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Need Help Understanding M16 Prototype Flash Hider

6K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  gulf state gaurd 
#1 ·
Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if someone could help me on a project. I am looking to build a semiautomatic replica of this M16 prototype from the Rock Island Arsenal Museum:









The museum was kind enough to make some closeup photos of the rifle and I was puzzled about the flashhider assembly. I came to this forum because it seems to resemble the 1919A4 flash hider to some degree. I was wondering if anyone had any clue to what the internals of this might be? I also find it odd that it is mounted off-center to the rifle axis. Also, it seems there are exit ports only on the top right hand side. If anyone has a clue to what how this might look inside, let me know. Thank you!

Doss
 
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#3 ·
I would think the hole location and setup they hoped to counteract the recoil forces that cause up and to the right muzzle climb. You might try looking into the compensator on the XM177 IIRC it combined flash hider and provided some noise reduction hence it being categorized as a silencer for ownership purposes? I may not be entirely correct on this but did some reading on a XM177 that had been up for sale years ago. Might give some insight into development ideas on what actually went into production possibly from this experimental model. You might also contact Gatekeeper from this board and see if the RIA Museum might have drawings on this.
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the information. I looked into the XM177 and this is the information I got from wikipedia on the flash suppressor:

"Because of the short barrel, the CAR-15 SMGs suffered from a loud and bright muzzle blast, and a number of muzzle devices were developed to reduce this. The SMGs were initially fitted with the standard M16 rifle's "duckbill" or three-prong flash hiders, which did not alleviate the problem. In September 1966, Colt developed a 3.5-inch long moderator that lessened the noise and muzzle flash, which also increased the weapon's reliability by increasing the amount of back pressure. However, the moderator created its own problems, such as heavy bore fouling and causing tracer bullets to wildly yaw. A 4.25-inch long moderator with six slots and an expansion chamber, which further reduced noise and flash, replaced the previous muzzle device and became standard for the SMG and the Commando series, but fouling and tracer problems persisted."

So I gather this prototype may have served a similar purpose. Although this prototype design was already a 20" barrel, I don't see this point to have any further altering of the sonic signature of an already supersonic round in a 20" barrel. I was hoping that is was purely a flash suppressor because I didn't want to go through licensing for a sound suppressor. I was thinking that I could just make it a cosmetic addition with no functional purpose.

The holes on the upper right confused me. I was not aware that an m16-a1 possibly could have a muzzle climb that could move to the right. Even more reason why this particular rifle is interesting.

Doss
 
#6 ·
... I looked into the XM177 and this is the information I got from wikipedia on the flash suppressor...
What would you like to know about an XM177. I have a Colt AR15 Model 639 which is the "Export Version" of the XM177-E2. The weapon is 100% factory original and here are a few pictures. Maybe I can answer some questions you may have:






(the topmost complete upper assembly is a Kuehl .22lr conversion)



 
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#7 ·
#8 ·
Drawing Info

I don't believe I have this drawing. I would need a drawing number to be 100% sure and I don't think the silencer/flash hider on the RIA piece has a part number or drawing number stamped on it. The fact that it is Colt manufactured leads me to believe even more strongly that I don't have the drawing. If you come across a drawing or part number, let me know. Either through the forum or the email that gulfstateguard provided.

Regards,
Gatekeeper
 
#9 ·
thanks Gatekeeper.
 
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