Well excepting for a pistol grip and the front sling loop I’ve acquired all the necessary parts for the build.

I’ve run into a roadblock, Cerakote color. Which one will closely match the original finish? I’ve been told a couple different gray shades and one a gray/green combination. My Cerakote guy said he can match the gray/green if I can get a sample.
Anybody have any ideas?

Mars, if you are reading this, does the shop you mentioned that has surplus parts carry used dust covers in the correct color? If so can you get me a contact number as I’ll order one from them as a color sample.

FWIW I’m using reproduction furniture, a lot of the used stuff seemed to be pretty rough, not unexpected for fifty odd year old takeoffs. Any ideas how I can “age” the new ones somewhat?

I do believe some Hydramatic rifles WERE black.

My older brother carried one from 1969 to 1975 and it was black. There are pictures of him with it and it definitely is black.

My fun store has grips that are Hydramatic manufacture and they are only $20. They have 1 M16 early buttstock left in stock they are $49. It is the kind with no cleaning kit door.

The grips are the mottled fiberglass and absolutely spectacular for a retro build. I usually scavenge through the parts for more "experienced" parts to give my rifles that been out in the shit feel to them. I can't stand a pristine battle weapon.

As for the door, they don't have any parts like that. Just some furniture and mags.

They are called Military Depot in Holly Springs. He's always happy to help. Maybe I can go by there and we all can chat and pick things out.

I have a REALLY nice set of handle and buttstock, but I am having to replace the swing swivel and that is going to run $35 for the part. I'm building a slickside for my .22 kit so I didn't need to put a forward assist on it and I will just use the H&R repro buttstock and grip.

Any of these 50 year old parts are going to need some to a lot of work, but I enjoy bringing them up to standard.

That adds to the confusion, the black vs. gray. The photos I’ve seen are showing the receivers in a gray tone.

The barrel I got from a friend, pencil barrel, was from Sarco, a 1:12 bit it’s shiny chrome so either case it’s going to need Cerakote.

I’ll call that store tomorrow. Is there a particular person I should ask for?

Thank you!

I'm colorblind, don't ask me.



Like all GI guns, how it started isn't always how it ended up.

He's the only guy there.

Here's some doors. The black on black didn't really come out until the M4 receivers.

First is the vintage Colt.



Next is my choice of doors, the H&R standard phosphate door. Is proper with black or gray.



And on black receivers.

Here's a cut up black one I found.

Let's get you the mottled up Hydramatic grip they got at the depot. It has proper marks and everything. I bought the only H&R marked one they had and several Colts, but the Hydramatic was there Thursday and they sell out QUICK!

It has no damage, but the coloring is that early mottled fiberglass. It's nice and shiny and not that dull resin that's so popular now.

I’ll call in the morning. For that and the buttstock.

Here are some of my resources for almost impossible to get items.

https://ar15sport.com/product-...ry/butt-stocksparts/

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/g.../ar/ar15/stocks-ar15

https://www.apexgunparts.com/r...-type/furniture.html

https://www.uscollectorsordnan...16a1-armory-upgrade/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mars_Attacks,

Looks like I bought the Hydromatic pistol grip.

It's yours if you want it. I paid $30 plus shipping. I also have a good no-door A1 stock, but I put another $30 into it to put a OEM sling swivel back on it. I would have $80 in it at this point. The A1E1 which is a forward assist A1 with full fence would have been upgraded to the door. Only the slickside and partial fence would have a no door with chrome bolt. Also a forward assist could get a chrome bolt. However, they both could get the upgraded buttplate.

Mars,

Sending you an email so we don’t violate any rules here.

I carried a Hydromatic M-16 from 1983-86 when i was in the Army ..It was gray

Update:

Well the Cerakote guy picked up my parts. Should have them back in a couple of weeks or so. With any luck it’ll be together by the end of September.

Well, update to the build. The project took a back seat due to life.

Between the Cerakote guy, the gunsmith mating the front sight to the barrel, and during all this an unexpected five day hospital stay everything came to a grinding halt as well as outside house staining, inside painting, etc. Early December came, so did my upper back from the gunsmith. Between three days a eeek cardiac rehab, two days a week hydrotherapy for my hip and starting back to work one day a week the rifle took a backseat. And when I got it back I still had to assemble the sight.

Sent photos to Marzy (he came up with the buttstock and the real Hydramatic grip) and explained why I “dropped off” the face of the earth for awhile. Only started shooting a couple of weekends before Christmas. And yesterday the M16 made it to the range. A couple tweaks, then into the range. Fed, ejected, cycled like it should. Shot a bit low, of course I left my front sight tool at home. But all and all I’m happy with how it came out.

I’ll try to post some photos today, it’s a struggle for me I’ll admit.

Glad to hear you're back and on the mend!

Thank you S.C.

Each day is a little better than the one before.

It's a beautiful rifle!

20732A64-E431-488B-B6D0-BC34C80AE9C5 by nailheadjr, on Flickr

7964D20C-A671-4B3D-874A-E0DD1D8764E6 by nailheadjr, on Flickr