Colt M16A1 Bowman Parts Kit Build | Part 2 - Reweld Prep and Takedown Pin Shenanigans

In this video, I continue the Bowman M16A1 parts kit build. I get my magwell stub disassembled and stripped to send off for re-welding - but not before cracking one of the front takedown pin ears. I get the reweld back with the crack fixed, and I move on to fitting the front takedown pin because it was still binding. It's a loose fit on the lower, but I can deal with that later.

Pretty much everyone I've talked to who has one of these M16A1 kits from Bowman also has a very tight/bent front takedown ear, and the speculation is that the Malaysians did this intentionally to ensure a tight fit to the upper. It's made it a headache for those of us rebuilding them, but it is what it is.

00:00 magwell stub paint stripping
02:06 receiver parts disassembly
14:52 more paint stripping
17:07 bent takedown ear
22:13 mistakes were made
23:30 I got the reweld back
29:51 fitting the front takedown pin
41:20 it fits loose on the upper

Next video will be further disassembly and stripping the paint on the rest of the parts.

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Playlist for this build: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdk807VyeScbcpFyZlJQst3ohGgnPnnlI

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Links to some of the tools and other stuff I use (some of these are affiliate links):

Grace USA punches: https://amzn.to/3LCf6ZC
Wheeler Roll Pin Punches: https://amzn.to/46bZdCU

Wheeler Delta Series Upper Receiver Action Rod: https://amzn.to/3WbfJ1u
Armorer's Wrench: Brownells, Midway, etc. (the ones on Amazon look cheap)

Rubber bench block: https://amzn.to/4d4p1nf
Plastic bench block: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114484710331

vice-Grip V-Jaw locking pliers 8": https://amzn.to/3xWQxnk
Vice-Grip smooth jaw locking pliers 10": https://amzn.to/3Sg7f84

Jasco paint & epoxy remover: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Jasco-1-qt-Premium-Paint-and-Epoxy-Remover-QJPR501/308267701

iPhone tripod: https://amzn.to/4bPtb0B
USB-C rechargable flashlight: https://amzn.to/3WsLNiu