In the event you’ve seen any of my posts over the previous couple of years you’ll know I’m a fan of retro M16 clones. It’s all the time good to see extra components choices in the marketplace, and I simply noticed that B. King Firearms (BKF) in Ohio simply introduced a sequence of full assembled lowers with assorted M16 markings.
M16A2 Lowers
B. King is providing three completely different M16A2 marked lowers, in addition to an M4A1 marked mannequin. The lowers are machined from U.S.A. sourced 7075-T6 Aluminum and have a black anodized end. They use all a BKF mil spec decrease components package that’s totally assembled with an A2 grip.
The M16A2 CQB mannequin relies on the early XM4 carbines and is fitted with an a BKF M4 mil spec carbine buffer tube meeting, a BKF CQB sliding carbine inventory and A2 grip and wears “Property of US Govt.” markings in addition to “Secure, Semi, Burst” security selector markings. “B. King Firearms. Lima, OH” can be engraved above the selector markings. MSRP is $150.
The usual M16A2 carbine has just about the identical options however makes use of a BKF M4 sliding carbine inventory as an alternative. MSRP can be $150.
The M16A2 Rifle makes use of the identical decrease and A2 grip however incorporates a BKF rifle buffer tube meeting and mil spec BKF A2 rifle inventory. MSRP for the rifle decrease is $196.
The M4A1 decrease is the most recent within the line of retro lowers. It shares a lot of the options because the M16A2 carbine decrease, however differs within the markings. Fairly than M16A2 it’s marked “M4A1 Carbine” and has security selector markings that learn “Secure, Semi, Auto”. MSRP on the M4A1 lowers is $199.
M16A1 Lowers
BKF additionally lists two M16A1 marked lowers, though they aren’t exhibiting in inventory as of this writing. They include a M16A1 CQB carbine and an M16A1 rifle. The options are much like their M16A2 counterparts however they’re marked M16A1 and have the “Secure, Semi, Auto” security selector markings. The carbine comes with a CQB inventory and M4 buffer tube, and the rifle has a rifle buffer tube and glued A1 size inventory. The CQB carbine decrease is $200 and the M16A1 rifle decrease is priced at $240.
Now, for purists I’ve to level out that whereas these are M16A1 marked, they’re A2 forgings. Additionally they are sporting B5 Methods LS 2 grips. The LS2 is an improve over a regular A1 grip, though not correct to a inventory GI rifle from the A1 interval. The buttstock additionally seems to be a Cav Arms, or Cav Arms model, mannequin and the rear sling swivel minimize out is completely different from a GI buttstock. Fairly certain they use an A2 buttplate as nicely, though I can’t inform for certain from these pics. They’re A1 size nonetheless.
So, it relies upon how clone appropriate you’re taking pictures for. A few of my builds do use A2 lowers with markings that may really be appropriate for an A1 or rifle that may have an A1-profile decrease. And I occur to love the B5 LS2 grip so much, and have added them to a few of my retro builds. I’m okay with that relying on the mission. In the event you’re searching for a construct with retro aptitude, and aren’t apprehensive in regards to the minutia, then these will nonetheless be a fantastic base in your rifle or carbine.
Retro Lowers at Reasonably priced Costs
B. King Firearms is a veteran-owned firm, and their retro lowers provide a very good worth in your mil spec construct, particularly contemplating they use U.S.-sourced components and U.S. meeting. I’ve used a very good little bit of BKF small components like decrease components kits and buffer assemblies in my builds, they usually’ve labored nicely. BKF additionally does full retro rifles and different retro elements like higher components and full higher assemblies. I’ve been that means to take a look at their XM4 clones once they come again in inventory, or possibly I’ll find yourself grabbing one in every of these assembled lowers and put collectively one myself.
For extra data on B. King’s retro lowers or different retro AR rifles and elements, take a look at their web site at bkingsfirearms.com.
