The Colt M16A1 Retro Re-Issue — a collector-grade Vietnam-era reproduction semi-automatic rifle built by Colt on the original A1 pattern, with authentic triangular handguards, three-prong flash hider, and "Property of US Government" M16A1 markings.
The M16A1 was adopted by the US Army in 1967 as the standardized combat rifle of the Vietnam War, succeeding the early-issue M16 (no forward assist) after fielding lessons from 1965–66. The A1 added the forward assist, a chromed chamber and bore to address the ammunition-corrosion fouling issues of early fielding, and the signature triangular handguards. The flash hider was the open three-prong design — the "duck bill" and later the closed A2 "bird cage" came in other generations.
Colt's Retro Re-Issue is a Colt factory-built reproduction of that exact A1 configuration. The receivers are 7075-T6 aluminum forgings with hardcoat black anodize. The 20" pencil-profile barrel is Chrome-Moly Vanadium steel, phosphated, with a chrome-lined bore and the original 1:12 twist (optimized for M193 55-grain ammunition of the era). The Government A1 grip is the short, near-vertical pattern correct for the period.
This is a semi-automatic rifle. The fire control group is semi-only — the selector markings are Safe / Semi, not the three-position A1 military layout. Everything else — handguards, sights, flash hider, grip, buttstock, barrel profile — is faithful to the A1 spec.
State restrictions: Cannot ship to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, or Vermont.
Buying and shipping through Charlie's is easy, but FFL transfer is required — no civilian exceptions.
California and New York residents, click here — state-specific processing applies.
Shipping note: Free shipping does not apply to full rifles unless purchased with a scope. If selected at checkout, we'll bill shipping separately.
This is the rifle that opens every Vietnam-era collection. We've got your six on the clone-correct details — order yours today.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
