Brownells XM177E2 Commando 12” 5.56/.223 Semi-Auto AR-15 M16A1 Vietnam
SOLD FOR: $1052
WOA#: WY230923DL003
Make: Brownells Inc
Model: XM117E2
Serial Number: BRN8624
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .223 / 5.56
Action Type: Semi-auto, Direct Impingement
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MOD. BRN-16A1 / CAL. 5.56MM / SER. BRN8264”, “BROWNELLS INC / MONTEZUMA, IA USA”, “SEMI SAFE”. The right side of the carry handle is marked “NDS”. The right side of the gas block is marked “<B>1”.
Barrel Length: 12”. 16” with fixed extended Flash Hider
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an A1 style front sight. The rear sight is an L-type A1 Style flip aperture sight in the carry handle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a collapsible aluminum buttstock with sling slots, checkered buttplate, and sling attached. The pistol grip is an A1 style checkered polymer grip. The handguard is a carbine length round ribbed polymer handguard. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock (extended). The pistol grip has clean checkering with worn peaks especially on the left side. The handguard and buttstock are clean. Overall the stock rates in Excellent condition. It is worth noting that the pistol grip is an original A1 grip and shows appropriate wear.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Gray
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The chrome bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and visible. There are light scratches on the receivers and the barrel. Brownells used original GI parts in some of this build so certain parts vary in their condition from factory. Most notably the GI A1 front sight has some light erosion throughout. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its attached green canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The XM177E2 Commando is a shortened variant of the M16A1 assault rifle, originally designed for use by special forces during the Vietnam War. It was developed in the mid-1960s as a compact, lightweight, and maneuverable weapon that could be easily transported by troops operating in dense jungle environments.
The original XM177E2 Commando was designed to have a barrel length of just 10 inches, which made it significantly shorter than the standard M16A1 rifle. It also featured a telescoping stock, which further reduced its overall length and made it easier to carry and conceal. Other features included a flash suppressor, which helped to reduce the muzzle flash and conceal the shooter’s position, and a handguard with two heat shields, which allowed the weapon to be fired rapidly without overheating.
The XM177E2 Commando was used by U.S. Special Forces units during the Vietnam War, where its compact size and maneuverability proved to be invaluable in close-quarters combat. It was later replaced by the M4 carbine in the 1990s, but it remains an iconic weapon of the Vietnam War era and a popular choice among firearms enthusiasts and collectors.
This Brownells replica is a true and faithful iteration of the classic Cold War Era design. With an 12” barrel fixed with an Extended flash hider to meet the 16” barrel length requirement, this is as close as one can get to the original military approved Submachine Gun. Brownells used original GI parts like the pistol grip and A1 Sight to build this rifle so the condition of parts may vary but overall rates as an Excellent rifle to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.