Our Partial Fence early 1960s M16 lower receiver is available in 80% form. Carved from 7075 aluminum, this unfinished lower is a canvas for the custom builder—a historically authentic component ready for your personal touch before legally completing your own firearm.
Highlights and Features:
• 80% Complete Receiver – Unfinished for complete personal customization
• 7075 Aluminum Construction – Military-grade, durable, and authentic
• Partial Fence Design – True to early 1960s M16 models
• Historical Reproduction – Reflects the design evolution from early M16s
• Custom Engraving Option – Personalize with Charlie’s expert decoration service
• DIY Build Freedom – Complete your firearm legally on your own
For military rifle enthusiasts and retro firearm builders, this product represents a perfect blend of history and hands-on craftsmanship. The Partial Fence early 1960s M16 lower receiver is ideal for those who appreciate the legacy of the original M16 platform while embracing modern DIY firearm construction.
The early M16 series went through several evolutionary phases. Initially, the "Slabside" lower, seen on Colt models 601 and 602, featured a smooth, unadorned magazine well with non-captive pivot pins. The need for improved structural integrity led to the introduction of the "Partial Mag Fence" lower. This design, which emerged around late 1963, incorporated a raised housing on the magazine well. This housing—commonly known as the partial fence—contained the spring and detent pin that secured the front pivot pin. It was used on early models like the 603, 604, 605, 609, and others up to approximately 1967.
The partial fence design was a significant transitional step before the advent of the full magazine fence lower seen with the M16A1. The full fence lower, introduced with the M16A1, extended the reinforcing structure entirely across the magazine well, offering improved rigidity and durability based on extensive combat feedback. In contrast, the partial fence was a more lightweight solution that met the urgent needs of early Vietnam-era combat, when production speed and functional reliability were paramount.
An 80% lower receiver, like the one offered here, is an unfinished piece of 7075 aluminum that has been roughly machined but remains incomplete. This unfinished state means that the lower does not meet the legal definition of a firearm until the final machining steps are completed by the end user. It’s a blank slate for enthusiasts who want to build a custom, period-correct replica or legally finish a firearm entirely on their own.
The 80% lower is versatile—it can be transformed into a fully functional firearm or used as a decorative piece or display replica. However, strict legal guidelines govern its use. The law requires that any individual completing the machining of an 80% lower to make a working firearm must do so entirely on their own. Third-party assistance is not permitted, and the completed firearm must be built by the end user without external fabrication support.
At Charlie’s Custom Clones, we understand the passion for authenticity and the drive to create a personalized piece of military history. That’s why, while Potomac Armory manufactures these 80% lowers, we offer custom engraving services on these pieces while they are still unfinished aluminum.
Under the customer’s direction, we can add period-correct markings, decorative motifs, or custom designs that pay homage to the vintage M16 lineage. It’s important to note that while we are proud to offer this service for 80% lowers, we do not engrave completed receivers. Engraving on a finished firearm can result in misleading markings, and it’s imperative to maintain clarity regarding a component’s true origin. Our engraving work is strictly for unfinished lowers, ensuring that once completed, your firearm remains legally compliant and uniquely your own.
Additionally, it’s essential to mention that Charlie’s Custom Clones does not sell any tools or provide support in the actual machining of the lower receivers. Whether you choose to use a Ghost Gunner CNC machine, a vertical or multi-axis mill, or various jigs available on the market, the finishing process is entirely your responsibility. We simply offer the raw component and the option for custom decoration to enhance its aesthetic and historical authenticity.
Embrace a piece of military history with our Partial Fence 80% Lower Receiver—a versatile, authentic component ready for your custom build. This is not just a raw piece of aluminum; it’s a canvas for the modern enthusiast seeking to honor the legacy of Vietnam-era M16 rifles. Whether your goal is to recreate a period-correct firearm or display a beautifully engraved piece of military heritage, our 80% lower receiver provides the ideal foundation for your project.
Technical Specifications:
• Material: 7075 Aluminum (80% machined, unfinished)
• Design: Partial Fence configuration typical of early 1960s M16 models
• Production Period: Originally used from late 1963 to approximately 1967
• Compatibility: Suitable for building period-correct replica rifles or legally completed firearms by the end user
• Engraving: Custom engraving available on unfinished aluminum only
• Legal Note: Must be completed entirely by the end user to meet legal firearm definitions
• Manufacturer: Potomac Armory
• Customization: Offered by Charlie’s Custom Clones (engravings only)
• Intended For: Retro firearm enthusiasts, military clone builders, and historical collectors
For add-on services of anodizing the surface of your aluminum 80% brick before you make into a firearm, we can anodize in black or Colt gray (more expensive). Depending upon your timeframe, we send our large batches for work every 1 to 2 months and can include your 80% lower, or we can handle your lower as a one-off for a higher service fee. Contact us for a quote and add the anodizing service to your cart.
For engraving, contact us with your idea. We have several fiber lasers and can deep-engrave, light engrave, and also etch the surface for bringing your design to life. We can also suggest some stock designs that we have available. We only offer engraving on the 80% lower, and not on finished personally made firearms. Consult us for pricing and add the laser engraving service to your cart.
Tactical Machining
