Colt M16 Commando NFA Parts Kit

Colt M16 11.5" Commando SMG 5.56 Parts Kit. NFA

The Colt Commando began its service in 1966 as the XM177E1 (U.S. Army) and the GAU-5A (Air Force). Colt's model number was the 610 5.56 SMG, also known as the CAR 15. The original barrel length was 10" and in 1967 Colt lengthened it to 11.5" in response to field testing. This change allowed for the use of grenade launchers and reduced muzzle flash and report. The new Colt model numbers were 629 and 649--the difference being the 649 lacked the now standard forward assist feature of the 629. Barrels were chrome plated to reduce corrosion as was being adopted in the M16A1 upgrade for the entire Colt M16 family of rifles and carbines. Famous for its use by the MACV-SOG in Vietnam, the XM177 became easily recognized by firearm aficionados the world over. This despite being plagued by complaints common to the M16 of its time--and some uncommon complaints--like the M196 tracer cartridges issued during the Vietnam war which tumbled from its short barrels. Production of the Commando ceased in 1970 and Colt has marketed the Post Vietnam Commando models to law enforcement and military special ops groups since the 1980's.
Modern Commandos have been available with a variety of upper receiver and barrel weight combinations over the years and designations have changed from M16A2 Commando to the current M4 Commando. Multiple fire control options have been offered over the years including the safe, semi and three round burst and the more common safe, semi and auto versions. Currently in U.S. SWATs, the Colt R0933 select fire and LE6933 semi auto variants are by far the most issued SMG models in inventory.
Now with the popularity of the pistol style AR design builds, many users are making these robust Colt made uppers into civilian 5.56 pistols for use with an arm brace or straight buffer tube for defense and sport. The Colt Commando and M4 have spawned a large number of copies and improved designs including the HK 416 and will be around for a long time to come.