Used Essential Arms J-15 / Colt M16A1-Style Retro Rifle – 5.56 NATO, 20-Inch Colt Upper

This semi-automatic retro rifle is built around a genuine Colt fixed-carry-handle upper assembly and an early Essential Arms J-15 lower receiver. Its 20-inch rifle configuration closely follows the classic Colt Model 603 / M16A1 pattern, with a fixed carry handle, A1-style rear sight, forward assist, fixed stock, rifle-length handguards and triangular front-sight base. The barrel is marked “C MP CHROME BORE,” identifying a Colt magnetic-particle-inspected barrel with a chrome-lined bore.

The lower is marked E.A. Co., Krotz Springs, Louisiana, Model J-15, serial number EA7596. Although sometimes casually described as Central Arms, the receiver markings identify it as an Essential Arms lower. Its low serial number and original-style raised markings are consistent with Essential Arms’ early cast-aluminum, pre-1994-production receivers. The installed bolt carrier group carries a visible “J” marking, but the exact component manufacturer has not been independently confirmed. Early J-15 receivers below serial number 50,000 are generally identified as pre-ban production. 

This rifle has the unmistakable profile associated with the Vietnam-era M16A1 and civilian Colt AR-15 SP1 family, although it should be described as an M16A1-style clone or retro build, not a factory Colt rifle or exact military reproduction. The round rifle-length handguards, later-style flash suppressor and mixed-manufacturer components distinguish it from a fully correct Model 603 clone. It includes one detachable magazine with a rubberized base sleeve and a black two-point sling.

Specifications