CAR-15 BUILD LOG
The Story
Ente has always been a firearms enthusiast and interested in history, especially World War I, World War II and The Vietnam War. Ever since he first used the Commando in Call of Duty Black Ops he wanted one of his own.
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
What is a CAR-15/XM177/Commando?
The Colt Automatic Rifle-15 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.
The CAR-15 name was an attempt to re-associate the AR-15 name with Colt, since the AR initially stood for Armalite the original manufacturer of the AR-15.
The Colt Commando was an outgrowth of the CAR-15 Military Weapons System, as a result of interest by the U.S. Army for a fully developed weapon. It was introduced by Colt's in 1966 in response to the US military's desire for a shorter M16. Colt engineer Rob Roy designed a simpler two-position telescoping tubular aluminum buttstock to replace the complicated extending triangular version. The triangular handguards were replaced by reinforced round handguards. Each half of the round handguard is identical, simplifying logistics by not requiring a top/bottom or left/right pair.
The XM177 uses a unique flash suppressor sometimes called a flash or sound moderator for its 10-inch barrel. This device is 4.2 inches long and was designed primarily as a counterbalance measure as the shorter barrel makes the weapon unwieldy. This device reduces flash signature greatly and sound signature slightly, making the normally louder short barreled carbine sound like a longer barreled M16A1.
After the Vietnam War, Colt abandoned the CAR-15 Modular Weapon System concept, but continued to develop short barrel carbines.
Why build one?
Ever since Ente first played Call of Duty Black Ops as a boy he has been a big fan of the weapons of the Vietnam & Cold War era, he also watched a lot of the History Channel growing up. After researching and building his M16A1 he has been interested in the CAR-15. Maltz spoke with Ente about building a Commando or XM177E2 and Ente drew up a parts list for Maltz. Maltz changed his mind and went with a modern M4 Carbine with free floating handguard that Ente had purchased and rebuilt. Since Ente had made a parts list and reproduction and new parts are available he decided to build one for himself.
The Commando in Black Ops was a flat top receiver with a flip up iron sight and no long flash suppressor. Ente decided against building that version, for now, as he wanted a close to historically accurate buddy for his M16. Maybe one day he will build another upper for the lower as he has a few flattop receivers kicking around but for now he prefers the carry handle drip.
Ente built his CAR-15 for less than $650 USD with new & reproduction parts.
(Tools not included in that price.)
How did he do it?
If you have read the ‘M16A1 Build Log’ then some of this next information will be familiar to you.
Ente was referred to RangeTool who has been amazing to work with, RangeTool founded in 2010 is based out of Northern Minnesota and source all their materials locally in the USA. There was an issue with Ente’s order of the M16A1 upper receiver and they were prompt to respond and ship a replacement and paid for return shipping. Their customer service is impeccable! Ente ordered another M16 upper receiver for the CAR-15 build as it is based off the M16 platform.
After ordering the receiver he still needed the rest of the rifle, after some more searching around he found Linemount, a USA based company who offers retro firearm parts including M16. He sourced the handguard and flash suppressor from them and their prices are modest and quality is top notch.
Ente knew the CAR-15 came originally with a 20 round magazine so he went to Duramag and ordered their C Products Defense 20 Round Magazine and of course he got plenty of standard issue 30 round magazines for range days and training but wanted the original look with the 20 round mag for display purpose.
For the rest of the build he decided to go to Palmetto State Armory for a majority of the remaining parts. He went with the PSA Stealth Lower Receiver and a Harrington & Richardson CAR-15 Buffer Tube & Stock assembly and an M16A1 lower parts kit. He also got the PSA Carbine Length Gastube and a PSA AR-15 10.5" Barrel. Lastly he got the PSA Charging Handle and Toolcraft Bolt Carrier Group came together as a bundle.
Accessories
Ente originally was going to go with an M16 standard issue style sling but after doing some more research on the CAR-15 and MAC-V SOG Forces that worked behind enemy lines in Vietnam, he found they fashioned their own slings. The MAC-V SOG would make their slings out of Canteen straps and 550 Paracord. Ente got a Condor canteen/general purpose strap, removed the metal clips and used paracord to finish his sling.
After a few months of research, careful planning, sourcing parts and tools, the build was finished.
A list of parts and tools used can be found below. For those who want to build their own CAR-15.
Note: The barrel on the original CAR-15 was 10 inches and the flash suppressor was 4.2 inches. The barrel used in this project was 10.5 inches and the reproduction flash suppressor is 4 inches. Overall the length is hair longer than a quarter inch different.
Thank you for reading if you made it this far!
-Ente & Maltz
Founders of Functional Reserve Militia
Built in America by American hands with American Made Parts.
ENTE’S CAR-15
Parts:
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Upper Receiver
A1 Upper Receiver with Rear Sights, Forward Assist and Dust Cover
Founded in 2010 residing in Northern Minnesota, Range Tool Company has been supplying OEMs and Brands across the country in the firearm industry.
Product Made in USA
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Lower Receiver
Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Stealth Lower Receiver Stripped
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Handguard
Linemount XM177 Handguard
Linemount is dedicated to providing hard-to-find, high-quality firearm parts and accessories for responsible shooters and enthusiasts.
United States based company
Product Made in Taiwain
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Magazine
C Products Defense 20 Round Magazine
The DURAMAG® story begins with the creation of C Products Defense, Inc. established in Bradenton, Florida in 2011. The company started with the creation of new magazine designs and fresh production techniques. CPD’s work continued with the purchase of all new equipment, tooling, and molds.
Product Made in USA
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Buffer Tube Assembly
Harrington & Richardson Retro CAR Stock Assembly
Harrington & Richardson is an American firearms company founded in 1871, originally as Wesson & Harrington, that manufactures handguns, shotguns, and rifles for over 100 years. Producing Garands considered by collectors to be some of the finest ever made. During the Vietnam War, H&R again answered the call to produce rifles for US forces.
Product Made in USA
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Barrel
PSA AR-15 10.5" Barrel
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Muzzle Device
4-Inch XM177 Style Extended Flash Hider
Linemount is dedicated to providing hard-to-find, high-quality firearm parts and accessories for responsible shooters and enthusiasts.
Product Made in USA
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Gas Tube
PSA Carbine Legnth Gas Tube
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Charging Handle
PSA AR-15 Charging Handle
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Bolt Carrier Group
Toolcraft Nitride Full-Auto Bolt Carrier Group
Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible. Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering.
Product Made in USA
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Parts Kit
Harrington & Richardson M16A1 Lower Parts Kit
Harrington & Richardson is an American firearms company founded in 1871, originally as Wesson & Harrington, that manufactures handguns, shotguns, and rifles for over 100 years. Producing Garands considered by collectors to be some of the finest ever made. During the Vietnam War, H&R again answered the call to produce rifles for US forces.
Product Made in USA
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Sling
Condor General Purpose Sling
Condor's mission is to produce functional, affordable and innovative outfitting worldwide to Military, Law Enforcement, Public Safety Workers and Outdoor Survialists & Enthusiasts.
Product Made in USA
Recommended Tools:
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Upper Reciever Rod
Midwest Industries Upper Reciever Rod
Midwest Industries was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the second amendment. Since the company was founded, their goal has been to provide high-quality parts with innovative features at a price point that is attractive for all levels of income.
Product Made in USA
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Handguard Tool
Midwest Industries Handguard Removal Tool
Midwest Industries was founded in 2003 by two partners in the precision machining industry, united by a lifelong belief in American-made products, American values, and the second amendment. Since the company was founded, their goal has been to provide high-quality parts with innovative features at a price point that is attractive for all levels of income.
Product Made in USA
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Vise Block
Pro Mag Lower Receiver Magazine Well Vise Block
Dedicated to only turning out superior products for dependable performance has held true since their conception. In fact, ProMag is one of the leading manufacturers of handgun magazines in the world.
Product Made in USA
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Armorer's Wrench
Magpul Armorer's Wrench
Our name comes from our original product, the Magpul, which aids in the reloading of mags during combat. Founded by a Marine in 1999.
Product Made in USA
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Pin Punch Set
W Wiregear Pin Punch Set
W Wiregear is a brand that makes tools for installing and adjusting handgun sights. Their products include sight tools and pin punch sets.
Product Made in USA
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Pin Starter Punch Set
Wheeler Engineering Pin Starter Punch Set
For over two decades, Wheeler has consistently provided rugged, high-quality tools and accessories that the pros use, to build and maintain firearms. Each product reflects our history of innovation, ensuring that our tools will last a lifetime. We are known for our unwavering commitment to providing tools that are made to build and built to last.
Product Made in USA
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Center Punch Set
WHLLING Center Punch Set
Established in 2016, WHILLING have done offline business operation for many years, their company is dedicated to hand tools, crafts & equipment.
Product Made in China
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Takedown Pin Install Tool
WHILLING Takedown Pin Install Tool
Established in 2016, WHILLING have done offline business operation for many years, their company is dedicated to hand tools, crafts & equipment.
Product Made in China
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Headspace Gauges
Forster Products 5.56 Headspace Gauges
Forster Products has been making some of the world's most popular precision reloading and gunsmithing tools for over 80 years.
Product Made in USA
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Hex Key
Eklind Tool 3/16" Hex T-Handle Wrench
Founded in 1923, Eklind Tool Company is your complete source for the highest quality, professional grade tools.
Product Made in USA
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Snap Ring Pliers
SK Snap Ring Pliers
An american brand, since 1914. Innovating for American Professionals since day one. High quality precision-crafted tools. We continue or commitment to quality innovation for the world's toughest professionals. Tools that work as hard as you do.
Product Made in USA
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Building/Cleaning Mat
2F22E Building/Cleaning Mat
The pattern on the work cleaning mat is very clear, including complex disassembly steps and details. Experience Ultimate Convenience! This cleaning pad is made from eco-friendly, resilient materials, ensuring a scratch-free, durable surface for safe and effective maintenance.
Product Made in China
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Rifle Builder's Manual
AR-15 Rifle Builder's Manual
Rob spent his professional writing career as the editor of several national automotive, off-road and outdoor magazines (including Mustang Monthly, Mustang Enthusiast, Jp, J Rations and Heartland USA), and as a freelance writer, columnist (Guns & Ammo, Petersen's Hunting and Outdoor Life) and photographer.
Product Made in USA
Extras:
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Pistol Grip Plug
MLLL Pistol Grip Plug
Plug has special cavity for storing CR2023 battery and small Allen wrench. You can also store larger battery for your electronic optics, or any smaller object you will need to have quickly accessible. This plug will also prevent dirt from entering the grip. This plug should fit snugly any fits standard A1 or A2 grip. The plug prevents debris from lodging in the cavity of the grip and functions as a shock absorbing pad to protect the when setting the down on hard surfaces.
Product Made in USA
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Threadlocker
Permatex Orange High Strength Removable Threadlocker
Orange Thread locker can be removed with hand tools and does not require heating to achieve removal
Permatex Orange Thread locker ensures that pieces will not loosen or back out over time. 3X the strength of Blue Thread locker, Ideal for High Vibration Applications. Use for: Automobiles, Motorcycles, Heavy Equipment, Marine and Industrial Applications
Product Made in USA
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Adhesive Ceramic Cement
Rocksett
Popular for muzzle brakes / recoil compensators and suppressors, Keeps assemblies from vibrating loose. Electrical insulation - for both A.C. and D.C. up to 20 Radio MHz. Non-Toxic - odorless - non-flammable - Long Shelf life. Stands with oil, fuels, acids and alkalis. No Mixing or priming required.
Product Made in USA
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Speed Loaders
Military Speed Loader Stripper Clips
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA -
Cleaning Kit
Military M16//M4 Cleaning Kit
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA -
Gas Tube Cleaners
16″ Gas Tube Cleaners for M16/M4
Devil Dog Depot provides high-quality Marine Corps products and outstanding service to our brothers and sisters across the nation and around the world. Their Mission is to provide our customers with an excellent selection of USMC products, fast shipping, competitive prices and our signature 5-Star customer service.
Product Made in USA
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