M16A2 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 saw the iconic profile of the M16A2 he wanted one of his own.
U.S. Army Capt. John Arthur, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment
U.S. Army Europe's Best Junior Officer Competition July 25th 2012
Grafenwoehr - Germany
Why build one?
Well first of all, cost. An actual M16 can cost a pretty penny. Ente built his for less than $700 USD with new & reproduction parts.
(Tools not included in that price.)
Also after Ente built his M16A1 he figured it needed a friend, one is none right? He also enjoyed the M16A2 in Call of Duty Advanced Warfare & Black Ops Cold War. He also really liked the look of them in Black Hawk Down.
How did he do it?
Building the M16A2 was quite easy when it came to sourcing parts as they are still prolific and the rifle is still in service today.
Ente went to Luth AR to get the A2 Upper Receiver. Then He went to Palmetto State Armory to get a Stealth Lower Receiver and an A2 Freedom 20" Rifle Kit.
Ente went to Brownell's to get a Stanag 30-Round magazine, or 20.
After sourcing all the parts Ente had to remove the barrel from the A4 receiver and got to building. He ran into an issue part of the way through, his PSA parts kit came with 2 Hammer Springs and no Trigger spring. Luckily he had other parts kits around for other builds and after robbing one he soldiered on. PSA customer service was great and sent a replacement for the missing spring. After getting the rifle assembled he oiled all the friction surfaces and fire control group. After wiping away excess lubricant he used some OD Green Gaffer's tape on the stock and magazine emulating some of the rifles that have seen service.
After it was completed he used headspace gauges to check the chamber clearance to ensure the rifle was safe to operate.
Accessories
Ente sourced a barrel mount flashlight holder and got a Magpul MS1 Ranger Green Two-Point Rifle sling to use while carrying the rifle during training drills.
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 M16A2.
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 M16A2
Parts:
-
Upper Receiver
Luth AR A2 Assembled Upper Receiver
The Luth name is synonymous with Experience, Expertise, Knowledge, Innovation, and has been a driving force in the firearm industry for close to 40 years. Starting as a machinist 40 years ago Randy Luth founded D.P.M.S. / Panther Arms and grew the company to become one of the leading manufacturers of AR-15 firearms and firearm components in the world.
Product Made in USA
-
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
-
Magazine
Brownells 30 Round Aluminum Magazine
In the 1920s and 1930s, Bob Brownell was a middle-America businessman who owned and managed a gas station and sandwich shop in his small hometown, Montezuma, Iowa. In his free time, Bob was a devoted shooter and outdoorsman who enjoyed repairing and customizing firearms. He started by working on his own guns, but news of his talent spread quickly and he soon began accepting jobs from friends. In 1973, Brownells moved into its first purpose-built facility, where it remains today.
Product Made in USA
-
Parts Kit
PSA 20" Rifle Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride A2 Freedom Rifle Kit
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
-
Sling
Magpul MS1 Sling in Ranger Green
Their name comes from their original product, the Magpul, which aids in the reloading of mags during combat. Founded by a Marine in 1999.
Product Made in USA
-
Front Sight Rail Mount
Tuff Zone Front Sight Double Rail Mount
Product Origin Unknown
Recommended Tools:
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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:
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 Butt Stock 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
Disclaimer: FRM may receive a commission from some of the above links. Any commission made from these referrals are intended to support our production costs and we only refer trusted and personally tested items.We are not professional gunsmiths. We do not provide information that is intentionally incorrect however, mistakes can be made. Our content is made to be historical, educational and entertaining. We are not responsible for any property damage, injury or loss of life if any of the information provided is misused or any activities shown are replicated. Stay safe and exercise caution when handling firearms & tools.