“Brave soldiers and the M16 brought this victory.”
Lt. Col. Hal Moore

SAL M16A1 Raffle

The Grand Prize

US RIFLE
CAL 5.56MM M16A1

While original, select-fire military M16A1 has never been made available to the public, some rifles sent overseas were eventually able to return as parts kits. This is such a rifle, with all original Colt USGI parts from a 1970s vintage M16A1 in like new condition being used along with a new-old stock Colt USGI M16A1 chrome lined barrel. This was mated to a new production Harrington and Richardson semi-automatic receiver produced by Palmetto State Arms (H&R being an original contractor for military production, these lowers are properly marked with “US PROPERTY”, “M16A1” as well as having correct selector markings) and a civilian legal trigger assembly. Professionally assembled by Wiester Custom Arms of Ashland, this rifle is ready for display or for practical use. Included with the rifle is one original USGI 20 round magazine and one USGI 30 round magazine, as well as a new-old stock M7 Bayonet and USGI web sling.

The SAL would also like to thank whatacountry.com for helping us procure such a beautiful parts kit!

Second Prize

SOG Bowie 2.0

A brand new knife based on the legendary fighting knife carried by MACV SOG Special Operations units in Vietnam, the SOG Bowie 2.0 is precision manufactured as both a beautiful tribute to the military classic as well as a rugged and functional utility knife fit for nearly any application.

Third and Fourth Prizes

Cash Prizes

A third and fourth place winner will win cash prizes of $200 and $100, respectively

FAQs

TICKET PRICE - $50.00
200 Tickets to be Sold

Ticket Sales Begin November 4, 2026
Drawing November 3 2027 or First Regular SAL Meeting following sale of last ticket.

History of the M16A1

The Armalite AR15 was originally trialed for military service starting in 1964, with a select-fire militarized version designated the XM16 being issued to the South Vietnamese Army and their US advisors. The first large scale engagement of the rifle was at the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, where the weapon made a favorable impression, leading to its general adoption as the M16, beginning to replace the short lived M14 as the primary US service rifle. Complications soon followed, however, as fouling and jamming with issue weapons (due to poor quality powder and lack of cleaning equipment) severely damaged the reputation of the M16 in combat.

Improvements were ordered, and the result was the M16A1, which began to see service in early 1968, just in time for the Tet Offensive in late January. With most of its issues resolved, the M16A1 would serve through the end of the war in Vietnam, and would remain the primary American service rifle until the late 1980s, with complete phase-out in favor of the M16A2 not being completed until the mid 1990s.

The M16A1 represented the coming of age for the military AR15 pattern rifle, and remains popular today. With its 20 inch lightweight barrel, triangular handguards and fixed carry handle its iconic profile invokes images of jungle warfare and the late Cold War, while giving the weapon an excellent balance of ergonomics and accuracy.

SPECIFICATIONS - US Rifle, Caliber 5.56mm, M16A1

TYPE: Assault Rifle
ACTION:
Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic
OVERALL LENGTH:
38.8 Inches
BARREL LENGTH:
20 Inches
UNLOADED WEIGHT:
6.4 Pounds
CARTRIDGE:
5.56mm NATO
FEED SYSTEM:
Detachable Magazine
MAGAZINE CAPACITY:
20/30 Cartridges
DESIGNER:
Eugene Stoner
YEAR OF INTRODUCTION:
1968
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
United States of America