Mattel M-16 question

[Fr8 Dawg]

I was discussing transfer fees and the rise in the price of machineguns with a coworker the other day and one of our new 'first week on the job' guys over hears the conversation and has to go into this spiel about how he can't believe that people are paying up to 20,000 bucks for a gun made by Mattel. I think I'll nickname him, "Mr. Irrelevent"

Since he is new and doesn't know me very well, I just decided to shut down my conversation with my friend and save it for another day when Joe "I know everything" isn't around.

I have heard this "Mattel" thing for years, mostly from people who claimed to have been there, done that, special forces and two tours of nam...yadda yadda yadda. But almost catagorically...every one that used the "Mattel" statement, exuded the fishy odor of being a poser.

What is the Mattel story? I know a lot about the chrome bore issue and the ball powder and moisture issues regarding M-16's...but I really don't know what to say in answer to a guy that says M-16s are shiat and were built by Mattel.

[carcass]

I believe it's a reference to the plastic buttstock, some of which were reportedly made under contract by Mattel. From what I've read in the past, some of the original buttstocks failed due to improper curing of the fiberglass resin. A small amount of one component of the resin remained unreacted, and when water was introduced into the buttstocks (through rain or immersion), the resin component reacted with the water, forming a corrosive substance that weakened the buttstock structurally, leading to cracking and disintegration.

As far as I know these problems were solved a very long time ago.

[MuzzleFlash]

I bounced this Mattel question off of an old timer who's been in the C3 world since the 60's. He just laughed and informed me that it was an urban legend that caught on for the same reasons most do. He claims to know the guys that started it as a joke.

Anyhow, he stated that the rumor that Mattel was contracted to do stocks for the M16 is pure BS. I'm inclined to believe him.

[Fr8 Dawg]

I did a search...looks like at best, the pistol grips may have been made by Mattel.

Here's what else I found....Why in the hell should we send troops to vietnam to stop a civil war. I tell you why. Everybody knows that in vietnam we used a weapon called the M-16. Now what some of you may not know is that the M-16 was made mattel. I fyou knew that than you would know that mattel is owned by President Johnson's Wife
some people just don't know when to quit.

[az_gun_nut]

Here's a good write up about the "mattel" legend.

http://www.snopes.com/military/m16.htm

[Vegas SMG]

Could also be that they once made a toy M16. I have one that still works even though the barrel tip is broken off. I can post pics if anyone really wants to see it, and no, it's not for sale.

http://www.toyadz.com/toyadz/mattel/m16marauder.html

[RoverDave]

I had one of those too - and the barrel tip broke on mine as well. Looks like a design flaw.

[MuzzleFlash]

Originally posted by RoverDave
I had one of those too - and the barrel tip broke on mine as well. Looks like a design flaw. You can Form 5 it to Mattel for repair ;)

[suka5168]

Im sure back then all the Mattel was made in USA. now days its all made in China and will not meet 922 compliance.

Anyways ive never heard that rumor before, way to young , wasnt even born during Veitnam war.

[Z06]

http://www.z06vette.com/gallery/data/500/135MattelM16.jpg

[suka5168]

Is that a real reciver, Z06 ? Wow amazing.

[Z06]

Sorry, no. It's one of the internet's /AR-15/M16 favorite fakes. Very well done, though.:D

[stymie]

...in the film: "The Green Berets"

..yep!
;)

[az_gun_nut]

Originally posted by stymie
...in the film: "The Green Berets"

..yep!
;)

Yep, that was the one he broke against the tree.

[Vegas SMG]

Found this photo on the net... Mine still has the sticker on the butt stock althouigh it's faded.

[Glockdude1]

Originally posted by Z06
http://www.z06vette.com/gallery/data/500/135MattelM16.jpg

IF THAT WAS A REAL M-16 , can you imagine what it would be worth?????

:D

[tony k]

I've been really tempted to rename my NFA holding corp as "Mattel Firearms." Then I'd have to engrave that name on every AR15 SBR I make.....:D

[Hawk]

Originally posted by Z06
http://www.z06vette.com/gallery/data/500/135MattelM16.jpg

That is priceless!! :D

With all the different AR receivers out there someone should make a run with those roll marks.