the early models to include:
Model 601, 602, 603/XM16E1
Early Forged FSB
Used on:
Model 603 and 604
The first version of the forged front sight base was
machined smooth to remove forging flash
Production started as early as 1964, and was used
as late as 1969 and serial number 1,750,XXX
Early Ones lack the drain hole for the front sight
Late Forged FSB
Used on:
Model 603
Marked with a raised C and a Bell
The C and a Bell was in use by 1970,
and serial number 4,500,000
________________________________________________________________________
FLASHHIDERS
ORIGINAL 3 PRONG "DUCKBILL":
Used on the Colt Model 601. The lightweight prongs
were prone to bending which led to the creation of
the improved 3 Prong Flashhider.
__________________________________________________________________________________ _____
IMPROVED 3 PRONG:
Used on the Colt Model 602 and 603 / XM16E1.
The prongs were strengthened to prevent bending,
but the open design was prone to snagging on things
in the field which lead to the improved Birdcage Flashhider.
____________________________________________________________________________________ ___
A1 BIRDCAGE:
Used on the Colt Model 603 / M16A1 and later Models.
_______________________________________________________________________
RETRO BLACK RIFLE - RIFLE GUIDE - COMPONENT GUIDE
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| ORIGINAL |
| IMPROVED |
An early version of the
Sling Swivel was designed
to rotate 360 degrees.
This Sling Swivel is not
pinned in the center, and
is not interchangeable
with the other sling swivels
Sling Swivel was designed
to rotate 360 degrees.
This Sling Swivel is not
pinned in the center, and
is not interchangeable
with the other sling swivels
| S. Siebler |
| S. Siebler |
| S. Siebler |
| Late / Current |
| Mid |
| Early |
| Late / Current |
| Mid |
| Early |
| Early & Late / Current |
| Early with Divot |
| Colt Model 601 / 602 |
| 601 / Early / Late |
| .223 Cal / 5.56mm MILITARY RIFLE GUIDE |
