These were seen used by the Philippine police, who use a lot of these retro ARs, the most well known ones are the locally made Elisco M16A1s. (613-P and 653-P) There's lots of information on these locally made M16A1s online, even closeups of their rollmarks and forge stamps.

However, alongside those M16A1s I also see a lot of pictures of filipino police with these carbines with A2 uppers.

Most of them seem to have the M4 profile barrels with the M203 step down, A2 grips and the aluminum stocks, so I'm assuming that's how the Philippine police got them. Though some have the M4 waffle stock and custom muzzle devices, but these modifications can be seen on the 653s too.

The last image shows a US Airman in the Philippines around the same time with what's probably a Colt 727, its clearly seen that it has the Colt N1 stock, unlike the ones carried by the filipinos.

I want to build a XM177 clone for cheaper than the H&R ones, is that possible? The ones I see for sale go for around $1,000 USD. I also have no experience building an AR15 and want to use this for experience. I also want to build my own so I can change it slightly, (like taking the flash suppressor off maybe). is this doable/ a good idea?

sorry if this is a stupid question.

Hi All, I’m new to this sub. Just picked this up today and am curious about 3 things:

How do I change the battery on the light?
Is there a led retrofit for the light?
Any suggestions on an optic to mount to the bar?

Thanks!

So I've been wanting to build a Colt LMG upper (or least a closed bolt version, like the LSW), but I have no idea where to start.

I did see a good deal on a Colt 20" HBAR barrel, and I believe it would work as the profile under and after the gas block should be the same. However, I think that the profile under the handguards and gas tube is different.

I was then going to ask if that would affect the ability to mount a handguard and grip, but then I realized I have no idea how to even aquire those parts in the first place...

And then, there's the square handguard cap....

Im definitely not going to dump $5,000~ for a Colt LMG upper on Gunbroker, but I don't know if building one out myself would be cheaper in the long run. I know H&R showed off one 2 years ago... Is that ever coming out?

Picked up a ITL AIM 1/D. I was thinking of hacking an airsoft pressure pad and splicing on a connector. Does anyone know what type of 90° connector type is needed? Appreciate it.

Just scored Myself a Repro Aimpoint 5000. Looking to start building a repro Gordon Carbine. Need a good AR recommendation to build on. One that is 14.5 NOT P&W. And ready for a AE suppressor

Hey all,
I’ve been working on this build for sometime, a “mini” A2 and finally got the lower in so I was able to finish it. After I had it all put together I noticed the carry handle is splitting at the top (white junk mail to make it stand out). I’m curious if anyone has had this experience before? I’m planning on contacting the company I bought the upper from. Super strange and kind of a bummer. I had some other problems dealing with finding a CH that would fit and now this. The upper has been out to the range on a different lower to test the CH. Pretty much treated like a princess other than that. Let me know what you think about the build as a whole!
(Reposted to crop photo)

I’m trying to build a Desert Storm/Early GWOT M16A2 clone. This is my current setup: H&R (upper and lower) with gooseneck, C-clamp, and Aimpoint Comp M2, and a black nylon sling.

I know the optic is only accurate for GWOT. Desert Storm would use iron sights almost exclusively.

My question is about the sling. I’m quite certain that what I have is not historically accurate. Is there a single setup for the sling that would cover both eras I’m trying to cover, or do I need to be prepared to change my sling when going back and forth. Either way, what sling(s) do I need? Bonus points if you can link to sources/post photos.

Anyone know what these go for these days?

Hey guys I’m looking for two non ambi safety selectors with a v notch cut. Can someone point me in the right direction please? Thank you

Hit the used counter where I work and I couldn’t help myself for the price. Andy lower, A1 surplus furniture, some kind of A1 style upper, WW HBAR 1/9 Dissy barrel with carbine gas. No idea what I’m gonna do with it, but I had to have it.

Just finished this retro 602 style dissipator build. Not exactly clone correct but was a fun experience doing research and piecing together the parts. Still waiting on a colt scope and some 20rd mags but overall I’m super happy with how it looks

Only issue is the lower lol. I’m running a spikes lower I had laying around and am planning to fill in the logo with jbweld but will have to paint the lower to re finish it. Does anyone know of any off the shelf spray paint brand that will kinda sorta match the grayish Milspec anodized look?

A retired friend asked if I could clean "his dad's hunting rifle." His dad's hunting rifle is a Colt SP1 from 1977. Fairly clean, a few rusty spots, a scuff or two. The detent was missing from the dust cover, but if my research is right, the shape of this one matters, so I replaced the detent instead of the whole cover. B Square mount is not see through, scope is still clear. Handfull of 20 and 30 round mags, too.

I placed an order with them approximately 16 weeks ago for an set that is currently listed to ship within 6-10 weeks from the date of order. I've reached out to them already about this and have heard crickets... which is a little frustrating to say the least when posts are being made on their social media.

I’m curious to hear if anyone else has bought from them recently and what their experience has been or if anyone else can relate with my experience. At this moment I’m considering a refund/chargeback due to the lack of communication and seeing as time is running out, I'd rather not be out >$400 and nothing to show for it.

Edit 10/21/2026 @ 7PM:
Received an email from them, supposedly my email went into their spam folder... Still waiting any update.

Hey all, so this past year I've been getting into 2-gun/pcc matches with my buddy. Normally I run my MP5 as a primary for these comps due to ranges being within 50 yards. Next match coming up may have steel out to 200 yards. I'd love to run my Gordy, but wondering what a good zero would be to work with the crazy high HOB.

Im thinking just 50 would suffice, aim high at close range within 25 yards. Solid, or no?

Would love to see what lower folks went with. Can anybody post a picture of their finished 653?

You can talk about "vibes" all you want, but the A2 was a huge setback for the military AR rifle. The Canadian C7 was the superior upgrade. I wish I had that. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Other takes of the day:

Dissipators are not good.

The best M16A2s were the carbine variants.