If you’ve seen any of my posts over the past couple of years you’ll know I’m a fan of retro M16 clones. It’s always nice to see more parts options on the market, and I just saw that B. King Firearms (BKF) in Ohio just announced a series of complete assembled lowers with assorted M16 markings.
M16A2 Lowers
B. King is offering three different M16A2 marked lowers, as well as an M4A1 marked model. The lowers are machined from U.S.A. sourced 7075-T6 Aluminum and have a black anodized finish. They use all a BKF mil spec lower parts kit that’s fully assembled with an A2 grip.
The M16A2 CQB model is based on the early XM4 carbines and is fitted with an a BKF M4 mil spec carbine buffer tube assembly, a BKF CQB sliding carbine stock and A2 grip and wears “Property of US Govt.” markings as well as “Safe, Semi, Burst” safety selector markings. “B. King Firearms. Lima, OH” is also engraved above the selector markings. MSRP is $150.
The standard M16A2 carbine has pretty much the same features but uses a BKF M4 sliding carbine stock instead. MSRP is also $150.
The M16A2 Rifle uses the same lower and A2 grip but features a BKF rifle buffer tube assembly and mil spec BKF A2 rifle stock. MSRP for the rifle lower is $196.
The M4A1 lower is the newest in the line of retro lowers. It shares most of the features as the M16A2 carbine lower, but differs in the markings. Rather than M16A2 it’s marked “M4A1 Carbine” and has safety selector markings that read “Safe, Semi, Auto”. MSRP on the M4A1 lowers is $199.
M16A1 Lowers
BKF also lists two M16A1 marked lowers, although they aren’t showing in stock as of this writing. They consist of a M16A1 CQB carbine and an M16A1 rifle. The features are similar to their M16A2 counterparts but they’re marked M16A1 and have the “Safe, Semi, Auto” safety selector markings. The carbine comes with a CQB stock and M4 buffer tube, and the rifle has a rifle buffer tube and fixed A1 length stock. The CQB carbine lower is $200 and the M16A1 rifle lower is priced at .
Now, for purists I have to point out that while these are M16A1 marked, they are A2 forgings. They also are wearing B5 Systems LS 2 grips. The LS2 is an upgrade over a standard A1 grip, although not accurate to a stock GI rifle from the A1 period. The buttstock also appears to be a Cav Arms, or Cav Arms style, model and the rear sling swivel cut out is different from a GI buttstock. Pretty sure they use an A2 buttplate as well, although I can’t tell for sure from these pics. They are A1 length however.
So, it depends how clone correct you’re shooting for. Some of my builds do use A2 lowers with markings that would actually be correct for an A1 or rifle that would have an A1-profile lower. And I happen to like the B5 LS2 grip a lot, and have added them to some of my retro builds. I’m okay with that depending on the project. If you’re looking for a build with retro flair, and aren’t worried about the minutia, then these will still be a great base for your rifle or carbine.
Retro Lowers at Affordable Prices
B. King Firearms is a veteran-owned company, and their retro lowers offer a good value for your mil spec build, especially considering they use U.S.-sourced parts and U.S. assembly. I’ve used a good bit of BKF small parts like lower parts kits and buffer assemblies in my builds, and they’ve worked well. BKF also does complete retro rifles and other retro components like upper parts and complete upper assemblies. I’ve been meaning to check out their XM4 clones when they come back in stock, or maybe I’ll end up grabbing one of these assembled lowers and put together one myself.
For more information on B. King’s retro lowers or other retro AR rifles and components, check out their website at bkingsfirearms.com.
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