In 1969 Colt offered their model 703 as an upgrade to the M16 and M16A1 rifles. There is a well-traveled rumor that this rifle was known as the M16A2 because Colt was confident it would be adopted. While this could very-well be true, it is further confused by the fact Colt re-used the 703 designation for direct gas impingement M16A2 export models.
The following stats are taken from a May 1969 Colt data sheet.
Model | 703 Prototype 1 | M16A1 |
Caliber | ||
Overall Length | ||
Barrel Length | ||
Barrel Rifling | ||
Width | ||
Height (without magazine) | ||
Height (with 30rnd magazine) | ||
Weight (without magazine) | 6.9 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
Weight (with loaded 30rnd magazine) | 8.7 lbs | 8.3 lbs |
Weight of Reciprocating Group | 1.33 lbs | 1.0 lbs |
Muzzle Velocity | ||
Muzzle Energy | ||
Rate of Fire | gas adjustable 600-800 rpm | 700-940 rpm |
Operation | “Piston Impingement” | “Piped Gas” |
Parts Count | 143 | 164 |
Total Unique Parts |
The firearm can be seen at Knights Firearm Museum. Interesting to note is the Knight’s museum appears to have Prototype 1, as well as a later 703 model; The World’s Assault Rifles claims only two were ever made. The M703 or CAR Model 703 should not be confused with the Colt ACR, a future prototype, which Olin developed the ammunition for.
The 703 piston and bolt carrier were attached via a “hinge”. The piston, piston hinge pin, and piston mounting block of the bolt carrier can be seen in the photo below.
References:
Colt’s Firearm Division, Colt’s Automatic Rifle Model 703 1969-05
Johnston & Nelson, The World’s Assault Rifles, Ironside Intl. 2010 p.1051
Sapp, Rick, Standard Catalog of Colt Firearms, Gun Digest Books 2007 p.225
As always, we like corrections, but we like corrections with references even more.
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL!!
A pure engineering masterpiece.
Pingback: Aftermath Gun Club | Knight’s Museum Stoners
Pingback: The Original Piston AR-15: 1969’s Colt 703 | Five Dollar Army