The History

We’ve always been a firearms enthusiasts and interested in history, especially World War I, World War II and The Vietnam War.

U.S. Navy SEAL with Colt Commando

Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Mark Blasen, member of SEAL Team 4 in a training exercise.

April 1985

USAF Combat Control Team member with GAU-5A/A

Member of 1st Special Operations Wing USAF Combat Control Team armed with a GAU-5 rifle, in a training exercise.

April 26th 1981

Build Log:

XM177E1 - Replica

Model 609

The Colt Automatic Rifle or CAR-15 is a family of M16 rifle–based firearms that was marketed by Colt in the 1960s and early 1970s. However, the term "CAR-15" is most commonly associated with the Colt Commando/XM177.

Caliber - 5.56x45 NATO / .223 Remington

Overall Length - 33 Inches / 83.82cm

Weight - 8 LBS / 3.62 Kg

Notes: Loaded - 30 Round Magazine, Sling & Light

Parts Specifications:

Barrel

10.5" Carbine Barrel Assembly

Length - 10.5 Inches

Profile - Government

1:7 Rifling Twist

Manufacturer - Palmetto State Armory

Notes: 1/2x28 Thread

Muzzle Device‍

XM177 Flash Hider

Manufacturer - Linemount

Notes: 1/2x28 Thread

Gas Tube‍

Carbine Length Gas Tube

‍Manufacturer - Palmetto State Armory

Upper Receiver‍

M16A1 Complete Upper Receiver‍

‍Manufacturer - LUTH AR

Charging Handle

Milspec AR-15 Charging Handle

‍Manufacturer - Palmetto State Armory

Bolt Carrier Group

5.56 Phosphate MPI Full-Auto Bolt Carrier Group

Manufacturer - Toolcraft

Notes: Chrome Lined Gas Key; Hardened to USGI Specifications

Handguard

XM177 Handguard

Manufacturer - Linemount

Lower Receiver‍

Stealth Lower Receiver

Manufacturer - Palmetto State Armory

Notes: A2 Profile

Fire Control Group

ARC Fire 3-Position Fire Control Group

Manufacturer - AS Designs

Notes: Safe, Semi-Auto, Full Semi-Auto

Lower Parts Kit

AR-15 Milspec Lower Parts Kit

Manufacturer - KAK Industry

Receiver Extension

Carbine Length Buffer Tube

Carbine Length Buffer Spring

Manufacturer - Palmetto State Armory

Buffer Weight

H3 Carbine Length Buffer

Manufacturer - KAK Industry

Notes: Buffer Weight: 5.5 oz

Pistol Grip‍

A1 Grip

Manufacturer - Linemount

Stock‍

CAR-15 Aluminum Stock

Manufacturer - Harrington & Richardson

Magazine

USGI Style 30-Round Magazine

Manufacturer - Brownells

Attachments / Accessories

Sling

USGI GP Strap & Paracord

Light

M600

Manufacturer - Surefire

Tools Used / Recommended Tools

Bench Vice

Notes: Needed for holding receivers in place during assembly.

Upper Receiver Rod

Notes: Keeps barrel secure while torquing barrel nut(very important), installing muzzle devices and keeps upper receiver stable while installing sights/optics.

Handguard Tool

Notes: Makes install & removal of handguards far easier on rifles with Slip & Delta rings.

Lower Receiver Vise Block

AR-15 Armorer's Wrench

Notes: Needed for barrel nut and buffer tube installs, helps with muzzle devices that are compatible.

Torque Wrench

Notes: Needed for installation of barrel nut.

Pin Starter Punch Set

Notes: Helps with installing trickier roll pins such as bolt catch or trigger guard.

Pin Punch Set

Center Punch Set

Notes: Needed for staking endplates / castle nuts on carbine buffer tubes.

Takedown Pin Install Tool

Notes: Greatly decreases the difficulty of installing front takedown pins without losing detents / springs.

3/16" Hex T-Handle Wrench

Notes: Allows easy access for removal & installation of pistol grips ensuring proper torque for installation.

Snap Ring Pliers

Notes: Needed for indexing snap ring that holds Slip / Delta ring while installing gas tube into upper receiver on milspec barrel nuts.

5.56 NATO Headspace Gauges

Notes: Used for ensuring proper chamber headspace between your bolt and barrel.

A list of parts and tools used can be found below. For those who want to build their own XM177E1.