[318is_Parabellum]

I built an "A1" clone with a mil-surp Vietnam-era M16 upper (bought at Knob Creek) for my VN vet Dad a few years back. I liked it so much, I procured another Colt VN-era upper and built one myself on a Colt Lightweight Sporter Lower -- it really looks the part, especially with the canvas sling.

My last trip to Knob Creek a couple of years ago netted me a genuine GI surplus M16A2 upper made by FN. I built that one up on a Stag lower. Both rifles shoot great, but the A2 clone's FN upper looked new when I bought it. It had been 'demil-ed' by removing the forward assist. 5 minutes and $12 took care of that.

I really like my A2 build, because that is the rifle I was issued while I was in the Army, but I far and away prefer my A1 build...so light, handy, and plenty accurate considering the upper very likely saw lots of use!

I have to add that I bought all three GI surplus uppers for $180 each! I've less than $500 in each of three builds I've done so far. Next will be a VN-era XM-177 clone, and then a flat-top M4 type. ARs are addictive too! I do prefer the 20" rifles, though. The 5.56 round performs much better out of a 20in barrel...