At the 2016 SHOT Show, Troy introduced their first retro AR-15 replica, the Air Force’s GAU-5A/A Colt carbine as used by the Sơn Tây raiders in Operation Ivory Coast. Now, at the 2016 NRA Annual Meeting, Troy has introduced its US Army counterpart: The XM177E2 model, with a forward assist.

Both weapons are faithful replicas of the originals, with only minor differences to the originals. These include Troy markings (disguised within replica markings, that I honestly think is a very tasteful way to “split the difference” between a perfect replica and an identifiable reproduction), non-functional sound moderator pinned and welded to a slightly longer barrel to make the weapon Title I, non-functional “auto” setting, and milled faux-A1 lower receiver castle made from an A2 forging. On the interior, the rifles use a commercial style bolt carrier and are marked internally “REPLICA SEMI ONLY”. Otherwise, the weapons are really exceptionally close recreations, including fake third pin holes engraved onto the lower to represent the true auto sear pins of the originals. Indeed, speaking with Nicholas Packey of Troy, he pointed out to me that the Troy guns even given replica acceptance marks.

A very neat feature of the rifles is that each comes with an original military surplus pistol grip, while Troy’s supplies last. That’s a very nice touch for a replica.

There is one other important difference between the two replicas, too: While $50 of every purchase of the GAU-5A/A replica goes to the National League of POW/MIA Families, $50 of every XM177E2 purchase goes to Special Operations and Special Forces Associations.

If you want to learn more about the Troy CAR-15 replicas, such as “what’s in the box!?” you can watch the Military Arms Channel’s video on the GAU-5A/A: