Colt Retro M16A1 at the 2018 SHOT Show
Rob Reed 01.30.18
After a long delay the Colt M16A1 “Retro” rifle is finally shipping. This rifle was originally announced in 2016 but only a handful of made it into reviewer’s hands until now.
Colt had an example at the 2018 SHOT Show and I thought a recap would be appropriate since the rifle is finally reaching consumers. This variant replicates a 1967-era M16A1 as used in Vietnam and includes such original features as a 1/12″ twist pencil barrel, A1 style sights, no brass deflector, and A1 style furniture. The most striking feature of course are the markings. Since this is a Colt, and not a clone, the company was able to reproduce the original Colt and military markings from the original drawings as seen on authentic M16A1 rifles. (Although the markings include an “AUTO” setting the rifle is, of course, semi-auto only).
The downside is the price: At a MSRP of $2499 there are less expensive replicas available, but none will have the authentic Colt “prancing pony” markings.
For more info watch the video from the 2018 SHOT Show.
