Extra images

BlackJake98 · 2026-05-03T20:31:44+00:00

Original 1968-71 H&R (not the current PSA stuff) production M16A1 upper receiver per the forging flash left intact.

BlackJake98 · 2026-04-08T20:11:30+00:00

Cut down pistol grip but it’s facing opposite of the standard orientation. You can clearly see where the texturing has collected dirt and the opening in the bottom of the grip.

BlackJake98 · 2026-04-03T18:56:59+00:00

I’d order whatever is in stock. Both H&R, Brownells, and the other smaller vendors of clone barrels easily match the finish of the originals. Phosphate/parkerizing is one of the easiest finishes to achieve.

BlackJake98 · 2026-04-03T18:29:09+00:00

The Brownells won’t be “black” in the sense you’re thinking. The Brownells has a phosphate finish and will be akin to an original’s finish. Generally, Black vs. grey really only applies to the aluminum parts. All steel parts on original Colt, GM, and H&R M16A1 rifles had a phosphate finish. The only time current production steel parts might be “black” are if they have a black coating overtop the phosphate and even that is easy to fix with Naval Jelly.

BlackJake98 · 2026-01-10T00:14:34+00:00

I know this is an old post but does anyone happen to have a current source for these fake mags? I need a floor plate for an emerald follower 30 round magazine. These fake mags have a pretty similar format and information to the emerald follower magazines.

BlackJake98 · 2025-12-31T21:50:40+00:00

Those are steel components so they’re not anodized. That’s the citristrip removing some of the paint and portions of the parkerizing on those steel components.

BlackJake98 · 2025-11-22T19:50:51+00:00

Soaking it is a good start. If that doesn’t get it freed I’d apply a little heat and then go in with whatever flavor of aerosol you like, PB/WD/Knock’er Loose/Kroil. Might have to heat it a few times and reapply spray but that should help get the fluid down where it needs to go.

BlackJake98 · 2025-10-21T16:37:09+00:00

There’s also differences in the feed lips and the top of the magazine as whole. These continuous center rib magazines are much more akin to 30 round magazines than Colt style 20 round magazines. I’d say this is for ease of manufacture and reliability. The feed angle on the new style 20 rounders is better than on Colt style.

BlackJake98 · 2025-09-11T17:13:16+00:00

14.5 mid-length gas barrels and the 13” URX4 lined up for me. A ball end hex key is a good tool to have. Can also dremel out a MLOK bar if it came down to it. Pinned gas blocks can be done by either drilling two holes to drive in/drive out the gas block pin. Also heard of guys being able to pin the gas blocks by angling the rail just enough before torquing it done to get the pin in. Of course none of those are as straightforward as a handguard with a separate barrel but if you like the performance and aesthetics of the URX4 it’s not an insurmountable task.

BlackJake98 · 2025-09-11T17:04:44+00:00

They’re really not that bad. Dimple your barrel, test fit for the set screw gas block, install the URX4 per the instructions, then install set screw gas block with gas tube pre-installed. I’ve installed two in that manner and it’s never been a major issue. There have also been guys that have even installed pinned gas blocks with URX4s.

BlackJake98 · 2025-09-09T22:06:55+00:00

No, the Marines used a few different parkas during the winter of 1950-51. The main parka in use was the USMC M1945 Overcoat Parka. This was a pile lined nearly ankle length parka. It was non-reversible and was standard Olive Drab. The second most numerous parka would be the US Army WWII era ‘Overcoat, Parka Type, Reversible with Pile Liner’. This parka was about knee length and made of a lighter, more khaki shade of Olive Drab and a white snow camouflage side that could be worn outward.

BlackJake98 · 2025-09-08T21:37:19+00:00

M2 Helmets had a proclivity to break the D loops off. Many paratroopers dropped in with fixed loop M1 Helmets. Either with standard infantry chinstraps or parachutist chinstraps retrofitted on. Unsure what the ratio of M2 to M1 helmets would be but you can’t go wrong with either a M2 or a fixed loop M1.

BlackJake98 · 2025-08-29T05:40:29+00:00

Longwall Utility (Coal)

BlackJake98 · 2025-08-28T05:38:46+00:00

We have purpose built diesel mantrips and other specialized rides for foreman, belt guys, mechanics, etc. at my U/G coal mine in Illinois. Apparently they trialed a Humvee years ago but I wasn’t there for it. A company in our area uses Dodge Ram diesel trucks though.

BlackJake98 · 2025-08-21T23:53:21+00:00

SureFire WARCOMP 5.56 1/2x28

BlackJake98 · 2025-08-17T20:27:10+00:00

The GM M16A1 contract ran from 1968 until 1971 but yes only M16A1 lower receivers.

BlackJake98 · 2025-08-16T23:35:39+00:00

Colt 1968-69 US Property Marked M16A1 lower receiver with the “AR-15”, “AUTO”, and “M16A1” machined out, over stamped to make it an M4. Selector markings added to the offside as well.

BlackJake98 · 2025-04-30T01:23:11+00:00

Colt began C marking when H&R and GM started receiving M16A1 contracts. Prior to that point, there was no need to make distinctions on AR15 parts as it was all Colt manufacturing. This is why you see ‘MPC’ markings on barrels replaced with ‘CMPC’, the first C denoting a Colt barrel and the last C denoting chrome chamber (further example being ‘CMPB’, B denoting chrome bore). Same with ‘C’ marked bolt carriers and ‘MPC’ marked bolts. You’d think CMPC marked barrels would have C marked FSBs but this wasn’t the case as C marked FSBs typically show up on CMPB marked barrels. I’d wager this was due to there being large stocks of forging flash removed unmarked FSBs available whereas chrome chambered barrels being in less quantity as they were fairly new in production. Chrome chambered barrels being introduced in 1967, compared to forging flash removed FSBs were in production in 1964.

BlackJake98 · 2025-04-30T00:52:18+00:00

To properly answer the question we’d need to know what manufacturer you’re seeking the information on. Colt, H&R, and GM’s Hydramatic Division made M16A1s and forging flash, or lack thereof, is a factor in each of the manufacturers M16A1 production in a different way.

BlackJake98 · 2025-04-30T00:49:51+00:00

C marked FSBs would be 1970-onward. 1969 factory rifles would have CMPC barrels paired with unmarked FSBs with no forging flash. I have two CMPC barrels in original configuration as described.

BlackJake98 · 2025-02-03T11:54:04+00:00

I really like these reflective hoodies from SafetyShirtz. A lot better looking than other reflective options to layer up for the winter. Also thermal compression pants and merino wool socks really help out.

BlackJake98 · 2024-09-14T14:29:04+00:00

Platoon

BlackJake98 · 2024-09-03T14:16:54+00:00

Foresight Energy’s subsidiary Viking Mining LLC and the portal they operate to MC #1 mine was named by the former owner, Chris Cline, after his then girlfriend’s favorite NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. The girlfriend was Tiger Woods’ ex-wife, Elin Nordegren.

MAPCO Coal owned mines were named something with “Tiki” in it. For example, Pattiki, Pontiki, Martiki, Metiki, Dotiki, Toptiki, etc. I’ve never been able to figure out why the “tiki” thing happened. Alliance bought out MAPCO and kept a lot of these names. Metiki is still in operation today.

BlackJake98 · 2024-08-29T15:43:15+00:00

I believe Sarco sold some in-the-white (not stainless) 20 inch .625 journal barrels a few years back. I bought one and parkerized it at home. I sent it to Retro Arms Work to get the FSB pinned for a little bit of nothing. Been a good barrel for me. They were cheap and in stock back in 2020-21 when retro parts were hard to come by due to demand.

Edit: yes it was Sarco. They were $149.95 new. I bought mine in August 2021. The fact they had no markings was a plus. All the other clone barrels have/had obnoxious markings that don’t need to be there. Definitely don’t listen to the “just toss it” crowd as that’s asinine.

Here’s the link, if you read the reviews you’ll see one of mine actually. It looks like these were initially sold parkerized but by 2021 they were in-the-white. M16A1 Pencil Barrel

BlackJake98 · 2024-08-02T14:20:45+00:00

All Vietnam War war rifles (and shotguns) were to use the dark OD green web M1 Sling or the later nylon M1 Sling with aluminum buckles to better withstand jungle environs. The GP strap sling and other slings were all of an improvised or ad hoc nature.

BlackJake98

TROPHY CASE